Rear derailleur for coaxial attachment to a bicycle frame, and a bicycle

Abstract

A rear shift mechanism for a bicycle chain-driven shifter is adapted to be coaxially mounted relative to the rear wheel axle on a retaining section of the bicycle frame fork using an adapter comprising an adapter bolt and an adapter nut, and having a double-arm base element, a pivoting mechanism, a movable element, and a chain guide. According to a first aspect of the invention, at least one engaging element enables indirect frictional engagement between the adapter nut and at least one of a) the inner first arm of the base element, b) the axially inner side of the retaining section, and c) the adapter bolt. This engaging element, in a defined pre-assembled state, increases the subsequent rotational force that can be applied to the base element via the adapter bolt and adapter nut.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] Invention Field

[0002] This invention relates to a rear shift mechanism of a bicycle chain-driven shifter. Prior Technology

[0003] Background of the Invention

[0004] Bicycles can be equipped with a drivetrain, such as a chain drive. A bicycle drivetrain is used to transmit torque from the rider to the rear drive wheel, thereby driving the bicycle. For example, a drivetrain can transmit torque from the front sprocket assembly through the chain to the rear sprocket or pinion, such as a so-called pinion freewheel or the pinion of a pinion set, thus driving the rear drive wheel. This type of drivetrain is also called a transmission system.

[0005] A bicycle sprocket assembly can have one or more individual sprockets. The front sprocket is generally called a chainring. The chainring can be secured using various types of mounting devices. For example, it can be secured with chainring screws or directly mounted to the bicycle crank. The rear sprocket is usually called a pinion. Multiple rear sprockets can be referred to as a freewheel, pinion sprocket, or pinion set. This freewheel is typically configured to be attached to the freewheel assembly of the rear drive wheel. For example, the freewheel can be attached to the rear wheel freewheel assembly using wedge connections and / or threaded connections.

[0006] The alignment of the front sprocket and the rear pinion flywheel affects chain performance. For example, the front sprocket may have a single sprocket aligned with a specific pinion on the rear pinion flywheel. If the chain connects this single sprocket to this generally aligned single rear pinion, the chain experiences little or no lateral load. However, if the chain moves laterally, for example, through a chain-shift mechanism in the drivetrain to another pinion on the flywheel, it experiences a certain lateral load. When the front sprocket has several sprockets, corresponding lateral loads occur as the chain moves between these sprockets via a front derailleur or chain-shift mechanism.

[0007] To achieve optimal performance of this chain-driven shifter, the capability and performance of the rear derailleur, also known in the technical field as the rear bicycle derailleur or rear shift mechanism, are crucial. This rear derailleur not only performs shifting operations by moving the chain between several adjacent pinions in the bicycle's pinion gear set, but also ensures sufficient chain tension. For this purpose, the rear shift mechanism typically has the following structure: a base element, technically called a B-knuckle, which mounts the derailleur to the bicycle; a movable element, technically called a P-knuckle, movably coupled to the base element; and a chain guide, typically implemented as a chain guard, movably coupled to the movable element for rotation relative to the axis of rotation. This movable element is lateral (axial) movable, causing the chain guide to move along the pinions of the pinion gear set, thus guiding the chain from the starting pinion to the target pinion. This chain guide mechanism uses a tension spring or similar device to elastically pre-tension the chain in the direction of rotation, that is, in the direction of the chain tension on the bicycle guided by the chain guide mechanism. This pre-tensioning keeps the chain taut or restores tension to the chain if it was previously under-tensioned. This direction of rotation or pivoting is referred to as the "chain tension direction." Rotation of the chain guide mechanism in this direction increases the chain tension and simultaneously decreases the tension of the tension spring acting on the chain guide mechanism.

[0008] Depending on which pinion in the pinion set is engaged with the chain at a given point in time, the chain guide device is in different deflection positions relative to the movable element and the axis of rotation.

[0009] The effects of the chain and chain guide are not only attributable to the shifting of the chain via the chain moving between different pinions in the pinion set, but also to the driving operation itself. For example, when driving on uneven terrain, the rear shift mechanism and chain are subjected to shocks and vibrations, which may act on the chain guide in a pivoting direction opposite to the chain tension direction. This rotation of the chain guide in this opposite direction increases the tension of the tension spring acting on the chain guide, directly leading to a decrease in chain tension (e.g., when directly acting on the chain guide causing it to rotate in this direction) or at least causing the chain tension to subsequently drop below a dangerously low level. Negative consequences may include decreased chain tension and undesirable chain gaps or "slack," and in extreme cases, even chain disengagement from the pinion set.

[0010] When the rear shift mechanism is friction-fitted and fixed to the bicycle frame, the predetermined angle of the shift mechanism—that is, the angle relative to the forward or backward direction of the bicycle, or the angle along the "chain tension direction," or the angle opposite to the "chain tension direction"—may cause unexpected adjustment of the rear shift mechanism's angle, for example, when impacted by uneven ground, tree branches extending into the lane, or a fall. However, compared to the risk of damage to the shift mechanism caused by such impacts when the rear shift mechanism is fixed in a shaped fit at this angle, this friction-fitted fixing is generally preferred.

[0011] For the optimal performance of this type of chain-driven shifter, proper positioning and alignment of the rear shift mechanism on the bicycle frame is particularly important. It has been found that coaxial alignment features can be applied to drivetrains. For example, a single component can be used as an alignment reference for other different components of the drivetrain. For instance, both the shift mechanism and the freewheel can be aligned or mounted coaxially with a common axis. By aligning drivetrain components, such as the shift mechanism, relative to their axes, inaccuracies caused by variations in wheel or frame tolerances in different applications can be reduced. Coaxial alignment of the shift mechanism with the axle or freewheel also helps to achieve a uniform radial distance between the shift mechanism components and the freewheel components at different shift angles.

[0012] The transmission can also be configured to be rigid to improve accuracy and / or improve the relative alignment of components. For example, with regard to the rear shift mechanism, the rear axle assembly including the rear wheel hub, the pinion freewheel of the rear drive wheel, and the corresponding frame interface of the bicycle frame fork, the relevant components and elements can be configured such that, on the one hand, the shift mechanism is reliably, correctly, and with the highest degree of non-destructive performance relative to the pinion freewheel and the chain running through it is reliably, correctly, and with the highest degree of non-destructive performance, while simultaneously achieving good rigidity, thereby maintaining this correct positioning even under large and varying loads (depending on the riding surface) during riding.

[0013] Accordingly, the so-called B-steering knuckle (or basic element) of the rear shift mechanism, namely the sub-assembly of the rear shift mechanism mounted on the corresponding frame interface, and the rear fork of the bicycle frame, especially its rear wheel axle assembly with the rear drive wheel and the frame interface of the rear shift mechanism, and the rear wheel axle assembly, are configured to match each other, thus meeting the aforementioned requirements in terms of correct positioning and alignment, accuracy and rigidity.

[0014] In this technical context, the present invention relates to a rear shift mechanism of a bicycle chain-driven shifter, and a method for mounting the rear shift mechanism relative to the rear wheel axle on a bicycle frame, and further relates to a frame interface for a bicycle frame having the rear shift mechanism suitable for a corresponding bicycle.

[0015] Traditionally, the rear shift mechanism is mounted on the rear fork end of the frame via a derailleur hanger, either separate from or part of the frame's rear fork. This hanger is radially offset from and not coaxial with the rear axle. The hanger, also called a "hanger bracket," is coaxially fixed to the rear fork at one end and connected to the base element (B-knuckle) of the shift mechanism at the other end. This base element is rotatable about the B-axis relative to the hanger.

[0016] In view of the various drawbacks of mounting the rear shift mechanism to the frame using a derailleur hanger, the applicant, SRAM Deutschland GmbH, has developed a novel rear shift mechanism for coaxial mounting relative to the rear wheel axle on a specially constructed bicycle frame fork. This patent application pertains to this rear shift mechanism. The bicycle frame has a dedicated interface for the rear shift mechanism, which, in cooperation with the frame adapter of the rear shift mechanism, also serves as a frame interface for the rear axle assembly located on one axial side of the frame. Furthermore, this frame interface, including the base element (B-knuckle) and frame adapter, the frame interface for the rear axle assembly located on the other axial side of the frame, and the configuration of the rear axle assembly are, for the first time in this new type of rear shift mechanism, perfectly matched together. This not only overcomes the various drawbacks of using conventional derailleur hangers but also achieves sufficient, even excellent, rigidity in the layout of the shift mechanism on its frame interface. The goals of correct positioning, alignment, and accuracy mentioned at the beginning of this document can be reliably achieved.

[0017] In this regard, reference is made to German patent application Az.10 2018 001 253.1 published as DE 10 2018 001 253 A1 (hereinafter DE'253), European patent application Az.18 000 255.2 published as EP 3 388 324 A2, Taiwanese patent application Az.107 107 712 published as TW 2018 34 921 A, Chinese patent application Az.2018 1021 7966.9 published as CN 10 8622 302 A, and US application Az.15 / 926,194 published as US 2018 / 0265169 A1, all of which belong to SRAM Deutschland GmbH. The disclosures of these applications are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety.

[0018] These disclosures disclose a rear shifting mechanism for a bicycle frame coaxially mounted relative to the rear wheel axle. This known shifting mechanism has a base element, a pivoting mechanism, a movable element, and a chain guide. The pivoting mechanism connects the base element to the movable element, and the chain guide, which is pre-tensioned in the chain tension direction via an energy storage device, is rotatably connected to the movable element about a rotation axis. The base element includes a first connecting end for coaxial mounting relative to the rear wheel axle on the bicycle frame and a second connecting end for coupling with the pivoting mechanism. The first connecting end has a first arm and a second arm, which are arranged axially spaced apart and adapted to mount the shifting mechanism onto the corresponding retaining section (particularly the fork tip or frame hanger) of the bicycle frame fork using an auxiliary adapter.

[0019] In the defined pre-assembled state and in the installed state, the first arm is located on the axially inner side of the retaining section, and the second arm is located on the axially outer side of the retaining section. The adapter includes an adapter bolt and an associated adapter nut that can be screwed onto the adapter bolt. In the defined pre-assembled state and in the installed state, the bolt head of the adapter bolt is arranged on the axially outer side of the retaining section, and the adapter nut, which engages with the thread of the adapter bolt, is arranged on the axially inner side of the retaining section.

[0020] In the defined pre-assembled state, by rotating the adapter bolt in the tightening direction, a rotational force can be applied to the adapter nut. Based on this, through at least one driving configuration of the adapter nut and at least one corresponding mating driving configuration of the base element, a subsequent rotational force can be applied to the base element, which can maintain segmental rotation relative to the first rotational direction corresponding to the tightening rotation direction in the defined pre-assembled state. This subsequent rotational force acts in the opposite direction to the counter-rotational force applied to the base element, which is applied to the base element in a second rotational direction opposite to the first rotational direction with the assistance of the bicycle chain of the bicycle chain shifter guided by the chain guide device. The first rotational direction corresponds to the aforementioned "chain tensioning direction".

[0021] In the installed state, the bolt head and adapter nut are clamped to the retaining section by axial thread force. The adapter nut has a knurled surface on the axial side facing the retaining section, which engages with a corresponding abutment surface on the axial inner side of the retaining section in the installed state. In the installed state, the base element is axially clamped in the clamping section of its first arm between the adapter and the stator assembly of the rear wheel axle assembly attached to the bicycle's rear drive wheel, and is fixed in a friction-fit manner to prevent rotation.

[0022] Publications DE 10 2018 206 104 A1 (abbreviated as DE'104), EP 3 556 643 A1, CN 11 0386 220 A, TW 2019 45 244 A and US 2019 / 0322333 A1 also disclose such a rear shift mechanism on which the preamble of claim 1 is based, and the disclosures of these publications are also incorporated herein by reference. Further schemes and alternative solutions for shifting mechanisms have been described in public filings DE 10 2020 201 229 A1, EP 3 712 052 A1, CN 11 1720 506 A, TW 2020 39 303 A and US 2020 / 0298933 A1, as well as in public filings DE 10 2020 123 208 A1 (hereinafter referred to as DE'208), EP 3 838 731 A2, CN 11 3002 690 A, TW 2021 24 213 A and US 2021 / 0188396 A1.

[0023] The frame interface of the bicycle frame fork, designed for the coaxial mounting of this rear shift mechanism, is advantageously suited for: alternatively mounting a conventional shift mechanism without coaxiality with the relevant frame dropout, as disclosed in DE'104 and DE'208. This mounting is achieved using an adjusted retaining element, commonly referred to as a "derailleur hanger" or "hanger hanger," but which, as mentioned above, differs from a conventional derailleur hanger.

[0024] The following explicit reference is only to the disclosure DE 10 2018 001 253 A1, also known simply as DE'253, which represents the two family of patents based on DE'253 and DE'104 mentioned above. The following description of various aspects of the invention, and of embodiments embodying the invention, uses the definitions, interrelationships, and terminology given in disclosure DE'253, and the content of this disclosure forms an integral part of this specification, not only with respect to the definitions and technical relationships given in DE'253.

[0025] According to DE'253, as can be seen in detail from Figures 5 to 8 of that case, a frame adapter 60 is used to install the shift mechanism 10. The frame adapter 60 is screwed to the right fork end of the bicycle frame's rear fork or the frame hanger, such that the knurled nut or adapter nut 66 belonging to the frame adapter 60 (also referred to in this case as a knurled washer or stop washer) obtains a defined rotational angle relative to the frame hanger by means of its end knurling, through a form-fit or friction-fit abutment on the inside of the right frame hanger.

[0026] By means of the defined rotation angle of the adapter nut 66, the corresponding pivot position of the shift mechanism 10 relative to the bicycle rear axle or relative to the fork end can be adjusted and fixed by the abutment of the basic element of the shift mechanism (the so-called B-knuckle) on the rotation stop protrusion 68a / b of the adapter nut 66 (see Figure 8 of DE'253). Thereby, by means of a torsion spring located in a common manner between the element capable of shifting motion (the so-called P-knuckle 40, see Figure 3 of DE'253) and the chain guide (the so-called chain guard 50, see Figure 3 of DE'253), the bicycle chain obtains the desired or necessary chain tension for achieving optimal shifting function.

[0027] In DE'253, paragraph

[0090] describes in detail, in conjunction with Figures 10 to 12 of the case, the so-called chain gap (the distance between the upper chain guide roller and the reference pinion) required to establish the desired chain tension or for this purpose.

[0028] DE 10 2020 210 354 A1, published on February 25, 2021, discloses a bicycle shifting mechanism with an adjustment display showing the rotation angle between the P-knuckle assembly and the cover assembly. This disclosure also contains information regarding the proper adjustment of the so-called chain clearance in the bicycle drivetrain. In this regard, reference may also be made to the corresponding disclosures EP 3 782 891 A1, CN 11 2407 136 A, and US 2021 / 0054929 A1.

[0029] Based on the aforementioned prior art, and in view of known solutions for connecting the bicycle rear shift mechanism to the right frame hook or fork end of the bicycle frame rear fork in a coaxial manner with the rear axle, the present invention provides alternative and further solutions, thereby generating various advantages. Summary of the Invention

[0030] Invention Summary

[0031] One object of the present invention is to ensure the adjustability of the basic components of the rear shift mechanism required in practice on the bicycle frame.

[0032] Another object of the present invention is to achieve a higher retention element between components (including the frame) that are important for mounting on the vehicle frame.

[0033] Another object of the present invention is to meet different requirements by providing alternative technical solutions for at least one of the more important components mounted on the vehicle frame.

[0034] Another object of the present invention is to make it easier to identify the incorrect position of the rear shift mechanism on the bicycle frame.

[0035] To achieve at least one of the above objectives, according to a first aspect, the present invention provides the following subject matter: A rear shifting mechanism for use, coaxially mounted relative to the rear wheel axle on the rear fork of a bicycle frame, comprising: - Basic components, - Pivoting mechanism, - Movable components, and - Chain guide device; The pivoting mechanism connects the base element, the movable element, and the chain guide device. The chain guide device, which can be pre-tensioned along the chain tension direction via an energy storage device, is connected to the movable element in a manner that allows it to rotate around the axis of rotation. The basic components include a first connecting end for coaxial mounting relative to the rear wheel axle on the bicycle frame rear fork and a second connecting end for coupling with the pivoting mechanism; The first connecting end has a first arm and a second arm, which are arranged at a certain distance from each other in the axial direction, and are suitable for mounting the rear shift mechanism on the corresponding holding section of the rear fork of the bicycle frame by means of an auxiliary adapter; In the defined pre-assembled state and in the installed state, the first arm is located on the axial inner side of the holding section, and the second arm is located on the axial outer side of the holding section; The adapter includes an adapter bolt and an associated adapter nut that can be screwed onto the adapter bolt. In a defined pre-assembled state and in an installed state, the bolt head of the adapter bolt is positioned on the axially outer side of the retaining section, and the adapter nut, threadedly engaged with the adapter bolt, is positioned on the axially inner side of the retaining section. In the defined pre-assembly state, by twisting the adapter bolt in the tightening direction, a rotational force can be applied to the adapter nut. Based on this, by at least one drive configuration of the adapter nut and at least one corresponding mating drive configuration of the base element, a subsequent rotational force can be applied to the base element, which can maintain segmental torsion in the defined pre-assembly state in a first rotational direction corresponding to the tightening rotational direction. This subsequent rotational force acts in the opposite direction to the counter-rotational force applied to the base element. This counter-rotational force is applied to the base element in a second rotational direction opposite to the first rotational direction with the assistance of the bicycle chain of the bicycle chain shifter guided by the chain guide device.

[0036] According to the invention, this subject matter is characterized by at least one engaging element that enables indirect frictional engagement between the adapter nut and at least one of a) the first arm of the base element, b) the axial inner side of the retaining section and c) the adapter bolt, which serves to increase the subsequent rotational force that can be applied to the base element.

[0037] Furthermore, it is proposed that at least one engaging element is provided, which is implemented and arranged to achieve indirect frictional engagement between the adapter nut and the adapter bolt. In the defined pre-assembled state, the engaging element serves to increase the rotational force that can be applied to the adapter nut.

[0038] As a supplement or alternative, it is also proposed that at least one engaging element is provided, which is implemented and arranged to achieve an indirect frictional engagement between the adapter nut and at least one of a) the first arm of the base element and b) the axial inner side of the retaining section. In the defined pre-assembled state, the engaging element affects the instantaneous ratio between the initial rotational force applied to the adapter bolt in the tightening direction and forcing the adapter bolt to twist relative to the retaining section and the resulting subsequent rotational force, with the aim of increasing the subsequent rotational force.

[0039] One possible solution is to apply rotational force to the adapter nut by twisting the adapter bolt in the pre-assembled state. This causes the adapter nut to engage with the drive configuration of the base element first by its drive configuration, and then apply subsequent rotational force to the base element, causing the base element to twist in the first rotational direction corresponding to the tightening rotational direction.

[0040] A preferred embodiment is characterized by at least one engagement element implemented to achieve indirect frictional engagement, which is clamped between the adapter nut and the adapter bolt in a defined pre-assembled state and frictionally couples the adapter nut and the adapter bolt, thereby driving the adapter nut to rotate through the adapter bolt in a frictional engagement manner.

[0041] Preferably, the engaging element is implemented as a ring-shaped element made of plastic, which is clamped between the inner circumference of the adapter nut and the outer circumference of the adapter bolt in a defined pre-assembled state.

[0042] Furthermore, it is proposed that, as the adapter bolt is inserted and screwed into the adapter nut to establish a defined pre-assembly state, the annular element housed in the annular groove located on the inner circumference of the adapter nut undergoes elastic deformation or is capable of elastic deformation, or undergoes plastic deformation or is capable of plastic deformation, or undergoes both elastic and plastic deformation or is capable of both elastic and plastic deformation, thereby radially clamped between the bottom of the annular groove and the outer circumference of the adapter bolt in the defined pre-assembly state, and axially clamped between the axial interfaces of the annular groove as desired.

[0043] The preferred embodiment is further characterized by at least one engagement element implemented to achieve indirect frictional engagement, which, in a defined pre-assembly state, provides a sliding bearing corresponding to the first arm of the base element and the adapter nut, which reduces friction between the first arm of the base element and the adapter nut, thereby reducing the reaction force that reacts to the torsion of the adapter nut in the first rotational direction.

[0044] One possible approach is to provide at least one of a radial sliding bearing and an axial sliding bearing for the at least one meshing element.

[0045] Furthermore, preferably, in the defined pre-assembled state, at least one annular element made of a sliding bearing material is provided between the outer side of the first arm of the base element and the inner side of the adapter nut to provide a sliding bearing.

[0046] Furthermore, it is proposed that the annular element, in a defined pre-assembled state, is axially arranged between the surface sections of the first arm of the base element and the adapter nut, which face each other and are preferably axially oppositely oriented.

[0047] A preferred embodiment is characterized in that the annular element is radially arranged between a surface segment constituting the inner circumferential region of the first arm of the base element and a surface segment constituting the outer circumferential region of the adapter nut in a defined pre-assembled state, wherein the outer circumferential region of the adapter nut and the inner circumferential region of the first arm of the base element at least partially overlap axially.

[0048] Preferably, the following scheme can also be adopted: the annular element is (capable of) engaging with one of the corresponding interference fits in the inner and outer circumferential regions on the radial interference fit side, and the radial clearance fit side of the annular element is engaged with the other corresponding one in the inner and outer circumferential regions, wherein the annular element is provided with a clearance fit relative to the other corresponding inner or outer circumferential region.

[0049] Furthermore, it is proposed that at least one retaining configuration is provided on the clearance fit side of the annular element, and at least one mating retaining configuration is provided on the outer peripheral region of the corresponding other, preferably adapter nut, in the inner peripheral region and the outer peripheral region, wherein in the defined pre-assembly state, the retaining configuration and the mating retaining configuration are (able to) engage in a form fit in a certain way, such that in the defined pre-assembly state, the adapter nut is held on the outside of the first arm of the base element by means of the annular element.

[0050] To this end, it is further envisioned that at least one of the retaining configuration and the mating retaining configuration adopts a radially extending embodiment, or, if necessary, a radially extending annular flange, and radially overlaps with the other of the retaining configuration and the mating retaining configuration in a defined pre-assembled state, wherein, in order to retain the adapter nut on the outside of the first arm of the base element, one of the retaining configuration and the mating retaining configuration is preferably (capable of) elastically snapping into or snapping behind the other.

[0051] It is also proposed that, in the case where the adapter nut is held on the outside of the first arm of the base element by means of an annular element, an axial gap is provided between the retaining configuration and the mating retaining configuration, which can be eliminated by twisting the adapter bolt in the tightening rotation direction in the defined pre-assembled state.

[0052] One further possible approach is to twist the adapter bolt in the tightening rotation direction so that the adapter nut can approach and abut against the corresponding abutment surface located on the axial inner side of the retaining section via the abutment surface preferably implemented as a knurled surface. Preferably, by twisting the adapter bolt in the tightening rotation direction, the axial gap between the retaining configuration and the mating retaining configuration can be eliminated before the abutment surface of the adapter nut and the corresponding abutment surface of the retaining section engage.

[0053] After establishing the abutment engagement, additional advantages arise if an axial tension can be applied to the annular element by further twisting the adapter bolt in the tightening rotation direction, by maintaining the shape fit between the retaining configuration and the mating retaining configuration, and the annular element can be pulled out of the defined axial segment from the interference fit corresponding to the inner and outer circumferential regions by this axial tension.

[0054] It is also conceivable that the preferred embodiment or an alternative embodiment is characterized by at least one engaging element, implemented to achieve indirect frictional engagement, held on the adapter nut, and serving as an axial spacer element, corresponding to a knurled abutment surface of the adapter nut and abutment surface located axially inside the retaining section, and acting as a spacer element between these abutment surfaces in a defined pre-assembled state. When the adapter bolt is twisted in the tightening rotation direction within a predetermined rotation angle range of the adapter bolt, the spacer element holds the abutment surface of the adapter nut and the abutment surface of the retaining section axially spaced by a certain distance. Thereafter, when the adapter bolt is further twisted in the tightening rotation direction, the abutment surface of the adapter nut engages with the corresponding abutment surface of the retaining section.

[0055] Furthermore, in the defined pre-assembled state, the adapter nut can approach the corresponding abutment surface of the retaining section by means of its abutment surface, due to the torsion of the adapter bolt in the tightening rotation direction, in a manner opposite to the overcomeable reaction force of the spacer element engaged on the abutment surface of the retaining section. This spacer element achieves reduced indirect friction between these abutment surfaces compared to direct engagement, and is preferably capable of elastic deformation, or plastic deformation, or both elastic and plastic deformation.

[0056] Preferably, the spacer element can be implemented as a spring element capable of being tensioned at least in the axial direction, for example, as a steel spring.

[0057] It is conceivable that the spacer element is held in a groove on the abutment surface of the adapter nut, preferably in an annular groove or an arc-shaped groove, and that during the approach of the abutment surfaces of the adapter nut and the corresponding retaining sections, due to the torsion of the adapter bolt in the tightening rotation direction, at least one section of the spacer element extending from the groove can be squeezed into the groove from the abutment surface of the retaining section from the axial intermediate region located between the two abutment surfaces.

[0058] Generally speaking, it is further proposed that the outer flange section of the adapter nut constitutes the driving configuration of the adapter nut, and the protrusion of the base element extending axially from the outside of the first arm toward the second arm, which is implemented as an independent limiting bolt when necessary, constitutes the mating driving configuration.

[0059] Typically, in the installed state, the bolt head and adapter nut are clamped to the retaining section by axial thread force. Preferably, the adapter nut may have a knurled surface on the axial side facing the retaining section, which engages with a corresponding abutment surface located on the axial inner side of the retaining section in the installed state.

[0060] To achieve at least one of the above objectives, it is also proposed that the adapter nut is provided with an outer flange having knurling on the axial side facing the retaining section, the knurling forming a knurled surface or increasing the knurled surface radially, wherein, in the installed state, the outer flange extends into the axial gap between the first arm of the base element and the axial inner side of the retaining section.

[0061] This further approach is meaningful even independently of the first aspect of the invention.

[0062] Accordingly, based on an independent second aspect, the present invention provides the following subject matter: A rear shifting mechanism for a bicycle frame rear fork coaxially mounted relative to the rear wheel axle, comprising: - Basic components, - Pivoting mechanism, - Movable components, and - Chain guide device; The pivoting mechanism connects the base element to the movable element, and the chain guide device, which can be pre-tensioned along the chain tension direction via an energy storage device, is connected to the movable element in a manner that allows it to rotate around the axis of rotation. The basic components include a first connecting end for coaxial mounting relative to the rear wheel axle on the bicycle frame and a second connecting end for coupling with the pivoting mechanism; The first connecting end has a first arm and a second arm, which are arranged at a certain distance from each other in the axial direction, and are suitable for mounting the shifting mechanism on the corresponding holding section of the rear fork of the frame by means of an auxiliary adapter; Specifically, at least in the installed state, the first arm is located on the axial inner side of the retaining section, and the second arm is located on the axial outer side of the retaining section; The adapter includes an adapter bolt and an associated adapter nut that can be screwed onto the adapter bolt. In the installed state, the bolt head of the adapter bolt is arranged on the axial outer side of the retaining section, and the adapter nut, which engages with the thread of the adapter bolt, is arranged on the axial inner side of the retaining section. The bolt head and the adapter nut are clamped to the retaining section by axial thread force. The adapter nut has a knurled surface on the axial side facing the retaining section, which engages with the corresponding abutment surface on the axial inner side of the retaining section when installed.

[0063] According to the invention, the subject matter is characterized in that the adapter nut is provided with an outer flange having knurling on the axial side facing the retaining section, the knurling forming a knurled surface or increasing the knurled surface radially, wherein, in the installed state, the outer flange extends into the axial gap between the first arm of the base element and the axially inner side of the retaining section.

[0064] Furthermore, it is proposed that the outer flange is implemented as an annular flange extending around the central region of the adapter nut having a threaded opening for the adapter bolt, the annular flange having annularly extending knurling on its axial side facing the retaining section.

[0065] Particularly preferably, the outer flange forms a front stop corresponding to the mating stop of the base element, thereby supporting the force acting on the base element in the forward direction in a form-fit manner on the adapter nut fixedly clamped on the retaining section when the installation is completed.

[0066] Preferably, the front stop is formed by a radially extending flange region of an outer flange that extends in a ring around the adapter nut as an annular flange and has a threaded opening for the adapter bolt.

[0067] For certain usage scenarios, a further preferred embodiment is proposed, wherein the outer flange constitutes a rear stop for a corresponding mating stop for the base element, for limiting the pivot angle of the base element relative to the holding section in the rearward direction when the adapter is not yet fixed and clamped in the pre-assembled state as defined therein, or when the adapter is released after being pre-fixed and clamped in the state corresponding to the pre-assembled state.

[0068] Preferably, the rear stop is formed by a radially extending flange region of an outer flange that extends in a ring around the adapter nut as an annular flange and has a threaded opening for the adapter bolt.

[0069] In this regard, it is proposed that at least one flange region extends radially from the inner annular flange region of the adapter nut and serves as a stop that works in conjunction with at least one mating stop of the base element, wherein the annular flange region is provided with knurling that extends in an annular shape, which forms a knurled surface or increases the knurled surface radially, and the flange region serving as the stop does not have knurling.

[0070] In this regard, it is conceivable for the base element to have at least one protrusion that extends axially from the outside of the first arm toward the second arm, which is implemented as an independent limiting bolt if necessary, and serves as a mating stop for working together with at least one stop of the adapter nut.

[0071] Reference is made to the invention and further embodiments based on the first and second aspects.

[0072] Preferably, in the installed state, the base element can be axially clamped in the clamping section of its first arm between the adapter and the stator assembly of the rear wheel axle device attached to the bicycle's rear drive wheel, and is fixed torsionally in a friction fit.

[0073] To this end, in order to achieve at least one of the above objectives, it is further proposed that a control display be provided, which is capable of identifying at least one of the following: the current target angular positioning of the base element, and the current erroneous angular positioning that deviates from the target angular positioning relative to at least one of the adapter nut, the retaining section, and the stator assembly.

[0074] This further embodiment is meaningful even when it is independent of the invention according to the first aspect and independent of the invention according to the second aspect.

[0075] Accordingly, based on an independent third aspect, the present invention provides the following subject matter: A rear shifting mechanism for a bicycle frame rear fork coaxially mounted relative to the rear wheel axle, comprising: - Basic components, - Pivoting mechanism, - Movable components, and - Chain guide device; The pivoting mechanism connects the base element to the movable element, and the chain guide device, which is pre-tensioned or pre-tensionable along the chain tension direction via an energy storage device, is connected to the movable element in a manner that allows it to rotate around the axis of rotation. The basic components include a first connecting end for coaxially mounting relative to the rear wheel axle on the rear fork of the bicycle frame and a second connecting end for coupling with the pivoting mechanism; The first connecting end has a first arm and a second arm, which are arranged at a certain distance from each other in the axial direction, and are suitable for mounting the shifting mechanism on the corresponding holding section of the rear fork of the bicycle frame by means of an auxiliary adapter; Specifically, at least in the installed state, the first arm is located on the axial inner side of the retaining section, and the second arm is located on the axial outer side of the retaining section; The adapter includes an adapter bolt and an associated adapter nut that can be screwed onto the adapter bolt. In the installed state, the bolt head of the adapter bolt is arranged on the axial outer side of the retaining section, and the adapter nut, which engages with the thread of the adapter bolt, is arranged on the axial inner side of the retaining section. The bolt head and the adapter nut are clamped to the retaining section by axial thread force. In the installed state, the base element is axially clamped in the clamping section of its first arm between the adapter and the stator assembly of the rear wheel axle device attached to the rear drive wheel of the bicycle, and is fixed to the ground against torsion by friction engagement.

[0076] According to the invention, the subject matter is characterized by a control display that can identify at least one of the following: the current target angular position of the base element, and the current erroneous angular position that deviates from the target angular position relative to at least one of the adapter nut, retaining section, and stator assembly.

[0077] Preferably, the control display has a first display element located on a separate component having a fixed relative angular relationship with the base element, or preferably located on the base element.

[0078] To this end, it is further proposed that the control display has a second display element located on one of the adapter nut, the retaining section, and the stator assembly, or on an assembly having a fixed relative angular relationship with one of the adapter nut, the retaining section, and the stator assembly.

[0079] According to a particularly preferred technical solution, the second display element is disposed on a component having a fixed relative angular relationship with the adapter nut, or preferably disposed on the adapter nut.

[0080] One can imagine that, when the current angular positioning of the base element is equal to the target angular positioning, the first display element and the second display element are aligned with each other.

[0081] Preferably, the target angle positioning of the base element corresponds to the stop angle position of the base element relative to the adapter nut, wherein the stop angle position of the base element is defined by the mutual stopping or mutual abutment of the stop of the adapter nut (preferably the front stop) and the corresponding mating stop of the base element.

[0082] Generally speaking, in further detail with respect to all aspects of the present invention, the rear shift mechanism is provided with a support element device that corresponds to at least two of the adapter bolt, the second arm of the base element, and the holding section, for mutual support.

[0083] Particularly preferably, the support element device includes at least one of the following components: a support sleeve corresponding to the shank section of the adapter bolt and the inner periphery of the mounting opening of the retaining section; a support flange or support ring corresponding to the outer side of the retaining section and the second arm of the base element; and a support sleeve or support ring corresponding to the bolt head of the adapter bolt and the second arm of the base element.

[0084] Furthermore, the present invention also provides a bicycle, comprising a bicycle frame with a rear fork, a rear drive wheel, and a chain-type shifting device with a rear shifting mechanism, wherein the bicycle further has the following features: - The rear drive wheel is equipped with a stator assembly including a rear wheel axle assembly and a rotor assembly, wherein the rotor assembly is mounted in a manner rotatable relative to the stator assembly and includes a drive hub, which contains a transmission device that carries a pinion gear set of a chain-type shifting device; - The bicycle frame's rear fork has a left-side retaining section and a right-side retaining section on the inner axle of the rear wheel axle assembly for the rear drive wheel. The left-side and right-side retaining sections have a predetermined axial distance along the geometric axis of the inner axle mounted on the frame via these retaining sections, and respectively constitute mating bearings for an assembly assembly located on the inner axle, held between the retaining sections, and including a stator assembly. - The rear shift mechanism is coaxially mounted on the rear fork of the bicycle frame relative to this geometric axis, and includes: - Basic components, - Pivoting mechanism, - Movable components, and - Chain guide device; The pivoting mechanism connects the base element to the movable element, and the chain guide device, which is pre-tensioned or pre-tensionable along the chain tension direction via an energy storage device, is connected to the movable element in a manner that allows it to rotate around the axis of rotation. The basic component includes a first connecting end for coaxially mounting on the rear fork of the bicycle frame relative to the geometric axis and a second connecting end for coupling with the pivoting mechanism; The first connecting end has a first arm and a second arm, which are arranged axially spaced apart by a certain distance, and are suitable for mounting the shifting mechanism on the corresponding right-side retaining section of the rear fork of the frame by means of an accessory adapter, wherein the adapter includes an adapter bolt and an accessory adapter nut that can be screwed into the adapter bolt; The first arm is located on the axial inner side of the corresponding holding section, and the second arm is located on the axial outer side of the corresponding holding section. The adapter bolt head is located on the axial outer side of the retaining section, and the adapter nut, which engages with the adapter bolt thread, is located on the axial inner side of the retaining section.

[0085] According to the present invention, the rear shift mechanism is implemented as at least one of the three independent aspects of the invention, for which one or more further embodiments may be selectively implemented. The rear shift mechanism can be mounted on the bicycle frame.

[0086] One possibility is that the right-side holding section corresponding to the rear shift mechanism has a front stop with a stop configuration for the adapter nut of the adapter.

[0087] Therefore, it is further envisioned that, with the rear shift mechanism installed on the rear fork of the bicycle frame, there is a rotational angular distance between the front stop of the installation part and the stop configuration of the adapter nut, preferably 3 to 15 degrees, and most preferably 7 to 9 degrees. Simple Explanation of the Diagram

[0088] The present invention will now be described in detail with reference to the exemplary embodiments shown in the accompanying drawings. Figure 1 shows an exemplary bicycle with a rear shift mechanism according to the invention, which is a chain-driven shifting device for bicycles and is mounted coaxially with the rotation axis of the bicycle's rear drive wheel on the rear fork of the bicycle frame. Figure 2 shows Figures 1 and 2 of DE 10 2018 001 253 A1 (DE'253). Figure 3 shows Figures 4 and 7 of DE'253. Figure 4 shows Figure 8 of DE'253. Figure 5 shows a cross-sectional view of the basic element of the rear shift mechanism according to a first embodiment of the present invention in sub-figure a), wherein the pivoting mechanism, movable element and chain guide are not shown, and in a defined pre-assembled state, the basic element is arranged on the right side of the bicycle frame rear fork frame hook, and sub-figure b) is a detailed enlarged view of region B of sub-figure a). Figure 6 is a perspective side view of the layout shown in Figure 5, viewed from the right outer side. Figure 7 is another perspective view of the layout shown in Figures 5 and 6 from a rear oblique angle, in which the frame tail hook is shown in sectional view. Figure 8 is another perspective view of the rear shift mechanism from a frontal angle, where the frame tail hook is not shown. Figure 9 is a view of the inner side of the frame tail hook according to the embodiments shown in Figures 5 to 8. Figure 10 shows a variation of the first embodiment in a schematic diagram corresponding to Figure 9. Figure 11 shows the layout shown in Figure 8 from another perspective, where the adapter bolts are not shown. Figure 12 shows the components in another state as a schematic diagram corresponding to Figure 11. Figure 13 is a perspective view of the assembly shown in Figure 5, with the basic components in their rated or target positions on the frame tail hook, viewed obliquely from the rear and inside. Figure 14 is a schematic diagram of the assembly shown in Figure 13 viewed from another direction when the basic component is in the wrong position on the frame tail hook. Figure 15 is an exploded view of the components of the first embodiment. Figure 16 shows an exploded view based on Figure 15 in sectional view, which also shows the frame tail hook in sectional view. Figure 17 is a partial cross-sectional perspective view of the modified adapter nut of the second embodiment. Figure 18 shows the adapter nut as shown in Figure 17, together with the accompanying adapter bolt screwed into it. Figure 19 shows an adapter including adapter bolts and adapter nuts, as well as base components and other auxiliary components (including the rear wheel axle assembly shown schematically). Figure 20 shows the components shown in Figure 19, with the bicycle frame rear fork shown in cross-section. Figure 21 is an enlarged view of the right frame tail hook including the adapter shown in Figure 20 according to a variant embodiment. Implementation

[0089] Detailed Description of Preferred Embodiments

[0090] The descriptions of position or orientation used in the following invention specification and in part for the accompanying drawings, such as “left,” “right,” “front,” “back,” “up,” “down,” etc., correspond to the perspective of a rider on a bicycle.

[0091] Figure 1 illustratively illustrates a bicycle with a conventional bicycle drivetrain. The drivetrain includes a front sprocket CR, a rear pinion set R, and a chain K, which moves from one pinion to the next via a rear shift mechanism RD. The directional designations “right / left” and “front / rear” used below refer to the bicycle in the direction of travel V, corresponding to the rider's view on the bicycle. The bicycle frame F typically has left and right rear fork ends or frame hooks, with the rear wheel mounted between them. The rear wheel rotates about the rear wheel axle A together with the pinion set R. “Axial” refers to the direction of the rear wheel axle A or axis of rotation A of the multi-pinion configuration R, or a direction parallel to it. The largest pinion is arranged more inward in the axial direction compared to the smaller pinions. The teeth are arranged radially outward from the pinions. The rear shift mechanism has a so-called base element (B knuckle), which is mounted on the rear fork 1 of the bicycle frame F, more specifically on the right fork end 1b of the bicycle frame. The so-called movable element (P steering knuckle) has a chain guard mounted on it in a pivotable manner around a pivot axis. The movable element is connected to the base element through a pivoting mechanism. The pivoting mechanism of the rear shift mechanism can be implemented as an inclined parallelogram.

[0092] The special, relatively novel shift mechanism RD shown here is fixed to the right fork end 1b of the rear fork 1 of the frame F without using a separate gearbox mount. The base element (B steering knuckle) of the shift mechanism is adapted to be coaxially mounted on the fork end 1b relative to the axis of rotation A by means of the inner and outer arms or segments of the base element, which are securely held to the inner and outer sides of the fork end 1b, as disclosed in publication DE 10 2018 001 253 A1 and corresponding documents such as EP 3 388 324 A2 and US 2018 / 0265169A1.

[0093] In the aforementioned patent application filed and published by SRAM Deutschland GmbH as DE 10 2018 001 253 A1 (DE'253), a rear shift mechanism that can be coaxially mounted relative to the rear axle of a bicycle and its mounting on the bicycle frame are described in detail. The shift mechanism is fixed to the frame hook or fork end of the rear fork 1 of the bicycle frame F via an adapter 60, see Figures 2 to 7 and, in particular, Figure 8 of DE'253. In the drawing set of this application, Figure 1 of DE'253 is included as Figure 2a), Figure 2 of DE'253 is included as Figure 2b), Figure 4 of DE'253 is included as Figure 3a), Figure 7 of DE'253 is included as Figure 3b), and Figure 8 of DE'253 is included as Figure 4.

[0094] Figure 2 a) is a perspective view of the known rear shift mechanism 10 according to DE'253. The rear shift mechanism 10 is coaxially mounted on the rear wheel axle 6. For clarity, the rear wheel and pinion are not shown. The rear wheel hub 3 located between the two fork ends of the frame 1 and the shift mechanism 10 that loops around the right fork end can be seen. The base element 20 is coaxially mounted on the frame rear fork 1 of the frame with axis A via an adapter 60.

[0095] Figure 2b) is a rear sectional view along axis A of the shift mechanism 10 shown in Figure 2a). Geometric axis A extends along the rear axle 6. For simplicity, only the connector shaft 7 is shown in this figure; the remaining components of the axle and hub assembly are not shown. The base element 20 is fixed to the right fork end by means of an adapter 60. For this purpose, the adapter 60 passes through the right frame opening 2b. The connector shaft 7 is inserted into the left frame opening 2a and screwed onto the adapter 60. The adapter 60 also serves as a nut for the connector shaft 7. When the connector shaft 7 is tightened, the connector shaft is further screwed into the adapter 60 and clamped against the frame 1.

[0096] Figure 3a) is a partial perspective sectional view of the base element 20 and the wheel assembly components mounted on the frame 1 via an adapter 60. The first arm 22a and the second arm 22b are positioned on one side of the frame 1, respectively. For mounting a rear wheel (not shown), the rear wheel, along with the wheel assembly (only the hollow axle or hub axle 5 is shown here) and the wheel end cap 4, is guided along the wheel hub guide 27 on the inner side of the base element 20. The wheel hub guide 27 is constructed with flanges (Bund) that converge toward each other. The wheel end cap 4 is radially abutted against the wheel hub guide 27 at its end position. Axially, the wheel end cap 4 abuts against the axial wheel stop surface 26 located on the inner side of the base element 20. The wheel end cap 4 is shown in sectional view.

[0097] Figure 3b) is a partially enlarged cross-sectional view of the base element 20 mounted on the frame fork 1 via adapter 60. Adapter 60 is also shown in cross-section. The bolt head 62 and nut 66 are larger than the frame opening 2b. When adapter 60 is tightened, bolt head 62 and nut 66 are frictionally engaged with the frame fork 1. Nut 66 has a knurled surface 69 as shown in Figure 6 of DE'253, which establishes a particularly strong frictional engagement connection and, depending on the frame's technical specifications and materials in the area of ​​contact with the nut, also establishes a form-fit connection with the frame 1 and counteracts the forward (counterclockwise) torsion of the derailleur 10. As shown in Figure 4, bolt body 63 has an abutment area 63a that abuts against the frame opening 2b with a small gap, and a compensation area 63b that has a larger gap relative to the frame opening 2b. With the aid of compensation area 63b, adapter 60 can be aligned along axis A in the frame opening 2b. Bolt 61 has a gap in the frame opening 2b, and if the frame opening is not accurately aligned with axis A, the bolt may be tilted in the frame opening.

[0098] In Figure 4, compared to the original Figure 8 of DE'253, a double-headed arrow and a reference symbol D are added to show the effective support radius and thus the effective support diameter. The effective support radius and effective support diameter refer on the one hand to the mutually cooperating stop surfaces 68a and 68b of the adapter nut 66, and on the other hand to the stop surfaces 24a and 24b of the base element 20, which are formed by pins or bolts extending axially from the inner arm 22a of the base element 20.

[0099] The adapter 60 has two functions: 1) to clamp onto the rear fork 1 of the frame via a screw connection between the bolt 61 and the nut 66. Importantly, the adapter 60 is fixable relative to the rear fork 1 of the frame and can be axially pressed onto the rear fork. For example, a thinner frame hook 1b allows for a more thorough tightening of the screw connection compared to a thicker frame hook 1b. 2) The adapter 60 can be torn only to a limited clockwise relative to the base element 20, thus acting as a torsional protection and a forward stop. For this purpose, two stops 68a, 68b are provided on the nut 66, which work in conjunction with two pins 24a, 24b located on the base element 20 (see Figure 3b). Due to the torsional protection between the adapter 60 and the base element 20, the shift mechanism 10 can only be torn forward (counterclockwise) to a limited extent. This torsional protection replaces the common B-screw and prevents the shift mechanism from accidentally twisting forward. The pivoting position of the base element 20 on the rear fork 1 of the frame, defined by the pins 24a and 24b stopping at the stops 68a and 68b, generates the corresponding tension of the chain guided by the chain guide device 50, and generates the corresponding distance (i.e., the so-called "chain gap") between the uppermost chain guide roller and the reference pinion of the pinion set.

[0100] Regarding the installation and adjustment of the rear shift mechanism on the bicycle frame rear fork, DE'253 proposes the following installation steps: i) The shift mechanism 10 is pre-mounted on the rear fork 1 of the frame using the base element 20 and the adapter 60. For this purpose, the base element 20 is looped around the right fork end of the rear fork 1 of the frame, and the adapter 60 is inserted and screwed into the frame opening 2b and centering openings 23a, 23b of the base element 20. The adapter 60 is screwed in until it is held together with the base element 20 in a rotatable manner on the rear fork 1 of the frame (see Figures 6 and 7 of DE'253). After the first installation step, the adapter 60 and the base element 20 are pre-positioned relative to the frame fork 1 in the axial and radial directions, but are not yet tightened. The adapter 60 and the base element 20 are rotatable about axis A relative to the frame fork 1. ii) Insert the rear wheel, which includes the entire hub assembly, and screw in the insertion shaft 7, but not fully tighten it (see Figures 1 to 3 of DE'253, where the rear wheel is not shown). In the untightened state, the shift mechanism 10 is still able to rotate about the rear wheel axle A. iii) Tighten the adapter 60. This involves rotating the bolt 61 clockwise relative to the base element 20 with the nut 66 until the stops 68a and 68b of the nut 66 contact the mating stops 24a and 24b of the base element 20. These stops, upon further rotation, drive the base element 20 and the entire shift mechanism 10 until the chain is tensioned. In the tensioned position, both the base element 20 and the nut 66 are fixed, such that the bolt 61 screws into the internal thread 67 of the nut 66 until the adapter 60 is tightened onto the rear fork 1 of the frame. In order to transmit sufficient driving rotational force from the adapter bolt 61 to the adapter nut 66 through the threaded pair consisting of the external thread 64 of the adapter bolt 61 and the internal thread 67 of the adapter nut 66, this threaded pair may and should be equipped with a preferably factory-installed helical locking element. Optionally, an adjustment aid can be used. An adjustment locking device, such as that shown in Figure 10 of DE'253, can be employed. Locking devices 42 / 58 fix the chain guide 50, which is rotatable about axis P, in a specific angular position, thereby presetting the desired distance between the upper chain roller 51 and the reference pinion. For this purpose, the shifting mechanism 10 is switched to the reference gear or reference pinion, the chain guide 50 is locked, and the base element 20, together with the entire shifting mechanism 10, is twisted rearward about the rear axle A until the ideal chain tension is achieved. iv) Tighten the connector 7 in the set position and release the locking device. By tightening the connector 7, the inner arm 22a is clamped between the hub end cap 4 and the adapter 60. Thus, the inner arm 22a, together with the entire base element 20 and the shift mechanism 10, is aligned orthogonally to the hub end cap 4 or the rear axle A. The tolerances and relatively large imprecisions of the frame rear fork, fork ends, and rear derailleur hanger required in this technical field are irrelevant to this alignment.

[0101] For further structural details, and the manner in which the known shifting mechanism 10 is mounted on the bicycle frame, refer to the full contents of publication DE 10 2018 001 253 A1 and the corresponding family of patents. Various advantages regarding robustness, the accuracy of the chain guide, the shifting process, and the simplified installation process have been described in detail, particularly in paragraphs

[0013] ,

[0041] ,

[0057] ,

[0064] , [0090 iv],

[0097] , and

[0100] of DE'253. In this regard, the adapter 60, having bolts or adapter bolts 61 and nuts or adapter nuts 66, plays a crucial role, as can be seen from the preceding description of known solutions.

[0102] The invention described herein relates primarily to an adapter and its interface to the frame rear fork and base element 20, which is also known in the industry as a B-knuckle, see Figures 1 to 10 in DE'253.

[0103] In the following description of embodiments according to the present invention, reference numerals that are the same as or similar to those in the specification and drawings of DE'253 are used, specifically as follows: For elements that are substantially the same as or slightly different from the corresponding elements of the known solutions according to DE'253, the same reference numerals as those in DE'253 are used. For elements that are functionally similar to elements of the known solutions according to DE'253 but structurally different, the reference numerals in DE'253 are increased by a value of 100. For elements that have no precedent in the known solutions according to DE'253 or are not indicated by reference numerals in DE'253, new reference numerals in the numerical range starting from 200 are used. In the following description, if reference numerals in the numerical range of 0 to 99 do not appear in the drawings of the accompanying drawings of the present invention, reference is made to the elements shown in the drawings of DE'253.

[0104] According to the first inventive subject matter, it relates to achieving the required adjustability of the base element 20 of the rear shift mechanism on the bicycle frame during installation by means of an adapter, and for this purpose mainly relates to the reliable stopping of one or more stop surfaces 168 of the nut or adapter nut 66 (see stop 68a, 68b of the adapter nut 66 according to DE'253) on one or more stop surfaces 124 of the base element 20 (see stop surfaces 24a, 24b of the base element 20 according to DE'253).

[0105] In the following text, whenever the stop face of the nut or adapter nut 66 and the stop face of the base element 20 are mentioned, unless the context explicitly indicates that there are multiple stop faces of the base element and / or adapter nut, the possibility that the adapter nut 66 has only one corresponding stop face and the base element has only one corresponding stop face is also covered.

[0106] During installation, bolt 61 is clamped to the frame hook via adapter nut 66. During bolt 61 tightening, for proper installation of the shift mechanism, the nut 66 must continue to rotate until it contacts the stop surfaces 168, 124 of the base element (see 68a, 68b, 24a, 24b according to DE'253). Then, with further tightening of bolt 61, the base element 20 and the shift mechanism, which pivots coaxially with it about the rear axle, are rotated by adapter nut 66 until the chain is tensioned. It has been shown that boundary conditions, as described below, may occur that adversely affect this part of the adjustment process. a) The screw locking element and / or grease in the threads 67, 64 between the nut and bolt, which are provided at the factory according to conventional methods, may be worn or removed by the user. The driving torque generated by tightening the bolt into the thread between the nut and the bolt, and required for the proper actuation of the shift mechanism during installation or adjustment as described above and in DE'253, may be significantly reduced. In this case, the actuation of the adapter nut 66 via the bolt 61 during tightening, the corresponding actuation of the base element 20 and the entire shift mechanism, and the proper calibration of the aforementioned components can no longer be guaranteed. b) Premature contact / engagement of the knurled surface 69 on the frame tail hook during the aforementioned tightening of bolt 61.

[0107] This may hinder the proper installation or adjustment of the shift mechanism, including the driving and rotation of nut 66 and the shift mechanism around the rear axle during the installation or adjustment process. If the driving torque generated in the threaded pair of nut 66 and bolt 61, transmitted through the bolt to nut 66, is insufficient to overcome the frictional resistance of the knurled surface on the frame hanger, the nut will clamp onto the frame in an incorrect angle. In this sense, the "correct angle" of the adapter nut means that, from the rider's perspective, the base element 20 and the shift mechanism are coaxially pivoted rearward about the rear axle to a certain extent, achieving the predetermined chain tension and the required chain clearance (the distance between the upper chain guide roller and the pinion of the pinion freewheel). For details regarding chain clearance adjustment in bicycle drivetrains, see paragraph [0090 iv] of the aforementioned DE'253. For a more detailed description, see publication DE 10 2020 210 354 A1 of German Patent Application No. 10 2020 210 354.2, published on February 25, 2021.

[0108] To address these problems, the present invention provides several supplementary and specific solutions, some of which can also be considered alternative solutions. However, all of these solutions can also be implemented together.

[0109] According to one invention, during the tightening of the adapter bolt 61 relative to the adapter nut 66, before the stop surfaces 168 and 124 (see 68a, 68b, 24a, 24b according to DE'253) of the adapter nut and the base element 20 are in a stop position on each other, the knurled surface of the adapter nut is prevented from contacting its corresponding abutment surface on the frame hook.

[0110] According to another invention, the driving torque between the adapter bolt and the adapter nut is increased.

[0111] According to another invention, the undesirable holding torque between the adapter nut 66 and the base element during the installation or calibration of the shift mechanism is reduced, which hinders the rotation of the adapter nut until it reaches its correct rotational and stop positions on the base element 20.

[0112] According to one embodiment of the invention, a spring element preferably located in a groove is integrated into an adapter nut. This groove is preferably located in the knurled surface 69 or contact surface of the adapter nut facing the frame hook, and is adapted to accommodate a corresponding, preferably axially acting, spring element.

[0113] According to the embodiment shown in the accompanying drawings detailed below, the spring element extends axially from the knurled surface of the adapter nut in a manner such that the spring element contacts the contact surface of the frame hook during the tightening of the adapter bolt before the knurled surface of the adapter nut touches the contact surface of the frame hook.

[0114] This ensures that the spring element is partially preloaded during the tightening of the adapter bolt until the knurling of the adapter nut engages with the contact surface of the frame tail hook. In other words, if the bolt is tightened during the installation or adjustment of the shift mechanism, the spring first ensures an air gap between the contact surface of the frame tail hook and the knurled surface. As the adapter bolt is further tightened, the spring element is further preloaded, and the air gap gradually decreases. With the increased preload of the spring element, the axial clamping force generated by the adapter bolt and adapter nut increases, thus increasing the driving torque transmitted from the adapter bolt to the adapter nut due to the increased friction in the threads.

[0115] As an alternative or supplementary solution, according to another embodiment, a friction-fitting drive element may be provided, which acts between the adapter bolt 61 and the adapter nut 66 and operates, for example, according to the working principle of a self-locking nut, thereby enabling the adapter nut to rotate when the adapter bolt is twisted.

[0116] That is, if a spring element or a friction engagement drive element, or both a spring element and a friction engagement drive element, is provided, then generally there is sufficient driving torque on the adapter nut 66 to reliably achieve rotational stop between the adapter nut and the stop surface of the base element 20 or the stop elements 168 and 124 (see 68a, 68b, 24a, 24b according to DE'253) before the knurling of the adapter nut engages with the contact surface of the frame tail hook.

[0117] This ensures that during the installation or calibration of the shift mechanism, the adapter nut 66 is in the correct rotational position and simultaneously secured to the frame hook by abutting against the stop surface 124 of the base element 20. Based on the correct rotational position of the adapter nut and the shift mechanism around the rear axle, the desired or specified chain tension can be ensured, and the desired or specified correct chain clearance can be ensured between the upper chain guide roller and the reference pinion of the pinion flywheel.

[0118] It should be noted that, even when only friction-fitting drive elements are provided, the adapter nut may still be provided with a groove suitable for accommodating the spring element, for example, to reduce component diversity when it is necessary to produce embodiments with and without spring elements, or to simplify operation when adding spring elements as appropriate.

[0119] In order to ensure that the adjustment process can be correctly implemented during the installation or calibration of the shift mechanism, even under particularly unfavorable boundary conditions, other solutions described below can also be advantageously implemented. The features of these solutions will be described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings, and they can be regarded as independent solutions separate from the aforementioned solutions.

[0120] For example, the radial groove of the adapter nut can serve as a accommodating element for a ring element in the overlapping area of ​​the adapter nut and the left arm of the base element. This ring element acts as a sliding bearing to achieve a small holding torque between the adapter nut and the base element during the tightening of the adapter bolt, and is accordingly made of a suitable sliding bearing material (e.g., POM).

[0121] In one particular embodiment, the specifications of the annular element are designed such that, in the overlapping region between the annular element and the left arm of the base element, the outer diameter of the annular element has an interference fit with the inner diameter of the base element. In the recessed region, the inner diameter of the annular element has a clearance fit with the outer diameter of the adapter nut. Alternatively, the inner diameter of the annular element can be used for an interference fit, and the outer diameter for a clearance fit. It should also be noted that, as an alternative, the radial groove can also be implemented in the left (inner) arm of the base element.

[0122] Based on this layout, the annular element serves as a sliding bearing for the adapter nut within the base element, further enabling axial fixation of the adapter nut within the base element. This integration simplifies the installation process and prevents the adapter nut from being lost when the shifting mechanism is disassembled.

[0123] In a particularly preferred embodiment, the axial clearance, namely the axial clearance between one end of the radial groove of the adapter nut and the snap-in protrusion on the annular element (through which the annular element snaps into the radial groove of the adapter nut), is implemented in such a way that the axial clearance closes before the knurled surface of the adapter nut engages with its abutment surface on the frame hook during the tightening of the bolt.

[0124] Thus, as the bolt is further tightened, the annular element is pulled a short distance from the interference fit between the annular element and the base element via the axial sliding surface located between the nut and the annular element. The thread located between the adapter bolt and the adapter nut provides the force required to overcome the axial holding force of this interference fit, and means that the frictional force in this thread increases. During tightening, the correspondingly increased driving torque on the adapter nut helps to reliably achieve the stop surface 168 of the adapter nut 66 on the stop surface 124 of the base element.

[0125] The second inventive subject relates to achieving a high holding torque between the adapter nut and the frame fork end.

[0126] In the installed state, the adapter nut and adapter bolt are securely clamped to the frame fork end by their axial thread force. During operation, a larger force is transmitted from the base element to the nut through the rotation stop of the stop face 168 of the adapter nut 66 and the stop face 124 of the base element, and further from this nut to the rear fork of the frame.

[0127] During adjustment, the angular alignment of the adapter nut relative to the frame fork end must not change to ensure the proper functioning of the shifting mechanism. It has been shown that a high holding torque between the nut and the frame fork end is crucial.

[0128] Furthermore, it is important to keep the tightening torque required to maintain this holding torque in the adapter bolts at a relatively low level. This allows for adjustment even in emergency situations, using tools with the smallest possible dimensions (i.e., so-called multi-tools). On the other hand, high axial clamping forces between the adapter bolts and adapter nuts pose a risk of damage to the weight-optimized frame made of carbon or other lightweight materials. Reducing the preload to be absorbed when designing the bolts and nuts also reduces weight.

[0129] To address this issue, the present invention proposes providing an outer flange on the adapter nut 66. This flange is designed to extend into a dedicated gap area between the inner arm of the base element and the frame tail hook.

[0130] This arrangement increases the effective diameter of the adapter nut for receiving the retaining torque between the frame hook and the adapter nut. Furthermore, this increase in the diameter and area of ​​the contact surface in the flange region of the adapter nut compensates for the area loss caused by the spring groove (if provided) for a possible spring element.

[0131] It is even suggested that further reducing the knurled surface in the radial region within the spring groove could be beneficial. The decisive factors here are the axial preload and the characteristics of the knurling. Given the knurling geometry and axial preload, the area value that achieves optimal engagement conditions when using a defined frame material can be determined.

[0132] Preferably, the determined knurled surface is applied to the radially outer region of the usable contact surface, thereby maximizing the effective diameter for holding torque. This invention is suitable for equipping lightweight vehicle frames made of composite materials with coaxial shifting mechanisms, ensuring trouble-free operation even in extreme terrain.

[0133] The third inventive subject concerns achieving a high holding torque between the nut and the base element along the stop direction.

[0134] In the aforementioned off-road operating conditions, a higher pulse force is introduced into the system consisting of the bicycle drivetrain and the rear fork via the base element 20 of the shift mechanism. Accordingly, the interface located between the base element and the adapter nut also needs to absorb a higher force.

[0135] The solution of the present invention to achieve this objective is to significantly increase the effective support diameter for force or torque transmission from the base element 20 of the shift mechanism to the adapter nut 66, and from the adapter nut through its knurled surface to the frame hook and the frame fork, compared to, for example, the prior art according to DE'253. For this purpose, the flange region of the adapter nut is used, or it extends radially outward beyond the knurled surface of the adapter nut. According to the boundary conditions given by the frame hook or frame interface, the mating stop 124 is installed in the front area of ​​the support structure on the inner arm of the base element 20.

[0136] The frame interface provides additional free space in this area for mounting adapters for non-coaxial shift mechanisms, such as those disclosed in DE 10 2018 206 104 A1 (DE'104) and DE 10 2018 222 834 A1 (DE'834). On the one hand, this mounting space is used to position the contact surface or stop element 124 as radially outward as possible. On the other hand, this flange area of ​​the adapter nut is constructed to allow only a limited range of angles to be used, at most at a possible stop on the front stop of the frame interface. This allows the front stop on the frame to provide a retaining force for the adapter nut when, for example, the bolts are loosened to disassemble the shift mechanism.

[0137] Compared to prior art such as the aforementioned DE'834, the angular range of the flange region of the adapter nut at the stop on the front stop of the frame interface can be significantly reduced because, in the layout according to the invention, this angular range is independent of the rearward pivot range of the shift mechanism.

[0138] This results in two advantages. First, the reduced angle range decreases wear on the contact surface of the frame hook against the adapter nut, wear that could occur due to the knurling of the adapter nut as the adapter bolt is loosened. Second, during shift mechanism adjustment, only a smaller, limited angle range needs to be overcome, which helps to quickly and reliably achieve the correct stop position of the adapter nut's flange area on the stop element 124 of the rear shift base element.

[0139] The fourth inventive subject relates to an alternative technical solution for the adapter nut. As an alternative to an embodiment where the adapter nut only has a first stop, the stop nut may advantageously be equipped with a second stop.

[0140] According to the present invention, adapter nuts having one or two stop regions can be used. These adapter nuts are easily interchangeable, thus allowing the shifting mechanism to be optimized for the corresponding application.

[0141] Besides being lighter, the adapter nut with a stop area offers the main advantage of a larger rearward pivot range for the shift mechanism. This makes the drive wheel easy to remove, even when the shift mechanism is positioned under one of the larger pinions of the pinion flywheel. In situations where there are disadvantages in racing, this feature can save valuable seconds.

[0142] Conversely, the adapter nut's design with two stop zones limits the rearward pivoting range of the shift mechanism. This means that the drive pulley can typically be quickly removed only when the shift mechanism is positioned within the smaller pinion area of ​​the flywheel. However, limiting the rearward pivoting range also helps prevent damage that could result from forced rotation of the shift mechanism. This situation can occur when the chain becomes jammed in the shift mechanism housing, for example, due to a foreign object becoming lodged. In this case, further pedaling will cause the shift mechanism to pivot rearward due to chain force. This is particularly problematic for e-bikes or motorcycles where the driving force may be very high, or where the motor controller may not be able to detect the foreign object lodged in the shift mechanism in time, potentially leading to shift mechanism damage.

[0143] The fifth inventive subject concerns easily identifying the incorrect position of the shift mechanism on the frame hook, and assisting in correctly (read)adjusting the position of the shift mechanism. To this end, the present invention provides a so-called "Crash-Indicator" (also referred to as a "B-gap control display").

[0144] The aforementioned patent application DE'253 describes a function of the shifting mechanism that protects the shifting mechanism and frame from damage, especially in the event of a fall or head-on collision caused by contact with an obstacle while riding.

[0145] Because the base components are coaxially fixed between the adapter bolt and the hub end cap 4 by friction fit, see p.104, for example, see Figure 24a of DE'253, the shift mechanism cannot pivot freely to the rear, which is different from the conventional shift mechanism that is not coaxially mounted relative to the rear axle.

[0146] Furthermore, regarding the shift mechanism device disclosed in DE'253, the components are designed to overcome this frictional fit connection, which correspondingly requires a relatively large force to ensure the correct positioning of the shift mechanism during normal operation.

[0147] However, under high loads from the front, this frictional engagement is overcome before structural damage occurs to the shift mechanism. This arrangement allows energy to be dissipated in a controlled manner throughout the entire possible rearward pivot angle of the shift mechanism, such as in the event of a collision with an object during riding or a fall, thus protecting the shift mechanism from damage.

[0148] However, in order to restore the shift mechanism to its correct position after such an incident, it is necessary to manually move the shift mechanism into its original stop position between the adapter nut 66 and the stop surfaces 168 and 124 on the base element 20 (see 68a, 68b, 24a, 24b according to DE'253).

[0149] On the one hand, it has been shown that, especially during extreme off-road riding, users often fail to notice the impact and the change in the pivot angle of the shift mechanism relative to the frame rear fork. On the other hand, it is also common for the shift mechanism to fail to move out of the correct stop position between the adapter nut 66 and the stop surfaces 168 and 124 of the base element 20 (see 68a, 68b, 24a, 24b according to DE'253), even in the event of a fall.

[0150] Given these circumstances, on the one hand, users may not notice the incorrect positioning of the shift mechanism, which negatively impacts the performance of the transmission system and the quality of shifting. On the other hand, after a fall, users often unnecessarily attempt to reposition the completely unadjusted shift mechanism.

[0151] The solution of the present invention to these two problems is a control display that is preferably well-visible to the user, having, for example, two display elements, one preferably located on the base element and the other preferably located on the adapter nut. With the display elements aligned with each other, the control display visualizes the correct positioning of the stop element 124 of the base element on the corresponding front stop 168 of the adapter nut 66, thereby visualizing the correct pivot position of the shifting mechanism, particularly in terms of chain tension and chain clearance.

[0152] If the shift mechanism deflects rearward, a visible distance is created between the display element located on the base element and the display element stationary on the frame via the adapter nut. This distance indicates the need for manual repositioning of the shift mechanism and also provides the user with information about the impact energy absorbed by the shift mechanism. This allows the user to categorize the collision event and, depending on the circumstances, decide on further functional checks or maintenance measures.

[0153] In the subsequent repositioning, the shifting mechanism is pivoted forward to a certain extent until it returns to the stop position located between the adapter nut 66 and the stop surface of the base element 20 or the stop elements 168 and 124, and the display element is also realigned thereby.

[0154] In this way, for the adjustment operation, visual control is added to the tactile control (the resistance caused by the contact of the stop surfaces or stop elements 168 and 124 with each other). In practice, users find this extra step positive.

[0155] The invention and further embodiments described in detail below with reference to preferred embodiments mainly achieve the following advantages: - Reduce incorrect installation of the shift mechanism adapter nut - Reduce incorrect installation of the shift mechanism related to rotation angle / chain backlash - Maintains and reproducible shift mechanism adjustments even under conditions of insufficient or excessive maintenance. - Increase the holding torque used to maintain chain gap adjustment and chain tension. - It can reduce clamping force and pressure per unit area to protect the lightweight frame. - Reduce paint / material wear on the frame tail hook during the disassembly and installation of the shift mechanism. - Reduce the tightening torque used, for example, in field-adjustable shift mechanisms. - Tie-in adapter nut - The adapter nut has two interchangeable variants (e.g., "Extreme / Race" and "Protect / Normal"). - The gear shift mechanism is equipped with a visible collision display. - Visual indication of whether a collision has occurred in the gear shift mechanism and the severity of the collision. The shifting mechanism 10 according to the present invention and two preferred embodiments of the corresponding bicycle are described in detail below with reference to Figures 5 to 21. In these figures, only the basic elements of the bicycle frame F and the rear fork 1 and associated components are shown. The pivoting mechanism, movable elements, and chain guide can be implemented as in the known solution according to DE 10 2018 001 253 A1 (DE'253), which is considered the starting point for the description of embodiments according to the present invention. Only the differences between these embodiments and DE'253 are explained.

[0156] Figure 5, subdivided into Figure 5a), shows a cross-sectional view of the right side of the rear fork 1 of the bicycle frame F, including the base element 20 containing the inner or left arm 22a and the right or outer arm 22b. Similar to the known solution of DE '253, the base element is fixed to the frame hanger 1b of the rear fork 1 by means of an adapter 60. The adapter has a known adapter bolt 61 and a known adapter nut 66, which are threaded together. The adapter nut 66 is provided with an outer flange 202. All components shown are shown in cross-section. The rear fork 1 has a right frame opening 2b in its area 1b, which can also be called the fork end rather than the frame hanger, as can be understood as the frame hanger in a narrow sense, and the adapter bolt 61 is inserted therein. However, here the entire fork end, including the frame area surrounding the frame opening 2b, is referred to as the frame hanger. It can generally be called the frame interface, or the frame retaining section 1b.

[0157] The adapter nut 66 has a groove 204 on the axially inner side facing the rear fork 1 of the frame, in the radial region of the outer flange 202, in which a spring element 206 is accommodated. The spring element is indicated by reference numeral 206 only in Figure 5b). In the radial region outside the spring groove 206, the outer flange 202 has an annular knurled surface 208 on its surface facing the rear hook of the frame.

[0158] The preferred embodiment, a steel spring element 206, extends axially from the spring groove 204, extending outwards from the knurled surface 208. The spring element 206, by its corresponding preload in this axially extended position, ensures that, in the pre-assembled state where the adapter bolt 61 is not yet tightened as shown in FIG. 5, the knurled surface 208 is maintained at a certain distance from the corresponding abutment surface of the frame hook 1b, thus maintaining an axial air gap 210 between the frame hook and the knurled surface of the nut before the adapter bolt is tightened. This prevents the knurled surface 208 from prematurely engaging with the frame hook in a frictional or even form-fit manner. In this position, the friction between the spring element 206 and the inner side of the fork end is maximized. This ensures that the base element 20 is adjusted to the correct or desired angular position by correspondingly twisting the adapter bolt 61 in its tightening direction.

[0159] Referring also to the exploded view of Figure 15, it can be seen that the upper regions of the frame opening 2b, the adapter bolt 61, and the second arm 22b can have corresponding support elements, such as an axially acting support collar 212, a radially and axially acting support sleeve 214, and a radially acting support sleeve 216. These support elements are preferably made of a load-bearing, rigid, sliding bearing material and are primarily used to compensate for tolerances between components that can move relative to each other, and to reduce the clearance between the adapter bolt and the frame hook, or between the base element and the adapter bolt. This also achieves a clearance-free fit of the right arm 22b of the shift mechanism during adjustment operations, thereby protecting the fragile frame surfaces and materials. However, these support elements may not be used.

[0160] The illustrated embodiment is further characterized by a special annular element 218, which is arranged in the axial and radial intermediate region between the adapter nut 66 and the inner arm 22a of the base element, and is arranged between the axially facing surfaces of the inner arm 22a and the adapter nut 66, and between the outer peripheral surface of the adapter nut 66 and the inner peripheral surface of the inner arm 22a. In the overlapping area of ​​the adapter nut and the left arm 22a, the annular element 218 engages with the radially extending annular shaft segment 221 (see FIG. 16) of the adapter nut 66 in a radial annular groove 220. This annular groove 220 serves as a receiving element for the annular element 218, for securing the adapter nut to the inner arm 22a, and further to the base element 20.

[0161] The annular element 218 is held on its outer periphery by means of an interference fit 219 on the inner periphery of the axially extending collar region 248 (see FIG. 16) of the inner arm 22a, and has a clearance fit on its inner periphery with the adapter nut 66.

[0162] The annular element 218 can be made of a suitable sliding bearing material and provides an axial sliding surface in the axially overlapping region of the adapter nut and the left arm 22a of the base element 20. Thus, it approximates a sliding bearing that acts between the adapter nut 66 and the base element 20 to reduce friction between these components. Therefore, a larger portion of the force applied to the adapter bolt 61 in the tightening direction, and more precisely, the force applied to the adapter nut 66 as a result of these forces, is available for adjusting the angular position of the base element 20 at the fork end.

[0163] As shown in Figure 5b), in the pre-assembled state, there is an axial gap 224 between the radially inwardly extending annular collar 221 of the annular element 218 and the radially outwardly extending annular collar 223 (see Figure 16) of the adapter nut 66 that defines the groove 220 toward the inner arm 22a. Therefore, in the pre-assembled state, there is an axial gap between the annular collar of the annular element 218 and the annular collar of the adapter nut 66, which is eliminated during the tightening of the adapter bolt. Preferably, in the final stage of tightening the bolt 61 into the adapter nut 66, when the spring element 206 is fully squeezed into the spring groove 208 through the inner surface of the fork end 1b, the two annular collars abut against each other, and the annular element 218 is pulled axially to some extent from its interference fit 219 with the inner arm 22a by the adapter nut 66, i.e., driven by the adapter nut 66 a certain axial distance.

[0164] As can be seen more precisely from Figures 7, 8, 11, and 12, the knurled surface 208 can be provided only on the outside of the groove 204 for accommodating the spring element 206. The axial ring end face of the adapter nut, located radially inside the groove 120 and without knurling, is here indicated as 209. However, this surface area of ​​the adapter nut facing the frame fork end can also be knurled.

[0165] In both cases, when the adapter bolt 61 is tightened, there is a high-retention element between the knurling of the adapter nut 66 and the rear fork 1 of the frame. This is achieved by significantly increasing the effective radius of the knurling compared to the known solution of DE'253, and by increasing the knurling surface based on the outer flange 202, which extends in the axial region between the abutment surface on the inner arm 22a and the rear hook 1b of the frame.

[0166] In principle, the interface 125 located between the base element 20 and the adapter nut 66 can adopt various technical solutions, thereby transmitting the rotational adjustment force from the adapter nut 66 to the base element 20 based on the rotational force applied to the adapter bolt 61 in the tightening direction. Figure 8 shows a particularly preferred technical solution. The inner arm 22a of the base element is provided with an axially extending protrusion, which provides a stop surface 124 in the front area of ​​the support structure on the inner arm.

[0167] Here, the protrusion is preferably composed of a separate stop element, such as a stop element implemented as a limit bolt, which is also designated as 124 for simplicity. This stop surface 124 or this stop element 124 corresponds to the radially extending flange region 168 of the outer flange 202 of the adapter nut 66, which constitutes the stop surface of the adapter nut corresponding to the stop surface 124. For simplicity, the same reference numeral 168 is used for this flange region and the stop surface provided by it. The flange region 168 and the stop element 124 or the stop surface provided by these components constitute the interface between the base element and the adapter nut, which is shown in FIG8 by the dashed circle 125.

[0168] The flange region 168 preferably has only a limited angular range α, extending up to the stop on the limiting member at the frame interface. This particularly limits wear or damage to the knurled surface of the adapter nut on the frame surface when the rear shift mechanism is forcibly twisted forward, and reduces wear or damage to the frame surface compared to the prior art. The front stop at the frame interface is shown in Figure 9 and is indicated by 230. A limited angular range α exists between the flange region 168 of the adapter nut 66, which serves as the stop, and this front stop 230 of the rear fork of the frame, for example, between 3 and 15 degrees, preferably between 7 and 9 degrees. In Figures 9 and 10, this angular spacing α, indicated by the double-headed arrow and the radial extensions of the two dashed lines, is 8 degrees.

[0169] Figure 9 is a view corresponding to the inside of the fork end 1b, in which the inner arm 22a held on the base element is not shown, but the stop element 124a of the base element and the annular element 218 in an interference fit on the inner arm 22a are shown.

[0170] The frame side abutment surface on the rear hook 1b for the adapter nut 66 is marked 232. As can be seen at 234, there is free space for installing adapters for non-coaxial rear shift mechanisms, such as the so-called shifter bracket disclosed in the patent application of SRAM Deutschland GmbH, and these adapters are specifically adjusted for the installation of coaxially mounted rear forks of the frame for the rear shift mechanism.

[0171] It should be noted that a relatively large support radius and support diameter relative to the geometric axis A shown in Figure 2a) are achieved by means of the adapter nut 66 with the stop flange section 168 and the base element with the stop element 124. This support radius is indicated by the double-headed arrow R and is much larger than the support radius of the known structure according to DE'253, as shown by the additional double-headed arrow D in Figure 4.

[0172] Corresponding to Figure 9, Figure 10 shows an implementation variant of the adapter nut 66. This adapter nut has a second stop region, which, similar to the stop 168, is formed by a radially extending section 240 of the outer flange 202 and is used to limit the rearward pivoting range of the rear shift mechanism 10. This stop 240 can also work in conjunction with the stop element 124 of the base element 20.

[0173] Figures 11 and 12 again show the adapter nut 66 as shown in Figures 5 to 9, held in position on the inner arm 22a. In Figure 11, the stop flange 168 of the adapter nut is engaged with the stop element 124a of the base element 20. In Figure 12, the adapter nut is in the installed state, where the stop engagement between the stops 168 and 124 has not yet been established. This state may occur during the installation of the base element onto the rear fork 1 of the frame. When the adapter bolt 61 is rotated in the tightening direction using appropriate tools, thereby applying rotational force to the adapter nut 66, the stop flange 168 of the adapter nut 66 is first brought against the stop element 124 of the base element 20. Subsequently, by further twisting the adapter bolt 61 in the tightening direction, an adjusting rotational force can be applied to the base element 20 by means of the adapter nut 66, thereby bringing the base element into the target angle position on the fork end to achieve the desired tension of the chain of the chain shifter.

[0174] Figure 13 shows the base element 20 correctly and securely mounted on the rear fork of the frame, more specifically, the base element 20 mounted on the fork end or the rear hook 1b of the frame, serving as a component of the complete rear shift mechanism (including the associated pivoting mechanism, movable elements, and chain guide), and is coaxially mounted on the rear fork relative to the rear wheel axle. In this case, the inner arm 22a is clamped between the inside of the adapter nut 66 and the stator assembly of the rear wheel axle assembly, and is fixed in its angular position by friction fit. The support structure of the base element is indicated by 234. As shown, the stop 124 of the inner arm 22a is formed by a single limiting bolt screwed into the threaded opening of the inner arm. The hub guide 27, which can be seen in Figure 5, is also shown on the inside of the inner arm 22a of the base element 20.

[0175] That is, Figure 13 shows the standard or target angular position of the base element 20 relative to the adapter nut 66 and, consequently, relative to the frame hanger 1b. As shown, the shift mechanism 10 and the adapter nut 66 are twisted backward together until the chain sagging is overcome, and the adapter bolt 61 is further tightened while the adapter nut 66 is rotated, and the resulting clockwise rotation of the shift mechanism 10 achieves the desired chain clearance or the chain clearance given by the manufacturer. This corresponds to the standard or target position of the base element 20 relative to the adapter nut 66 and, consequently, relative to the frame hanger 1b, in which the adapter nut 66 is also in the standard or target angular position relative to the frame hanger, which, in the installed state, is fixed to the frame hanger 1b by friction engagement via the rear wheel axle of the bicycle's rear wheel.

[0176] The visual and / or tactile markings 241 on the inner arm 22a of the base element and the corresponding visual and / or tactile markings on the outer periphery of the outer flange 202 of the adapter nut 66 can easily identify the base element in this standard or target position. The markings are axially aligned as shown in Figure 13.

[0177] The base element may be displaced from its target or standard position due to a collision or impact on the base element 20, which can be easily identified by the markings. That is, the markings constitute a so-called "collision indicator". Figure 14 shows the case of absorbing frictional energy, for example, the base element being in a position pivoted from its target or standard position due to a collision, that is, to some extent in the "post-collision position".

[0178] Compared to the position shown in Figure 13, the base element 20 pivots rearward. This causes the mark 241 on the inner arm 22a to pivot forward relative to the mark 242 on the outer periphery of the outer flange 22 of the adapter nut 66. Since the adapter nut 66 is fixed to the frame hook 1b by friction fit, the angular position of the adapter nut 66 remains equal to the previously set standard or target position.

[0179] Riders who have been in a collision can now easily restore the base element 20 to its target position on the frame hook by loosening the plug shaft 7, which is screwed into the adapter bolt 61 and clamped to the stator of the rear wheel axle assembly of the inner arm 22a. The base element is then moved back to the pivot position shown in Figure 13, and the plug shaft is then retightened, thereby restoring the axial clamping of the inner arm 22a.

[0180] Figure 15 is an exploded view of the basic element 20, which includes the corresponding components described in detail above. However, an implementation variant is shown, which includes an adapter nut 66 implemented in a slightly different manner. As an alternative to the unknurled annular surface 209 located radially inside the spring groove 204, this inner annular region of the adapter nut 66 facing the abutment surface of the frame tail hook 1b is also knurled.

[0181] The shape of the spring element 206 can also be seen; it is implemented as a generally annular spring element with axial corrugations and a gap between two spring ends facing each other. Correspondingly, the spring groove 204 can also be implemented as a matching arc segment, i.e., having a knurled gap between two adjacent groove ends. However, the spring groove 204 can also be implemented as an annular groove.

[0182] Figure 16 is an exploded cross-sectional view of the assembly shown in Figure 15, which also shows the fork end or frame hook 1b. In this cross-sectional view, the groove 220 of the adapter nut 66 for the annular element 218 (or annular sliding element 218) is clearly visible. Furthermore, the annular engagement collar or engagement protrusion 221 located on the inner circumference of the annular element 218 is also clearly visible. As illustrated in conjunction with Figure 5, the axially extending flange region 248 of the inner arm 22a corresponds to the radial groove 220 of the adapter nut 66 in the overlapping region of the adapter nut and the left arm portion 22a, and this groove forms the axial overlap region between the adapter nut and the left arm portion of the base element.

[0183] The second embodiment of the present invention will now be described with reference to Figures 17 to 21, wherein only the differences from the first embodiment according to Figures 5 to 16 are explained.

[0184] Figure 17 shows an adapter nut 66, which is generally equivalent to the adapter nut 66 of the first embodiment according to Figure 10, i.e., having two stop flange regions 168 and 240. The difference is that, as with the embodiments according to Figures 15 and 16, the abutment surface region located radially inside the spring groove 204 is also knurled.

[0185] However, compared to the first embodiment, the second embodiment is characterized in that the spring element 206, which serves as the spacer element 206, is preferably omitted, and therefore the spring groove 204 on the abutment surface of the adapter nut 66 can also be omitted accordingly. In cases where it is necessary to provide both an embodiment with the spring element 206 and an embodiment without the spring element 206, the spring groove 204 can still be provided to reduce component diversity. Furthermore, in the embodiment without the spring element 206, the presence of the spring groove 204 further provides the option of adding a spring element, if it proves suitable. Figures 17 to 21 illustrate both the embodiment with the spring element 206 and the embodiment without the spring element 206. Figure 21 shows the former embodiment.

[0186] The main difference between the second embodiment and the first embodiment is that the preferred engagement element 250 is an annular type, which achieves indirect frictional engagement between the adapter nut 66 and the adapter bolt 61, thereby applying an increased rotational force to the adapter nut 66 based on the rotational force introduced by the adapter bolt 61. Figure 17 shows the engagement element 250 housed in an annular groove 252 of the adapter nut, which is arranged radially inward and radially open to the inside of an annular groove 220 for the sliding element 218. This engagement element or engagement ring 250 may also be referred to as a clamping ring and is typically made of plastic such as polyamide. The clamping ring 250 functions as a corresponding clamping ring or clamping element for a self-locking nut or a locking nut, acting as a screw-locking element.

[0187] When the adapter bolt 61 is inserted and the adapter nut 66 is screwed in, the clamping ring undergoes plastic and elastic deformation, wherein the elastic portion in principle has the effect of a compressive locking mechanism that induces radial action, preventing the adapter nut 66 from loosening from the adapter bolt 61. However, what is involved here is not this compressive locking mechanism, but rather the frictional coupling between the adapter nut 66 and the adapter bolt 61 caused by the elastic portion.

[0188] Figure 18 shows the adapter bolt 61 screwed into the adapter nut 66. The schematic external thread 64 of the adapter bolt, extending from the annular groove 256 on the outer periphery of the adapter bolt to the inner end of the adapter bolt 61, can also be seen, as can the schematic internal thread 67 of the adapter nut 66. With respect to the first embodiment, this external and internal thread are also schematically shown in the sub-view of Figure 5, but are not explicitly shown in the other figures explained above.

[0189] That is, the function of the clamping ring 250 is to increase the rotational driving force applied to the adapter nut 66 when the adapter bolt 61 is twisted in the tightening direction (or alternatively in the opposite direction) by means of an insert tool engaging the opening 258. In this way, the spring element 206 used as a spacer element is usually unnecessary. If the rotational force applied to the base element by means of the adapter bolt 61 and the adapter nut 66 is sufficient to calibrate the chain tension, the sliding ring 218 located between the adapter nut 66 and the inner arm 22a of the base element 20 may be omitted depending on the circumstances.

[0190] The difference between the embodiment shown in Figure 18 and the first embodiment is that the support sleeve 214 is replaced by a support ring 214'.

[0191] Figure 19 shows the assembly of Figure 18, including the base element 20 and a generally schematically shown auxiliary rear axle assembly, which includes a plug shaft 7 screwed into an adapter bolt 61, extending through an assembly H comprising stationary components 104, 107, 108 and rotating components 103, 200. Figure 20 is a corresponding illustration. Additionally, the left fork end 1a and right fork end 1b or the left frame hook 1a and right frame hook 1b of the bicycle frame F are shown. As shown, the spring element 206 is not provided. Figure 21 is an enlarged view of an embodiment variant in which both the spring element 206 and the clamping ring 250 are provided.

[0192] A rear shift mechanism of a bicycle chain-driven shifter is provided, which utilizes an adapter 60 comprising an adapter bolt 61 and an adapter nut 66, coaxially mounted relative to the rear wheel axle A on the retaining section 1b of the rear fork 1 of the bicycle frame F, and has a base element 20 with two arms, a pivoting mechanism 30, a movable element 40, and a chain guide device 50. According to one aspect of the invention, it is characterized by at least one engaging element 206 / 218 / 250, which, on the one hand, realizes an indirect frictional engagement between the adapter nut 66 and at least one of a) the inner first arm portion 22a of the base element 20, b) the axial inner side of the retaining section 1b, and c) the adapter bolt 61; on the other hand, the engaging element 206 / 218 / 250, in a defined pre-assembled state, serves to apply an increased subsequent rotational force to the base element 20 by means of the adapter bolt 61 and the adapter nut 66.

[0193] 1: Rear fork of the frame; frame 1a: Left fork end; left frame tail hook 1b: (Right side) Fork end; (Right side) Frame hook; Area; (Right side) Holding section 2a: (Left side) Frame opening 2b: (Right side) Frame opening 3: Active hub 4: Wheel hub end cap 5: Wheel hub axle 6: Rear wheel axle 7: Plug-in shaft; internal shaft 10: Rear shift mechanism 20: Basic Components 21: First connection end 22a: First arm; inner arm; (left) arm 22a',22b”: First arm 22b: Second arm; arm 22b', 22b”: Second arm 23a: Focus and Open 23b: Open your mouth with a calm mind 24a: Stop surface; pin 24b: Stop face; pin 26: Wheel hub stop surface 27: Wheel hub guide 29: Second connection end 30: Pivoting mechanism 40: Movable components 42: Locking device 50: Chain guide device 51: Upper chain roller 58: Locking device 60: Adapter 61: Adapter bolts 62: Bolt head 63: Bolt body 63a: Area of ​​contact 63b: Compensation Area 64: Thread 66: Adapter Nut 67: Internal thread 68a: Stop surface 68b: Stop surface 69: Knurled dough 100: Transmission device 103: Rotating component; rotor assembly; drive hub 104, 107, 108: Stationary components; wheel and axle assemblies; stator assemblies 120: Groove 124: Stop surface; Stop element; Matching stop; Stop; Protrusion 124a: Stop element 125: Interface 168: Stop surface; Stop element; (Stop) flange section; Stop; Stop flange; Outer flange area of ​​the stop; Outer flange section; Front stop 200: Rotating assembly; rotor device; transmission device 202: Outer flange 204: Groove; Spring Groove 206: Spring element; spacer element; meshing element 208: Knurled dough 209: Ring end face 210: Axial air gap 212: Support flange 214: Support sleeve 214': Support ring 216: Support sleeve 218: Ring element; (ring) sliding element; sliding ring; meshing element 219: Over-compensation 220: Annular groove; recess 221: Annular shaft collar segment; Annular shaft collar; Annular meshing shaft collar or meshing protrusion 223: Annular collar 224: Axial clearance 230:Front stop 232: Supporting surface 234: Supporting Structure 240: Section; Stop; Stop outer flange area; Rear stop; Control display 241: (Visual and / or tactile) mark; first display element 242: Marker; control display; second display element 248: Collar region; Flange region 250: Clamping ring; Engaging element 252: Annular groove 256: Annular groove 258: Tool socket A: Rear wheel axle; axis of rotation; geometric axis; axis CR: Front sprocket F: Chassis H: Assembly K: Chain P: Axis R: Rear pinion gear set; pinion gear set; multi-layer pinion gear configuration P: Rotation axis; RD: (Rear) shift mechanism V: Direction of travel

Claims

1. A rear shift mechanism (10) for a bicycle chain-type shifter coaxially mounted on the rear fork (1) of a bicycle frame relative to the rear wheel axle (A), comprising: a base element (20), a pivoting mechanism (30), a movable element (40), and a chain guide device (50); wherein, The pivoting mechanism (30) connects the base element (20) to the movable element (40), and the chain guide device (50), which is pre-tensioned or pre-tensionable along the chain tension direction by means of an energy storage device, is connected to the movable element (40) in a manner rotatable about the rotation axis (P); wherein the base element (20) includes a first connecting end (21) for coaxially mounting relative to the rear wheel axle (A) on the frame rear fork (1) and a second connecting end (29) for coupling with the pivoting mechanism (30); wherein the first connecting end (21) has a first arm (22a) and a second arm (22b), the first arm and the second arm being arranged in a manner spaced apart from each other in the axial direction, and is adapted to mount the rear shift mechanism (10) on the corresponding holding section (1b) of the frame rear fork (1) by means of an accessory adapter (60); In the defined pre-assembly state and in the installed state, the first arm (22a) is located on the axial inner side of the retaining section (1b), and the second arm (22b) is located on the axial outer side of the retaining section (1b); wherein the adapter includes an adapter bolt (61) and an associated adapter nut (66) screwed to the adapter bolt (61), and in the defined pre-assembly state and in the installed state, the bolt head (62) of the adapter bolt (61) is arranged on the axial outer side of the retaining section (1b), and the adapter nut (66) threadedly engaged with the adapter bolt (61) is arranged on the axial inner side of the retaining section (1b); and wherein in the defined pre-assembly state, by rotating the adapter bolt (61) in the tightening direction, a rotational force can be applied to the adapter nut (66), and based on the rotational force, the adapter... At least one driving configuration of the nut (66) and at least one corresponding mating driving configuration of the base element (20) are capable of applying a subsequent rotational force to the base element (20), which, in a defined pre-assembled state, is rotatable relative to the retaining section (1b) in a first rotational direction corresponding to the tightening rotational direction. The subsequent rotational force acts in the opposite direction to the counter-rotational force applied to the base element (20), which, with the assistance of the bicycle chain of the bicycle chain-shifting device guided by the chain guide (50), is applied to the base element (20) in a second rotational direction opposite to the first rotational direction. The feature is that at least one engaging element (206; 218;) is present.250) An indirect frictional engagement is achieved between the adapter nut (66) and at least one of a) the first arm (22a) of the base element (20), b) the axially inner side of the retaining section (1b), and c) the adapter bolt (61), the engagement element serving to increase the subsequent rotational force that can be applied to the base element.

2. The rear shift mechanism as claimed in claim 1, characterized in that at least one engagement element (250) is implemented and arranged to achieve indirect frictional engagement between the adapter nut (66) and the adapter bolt (61), and in a defined pre-assembled state, the engagement element serves to increase the rotational force that can be applied to the adapter nut.

3. The rear shift mechanism as claimed in claim 2, characterized in that at least one engagement element (206; 218) is implemented and arranged to achieve an indirect frictional engagement between the adapter nut (66) and at least one of a) the first arm (22a) of the base element (20) and b) the axially inner side of the retaining section (1b), and in a defined pre-assembly state, the engagement element affects the instantaneous ratio between the initial rotational force applied in the tightening direction to the adapter bolt (61) and forcing the adapter bolt to rotate relative to the retaining section (1b) and the resulting subsequent rotational force, with the aim of increasing the subsequent rotational force.

4. The rear shift mechanism as claimed in claim 3, characterized in that at least one engagement element (250) is implemented for achieving indirect frictional engagement and is clamped between the adapter nut (66) and the adapter bolt (61) in a defined pre-assembly state and frictionally couples the adapter nut (66) and the adapter bolt (61) so that the adapter nut (66) is rotated by the adapter bolt (61) in a frictional engagement manner.

5. The rear shift mechanism as claimed in claim 4, characterized in that at least one engagement element (218) is provided for achieving indirect frictional engagement, and a sliding bearing corresponding to the first arm (22a) of the base element (20) and the adapter nut (66) is provided in a defined pre-assembled state to reduce friction between the first arm (22a) of the base element (20) and the adapter nut (66), thereby reducing the reaction force acting on the rotation of the adapter nut (66) in the first rotational direction.

6. The rear shift mechanism as claimed in claim 5, characterized in that there is at least one engagement element (206) implemented for achieving indirect frictional engagement, held on the adapter nut (66) and serving as an axial spacer element, corresponding to the abutment surface of the adapter nut (66) and to the abutment surface (232) located on the axially inner side of the retaining section (1b), and acting as a spacer element between these abutment surfaces in a defined pre-assembled state, wherein when the adapter bolt (61) is rotated in the tightening direction within a predetermined rotation angle range of the adapter bolt (61), the spacer element holds the abutment surface of the adapter nut (66) and the abutment surface (232) of the retaining section (1b) at an axially spaced distance, thereafter, when the adapter bolt (61) is further rotated in the tightening direction, the abutment surface of the adapter nut (66) engages with the corresponding abutment surface (232) of the retaining section.

7. The rear shift mechanism as claimed in claim 6, characterized in that the outer flange section (168) of the adapter nut (66) constitutes the driving configuration of the adapter nut (66), and the protrusion (124) of the base element (20) constitutes the mating driving configuration, the protrusion (124) extending axially from the outside of the first arm portion (22a; 22a'; 22b”) toward the second arm portion (22b; 22b”) and, if necessary, implemented as an independent limiting bolt.

8. The rear shift mechanism as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that, in the installed state, the bolt head (62) and the adapter nut (66) are clamped to the retaining section (1b) by axial thread force; wherein, The adapter nut (66) is provided with a knurled surface (208) on the axial side facing the retaining section (1b), which engages with a corresponding abutment surface (232) on the axial inner side of the retaining section (1b) in the installed state; and wherein the adapter nut (66) is provided with an outer flange (202) having knurling on the axial side facing the retaining section (1b), the knurling forming the knurled surface (208) or increasing the knurled surface radially, wherein, in the installed state, the outer flange extends into the axial gap between the first arm (22a) of the base element (20) and the axial inner side of the retaining section (1b).

9. The rear shift mechanism as claimed in claim 8, characterized in that the outer flange is implemented as an annular flange extending around the central region of the adapter nut (66), the central region having a threaded opening for the adapter bolt (61), and the annular flange having annularly extending knurling on its axial side facing the retaining section (1b).

10. The rear shift mechanism as claimed in claim 9, characterized in that the outer flange (202) forms a front stop (168) for a corresponding mating stop (124) for the base element (20), thereby supporting the force acting on the base element (20) in the forward direction in a form-fit manner on the adapter nut (66) fixedly clamped on the retaining section (1b) in the installed state.

11. The rear shift mechanism as claimed in claim 10, characterized in that the outer flange (202) constitutes a rear stop (240) for a corresponding mating stop (124) of the base element (20), for limiting the pivot angle of the base element (20) in the rearward direction relative to the holding section (1b) when the adapter (60) is not yet fixedly clamped in a defined pre-assembly state, or when the pre-fixed adapter (60) is released in a state corresponding to the pre-assembly state.

12. The rear shift mechanism as claimed in claim 1, characterized in that, in the installed state, the base element (20) is axially clamped in the clamping section of its first arm (22a) between the adapter (60) and the stator assembly of the rear wheel axle assembly attached to the rear drive wheel of the bicycle, and is fixed in a friction-fit manner to resist rotation, wherein, A control display (240, 242) is provided, which can identify at least one of the following: the current target angular position of the base element (20), and the current erroneous angular position relative to at least one of the adapter nut (66), the retaining section (1b) and the stator assembly, which deviates from the target angular position.

13. The rear shift mechanism as claimed in claim 12, characterized in that the control display has a first display element (241) located on a separate component having a fixed relative angular relationship with the base element (20).

14. The rear shift mechanism as claimed in claim 13, characterized in that the control display has a second display element (242) located on one of the adapter nut (66), the retaining section (1b), and the stator assembly, or located on an assembly having a fixed relative angular relationship with one of the adapter nut (66), the retaining section (1b), and the stator assembly.

15. A bicycle comprising a bicycle frame with a rear drive wheel and a chain-driven shifting device having a rear shifting mechanism (10): wherein the bicycle further comprises the following features: the rear drive wheel is provided with a stator assembly (104, 107, 108) including a rear wheel axle assembly (104, 107, 108) and a rotor assembly (103, 200), wherein the rotor assembly is mounted in a manner rotatable relative to the stator assembly and includes a drive hub (103) comprising a transmission (200) carrying a pinion gear set (R) of the chain-driven shifting device; The bicycle frame (F) has a rear fork (1) with a left retaining section and a right retaining section (1b) of an internal axle (7) for a rear axle assembly of the rear drive wheel. The left and right retaining sections have a predetermined axial distance along the geometric axis (A) of the internal axle mounted on the rear fork (1) via the retaining sections, and each constitutes a mating bearing for an assembly (4, 5, 8) mounted on the internal axle, the assembly being held between the retaining sections and including a stator assembly. The rear shift mechanism (10, RD) is coaxially mounted on the rear fork (1) relative to the geometric axis (A) and includes: The system comprises a base element (20), a pivoting mechanism (30), a movable element (40), and a chain guide device (50); wherein the pivoting mechanism (30) connects the base element (20) to the movable element (40), and the chain guide device (50), which is pre-tensioned or pre-tensionable along the chain tension direction by means of an energy storage device, is connected to the movable element (40) in a manner rotatable about a rotation axis (P); wherein the base element (20) includes a first connecting end (21) for coaxially mounting relative to the geometric axis (A) on the rear fork (1) of the frame and a second connecting end (29) for coupling with the pivoting mechanism (30); The first connecting end (21) has a first arm (22a) and a second arm (22b), the first arm and the second arm being arranged axially spaced apart by a certain distance, and adapted to mount the rear shift mechanism (10) onto the corresponding right-side retaining section (1b) of the rear fork of the frame by means of an accessory adapter (60), wherein the adapter includes an adapter bolt (61) and an accessory adapter nut (66) screwed to the adapter bolt (61); wherein the first arm (22a) is located on the axially inner side of the corresponding retaining section (1b), and the second arm (22b; 22b') is located on the axially outer side of the corresponding retaining section (1b), and wherein the bolt head (62) of the adapter bolt (61) is arranged on the axially outer side of the retaining section (1b), and the adapter nut (66) threadedly engaged with the adapter bolt (61) is arranged on the axially inner side of the retaining section (1b). The characteristic is that the rear shift mechanism (10) is implemented as claimed in any of claims 1 to 14, and is installed on the rear fork (1) of the frame.

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