Bicycle transmission system

Abstract

The disclosure relates to a transmission system (100) for a bicycle (1000), comprising an electromechanical actuator (53) arranged in a hub shell cavity (52) for actuating a geared transmission. A control module (10) is arranged external to the hub shell cavity (52) for controlling the electromechanical actuator (53), wherein the control module (10) comprises a control circuitry (12) including a receiver for receiving a wirelessly transmitted signal from a remote device (200), and a transmitter for transmitting a signal to the electromechanical actuator (53). A signal transmission path (70) between the control module (10) and the electromechanical actuator (53) has a wired segment (71, 72, 73) that at least partly extends through or along a thru-axle (60) between a first releasable coupling interface (1) and a second releasable coupling interface (2), the first releasable coupling interface (1) being arranged in the signal transmission path (70) between the control module (10) and the thru-axle (60), and the second releasable coupling interface (2) being arranged in the signal transmission path (70) between the thru-axle (60) and the electromechanical actuator (53).

Description

[0001] P137560PC00

[0002] Title: Bicycle transmission system

[0003] FIELD

[0004] The disclosure relates to a bicycle transmission system, particularly to internal hub transmissions and control thereof.

[0005] BACKGROUND

[0006] Wireless gear changing systems for bicycles are known as such for changing gears on a bicycle without use of a wired connection between a shifter, usually arranged on a handle bar, and a gear shift actuator, usually arranged at a transmission such as a derailleur.

[0007] Conventional bicycle transmission systems comprise a rear derailleur and a front derailleur, each having an electro mechanical actuator to displace a chain in axial direction for shifting gears. The system also includes an control module at the front and / or rear derailleur for receiving a wireless shift signal from a remote shifter and subsequently generating a control signal the actuator to request displacement of the chain.

[0008] Alternative bicycle transmission systems include an internal hub transmission, accommodated inside a cavity delimited by the hub shell of a driven wheel. In contrast to derailleurs, the encasing by the hub shell makes the internal hub transmission difficult to access. The hub shell for example often attenuates wireless signals, to prevent wirelessly transmitted signals from reaching the internal hub transmission. Controlling the internal hub transmission based on wireless shift signals is accordingly a challenge.

[0009] SUMMARY

[0010] It is an object to propose an improved bicycle transmission system, particularly to improve control of an internal hub transmission on the basis of wirelessly transmitted shift signals by a remote shifter. It is also an object to provide alternative solutions which are less cumbersome in assembly and operation and which moreover can be made relatively inexpensively. Alternatively it is an object to at least provide a useful alternative.

[0011] An aspect provides a transmission system for a bicycle, comprising a hub assembly including a hub shell that delimits a hub shell cavity, an electromechanical actuator arranged in the hub shell cavity for actuating a geared transmission, and a thru-axle for coupling the hub assembly to a frame of the bicycle; a control module arranged external to the hub cavity for controlling the electromechanical actuator, wherein the control module comprises a control circuitry including a receiver for receiving a wirelessly transmitted signal from a remote device, and a transmitter for transmitting a, e.g. electric, signal to the electromechanical actuator; and a signal transmission path between the control module and the electromechanical actuator for transmitting signals between the control module and the electromechanical actuator. The signal transmission path has a wired segment that at least partly extends through or along the thru-axle between a first releasable coupling interface and a second releasable coupling interface, the first releasable coupling interface being arranged in the signal transmission path between the control module and the thru-axle, and the second releasable coupling interface being arranged in the signal transmission path between the thru-axle and the electromechanical actuator. The control module can for example be paired with a remote shifter of the bicycle and be used with different wheels and associated internal hub transmissions, particularly independent of the thru-axle. A user can switch between interchangeable wheel sets, while using the same, already paired, control module. The first releasable coupling interface furthermore provides flexibility to the positioning of the control module relative to the hub assembly. Another aspect provides a transmission system for a bicycle, comprising a hub assembly including a hub shell that delimits a hub shell cavity, an electromechanical actuator arranged in the hub shell cavity for actuating a geared transmission, and a thru-axle for coupling the hub assembly to a frame of the bicycle; a control module arranged external to the hub cavity for controlling the electromechanical actuator, wherein the control module comprises a control circuitry including a receiver for receiving a wirelessly transmitted signal from a remote device, and a transmitter for transmitting a signal to the electromechanical actuator; and a signal transmission path that extends between the control module and the electromechanical actuator for transmitting signals between the control module and the electromechanical actuator; wherein the signal transmission path is entirely wired.

[0012] Another aspect provides a transmission system for a bicycle, comprising a hub assembly including a hub shell that delimits a hub shell cavity, a geared transmission arranged in the hub shell cavity for actuating a geared transmission, and a thru-axle for coupling the hub assembly to a frame of the bicycle; a control module arranged external to the hub cavity for controlling the geared transmission, wherein the control module comprises an electromechanical actuator configured for, based on an electronic signal, outputting a mechanical control signal for mechanically controlling the geared transmission; and a mechanical transfer element that extends between the electromechanical actuator and the geared transmission for transmitting the mechanical output signal from the electromechanical actuator to the geared transmission.

[0013] Any of the following may apply to each of the aspects.

[0014] Optionally, the control module includes a battery for supplying electrical power to the electromechanical actuator, and wherein the signal transmission path is arranged for transmitting the electrical power from the battery to the electromechanical actuator. Optionally, the control module is provided with a charge connector for charging the battery.

[0015] Optionally, the charge connector is integrated with the first releasable coupling interface.

[0016] Optionally, the control module is held by or integrated with a torque support device for supporting torque onto a frame of the bicycle, an end cap, or a combination thereof. The torque support device and the end cap may be integrated into a single component.

[0017] Optionally, the control module is held by or integrated with a derailleur hanger.

[0018] Optionally, the control module is attachable to a frame of the bicycle.

[0019] Optionally, the first releasable coupling interface is configured for establishing a releasable wired coupling.

[0020] Optionally, the first releasable coupling interface includes a first conductive connector and a second conductive connector, each for mating with a complementary conductive connector to establish a releasable conductive coupling.

[0021] Optionally, the first conductive connector and the second conductive connector are complementary to each other.

[0022] Optionally, the first conductive connector is associated with the thru-axle, and wherein the second conductive connector is associated with the control module.

[0023] Optionally, the first releasable coupling interface includes a further wired segment of the signal transmission path for extending a length of the signal transmission path.

[0024] Optionally, the further wired segment extends external to the thru- axle and external to the hub shell cavity between an conductive connector complementary to the first conductive connector and another conductive connector complementary to the second conductive connector. Optionally, the first conductive connector is arranged at an outer boundary of the control module.

[0025] Optionally, the signal transmission path includes a wired segment that extends from the control circuitry beyond a housing of the control module to a free wire end segment that projects out from the control module, and wherein the first conductive connector is arranged at an end of the free wire end segment.

[0026] Optionally, the first conductive connector is integrated with a charge connector for charging a battery held by the control module.

[0027] Optionally, the second conductive connector is arranged at an outer boundary of the thru-axle.

[0028] Optionally, the wired segment of the signal transmission path extends beyond the thru-axle to a free wire end segment that projects out from the thru-axle, and wherein the second conductive connector is arranged at an end of the free wire end segment.

[0029] Optionally, the first releasable coupling interface is arranged at a threaded end of the thru-axle.

[0030] Optionally, the first releasable coupling is arranged at an end of the thru-axle opposite a threaded end of the thru-axle.

[0031] Optionally, the thru-axle includes a threaded end and is provided at an opposite end with a handle that substantially extends transverse to a longitudinal axis of the thru-axle, and wherein the first releasable coupling is arranged in the signal transmission path between the control module and the lever.

[0032] Optionally, the second conductive connector is arranged at an outer boundary of the handle.

[0033] Optionally, the second conductive connector faces in a direction parallel to longitudinal axis of the thru-axle towards the threaded end.

[0034] Optionally, the second releasable coupling interface is configured for establishing a releasable wireless coupling, particularly a releasable short-range wireless coupling. The second releasable coupling interface may particularly be configured for establishing a releasable inductive, magnetic or capacitive coupling, particularly a releasable short-range inductive, magnetic or capacitive coupling. It will be appreciated that a releasable short-range wireless coupling has a connective range on the scale of a bicycle, such as in the order of centimeters. The connective range of the wireless coupling establishable by the second coupling interface may for example be at most 1cm, more particular at most 0.5cm. Hence, the wireless coupling may for example be released when the wireless connectors of the coupling, e.g. two inductive connectors, are spaced apart by more than 1cm. The wireless coupling may particularly be releasable upon removal of the thru-axle from the frame, thus separating the thru-axle from the hub shell. With respect to the short-range wireless releasable coupling established by the second connection interface, the wireless connection between the control module and the remote device may be considered a long-range wireless connection, as its connective range may be in the order of meters.

[0035] Optionally, the second releasable coupling interface includes a first inductive connector, e.g. a first coil, and a second inductive connector, e.g. a second coil for establishing an inductive connection with each other.

[0036] Optionally, the first inductive connector is accommodated in the thru-axle, and the second inductive connector is accommodated in the hub shell cavity.

[0037] Optionally, the signal transmission path extends between the control module and the electromechanical actuator external to the thru-axle.

[0038] Another aspect provides a bicycle comprising a transmission system as described herein, and a remote device, such as a user-operable shifter, wirelessly connected or connectable to the control module of the transmission system. The system may include a signal path from the remote device to the actuator held in the hub cavity may include a long-range wireless segment, a short-range wireless segment, and a wired segment arranged between the long-range and the short-range wireless segments. The signal path from the remote device to the actuator for example includes a long-range wireless segment from the remote device to the control module, a wired segment from the control module via the first releasable coupling interface to a first inductive connector of the second releasable coupling interface, a short-range wireless segment from the first inductive connector to a second inductive connector if the second releasable coupling interface, and optionally another wired segment from the second inductive connector to the actuator.

[0039] It will be appreciated that any of the aspects, features and options described herein can be combined.

[0040] BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0041] Embodiments of the present invention will now be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings in which:

[0042] Figures 1A-1B, 2A-2B, 3, 4, 5A-5B, 6, 7A-7B, 8, and 9 show examples of a transmission system for a bicycle; and

[0043] Figure 10 shows a bicycle comprising a transmission system.

[0044] DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0045] Figures 1A and IB show examples of a transmission system 100 for a bicycle, comprising a hub assembly 50, here mounted between two bicycle frame dropouts 91, 92, particularly of a rear fork. The hub assembly 50 includes a hub shell 51 for a driven wheel of the bicycle. The hub shell 51 delimits at least part of a hub shell cavity 52. An actuator 53, particularly an electromechanical actuator, is held within the hub shell cavity 52. The actuator 53 is arranged for actuating a geared hub transmission so as to change gears. The hub transmission is preferably also held within the hub shell cavity 52. The geared hub transmission is not shown for clarity, but can for example include a planetary gear set that is operable between a sprocket and the hub shell 51.

[0046] The hub assembly 50 in this example also includes a hub axle 54 as well as a torque support device 56 for supporting torque from the hub transmission via the hub axle 54 onto the bicycle frame. In this example, the torque support device 54 is integrated with an end cap. The system 100 in this example also includes a derailleur hanger 55, arranged at a drive side of the hub assembly 50 for carrying a derailleur.

[0047] The hub assembly 50 is releasably mounted to the bicycle frame by means of a thru-axle 60. The thru-axle has a threaded first end 61, and a second end 62 opposite to the first end 61. Here the threaded end 61 threads into the derailleur hanger 55, but the threaded end 61 may alternatively thread into the frame dropout directly.

[0048] The system 100 also comprises a control module 10 for controlling the actuator 53. The control module 10, here, includes a housing 11, accommodating control circuitry 12 as well as a battery 13. The battery 13 powers the control circuitry 12. The control module 10 is external to the hub shell cavity 52. The control module 10 is configured for receiving wirelessly transmitted signals from a remote device, such as from a remote shifter at a handlebar of the bicycle. The control circuitry 12 hereto includes a receiver configured for receiving wireless signals, such as wireless shift signals. The control module 10 is also configured for sending signals, particularly to the actuator 53 housed within the hub shell cavity 52. The control module 10 may for example send electric control signals for controlling the actuator 53 as well as electrical power signals for supplying electrical power to the actuator 53, e.g. supplied by the battery 13 held by the control module housing 11. The hub shell cavity 52 accordingly needs not hold a battery. The control module 10 may also be configured for receiving signals from the actuator 53, e.g. sensor feedback signals. Hereto, the system 100 comprises a signal transmission path 70 that extends between the control module 10 external of the hub shell cavity 52, and the actuator 52 internal to the hub shell cavity 52. The signal transmission path 70 may transmit signals in a wired manner and / or in a wireless manner between the control module 10 and the hub shell cavity 52.

[0049] The signal transmission path 70 particularly includes a first wired segment 71, for transmitting electric signals in an electrically conductive manner. At least part of the wired segment 71 extends through or along part of the thru-axle 60. Hence, in use, the wired segment 71 may be routed through a dropout opening of the frame. The wired segment 71 extends between two ends, wherein at each end a releasable coupling interface is provided. The wired segment 71 may hence be releasably coupled to another segment of the signal transmission path 71 and / or to an electrical component, such as the actuator 53 or the control module 10. The wired segment 71 hence extends between a first releasable coupling interface 1 and a second releasable coupling interface 2.

[0050] The first releasable coupling interface 1 is in this example a conductive coupling interface, including a complementary conductive connectors la, lb, such as a plug and socket. Here, the first releasable coupling interface 1 is arranged in the signal transmission path 70 between the control module 10 and the thru-axle 60. Particularly, in figure 1A, the thru-axle 60 at its second end 62 is provided with a conductive connector lb, while in figure 2B, the thru-axle 60 at its first end 61 is provided with a conductive connector lb. It will be appreciated that both examples can be combined, to allow coupling at any one of the first 61 or second end 62. From the first coupling interface, a second wired segment 72 of the signal transmission path 70 extends to the control module 10, particularly external to the thru-axle and the control module 10. The first wired segment 71 and the second wired segment 72 may be hence be releasably conductively coupled at the first coupling interface 1. The second releasable coupling interface 2 is in this example an inductive coupling interface, including complementary inductive connectors 2a, 2b, such as two coils. The second releasable coupling interface 2 is hence configured to provide a wireless connection in this example. The second releasable coupling interface 2 is in this example arranged in the signal transmission path between the thru-axle 60 and the hub shell cavity 52. Here, one inductive connector 2a is external to the hub shell cavity 52, here held by the thru-axle 60, and the other inductive connector 2b is internal to the hub shell cavity 52. Signals between the control module 10 and the actuator 53 can hence travel across the mechanical interface between the thru-axle 60 and the hub shell cavity 52 in a wireless manner. The inductive connector 2b internal of the hub shell cavity 52, may be connected to a third wired segment 73 of the signal transmission path 70, for example between the inductive connector 2b to the actuator 53.

[0051] The second wired segment 72 is in the examples of figure 1A and IB permanently attached to the control module 10, but it will be appreciated that the second wired segment 72 may alternatively be releasably couplable to the control module 10, e.g. by means of a further conductive coupling interface. Also, the second wired segment 72 may be permanently attached to the thru-axle 60, and be releasably couplable to the control module 10. The second wired segment 72 may particularly substantially extend external to the control module 10 and external to the thru-axle.

[0052] The battery 13 held by the control module housing 11 may be interchangeable and / or chargeable. The battery 13 may be chargeable via part of the signal transmission path 70, e.g. via the conductive connector la and the second wired segment 72. The control module 10 may for instance be connected to the mains, e.g. via the conductive connector la. The control module 10 may also be provided with a dedicated conductive charge port, separate from the signal transmission path 70. The control module 10 may be couplable to various components of the bicycle, preferable to substantially stationary components.

[0053] Figures 2A and 2B show an example of the system 100, wherein the control module 10 is held by or integrated with the torque support device 56. The torque support device 56 includes a cavity for holding the battery 13 and the control circuitry 12. In the example of figure 2B, the first wired segment 71 extends beyond the thru-axle 60, and connects with the control module 10 via the first coupling interface being at an outer boundary of the torque support device 56. It will be appreciated that this wiring configuration can apply to any of the examples.

[0054] Figure 3 shows an example of the system 100, similar to the example of figures 2A and 2B, wherein the second wired segment 72 is releasably couplable to the thru-axle 60 at the first releasable coupling interface 1, and also releasably couplable to the control module 10, e.g. at a further releasable coupling interface 1’, here with respective conductive couplers la’ and lb’.

[0055] Figure 4 shows an example of the system 100, wherein the thru- axle 60 at its second end 61 is provided with a handle 80 that extends transverse to the longitudinal axis A of the thru-axle 60. The handle 80 can facilitate screwing the thru-axle 60. The signal transmission path 70 extends in this example through the handle 80. The first releasable coupling interface 1 is arranged at an outer boundary of the handle 80. The handle 80 is, here, provided with the conductive coupler lb at an inward facing side of the handle 80, facing parallel to the longitudinal axis A towards the threaded first end 61. In this example, a wired, conductive, coupling is established between the handle 60 and the control module, but it will be appreciated that a wireless coupling may also be obtained, for example by an inductive, or optical coupling. The handle 80 is in this example non- releasable from the thru-axle 60. Figures 5A and 5B show examples of the system 100, wherein the control module 10 is directly releasably couplable to the thru-axle 60, here by means of the conductive connectors la, lb. The control module 10 is in this example not configured for being used as a handle, as it is not configured to transmit torque to the thru-axle 60. In figure 5 A, the control module 10 is couplable directly to the thru-axle 60 at the second end 62, here corresponding to the non-drive side of the hub assembly 50. In figure 5B, the control module 10 is couplable directly to the thru-axle 60 at the threaded first end 61, here corresponding to the drive side of the hub assembly 50.

[0056] Figure 6 shows an example of the system 100, wherein the control module 10 is mechanically couplable to the derailleur hanger 55.

[0057] Figure 7 shows an example of the system 100, wherein the control module 10 is mechanically couplable to the bicycle frame, particularly to the frame dropouts 91, 92 either at the drive side or the non-drive side of the hub assembly 50.

[0058] Figure 8 shows an example of the system 100, wherein the control module 10 is integrated with the torque support device 56, and the signal transmission path 70 is entirely wired, extending external of the thru-axle 60 from the control module 10 into the hub shell cavity 52. The system 100 of this example includes the first releasable coupling interface 1 between the torque support device 56 and the hub axle 54. The conductive connectors la, lb are particularly arranged to make contact in axial direction with respect to the longitudinal hub axis A, such that axial clamp forces that clamp the hub assembly 50 between the dropouts enhances the conductive connection. Alternatively, the conductive connectors la, lb may be arranged to make contact in radial direction with respect to the longitudinal hub axis A. The thru-axle 60 can in this example hence be a conventional thru-axle, as it not necessarily needs to hold a wire nor any electrical couplers. The wired signal transmission path 70 may extend through or radially outside of the hub axle 54. The control module 10, here integrated with the torque support device 56, is in this example provided with a charge port 15, for charging the battery 13.

[0059] Figure 9 shows an example of the system 100, similar to the example of figure 8, wherein signal between the control module 10 and the hub shell cavity 52 is mechanical. Here, the control module 10, in this example integrated with the torque support device 56, is configured for sending the mechanical control signal into the hub shell cavity 52, and hereto includes the actuator 53, here as part of the control circuitry 12. The actuator 53 is accordingly, in this example, arranged external to the hub shell cavity 52, and arranged for moving a mechanical control element 14, such as a shaft, rod, or cable, that extends into the hub shell cavity 52. The mechanical control element 14 hence forms the signal transmission path 70 in this example. The mechanical control element 14 extends in this example radially outward of the hub axle 54.

[0060] Figure 10 shows a bicycle 1000. The bicycle 1000 comprises a frame 1002 with a front fork 1005 and a rear fork 1007, as well as a front wheel and a rear wheel 1011, 1013 located in the front and rear fork respectively. The bicycle 1000 further comprises a crank 1017, and a front chain wheel 1019. The bicycle 1000 comprises a transmission system 100 as described herein, with the hub assembly 50 being of the driven rear wheel 1013. The bicycle 1000 also comprises a sprocket 31, wherein a chain 1023 threads over the front chain wheel 1019 and the sprocket 31. The bicycle also comprises a remote device 200, here arranged at the handlebars 67 of the bicycle 1000 for being manually operated by a user while riding the bicycle 1000. The remote device 200, here a shifter device, is connected to the control module 10 over a long-range wireless communication channel, such via Bluetooth, Ant+ or other wireless communication protocol. The control module 10, here attached to a chain stay of the bicycle frame, is arranged to receive wireless signals from the remote device 200, and send signals to the actuator within the hub cavity 52 via the signal transmission path 70. The second releasable coupling interface 2 in the signal transmission path 70 provides in this example a short-range wireless coupling, here an inductive coupling. It will be appreciated that the short-range coupling of the second releasable coupling interface 2 has a significantly shorter connective range than the long-range communication channel between the remote device 200 and the control module 10. The connective range of the short-range coupling may be in the order of millimeters or centimeters, such as at most one centimeter, while the connective range of the long-range coupling may in the order of meters, such as at least one meter. A signal path from the remote device 200 to the actuator 53 in the hub cavity 52 may hence include a long- range wireless segment from the remote device 200 to the control module 10, a wired segment from the control module 10 to the first inductive connector 2a, a short-range wireless segment from the first inductive connector 2a to the second inductive connector 2b, and another wired segment from the second inductive connector 2b to the actuator 53.

[0061] Herein, the invention is described with reference to specific examples of embodiments of the invention. It will, however, be evident that various modifications and changes may be made therein, without departing from the essence of the invention. For the purpose of clarity and a concise description features are described herein as part of the same or separate embodiments, however, alternative embodiments having combinations of all or some of the features described in these separate embodiments are also envisaged.

[0062] However, other modifications, variations, and alternatives are also possible. The specifications, drawings and examples are, accordingly, to be regarded in an illustrative sense rather than in a restrictive sense.

[0063] In the claims, any reference signs placed between parentheses shall not be construed as limiting the claim. The word ‘comprising’ does not exclude the presence of other features or steps than those listed in a claim. Furthermore, the words ‘a’ and ‘an’ shall not be construed as limited to ‘only one’, but instead are used to mean ‘at least one’, and do not exclude a plurality. The mere fact that certain measures are recited in mutually different claims does not indicate that a combination of these measures cannot be used to an advantage.

Claims

Claims1. A transmission system for a bicycle, comprising a hub assembly including a hub shell that delimits a hub shell cavity, an electromechanical actuator arranged in the hub shell cavity for actuating a geared transmission, and a thru-axle for coupling the hub assembly to a frame of the bicycle; a control module arranged external to the hub cavity for controlling the electromechanical actuator, wherein the control module comprises a control circuitry including a receiver for receiving a wirelessly transmitted signal from a remote device, and a transmitter for transmitting a signal to the electromechanical actuator; and a signal transmission path between the control module and the electromechanical actuator for transmitting signals between the control module and the electromechanical actuator; wherein the signal transmission path has a wired segment that at least partly extends through or along the thru-axle between a first releasable coupling interface and a second releasable coupling interface, the first releasable coupling interface being arranged in the signal transmission path between the control module and the thru-axle, and the second releasable coupling interface being arranged in the signal transmission path between the thru-axle and the electromechanical actuator.

2. The system according to claim 1, wherein the control module includes a battery for supplying electrical power to the electromechanical actuator, and wherein the signal transmission path is arranged for transmitting the electrical power from the battery to the electromechanical actuator.

3. The system according to claim 2, wherein the control module is provided with a charge connector for charging the battery.

4. The system according to claim 3, wherein the charge connector is integrated with the first releasable coupling interface.

5. The system according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the control module is held by or integrated with a torque support device for supporting torque onto a frame of the bicycle, an end cap, or a combination thereof.

6. The system according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the control module is held by or integrated with a derailleur hanger.

7. The system according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the control module is attachable to a frame of the bicycle.

8. The system according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the first releasable coupling interface is configured for establishing a releasable wired coupling.

9. The system according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the first releasable coupling interface includes a first conductive connector and a second conductive connector, each for mating with a complementary conductive connector to establish a releasable conductive coupling.

10. The system according to claim 9, wherein the first conductive connector and the second conductive connector are complementary to each other.1811. The system according to claim 9 or 10, wherein the first conductive connector is associated with the thru-axle, and wherein the second conductive connector is associated with the control module.

12. The system according to any of claims 9-11, wherein the first releasable coupling interface includes a further wired segment of the signal transmission path for extending a length of the signal transmission path.

13. The system according to claim 12, wherein the further wired segment extends external to the thru-axle and external to the hub shell cavity between an conductive connector complementary to the first conductive connector and another conductive connector complementary to the second conductive connector.

14. The system according to any of claims 9-13, wherein the first conductive connector is arranged at an outer boundary of the control module.

15. The system according to any of claims 9-13, wherein the signal transmission path includes a wired segment that extends from the control circuitry beyond a housing of the control module to a free wire end segment that projects out from the control module, and wherein the first conductive connector is arranged at an end of the free wire end segment.

16. The system according to any of claims 9-15, wherein the first conductive connector is integrated with a charge connector for charging a battery held by the control module.

17. The system according to any of claims 9-16, wherein the second conductive connector is arranged at an outer boundary of the thru-axle.1918. The system according to any of claims 9-16, wherein the wired segment of the signal transmission path extends beyond the thru-axle to a free wire end segment that projects out from the thru-axle, and wherein the second conductive connector is arranged at an end of the free wire end segment.

19. The system according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the first releasable coupling interface is arranged at a threaded end of the thru- axle.

20. The system according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the first releasable coupling is arranged at an end of the thru-axle opposite a threaded end of the thru-axle.

21. The system according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the thru-axle includes a threaded end and is provided at an opposite end with a handle that substantially extends transverse to a longitudinal axis of the thru-axle, and wherein the first releasable coupling is arranged in the signal transmission path between the control module and the lever.

22. The system according to claim 21 when dependent on claim 9, wherein the second conductive connector is arranged at an outer boundary of the handle.

23. The system according to claim 22, wherein the second conductive connector faces in a direction parallel to longitudinal axis of the thru-axle towards the threaded end.

24. The system according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the second releasable coupling interface is configured for establishing a releasable inductive coupling.

25. The system according to claim 24, wherein the second releasable coupling interface includes a first inductive connector and a second inductive connector for establishing an inductive connection with each other.

26. The system according to claim 25, wherein the first inductive connector is accommodated in the thru-axle, and the second inductive connector is accommodated in the hub shell cavity.

27. A bicycle, comprising a transmission system according to any of the preceding claims, and remote device, such as a user-operable shifter, wirelessly connectable to the control module.

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