DE102020211139A1 - MOTOR UNIT FOR BICYCLE DERAILLEUR - Google Patents

Abstract

A motor assembly 14 for a bicycle derailleur 10 includes an output shaft 24, a motor 26, a drive gear 28, an output gear 30, an intermediate gear structure 32, and an angle sensor 34. The motor 26 includes a motor shaft 36. The drive gear 28 is located on the motor shaft 36 of the Motor 26, and the output gear 30 is on the output shaft 24. The intermediate gear structure 32 is arranged in a load path between the input gear 28 and the output gear 30, and the intermediate gear structure 32 includes at least one reduction gear 38 and a rotary encoder 40. The speed ratio between the rotary encoder 40 and the output gear 30 is chosen so that the rotary encoder 40 rotates by less than 360 degrees.

Description

Many bicycles have chain drive transmission systems that include a plurality of front and a plurality of rear sprockets. Drivers can increase or decrease the gear ratio of the transmission system by shifting a chain from one sprocket to another sprocket by a derailleur. In electronic derailleur systems, the movement of the derailleur is controlled by a motor unit. To switch the chain from one sprocket to another, the motor unit determines which sprocket is currently engaged with the chain based on the position of the derailleur and the movement required to achieve the desired gear. In some situations, such as a power failure, jumping back, or skipping a gear, the motor unit may lose information necessary to determine the position of the derailleur. One challenge is to design a motor unit for an electronic bicycle derailleur that can determine the position of the derailleur in the event of a power failure, jumping back, or skipping gears.

A motor unit for a bicycle derailleur designed to solve the above problems is disclosed herein. According to a first aspect of the present invention, the motor unit for a bicycle derailleur includes an output shaft, a motor, a drive gear, an output gear, an idler gear structure, and an angle sensor. The motor includes a motor shaft. The drive gear is on the motor shaft of the motor. The output gear is located on the output shaft. The idler gear structure is in a load path between the drive and driven gears, and the idler gear structure includes at least one reduction gear and a rotary encoder. The speed ratio between the rotary encoder and the output gear is selected so that the rotary encoder rotates less than 360 degrees.

With the motor unit for a bicycle derailleur according to the first aspect, it is possible to provide a compact motor unit in which the output gear rotates over its entire range while the rotary encoder rotates less than 360 degrees, thereby determining the rotation of the rotary encoder after a power interruption can be.

According to a second aspect of the present invention, the motor unit for a bicycle derailleur according to the first aspect is configured so that a rotating range of the output gear is restricted by a rotation restricting structure of the bicycle derailleur.

With the motor unit for a bicycle derailleur according to the second aspect, it is possible to limit the rotating range of the driven gear to prevent the rotary encoder from rotating more than 360 degrees.

According to a third aspect of the present invention, the motor unit for a bicycle derailleur according to the second aspect is configured such that a body of the bicycle derailleur and the motor unit are connected to a link of the bicycle derailleur and a rotation range is mechanically restricted. With the motor unit for a bicycle derailleur according to the third aspect, it is possible to rotate a link of the bicycle derailleur and restrict the range of rotation in the event of a power cut.

According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, the motor unit for a bicycle derailleur according to the second aspect is configured so that the output gear contacts a housing of the motor unit and the rotational range of the output gear is restricted electrically. With the motor unit for a bicycle derailleur according to the fourth aspect, it is possible to electrically adjust the restriction on the rotating range of the driven gear.

According to a fifth aspect of the present invention, the motor unit for a bicycle derailleur according to any one of the first to fourth aspects is configured so that the output gear is not circular. With the motor unit for a bicycle derailleur according to the fifth aspect, it is possible to increase the efficiency and the battery life of the motor unit by transmitting a variable speed ratio with the output gear.

According to a sixth aspect of the present invention, the motor unit for a bicycle derailleur according to any one of the first to fifth aspects is configured so that the output gear is a sector gear. With the motor unit for a bicycle derailleur according to the sixth aspect, it is possible to reduce the size and weight of the output gear.

According to a seventh aspect of the present invention, the motor unit for a bicycle derailleur according to any one of the first to sixth aspects is configured so that a rotational force of the output shaft is transmitted to a link of the bicycle derailleur. With the motor unit for a bicycle derailleur according to the seventh aspect, it is possible to use the connecting member of the To move the bicycle derailleur to bring the chain to a desired sprocket.

According to an eighth aspect of the present invention, the motor unit for a bicycle derailleur according to any one of the first to seventh aspects is configured such that the bicycle derailleur is a front bicycle derailleur having a base member, a link mechanism, and a chain guide. With the motor unit for a bicycle derailleur according to the eighth aspect, it is possible to determine the position of the front bicycle derailleur with respect to the plurality of front sprockets after a power cut.

According to a ninth aspect of the present invention, the motor unit for a bicycle derailleur according to any one of the first to seventh aspects is configured so that the bicycle derailleur is a rear bicycle derailleur having a base member, a movable member, a link mechanism, and a chain guide. With the motor unit for a bicycle derailleur according to the ninth aspect, it is possible to determine the state of the bicycle derailleur with respect to the plurality of rear sprockets after a power cut.

According to a tenth aspect of the present invention, the motor unit for the bicycle derailleur according to any one of the first to ninth aspects is configured such that the motor unit is disposed within a base member of the bicycle derailleur. With the motor unit for a bicycle derailleur according to the tenth aspect, it is possible to protect the motor unit from damage while providing an aerodynamically and aesthetically pleasing bicycle derailleur.

According to an eleventh aspect of the present invention, the motor unit for the bicycle derailleur according to any one of the first to tenth aspects is configured so that the bicycle derailleur has a power supply terminal configured to be connected to a battery and the power supply terminal is electrically connected to the Motor is connected. With the motor unit for a bicycle derailleur according to the eleventh aspect, it is possible to operate the motor unit with a battery provided on the bicycle.

According to a twelfth aspect of the present invention, the motor unit for the bicycle derailleur according to any one of the first to eleventh aspects further comprises a case and a wireless communication unit. The motor, at least part of the output shaft and the intermediate gear structure are arranged in the housing of the motor unit. The wireless communication unit is configured to communicate with an additional wireless communication unit that is disposed on an additional bicycle component. With the motor unit for a bicycle derailleur according to the twelfth aspect, it is possible to protect the motor unit from damage and to facilitate wireless communication between the motor unit and an additional bicycle component.

According to a thirteenth aspect of the present invention, the motor unit for the bicycle derailleur according to any one of the first to twelfth aspects further comprises a controller configured to calculate an angle of the output gear or the output shaft according to a detected value of the angle sensor. With the motor unit for a bicycle derailleur according to the thirteenth aspect, it is possible to determine the angle of the output gear or the output shaft from the value of the angle sensor.

According to a fourteenth aspect of the present invention, the motor unit for the bicycle derailleur according to any one of the first to thirteenth aspects is configured so that the angle sensor is a magnetic sensor. With the motor unit for a bicycle derailleur according to the fourteenth aspect, it is possible to determine a value of the angle sensor under extreme environmental conditions such as high temperatures.

According to a fifteenth aspect of the present invention, the motor unit for the bicycle derailleur according to any one of the first to thirteenth aspects is configured so that the angle sensor is an optical sensor. With the motor unit for a bicycle derailleur according to the fifteenth aspect, it is possible to determine a value of the angle sensor quickly and precisely and in situations with a magnetic disturbance of the environment.

According to a sixteenth aspect of the present invention, the motor unit for the bicycle derailleur according to any one of the first to fifteenth aspects is configured so that the rotary encoder rotates in response to rotation of the motor shaft of the motor. With the motor unit for the bicycle derailleur after the In the sixteenth aspect, it is possible to control the position of the output gear depending on the rotation of the motor shaft.

According to a seventeenth aspect of the present invention, the motor unit for the bicycle derailleur according to any one of the first to sixteenth aspects is configured such that the rotary encoder is rotatably disposed on a first axis of the idler gear structure, the output gear is rotatably disposed on a second axis, and the second axis is on the first axis is adjacent without another axis in between. With the motor unit for a bicycle derailleur according to the seventeenth aspect, it is possible to minimize the size of the motor unit while maintaining the ability to accurately determine the position of the output shaft and / or the output gear.

This summary is intended to introduce, in simplified form, a selection of concepts that are further described below in the detailed description. This summary is not intended to identify key features or essential properties of the claimed subject matter, nor is it intended to limit the scope of the claimed subject matter. Furthermore, the claimed subject matter is not limited to implementations that solve any or all of the disadvantages identified in any part of this disclosure. The term "small and / or light vehicle" as used herein refers to electric and non-electric vehicles regardless of the number of their wheels, but does not include four-wheel vehicles with an internal combustion engine as the drive source for the wheels or four-wheel electric vehicles that have a Need a license to operate on public roads.

• 1 eine Draufsicht von rechts auf ein beispielhaftes Fahrrad ist, das eine Motoreinheit für einen Fahrradumwerfer gemäß der vorliegenden Erfindung enthält;
• 2 ein schematischer Umriss des Fahrrads ist;
• 3A eine Seitenansicht eines hinteren Fahrradumwerfers ist, der eine Kette führt, die gemäß der vorliegenden Erfindung mit dem hinteren Kettenrad eines Fahrrads im Eingriff steht;
• 3B eine schematische Darstellung eines vorderen Fahrradumwerfers gemäß der vorliegenden Erfindung ist;
• 4 eine Explosionsdarstellung einer Motoreinheit für einen Fahrradumwerfer gemäß der vorliegenden Erfindung ist;
• 5 eine Seitenansicht einer Zahnradstruktur in einer Motoreinheit für einen Fahrradumwerfer gemäß der vorliegenden Erfindung ist;
• 6 eine Draufsicht auf eine Zahnradstruktur in einer Motoreinheit für einen Fahrradumwerfer gemäß der vorliegenden Erfindung ist;
• 7A-7C schematische Darstellungen einer Zahnradstruktur in einer Motoreinheit für einen Fahrradumwerfer gemäß der vorliegenden Erfindung ist; und
• 8 eine schematische Darstellung einer Motoreinheit für einen Fahrradumwerfer gemäß der vorliegenden Erfindung ist.

A more complete understanding of the invention and many of the advantages associated therewith can be readily obtained by referring to the following detailed description when considered in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which:

• 1 Figure 3 is a right top plan view of an exemplary bicycle that includes a motor unit for a bicycle derailleur in accordance with the present invention;
• 2 Figure 3 is a schematic outline of the bicycle;
• 3A Figure 3 is a side view of a bicycle rear derailleur guiding a chain that engages the rear sprocket of a bicycle in accordance with the present invention;
• 3B Figure 3 is a schematic illustration of a bicycle front derailleur in accordance with the present invention;
• 4th Figure 3 is an exploded view of a motor unit for a bicycle derailleur according to the present invention;
• 5 Figure 3 is a side view of a gear structure in a motor unit for a bicycle derailleur according to the present invention;
• 6th Figure 3 is a plan view of a gear structure in a motor unit for a bicycle derailleur according to the present invention;
• 7A-7C Figure 4 is schematic representations of a gear structure in a motor unit for a bicycle derailleur according to the present invention; and
• 8th Figure 3 is a schematic representation of a motor unit for a bicycle derailleur according to the present invention.

Selected embodiments will now be explained with reference to the drawings, the same reference numerals denoting corresponding or identical elements in the various drawings. It will be apparent to those skilled in the art from this disclosure that the following descriptions of the embodiments are provided for illustration only and not for the purpose of limiting the invention as defined by the appended claims and their equivalents.

First, referring to FIG 1 an exemplary bike 1 with a bicycle derailleur 10 with a motor unit 14th in accordance with at least one disclosed embodiment of the present invention. The bike 1 is, for example, an off-road bike, such as a cyclocross bike or mountain bike. Alternatively, the bike can 1 be a road bike. As in the schematic representation of 2 shown, the bike can 1 an axial median plane P1 which have the left and right halves of the bike 1 Are defined. The following directional terms “front”, “rear”, “forward”, “backward”, “left”, “right”, “across”, “up” and “down” as well as all other similar directional terms refer to those directions that can be determined based on a rider standing upright on a saddle of the bicycle 1 sits while he is facing a handlebar, for example.

Continuing with 1 includes the bike 1 a frame 2 that on a rear wheel 3 is attached. A front fork 4th connects a front wheel 5 with the frame 2 . The pedals 6th on both sides of the bike 1 are on the corresponding crank arms 7th attached. The crank arms 7th are on both sides of the frame 2 Mounted at an angle of 180 degrees to each other and through a crank axle 8th (indicated by the dashed line) connected. The bike 1 of the present embodiment is powered by a chain drive system which is a bicycle chain 9 , a bicycle derailleur 10 and a bicycle sprocket 12th includes. It should be noted that the bicycle derailleur described here 10 either as a rear bike derailleur 10A and / or as a front bicycle derailleur 10B or can be configured as both. A bicycle sprocket described here 12th on one of several rear sprockets 12A and / or one of several front sprockets 12B relate.

The bicycle chain 9 engages one of the plurality of front sprockets when in an engaged state 12B and one of the plurality of rear sprockets 12A a, as below with reference to 4th and 5 is described. One on the pedals 6th applied driving force turns the crank axle 8th and the front sprocket 12B . While the front sprocket 12B turns, the bicycle chain becomes 9 around the rear sprocket 12A which is the force on the rear wheel 3 transfers to the bike 1 to drive, driven around. The front bicycle derailleur shifts accordingly 10B the bicycle chain 9 between the front sprockets 12B around, and the rear bike derailleur 10A switches the bicycle chain 9 between the rear sprockets 12A around. As will be described in detail below, the bicycle chain can be switched by the rear and / or front bicycle derailleur 10A , 10B by an electronic motor unit 14th that are in one or both of the rear and / or front bicycle derailleurs 10A , 10B is included, to be relieved. By switching the bike chain 9 the gear ratio of the chain drive is changed by the distance traveled for each revolution of the pedals 6th to increase or decrease. Other parts of the bike 1 are well known and are not described here.

3A Figure 13 shows a side view of a bicycle rear derailleur 10A according to the present invention. The rear bike derailleur 10A comprises a base element 16A , a moving element 18A , a link mechanism 20A and a chain guide 22A . In the configuration described in detail below is the motor unit 14th within the base member 16 of the rear bicycle derailleur 10 arranged, although the motor unit 14th alternatively, can be configured to be located within other components of the derailleur. The motor unit 14th can be attached to one of the movable elements 16A and the link mechanism 20A to be ordered. 3B shows a schematic representation of a front bicycle derailleur 10B . The bicycle derailleur 10 can be a front bicycle derailleur 10B be that of a basic element 16B , a link mechanism 20B and a chain guide 22B includes.

With reference to 4th and 8th contains the bicycle derailleur 10 a wireless communication unit 62 that is configured to work with an additional wireless communication unit 64 communicates that is based on an additional bicycle component 66 is located. The motor unit 14th can the wireless communication unit 62 included although the wireless communication unit 62 alternatively also within other components of the bicycle derailleur 10 can be arranged. It should be noted that in the embodiments described here, the wireless communication unit 62 both in the rear bike derailleur 10A as well as in the front bicycle derailleur 10B may be included.

4th is an exploded view of the motor unit 14th for the bicycle derailleur 10 according to the present invention. The motor unit 14th includes an output shaft 24 , an engine 26th , a drive gear 28 , an output gear 30th , an idler gear structure 32 and an angle sensor 34 . The motor 26th contains a motor shaft 36 on which the drive gear 28 is arranged. The output gear 30th is on the output shaft 24 arranged. The idler gear structure 32 is in a load path between the drive gear 28 and the output gear 30th arranged. The idler gear structure 32 includes at least one reduction gear 38 and a rotary encoder 40 . In the embodiment described herein, the idler gear structure includes 32 two reduction gears 38A , 38B and a rotary encoder 40 . It should be noted, however, that the idler gear structure 32 can be configured to include one reduction gear, three reduction gears, or any other suitable number of reduction gears. In the embodiment shown, the angle sensor is 34 configured as a magnetic sensor. It should be noted that the angle sensor can alternatively be configured as an optical sensor or as any other suitable type of sensor.

Each gear in the idler structure 32 is rotatably arranged on a corresponding axis. The rotary encoder 40 is rotatable on a first axis 42 the idler gear structure 32 and the output gear rotatable on a second axis 44 arranged. As in the in 4-6 shown motor unit 14th is the second axis 44 configured so that it is attached to the first axis 42 adjoins without another axis in between. It should be noted, however, that the first axis 42 and the second axis 44 alternatively, may be configured to be separated by one or more gears and axles of the idler structure. The axles are supported by an upper gear axle support member 46 and a lower gear axle support member 48 supported. As in the exploded view of 4th with reference to 8th is shown includes the motor unit 14th also a housing 50 in which the engine 26th , at least part of the output shaft 24 and the idler gear structure 32 are arranged. The case 50 contains a substrate. The wireless communication unit is in the assembled state 62 arranged in the substrate. The idler gear structure 32 is on a first side of the housing with respect to the substrate 50 arranged, and the wireless communication unit 62 is at a second with respect to the substrate Side of the case 50 arranged with the second side facing the first side.

In the motor unit configuration described here 14th becomes a rotating range of the output gear 30th by a rotation restricting structure 52 of the bicycle derailleur 10 restricted. The angle sensor 34 is configured to control the rotation of the encoder 40 detected, and a speed ratio between the rotary encoder 40 and the output gear 30th is chosen so that the rotary encoder 40 rotates less than 360 degrees. A general formula for this configuration is shown in Equation 1 below, in which G is the gear, n is the gear number, R is the speed ratio between the nth gear and the n'th gear, and θ _{n is} the angle of rotation of the nth gear . $${\mathrm{\theta }}_{\text{n}}\times \text{R.}\left({\text{G}}_{\text{n}:}{\text{G}}_{\text{n}\text{'}}\right)={\mathrm{\theta }}_{\text{n}\text{'}}<360°$$

The following are examples of equations for various encoder positions 40 in relation to the output gear 30th shown. In the example formulas shown here, the output gear is 30th shown as Go and θ ₀ is the angle of rotation of the output gear 30th . In a preferred embodiment, the speed ratio lies between the output gear 30th and the rotary encoder 40 in a range between 4.5 and 7. If the rotary encoder 40 a gear (G ₁ ) is or on a gear (G ₁ ) next to the output gear 30th is arranged, the equation is as shown in Equation 2 below. $${\mathrm{\theta }}_{\text{0}}\times \text{R.}\left({\text{G}}_{\text{0}}:{\text{G}}_{\text{1}}\right)={\mathrm{<figure-callout\; id="1"\; label="\theta "\; filenames="DE102020211139A1\_0006.png"\; state="\{\{state\}\}">\theta </figure-callout>}}_{\text{1}}<360°$$

When the encoder 40 a gear (G ₂ ) is or is arranged on a gear (G ₂ ), which two gears from the output gear 30th is removed, the equation is as shown in Equation 3 below. $${\mathrm{\theta }}_0\times \left[\text{R.}\left({\text{G}}_0:{\text{G}}_1\right)\times \text{R.}\left({\text{G}}_1:{\text{G}}_2\right)\right]={\mathrm{<figure-callout\; id="2"\; label="\theta "\; filenames="DE102020211139A1\_0005.png"\; state="\{\{state\}\}">\theta </figure-callout>}}_2<360°$$

When the encoder 40 a gear (G ₃ ) is or is arranged on a gear (G ₃ ), which three gears from the output gear 30th is removed, the equation is as shown in Equation 4 below. $${\mathrm{\theta }}_0\times \left[\text{R.}\left({\text{G}}_0:{\text{G}}_1\right)\times \text{R.}\left({\text{G}}_1:{\text{G}}_2\right)\times \text{R.}\left({\text{G}}_2:{\text{G}}_3\right)\right]={\mathrm{\theta }}_3<360°$$

When part of the body of the bicycle derailleur 10 such as the base member 16 or the movable member 18, and the motor unit with a link of the bicycle derailleur 10 are connected, a limitation of the range of rotation may be due to mechanical reasons. When the output gear 30th the case 50 the motor unit 14th touches, the limitation of the range of rotation of the output gear may 30th can also be done electrically.

As below with reference to 8th includes the motor unit 14th also a controller 60 that is configured to match the angle of one of the output gears 30th and the output shaft 24 according to a detected value of the angle sensor 34 calculated. Because the encoder is limited to less than a 360 degree rotation, the controller can 60 the state (e.g., the relative position of the base member and the movable member) of the bicycle derailleur 10 and thus the transmission ratio of the transmission system from the speed ratio between the rotary encoder 40 and the output gear 30th determine even in the event that data relating to the position of the bicycle derailleur 10 lost, such as in the event of a power failure, jumping back or skipping a gear.

5 and 6th show a side view and a top view, respectively, of a gear structure of the motor unit 14th . The motor 26th including the motor shaft 36 , drives the drive gear 28 on. The drive gear 28 drives the at least one reduction gear 38 on, which in turn is the encoder 40 drives. So the encoder is 40 configured to move in response to rotation of the motor shaft 36 of the motor 26th turns. The rotary encoder 40 drives the output gear 30th which in turn drives the output shaft, and a rotational force of the output shaft is applied to a link of the bicycle derailleur 10 transferred to the derailleur 10 to move. The rotary encoder 40 can have a reduction gear function so that the rotary encoder 40 those from the reduction gear 38 transmitted speed of rotation slowed down.

to 7A is a schematic representation of the gear structure in the motor unit 14th for the bicycle derailleur 10 shown in accordance with the present invention. As described above, the motor drives 26th including the motor shaft 36 the drive gear 28 on. In the in 7A The transmission structure shown is the drive gear 28 a worm gear. Additionally or alternatively, the drive gear may be a circular gear, a non-circular gear, a sector gear, or any other suitable type of gear. The angle sensor 34 is configured to control the rotation of the encoder 40 captured who is the output gear 30th and drives the output shaft. In the shown representation of 7A is the output gear 30th circular, however, it should be noted that the output gear can alternatively be used as a non-circular output gear 130 , as in 7B is shown as a sector gear 230 , as in 7C or can be configured as any other suitable type of gear.

Referring to 8th becomes a schematic diagram of a motor unit 14th for a bicycle derailleur 10 shown in accordance with the present invention. To the engine 26th To drive, includes the bicycle derailleur 10 a power supply connector 56 that is for connecting a battery 58 configured, and the power supply connection 56 is electric with the engine 26th connected. As described above and in 8th is shown schematically, contains the motor unit 14th also the controls 60 showing the angle of the output gear 30th or the output shaft 24 according to the recorded value of the angle sensor 34 calculated on the rotary encoder 40 is arranged. As above with reference to 3B is the wireless communication unit 62 configured to work with the additional wireless communication unit 64 communicates that on an additional bicycle component 66 is arranged. The additional bicycle component 66 can for example be an additional control and with one or more switches 68 be in communication. Even though 8th the additional bicycle component 66 so represents that they are from the same battery 58 which is also fed to the motor unit 14th supplied, it should be noted that the additional bicycle component 66 in a different configuration can be fed by a separate battery. The one or more switches 68 are configured to receive a shift command from the driver to initiate the shift. Accordingly, the one or more switches 68 than on the handlebars of the bike 1 mounted switches are formed. While it is described above that the additional bicycle component 66 can be an additional controller, it should be noted that the additional wireless communication unit 64 can be attached to any suitable additional bicycle component.

While only selected embodiments have been chosen to illustrate the present invention, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art from this disclosure that various changes and modifications can be made without departing from the scope of the invention as defined in the appended claims . For example, the size, shape, location, or orientation of the various components can be changed as needed and / or desired. Components that are directly connected or touching each other can be provided with intermediate structures between them. The functions of one element can be fulfilled by two elements and vice versa. The structures and functions of one embodiment can be adopted in another embodiment. It is not necessary that all of the advantages coexist in a particular embodiment. Any feature that is unique in the art, alone or in combination with other features, should also be viewed as a separate description of further inventions by the applicant, including the structural and / or functional concepts embodied by that feature or features . The above descriptions of the embodiments according to the present invention are therefore only intended to be illustrative and not for the purpose of restricting the invention within the meaning of the appended patent claims and their equivalents.

List of reference symbols

1

bicycle

2

framework

3

Rear wheel

4th

Front fork

5

Front wheel

6th

Pedals

7th

Crank arms

8th

Crank axle

9

Bicycle chain

10

Bicycle derailleur

10A

rear bicycle derailleur

10B

front bicycle derailleur

12th

Bicycle sprocket

12A

rear sprocket

12B

front sprocket

14th

electronic motor unit

16A

Base element

16B

Base element

18A

movable element

20A

Link mechanism

20B

Link mechanism

22A

Chain guide

22B

Chain guide

24

Output shaft

26th

engine

28

Drive gear

30th

Output gear

32

Idler gear structure

34

Angle sensor

36

Motor shaft

38

Reduction gear

38A

first reduction gear

38B

second reduction gear

40

Rotary encoder

42

first axis

44

second axis

46

upper gear axle support member

48

lower gear axle support member

50

casing

52

Rotation restriction structure

56

Power supply connection

58

battery

60

steering

62

wireless communication unit

64

additional wireless communication unit

66

additional bicycle component

68

counter

130

non-circular output gear

230

Sector gear

P1

axial median plane

Claims (17)

A motor unit (14) for a bicycle derailleur (10) comprising: an output shaft (24); a motor (26) having a motor shaft (36); a drive gear (28) on the motor shaft (36) of the motor (26); an output gear (30) on the output shaft (24); an idler gear structure (32) disposed in a load path between the drive gear (28) and the driven gear (30), the idler gear structure (32) including at least one reduction gear (38) and a rotary encoder (40); and an angle sensor (34) configured to detect the rotation of the rotary encoder (40), wherein a speed ratio between the rotary encoder (40) and the output gear (30) is such that the rotary encoder (40) rotates by less than 360 degrees. The motor unit (14) for the bicycle derailleur (10) according to Claim 1 wherein a rotating range of the output gear (30) is limited by a rotation restricting structure (52) of the bicycle derailleur (10). The motor unit (14) for the bicycle derailleur (10) according to Claim 2 wherein in a configuration in which a body of the bicycle derailleur (10) and the motor unit (14) are connected with a link of the bicycle derailleur (10), limitation of the range of rotation is mechanical. The motor unit (14) for the bicycle derailleur (10) according to Claim 2 wherein in a configuration in which the output gear (30) contacts a housing (50) of the motor unit (14), a restriction on the range of rotation of the output gear (30) is electrical. The motor unit (14) for the bicycle derailleur (10) according to one of the Claims 1 until 4th wherein the output gear (30) is not circular. The motor unit (14) for the bicycle derailleur (10) according to one of the Claims 1 until 5 , wherein the output gear (30) is a sector gear. The motor unit (14) for the bicycle derailleur (10) according to one of the Claims 1 until 6th wherein a rotational force of the output shaft (24) is transmitted to a link of the bicycle derailleur (10). The motor unit (14) for the bicycle derailleur (10) according to one of the Claims 1 until 7th wherein the bicycle derailleur (10) is a front bicycle derailleur (10B) comprising a base member (16B), a link mechanism (20B) and a chain guide (22B). The motor unit (14) for the bicycle derailleur (10) according to one of the Claims 1 until 7th wherein the bicycle derailleur (10) is a rear bicycle derailleur (10A) comprising a base member (16A), a movable member (18A), a link mechanism (20A) and a chain guide (22A). The motor unit (14) for the bicycle derailleur (10) according to one of the Claims 1 until 9 wherein the motor unit (14) is arranged within a base member (16A, 16B) of the bicycle derailleur (10). The motor unit (14) for the bicycle derailleur (10) according to one of the Claims 1 until 10 wherein the bicycle derailleur (10) has a power connector (56) configured to be connected to a battery (58), and the power connector (56) is electrically connected to the motor (26). The motor unit (14) for the bicycle derailleur (10) according to one of the Claims 1 until 11th further comprising: a housing (50) in which the motor (26), at least a portion of the output shaft (24) and the intermediate gear structure (32) are arranged; and a wireless communication unit (62) configured to communicate with an additional wireless communication unit (64) disposed on an additional bicycle component (66). The motor unit (14) for the bicycle derailleur (10) according to one of the Claims 1 until 12th further comprising: a controller (60) configured to calculate an angle of either the output gear (30) or the output shaft (24) according to a sensed value of the angle sensor (34). The motor unit (14) for the bicycle derailleur (10) according to one of the Claims 1 until 13th , wherein the angle sensor (34) is a magnetic sensor. The motor unit (14) for the bicycle derailleur (10) according to one of the Claims 1 until 13th , wherein the angle sensor (34) is an optical sensor. The motor unit (14) for the bicycle derailleur (10) according to one of the Claims 1 until 15th wherein the rotary encoder (40) is configured to rotate in response to rotation of the motor shaft (36) of the motor (26). The motor unit (14) for the bicycle derailleur (10) according to one of the Claims 1 until 16 wherein the rotary encoder (40) is rotatably arranged on a first axis (42) of the intermediate gear structure (32); the output gear (30) is rotatably arranged on a second axis (44); and the second axis (44) adjoins the first axis (42) with no further axis therebetween.

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