JP2023057890A - Rear derailleur for man-powered vehicle - Google Patents

Abstract

To provide a rear derailleur for a man-powered vehicle that can achieve speed-change operation stably, even when a motor is arranged in a link mechanism.SOLUTION: A rear derailleur comprises: a base member including a first mounting end and a second mounting end having a first turning part and a second turning part; a link mechanism; a movable member having a third turning part and a fourth turning part; a pulley assembly; and a motor assembly including a motor and a driving structure. The first mounting end includes a first arm and a second arm. An output shaft of the motor is mounted on the driving structure. The driving structure is configured to drive any one of the first turning part, the second turning part, the third turning part and the fourth turning part so that the link mechanism turns. When the link mechanism turns, the movable member and the pulley assembly move relatively with respect to the base member.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 4

Description

The present disclosure relates to rear derailleurs for human powered vehicles.

For example, the rear derailleur disclosed in Patent Document 1 is attached to the frame of a manpowered vehicle by two arms.

U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2018/0265169

One of the objects of the present disclosure is to provide a rear derailleur for a human-powered vehicle that can achieve stable shifting operation even when the motor is arranged in the linkage mechanism.

A rear derailleur according to a first aspect of the present disclosure is a rear derailleur mounted coaxially with a rear wheel axis of a manpowered vehicle, the rear derailleur having a first mounting end mounted coaxially with the rear wheel axis. a base member including: a first pivot portion; and a second mounting end having a second pivot portion; a link mechanism including: an outer link member arranged at a position farther from the frame of the manpowered vehicle than the inner link member in the mounted state attached to the driving vehicle; and a link mechanism rotatably connected to the link mechanism. a movable member movable in the mounted state toward the frame of the manpowered vehicle and away from the frame of the manpowered vehicle and having a third pivoting portion and a fourth pivoting portion; a pulley assembly pivotally coupled to the movable member; a motor assembly disposed on one of the outer link member and the inner link member and including a motor and a drive structure; wherein the first attachment end includes a first arm and a second arm, the first arm and the second arm are arranged to be separated from each other in the axial direction of the rear wheel axis, and the inner link member One end is pivotally connected to the first pivot portion of the second mounting end of the base member about a first pivot axis, and one end of the outer link member is pivotally connected about a second pivot axis to: It is pivotally connected to the second pivot portion of the second mounting end of the base member, and the third pivot portion is pivotally connected to the other end of the inner link member about a third pivot axis. , the fourth pivot portion is pivotably connected to the other end of the outer link member about a fourth pivot axis, the output shaft of the motor is attached to the drive structure, and the drive structure configured to drive any one of the first pivoting portion, the second pivoting portion, the third pivoting portion, and the fourth pivoting portion such that the linkage pivots; Pivoting causes the movable member and the pulley assembly to move relative to the base member.
According to the rear derailleur on the first side, the strength of the first mounting end can be improved by the first arm and the second arm. realizable.

In the second aspect of the rear derailleur according to the first aspect of the present disclosure, the motor assembly is disposed on the inner link member.
According to the rear derailleur on the second side, even if the derailleur comes into contact with an obstacle, impact is less likely to be transmitted to the motor assembly.

In the third aspect rear derailleur according to the second aspect of the present disclosure, the motor assembly is configured to pivot the first pivot portion of the second mounting end of the base member about the first pivot axis. be done.
According to the rear derailleur on the third side, a space for arranging other components can be secured on the movable member side.

In the fourth aspect rear derailleur according to the second aspect of the present disclosure, the motor assembly is configured to pivot the third pivot portion of the movable member about the third pivot axis.
According to the rear derailleur on the fourth side, a space for arranging other components can be secured on the base member side.

In the fifth aspect of the rear derailleur according to the first aspect of the present disclosure, the motor assembly is disposed on the outer link member.
According to the fifth side rear derailleur, the inner link member can be made compact, and the degree of freedom in design is improved.

In the sixth aspect rear derailleur according to the fifth aspect of the present disclosure, the motor assembly is configured to pivot the second pivot portion of the second mounting end of the base member about the second pivot axis. be done.
According to the rear derailleur on the sixth side, it is possible to secure a space for arranging other parts on the movable member side.

In the seventh aspect rear derailleur according to the fifth aspect of the present disclosure, the motor assembly is configured to pivot the fourth pivot portion of the movable member about the fourth pivot axis.
According to the rear derailleur on the seventh side surface, it is possible to secure a space for arranging other components on the base member side.

In the rear derailleur of the eighth aspect according to any one of the first through seventh aspects of the present disclosure, a motor configured to be disposed on the one of the outer link member and the inner link member A bracket is further provided, and the motor is disposed on the motor bracket.
According to the eighth side rear derailleur, since the motor is arranged on the motor bracket, the motor can be preferably attached to the outer link member and the inner link member.

In the ninth aspect rear derailleur according to the eighth aspect of the present disclosure, the motor bracket has at least one receiving space, and the motor is disposed in the at least one receiving space.
According to the ninth side rear derailleur, the motor is arranged in at least one receiving space of the motor bracket, so the motor can be preferably attached to the outer link member and the inner link member.

In the tenth aspect of the rear derailleur according to any one of the first through ninth aspects of the present disclosure, the motor assembly comprises: the first pivot portion, the second pivot portion, the third pivot portion, and the third pivot portion. a clutch structure positioned in any one of four pivot portions, said clutch structure comprising a first clutch element, said first pivot portion, said second pivot portion, said third pivot portion, and said third pivot portion; Pivot axis about any one of said first pivot axis, said second pivot axis, said third pivot axis and said fourth pivot axis corresponding to said one of said four pivot parts a second clutch element configured to engage said first clutch element in a direction, said first clutch element having at least one first engagement tooth, said second clutch element having at least Having one second engagement tooth, the at least one first engagement tooth and the at least one second engagement tooth are configured to engage each other.
According to the rear derailleur of the tenth aspect, the engagement between the at least one first engagement tooth and the at least one second engagement tooth allows the rotational force of the motor assembly to be applied to the first turning portion and the second turning portion. , the third turning portion, and the fourth turning portion. According to the rear derailleur of the tenth aspect, even if the derailleur comes into contact with an obstacle by disengaging the at least one first engagement tooth and the at least one second engagement tooth, the motor assembly can protect

In the rear derailleur of the eleventh aspect according to any one of the first through tenth aspects of the present disclosure, the base member is configured to adjust the angular position of the rear derailleur with respect to the frame of the manpowered vehicle. Includes angular alignment structure.
According to the rear derailleur of the eleventh side, the angular position adjustment structure prevents the rear derailleur from protruding too much from the frame, so the rear derailleur is less likely to come into contact with obstacles. According to the rear derailleur of the eleventh side, since there are two arms attached to the frame and the angular position adjustment structure is included, the rear derailleur can be made highly rigid, and the posture of the rear derailleur with respect to the frame can be easily adjusted.

In the rear derailleur of the twelfth aspect according to the eleventh aspect of the present disclosure, the angular position adjustment structure includes a bolt member having a first threaded portion and an adjustment opening having a second threaded portion threadedly engaged with the first threaded portion. ,including.
According to the rear derailleur on the twelfth side surface, the posture of the rear derailleur with respect to the frame can be finely adjusted by the bolt member having the first threaded portion and the adjustment opening having the second threaded portion that screws together with the first threaded portion.

In the thirteenth aspect of the rear derailleur according to any one of the first to twelfth aspects of the present disclosure, the second arm is located closer to the central plane of the shaft center of the manpowered vehicle than the first arm in the attached state. placed nearby.
According to the rear derailleur of the thirteenth aspect, it is possible to prevent the derailleur from protruding too much from the frame of the manpowered vehicle, so the rear derailleur is less likely to come into contact with obstacles. According to the rear derailleur of the thirteenth side, since two arms are attached to the frame, the rear derailleur can be made highly rigid.

In the fourteenth side rear derailleur according to any one of the first to thirteenth aspects of the present disclosure, the first arm and the second arm are arranged in the axial direction of the rear wheel axis in the attached state. The frame of the manpowered vehicle is arranged between the first arm and the second arm.
According to the rear derailleur of the fourteenth aspect, it is possible to prevent the derailleur from protruding too much from the frame of the manpowered vehicle, so the rear derailleur is less likely to come into contact with obstacles. According to the rear derailleur on the 14th side, since the number of arms attached to the frame is two, the rear derailleur can be made highly rigid.

The fifteenth aspect of the rear derailleur according to the first aspect of the present disclosure, further comprising a fastener member configured to attach the first attachment end of the base member to the frame of the manpowered vehicle, wherein in the attached state, The fastener center axis of the fastener member and the rear wheel axis are coaxial.
According to the rear derailleur of the fifteenth aspect, since the number of arms attached to the frame is two, the rear derailleur can be made highly rigid. According to the rear derailleur on the fifteenth side surface, the fastener member facilitates attachment and detachment of the rear derailleur to and from the frame.

In the sixteenth aspect of the rear derailleur according to the fifteenth aspect of the present disclosure, the fastener member has a tubular portion and a radially projecting portion that projects radially with respect to the center axis of the fastener. A directional protrusion extends radially outward from one axial end of the tubular portion of the fastener member with respect to the fastener central axis.
According to the rear derailleur of the 16th side, since two arms are attached to the frame, the rear derailleur can be made highly rigid. According to the rear derailleur on the sixteenth side surface, the fastener member makes it easy to attach and detach the rear derailleur to and from the frame.

In the rear derailleur of the seventeenth aspect according to the sixteenth aspect of the present disclosure, the first arm of the base member has a first mounting opening configured to pass the tubular portion of the fastener member therethrough.
According to the rear derailleur of the seventeenth aspect, since two arms are attached to the frame, the rear derailleur can be made highly rigid. According to the rear derailleur of the seventeenth side, the fastener member facilitates attachment and detachment of the rear derailleur to and from the frame.

In the eighteenth aspect of the rear derailleur according to the seventeenth aspect of the present disclosure, the second arm of the base member defines a second mounting opening configured to at least partially extend through the tubular portion of the fastener member. have.
According to the rear derailleur of the 18th side, since the number of arms attached to the frame is two, the rear derailleur can be made highly rigid. According to the eighteenth side rear derailleur, the fastener member facilitates attachment and detachment of the rear derailleur to and from the frame.

In the nineteenth aspect of the rear derailleur according to any one of the sixteenth to eighteenth aspects of the present disclosure, in the attached state, the second arm is closer to the axis center plane of the manpowered vehicle than the first arm is. position, and in the mounted state, the first arm is arranged between the frame and the radial protrusion of the fastener member in an axial direction with respect to the rear wheel axis.
According to the rear derailleur of the nineteenth aspect, it is possible to prevent the derailleur from protruding too much from the frame of the manpowered vehicle, so the rear derailleur is less likely to come into contact with obstacles. According to the rear derailleur of the 19th aspect, since the number of arms attached to the frame is two, the rear derailleur can be made highly rigid.

The twentieth aspect of the rear derailleur according to any one of the first through nineteenth aspects of the present disclosure, wherein said pulley assembly engages at least one of an inner guide plate and an outer guide plate and said manpowered vehicle chain. and rotatably mounted to said at least one of said inner guide plate and said outer guide plate about a guide pulley axis; and a guide pulley configured to engage said chain. and a tension pulley rotatably mounted to said at least one of said inner guide plate and said outer guide plate about a tension pulley axis remote from said guide pulley axis; A pulley distance defined from an axis to the tension pulley axis is 70 mm or more.
According to the rear derailleur of the twentieth aspect, it can be applied to a sprocket with a large number of shift stages and a wide range.

In the twenty-first aspect of the rear derailleur according to the twentieth aspect of the present disclosure, the pulley distance is 120 mm or less.
According to the rear derailleur on the 21st side, ground clearance can be ensured.

In the twenty-second aspect of the rear derailleur according to the twentieth or twenty-first aspects of the present disclosure, said rear derailleur is applicable to multiple rear sprocket assemblies including thirteen or more sprockets.
According to the rear derailleur of the 22nd aspect, it can be applied to a sprocket with a large number of shift stages and a wide range.

In the twenty-third aspect of the rear derailleur according to any one of the twentieth-twentieth aspects of the present disclosure, the guide pulley is configured to guide the chain to a sprocket having nine total teeth or less.
According to the rear derailleur of the 23rd aspect, it can be applied to a sprocket with a large number of shift stages and a wide range.

According to the rear derailleur for a manpower-driven vehicle of the present disclosure, stable shifting operation can be achieved even when the motor is arranged in the link mechanism.

1 is a front view showing the periphery of a rear wheel axle of a manpowered vehicle including a rear derailleur for a manpowered vehicle according to the first embodiment; FIG. FIG. 2 is a plan view showing the periphery of the rear wheel axle of the manpowered vehicle including the rear derailleur for the manpowered vehicle of FIG. 1 ; Figure 2 is a front view of a rear derailleur for the human powered vehicle of Figure 1; Figure 4 is an enlarged view of the rear derailleur for the human powered vehicle of Figure 3; 5 is an exploded perspective view of the motor and motor bracket of FIG. 4; FIG. 5 is an exploded perspective view of the battery, battery mounting portion, and battery bracket of FIG. 4; FIG. FIG. 5 is a perspective view of the clutch structure of FIG. 4; FIG. 8 is an exploded perspective view of the clutch structure of FIG. 7; FIG. 8 is an exploded perspective view of a first clutch element and a second clutch element of the clutch structure of FIG. 7; Figure 3 shows a rear end portion of the frame of the manpowered vehicle of Figure 2; Figure 3 is a perspective view showing the location of the angular positioning structure on the base member of Figure 2; Figure 3 is a rear view showing the location of the angular alignment structure on the base member of Figure 2; 3 is a cross-sectional view of the rear wheel axle, frame, and arm taken along the rear wheel axis of FIG. 2; FIG. 14 is a partially enlarged view of the periphery of the arm of FIG. 13; FIG. FIG. 10 is a front view of a rear derailleur for a human-powered vehicle of a first example of the second embodiment; FIG. 11 is a front view of a rear derailleur for a manpower-driven vehicle of a second example of the second embodiment; FIG. 11 is a front view of a rear derailleur for a human-powered vehicle of a third example of the second embodiment; FIG. 11 is a front view of a rear derailleur for a manpower-driven vehicle of a fourth example of the second embodiment; FIG. 11 is a front view of a rear derailleur for a human-powered vehicle of a first example of the third embodiment; FIG. 11 is a front view of a rear derailleur for a manpower-driven vehicle of a second example of the third embodiment; FIG. 11 is a front view of a rear derailleur for a human-powered vehicle of a third example of the third embodiment; FIG. 11 is a front view of a rear derailleur for a human-powered vehicle of a first example of the fourth embodiment; FIG. 12 is a front view of a rear derailleur for a manpower-driven vehicle of a second example of the fourth embodiment; It is a front view of the rear derailleur for manpower-driven vehicles of a 1st modification. FIG. 11 is a front view of a rear derailleur for a human-powered vehicle of a second modified example;

<First embodiment>
A rear derailleur 20 for a human-powered vehicle according to the first embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. 1 to 14. FIG. A manpowered vehicle is a vehicle that has at least one wheel and can be driven by at least manpower. Human-powered vehicles include various types of bicycles, such as mountain bikes, road bikes, city bikes, cargo bikes, hand bikes, and recumbents. The number of wheels that a manpowered vehicle has is not limited. Manpowered vehicles also include, for example, one-wheeled vehicles and vehicles having two or more wheels. Manpowered vehicles are not limited to vehicles that can be driven solely by manpower. Human-powered vehicles include E-bikes that utilize not only human-powered driving power but also electric motor driving power for propulsion. E-bikes include electrically assisted bicycles whose propulsion is assisted by an electric motor. Hereinafter, in the embodiments, the human-powered vehicle will be described as a bicycle.

As used herein, the following directional terms "front", "rear", "forward", "backward", "left", "right", "lateral", "upward", and , “downward”, and any other similar directional terms refer to those directions determined with reference to the rider facing the handlebars in a reference position (e.g., on the saddle or seat) of the manpowered vehicle. .

A human-powered vehicle includes a crank, front wheels, rear wheels, and a vehicle body. A vehicle body includes a frame 10 . The crank includes a crankshaft rotatable with respect to the frame 10 and crank arms provided at axial ends of the crankshaft. A pedal is connected to the crank arm. The rear wheels are driven by the rotation of the crank. A rear wheel is supported by the frame 10 . A drive mechanism connects the crank and the rear wheel. The drive mechanism includes sprocket 12 and chain 14 . Sprocket 12 is a rear sprocket. The drive mechanism includes multiple sprockets 12 . A plurality of sprockets 12 constitute a multiple rear sprocket assembly 16 . The drive mechanism further includes a front sprocket coupled to the crankshaft. The front sprocket is composed of one or more. Chain 14 transmits the rotational force of the front sprocket to sprocket 12 .

The human powered vehicle includes a rear derailleur 20 . The rear derailleur 20 is configured to be able to change the gear ratio, which is the ratio of the rotational speed of the rear wheels to the rotational speed of the crank. The rear derailleur 20 can change the gear ratio, which is the ratio of the rotational speeds of the front sprocket and the sprocket 12 that rotate in conjunction with each other via the chain 14 . For example, rear derailleur 20 is applicable to multiple rear sprocket assemblies 16 including thirteen or more sprockets 12 . For example, rear derailleur 20 is applicable to multiple rear sprocket assemblies 16 that include 15 or fewer sprockets 12 .

For example, the guide pulley 48 is configured to guide the chain 14 to a sprocket 12 having nine teeth or less. For example, the minimum sprocket 12 of the multiple rear sprocket assembly 16 has a total number of teeth of 9 or less. For example, the total number of teeth of the minimum sprocket 12 of the multiple rear sprocket assembly 16 is eight or more. The rear derailleur 20 switches the chain 14 from one sprocket 12 to another sprocket 12 included in the multiple rear sprocket assembly 16 .

The rear derailleur 20 is mounted coaxially with the rear wheel axis RC of the manpowered vehicle. Rear derailleur 20 includes base member 22 , linkage 24 , movable member 26 , pulley assembly 28 and motor assembly 30 . Base member 22 includes a first attachment end 22A and a second attachment end 22B. The first attachment end 22A is attached coaxially with the rear wheel axis RC. The second attachment end 22B has a first pivot portion 22C and a second pivot portion 22D.

The link mechanism 24 is pivotably connected to the base member 22 . Link mechanism 24 includes an inner link member 32 and an outer link member 34 . The outer link member 34 is arranged at a position farther from the frame 10 of the manpowered vehicle than the inner link member 32 when the rear derailleur 20 is mounted on the manpowered vehicle.

The movable member 26 is pivotably connected to the link mechanism 24 . The movable member 26 is movable toward and away from the manpowered vehicle frame 10 in the mounted state. Movable member 26 has a third pivot portion 26A and a fourth pivot portion 26B. A pulley assembly 28 is pivotally connected to the movable member 26 . Motor assembly 30 is arranged on either one of outer link member 34 and inner link member 32 . Motor assembly 30 includes motor 36 and drive structure 38 .

First attachment end 22A includes first arm 40 and second arm 42 . The first arm 40 and the second arm 42 are arranged apart from each other in the axial direction X1 of the rear wheel axis RC. One end 32A of the inner link member 32 is pivotably connected to the first pivot portion 22C of the second attachment end 22B of the base member 22 about the first pivot axis PA1. One end 34A of the outer link member 34 is pivotably connected to the second pivot portion 22D of the second mounting end 22B of the base member 22 about the second pivot axis PA2. The third turning portion 26A is connected to the other end 32B of the inner link member 32 so as to be able to turn around the third turning axis PA3. The fourth turning portion 26B is connected to the other end 34B of the outer link member 34 so as to be able to turn around the fourth turning axis PA4.

For example, output shaft 36 A of motor 36 is attached to drive structure 38 . Drive structure 38 is configured to drive any one of first pivot portion 22C, second pivot portion 22D, third pivot portion 26A, and fourth pivot portion 26B such that linkage 24 pivots. be done. Pivoting of linkage 24 causes movable member 26 and pulley assembly 28 to move relative to base member 22 .

For example, the first turning portion 22C is a shaft member. 22 C of 1st turning parts are provided in the base member 22 so that one end 32A of the inner link member 32 and the base member 22 may be penetrated. For example, the first pivot portion 22</b>C is rotatable with respect to the inner link member 32 and non-rotatable with respect to the base member 22 . The first turning portion 22</b>C may be non-rotatable with respect to the inner link member 32 and rotatable with respect to the base member 22 . For example, the second turning portion 22D is a shaft member. The second turning portion 22D is provided on the base member 22 so as to pass through the one end 34A of the outer link member 34 and the base member 22. As shown in FIG. For example, the second pivot portion 22D is rotatable with respect to the outer link member 34 and non-rotatable with respect to the base member 22 . The first turning portion 22</b>C may be non-rotatable with respect to the outer link member 34 and rotatable with respect to the base member 22 .

For example, the third turning portion 26A is a shaft member. The third turning portion 26A is provided on the movable member 26 so as to pass through the other end 32B of the inner link member 32 and the movable member 26. As shown in FIG. For example, the third pivot portion 26A is rotatable with respect to the inner link member 32 and non-rotatable with respect to the movable member 26. As shown in FIG. The third turning portion 26A may be non-rotatable with respect to the inner link member 32 and rotatable with respect to the movable member 26 . For example, the fourth turning portion 26B is a shaft member. The fourth turning portion 26B is provided on the movable member 26 so as to pass through the other end 34B of the outer link member 34 and the movable member 26. As shown in FIG. For example, the fourth pivot portion 26B is rotatable relative to the outer link member 34 and non-rotatable relative to the movable member 26 . The fourth pivot portion 26B may be non-rotatable with respect to the outer link member 34 and rotatable with respect to the movable member 26 .

For example, pulley assembly 28 includes at least one of inner guide plate 44 and outer guide plate 46 , guide pulley 48 and tension pulley 50 . A guide pulley 48 is configured to engage the manpowered vehicle chain 14 and is rotatably mounted to at least one of the inner guide plate 44 and the outer guide plate 46 about a guide pulley axis GC. . Tension pulley 50 is configured to engage chain 14 and rotates into at least one of inner guide plate 44 and outer guide plate 46 about tension pulley axis TC remote from guide pulley axis GC. possible to be installed.

For example, the pulley assembly 28 has a pulley distance PD defined by the guide pulley axis GC to the tension pulley axis TC of 70 mm or greater. For example, the pulley distance PD is 80 mm or more. For example, the pulley distance PD is 85 mm or more. For example, the pulley distance PD is 90 mm or more. For example, the pulley distance PD is 95 mm or more. For example, the pulley distance PD is 98 mm or more. For example, the pulley distance PD is 100 mm or more. For example, the pulley distance PD is 120 mm or less. For example, the pulley distance PD is 115 mm or less. For example, the pulley distance PD is 110 mm or less. Guide pulley 48 is configured to guide chain 14 . Tension pulley 50 is configured to maintain tension on chain 14 .

For example, a multiple rear sprocket assembly typically includes 12 or fewer sprockets. When the multiple rear sprocket assembly 16 includes 13 or more sprockets 12, the difference between the maximum diameter of the smallest sprocket 12 and the maximum diameter of the largest sprocket 12 is the smallest sprocket of the multiple rear sprocket assembly including sprockets of 12 or less. larger than the difference between the maximum diameter of the sprocket and the maximum diameter of the largest sprocket.

When multiple rear sprocket assembly 16 includes thirteen or more sprockets 12, the length of chain 14 that needs to be wound by rear derailleur 20 and pulley assembly 28 if chain 14 engages the smallest sprocket 12 is , longer than chains provided on human powered vehicles with multiple rear sprocket assemblies containing 12 or fewer sprockets. Therefore, in a multiple rear sprocket assembly 16 including 13 or more sprockets 12, the pulley distance PD may be longer than a rear derailleur used in a multiple rear sprocket assembly including 12 or less sprockets for winding the chain 14. preferable.

Since the pulley distance PD of the present embodiment is 70 mm or more, the chain 14 wound around the multiple rear sprocket assembly 16 including 13 or more sprockets 12 can be preferably wound.

For example, motor assembly 30 is located on base member 22 . For example, motor assembly 30 is configured to pivot first pivot portion 22C of second mounting end 22B of base member 22 about first pivot axis PA1. For example, the motor assembly 30 causes the first pivot portion 22C to pivot about the first pivot axis PA1, thereby causing the rear derailleur 20 to rotate the chain 14 from one sprocket 12 to another sprocket 12 included in the multiple rear sprocket assembly 16. replace the

For example, motor assembly 30 further includes clutch structure 56 . Motor 36 includes an output shaft 36 A configured to drive drive structure 38 . Drive structure 38 is coupled to clutch structure 56 . Output shaft 36 A of motor 36 pivotally moves linkage 24 through drive structure 38 and clutch structure 56 to move movable member 26 and pulley assembly 28 relative to base member 22 . Clutch structure 56 is positioned on any one of first pivot portion 22C, second pivot portion 22D, third pivot portion 26A, and fourth pivot portion 26B.

For example, clutch structure 56 includes first clutch element 58 and second clutch element 60 . The second clutch element 60 is arranged in the first pivot axis direction X3 with respect to any one of the first pivot axis PA1, the second pivot axis PA2, the third pivot axis PA3, and the fourth pivot axis PA4. It is configured to mate with clutch element 58 . Any one of the first turning axis PA1, the second turning axis PA2, the third turning axis PA3 and the fourth turning axis PA4 is the first turning portion 22C, the second turning portion 22D and the third turning portion 22D. It corresponds to any one of the pivot axis PA3 and the fourth pivot portion 26B. The first pivot axis PA1 corresponds to the first pivot portion 22C. The first turning portion 22C corresponds to the second turning portion 22D. The third turning axis PA3 corresponds to the third turning axis PA3. The fourth pivot axis PA4 corresponds to the fourth pivot portion 26B.

For example, first clutch element 58 has at least one first engagement profile 58A. The second clutch element 60 has at least one second engagement profile 60A. At least one first engagement profile 58A and at least one second engagement profile 60A are configured to engage each other. For example, the clutch structure 56 is located on the first pivot portion 22C.

For example, clutch structure 56 may be positioned on any one of first pivot portion 22C, second pivot portion 22D, third pivot portion 26A, and fourth pivot portion 26B. Clutch structure 56 includes a first clutch element 58 and a second clutch element 60 . The second clutch element 60 is arranged in the first pivot axis direction X3 with respect to any one of the first pivot axis PA1, the second pivot axis PA2, the third pivot axis PA3, and the fourth pivot axis PA4. It is configured to mate with clutch element 58 . Any one of the first turning axis PA1, the second turning axis PA2, the third turning axis PA3 and the fourth turning axis PA4 is the first turning portion 22C, the second turning portion 22D and the third turning portion 22D. It corresponds to any one of the swivel portion 26A and the fourth swivel portion 26B.

For example, the first clutch element 58 has at least one first engagement tooth 58B. The second clutch element 60 has at least one second engagement tooth 60B. The at least one first engagement tooth 58B and the at least one second engagement tooth 60B are each configured to engage one another. For example, at least one first engagement profile 58A includes at least one first engagement tooth 58B. For example, at least one second engagement profile 60A includes at least one second engagement tooth 60B. At least one first engagement profile 58A may include an uneven friction surface. At least one second engagement profile 60A may include an uneven friction surface.

For example, at least one first engagement profile 58A includes two or more first engagement profiles 58A. For example, the at least one second engagement profile 60A includes two or more second engagement profiles 60A. For example, the at least one first engagement tooth 58B includes two or more first engagement teeth 58B. For example, the at least one second engagement tooth 60B includes two or more second engagement teeth 60B.

For example, clutch structure 56 includes first shaft member 22E and second shaft member 22F. For example, first shaft member 22E and second shaft member 22F are provided with clutch structure 56 of first pivot portion 22C, second pivot portion 22D, third pivot axis PA3, and fourth pivot portion 26B. provided in one of the When the clutch structure 56 is provided on the first pivot portion 22C, the first shaft member 22E and the second shaft member 22F are provided on the first pivot portion 22C. For example, the first shaft member 22E and the second shaft member 22F may be integrally formed with the first turning portion 22C. The first shaft member 22E and the second shaft member 22F are formed separately from each other. For example, the axial direction of the first shaft member 22E substantially matches the axial direction of the second shaft member 22F. For example, the axial end of the first shaft member 22E is coupled to the axial end of the second shaft member 22F.

For example, first clutch element 58 has a cylindrical shape. For example, the second clutch element 60 has a cylindrical shape. For example, the first clutch element 58 is provided on the first shaft member 22E. The first clutch element 58 is provided on the outer peripheral portion of the first shaft member 22E. For example, the first clutch element 58 is rotatably provided on the first shaft member 22E with respect to the first shaft member 22E. The second clutch element 60 is provided on the outer peripheral portion of the second shaft member 22F. The second clutch element 60 is provided on the second shaft member 22F so as not to rotate with respect to the second shaft member 22F. For example, the second clutch element 60 is formed integrally with the second shaft member 22F. For example, at least one first engagement profile 58A is provided on the side of the first clutch element 58 facing the second clutch element 60 . At least one second engagement profile 60A is provided on the surface of the second clutch element 60 facing the first clutch element 58 .

For example, the clutch structure 56 applies a biasing force in the pivot axis direction X3 as a predetermined resistance of the clutch structure 56 to engage the at least one second engagement profile 60A with the at least one first engagement profile 58A. It includes a biasing member 62 adapted to provide. Biasing member 62 includes, for example, at least one disc spring. Biasing member 62 may include, for example, a coil spring and a spring washer. For example, biasing member 62 includes four disc springs.

For example, the first clutch element 58 extends in the turning radial direction X2 about any one of the first turning axis PA1, the second turning axis PA2, the third turning axis PA3, and the fourth turning axis PA4. It has a plurality of gear teeth 58C. A plurality of gear teeth 58C are configured to engage drive structure 38 . A biasing member 62 is disposed on a biasing portion 64 of the first clutch element 58 . The biasing portion 64 and the first engagement profile 58A face in opposite directions in the pivot axis direction X3. For example, the biasing member 62 is configured to contact the surface of the first clutch element 58 opposite the surface facing the second clutch element 60 . A biasing member 62 biases the first clutch element 58 toward the second clutch element 60 .

For example, rear derailleur 20 further includes motor bracket 36B. The motor 36 is arranged on a motor bracket 36B. For example, motor bracket 36B is located on base member 22 . The motor bracket 36B is formed separately from the base member 22 and attached to the base member 22 . The motor bracket 36B may be formed integrally with the base member 22 . The motor bracket 36B may be provided inside the base member 22 or may be provided on the outer surface of the base member 22 .

For example, motor bracket 36B has at least one receiving space P1. A motor 36 is arranged in at least one receiving space P1. For example, the receiving space P1 is configured to follow the shape of the motor 36 . For example, motor bracket 36B extends along the axial direction of motor 36 . For example, the end of the output shaft 36A of the motor 36 is arranged outside the motor bracket 36B. For example, motor bracket 36B has a recess in which output shaft 36A of motor 36 is arranged.

For example, drive structure 38 is a speed reducer. The drive structure 38 decelerates and outputs the rotation of the motor 36 . For example, drive structure 38 includes a plurality of gears. The drive structure 38 may include pulleys and belts. For example, drive structure 38 includes first gear 38A, second gear 38B, and worm shaft 38C. For example, the first gear 38A is provided on the output shaft 36A of the motor 36. As shown in FIG. For example, first gear 38A is attached to the end of output shaft 36A of motor 36 . For example, the first gear 38A and the second gear 38B mesh with each other. For example, the second gear 38B and the worm shaft 38C have the same rotation axis. For example, the rotation axes of the second gear 38B and the worm shaft 38C are perpendicular to the first pivot axis PA1.

When the output shaft 36A of the motor 36 rotates, the rotational force of the motor 36 is transmitted through the first gear 38A, the second gear 38B, the worm shaft 38C, the clutch structure 56, and the first turning portion 22C in that order. Pivoting of first pivoting portion 22C by the rotational force of motor 36 causes linkage 24 to pivot about first pivoting portion 22C, thereby moving movable member 26 and pulley assembly 28 relative to base member 22 .

For example, in a normal state in which an external force larger than a predetermined external force is not applied to the rear derailleur 20 or a rotational force of the motor 36 larger than a predetermined rotational force is not applied to the drive structure 38, the first engagement profile 58A, The second engagement profile 60A meshes with each other without relative movement. When an external force larger than a predetermined external force is applied to the rear derailleur 20, or a rotational force of the motor 36 larger than a predetermined rotational force is applied to the drive structure 38, the first engagement profile 58A and the second engagement profile 60A are brought into contact with each other. relatively move away from each other. Therefore, the engagement between the first engagement profile 58A and the second engagement profile 60A is released. When the engagement between the first engagement profile 58A and the second engagement profile 60A is released, the first clutch element 58 rotates relative to the second clutch element 60 and the second shaft member 22F. The rotational force of shaft member 22</b>F is not transmitted to motor assembly 30 . When the rear derailleur 20 is no longer subjected to an external force greater than the predetermined external force and the driving structure 38 is not subject to the rotational force of the motor 36 greater than the predetermined rotational force, the first engagement profile 58A and the second engagement profile 58A are brought into contact with each other. The mating profiles 60A mesh with each other again.

For example, rear derailleur 20 further includes battery mounting portion 52 . Drive structure 38 is configured to pivot linkage 24 such that movable member 26 and pulley assembly 28 move relative to base member 22 . A battery attachment portion 52 is provided on at least one of the outer link member 34 and the inner link member 32 such that at least one battery 54 is attached to the battery attachment portion 52 .

For example, the battery attachment portion 52 is provided on the inner link member 32 . For example, the battery attachment portion 52 is provided in the inner link member 32 near the third turning portion 26A. For example, rear derailleur 20 further includes at least one battery 54 . At least one battery 54 is configured to be attached to the battery attachment portion 52 . For example, at least one battery 54 includes a secondary battery. For example, at least one battery 54 includes a button cell battery.

For example, at least one battery 54 is configured to be removably attached to battery attachment portion 52 . Rear derailleur 20 further includes a battery bracket 52A. Battery bracket 52A is configured to be positioned on battery mounting portion 52 . At least one battery 54 is positioned in battery bracket 52A.

For example, battery bracket 52A has at least one receiving space P2. At least one battery 54 is arranged in at least one receiving space P2. For example, the receiving space P2 is configured to follow the shape of at least one battery 54 . For example, the battery bracket 52A is formed separately from the inner link member 32 and detachably attached to the inner link member 32 . Battery bracket 52A may be formed integrally with inner link member 32 . The battery bracket 52</b>A may be provided inside the inner link member 32 or may be provided on the outer surface of the inner link member 32 . The battery bracket 52A may be detachably attached to the inner link member 32 .

For example, motor 36 is configured to be powered by at least one battery 54 . For example, at least one battery 54 is communicatively connected to motor 36 via an electrical cable or wireless communication device. For example, the at least one battery 54 can communicate with the motor 36 by, for example, Power Line Communication (PLC), Controller Area Network (CAN), or Universal Asynchronous Receiver/Transmitter (UART). Motor 36 may be configured to be powered by batteries other than at least one battery 54 .

The rear derailleur 20 may have a control section. For example, the controller is provided on the base member 22 or the inner link member 32 . For example, the controller controls the motor 36 . For example, the controller controls the supply of power from the battery 54 to the motor 36 . The control unit includes an arithmetic processing unit that executes a predetermined control program. The arithmetic processing unit included in the control unit includes, for example, a CPU (Central Processing Unit) or an MPU (Micro Processing Unit). The arithmetic processing units included in the control unit may be provided in a plurality of locations separated from each other.

For example, part of the arithmetic processing device may be provided in a human-powered vehicle, and another part of the arithmetic processing device may be provided in a server connected to the Internet. When the processing units are provided in a plurality of places separated from each other, each part of the processing units is communicatively connected to each other via a wireless communication device. The controller may include one or more microcomputers. Preferably, the controller further includes a memory. The storage unit stores information used for control programs and control processing. The storage unit includes, for example, non-volatile memory and volatile memory. The non-volatile memory includes, for example, at least one of ROM (Read-Only Memory), EPROM (Erasable Programmable Read Only Memory), EEPROM (Electrically Erasable Programmable Read-Only Memory), and flash memory. Volatile memory includes, for example, RAM (Random Access Memory).

For example, the base member 22 includes an angular positioning structure 66 configured to adjust the angular position of the rear derailleur 20 relative to the frame 10 of the manpowered vehicle. The angular position adjustment structure 66 is configured to adjust the angular position of the rear derailleur 20 with respect to the frame 10 by rotating the first arm 40 and the second arm 42 about the rear wheel axis RC. Angular position adjustment structure 66 adjusts the angular position of rear derailleur 20 by adjusting the angular position of base member 22 relative to frame 10 .

For example, the angular position adjustment structure 66 includes a bolt member 68 having a first threaded portion 68A and an adjustment opening 70 having a second threaded portion 70A that threadably engages the first threaded portion 68A. The first threaded portion 68A includes, for example, a male thread. The second threaded portion 70A includes, for example, a female thread. Rotation of the bolt member 68 changes the relative position between the first threaded portion 68A and the second threaded portion 70A. A head portion 68B of the bolt member 68 is provided with a structure for rotating the bolt member 68 . For example, the structure for rotating the bolt member 68 is a hole for inserting a Phillips screwdriver or a flat-blade screwdriver, or a hole for inserting a hexagonal wrench.

A contact surface 10A is formed at the rear end of the frame 10 to which the rear derailleur 20 is attached. 10 A of contact surfaces are comprised so that one part may protrude, for example. The angular position of the rear derailleur 20 with respect to the frame 10 is changed and determined by the contact of the end of the bolt member 68 with the contact surface 10A. The contact surface 10A with which the bolt member 68 contacts is configured to protrude below the manpowered vehicle from the line connecting the rear wheel axis RC and the front wheel axis. The end portion of the bolt member 68 that contacts the contact surface 10A may be made of a material other than metal. For example, the end of the bolt member 68 that contacts the contact surface 10A is made of resin or elastomer.

For example, when the first arm 40 and the second arm 42 are attached, the frame 10 of the manpowered vehicle is arranged between the first arm 40 and the second arm 42 in the axial direction X1 of the rear wheel axis RC. configured to The axial direction X1 of the rear wheel axial center RC coincides with the lateral direction of the manpowered vehicle. The first arm 40 has a first mounting opening 40A through which the rear wheel axis RC coaxially penetrates when the rear derailleur 20 is mounted on the manpowered vehicle. The second arm 42 has a second mounting opening 42A through which the rear wheel axis RC coaxially penetrates when the rear derailleur 20 is mounted on the manpowered vehicle. The frame 10 has a frame opening 10B through which the rear wheel axis RC coaxially passes.

The angular positioning structure 66 is located at an arm connection 72 that connects the first arm 40 and the second arm 42 . The angular positioning structure 66 is arranged between the first arm 40 and the second arm 42 in the axial direction X1. The angular position adjustment structure 66 is provided between the first mounting opening 40A and the second mounting opening 42A in the axial direction X1. The angular position adjustment structure 66 is provided between the first mounting opening 40A and the second mounting end 22B in the radial direction of the rear wheel axis RC. The angular position adjustment structure 66 is provided between the second mounting opening 42A and the second mounting end 22B in the radial direction of the rear wheel axis RC. For example, the first arm 40 and the second arm 42 are integrally formed with the base member 22 . For example, the first arm 40 and the second arm 42 may be formed separately from the base member 22 .

For example, the second arm 42 is arranged closer to the center plane P of the manpowered vehicle than the first arm 40 in the attached state. The axial center plane P of the manpowered vehicle is a plane along the central axis of the manpowered vehicle along the longitudinal direction. The axial center plane P of the manpowered vehicle is orthogonal to the axial direction X1 of the rear wheel axial center RC.

For example, rear derailleur 20 further includes fastener member 74 . The fastener member 74 is configured to attach the first attachment end 22A of the base member 22 to the frame 10 of the manpowered vehicle. In the attached state, the fastener center axis FC of the fastener member 74 and the rear wheel axis RC are coaxial. For example, the fastener member 74 has a tubular portion 76 and a radial protrusion 78 that protrudes radially with respect to the fastener central axis FC. The radial protrusion 78 extends radially outward from one shaft end 76A of the tubular portion 76 of the fastener member 74 with respect to the fastener central axis FC.

For example, the first arm 40 of the base member 22 has a first mounting opening 40A configured for the tubular portion 76 of the fastener member 74 to extend therethrough. The first attachment opening 40A is provided so that the rear wheel axis RC coaxially penetrates the first attachment opening 40A in the attached state. The first arm 40 of the base member 22 has a first minimum radial thickness H1 around the first mounting opening 40A with respect to the rear wheel axis RC in the mounted state.

For example, the second arm 42 of the base member 22 has a second mounting opening 42A configured to at least partially extend through the tubular portion 76 of the fastener member 74 . The second mounting opening 42A is provided so that the rear wheel axis RC passes through the second mounting opening 42A coaxially in the mounted state. The second arm 42 has a second minimum radial thickness H2 around the second mounting opening 42A with respect to the rear wheel axis RC in the mounted state.

For example, in the attached state, the second arm 42 is arranged at a position closer to the center plane P of the manpowered vehicle than the first arm 40 is. For example, in the attached state, the first arm 40 is arranged between the frame 10 and the radial protrusion 78 of the fastener member 74 in the axial direction X1 with respect to the rear wheel axis RC.

The first minimum radial thickness H1 is the thickness of the thinnest portion of the first arm 40 forming the first attachment opening 40A. The second minimum radial thickness H2 is the thickness of the thinnest portion of the second arm 42 forming the second mounting opening 42A.

For example, at least one of the first minimum radial thickness H1 and the second minimum radial thickness H2 is 2 mm or more. For example, both the first minimum radial thickness H1 and the second minimum radial thickness H2 are 2 mm or more. For example, at least one of the first minimum radial thickness H1 and the second minimum radial thickness H2 is 2.5 mm or more. For example, both the first minimum radial thickness H1 and the second minimum radial thickness H2 are 2.5 mm or more. For example, the first minimum radial thickness H1 and the second minimum radial thickness H2 are 10 mm or less.

A sliding portion S is formed on at least one of the contact surface between the rear wheel hub axle 80 and the base member 22 and the contact surface between the fastener member 74 and the base member 22 . The sliding portion S is formed, for example, on at least one of a contact surface between the rear wheel hub axle 80 and the second arm 42 and a contact surface between the second arm 42 and the tubular portion 76. .

For example, the sliding portion S is formed to have a thickness of 0.2 mm or more in the axial direction X1. For example, the sliding portion S is made of a material different from that of the fastener member 74 , the rear wheel hub axle 80 , and the base member 22 . For example, the sliding portion S is made of a material with excellent low friction and wear resistance. For example, the material forming the sliding portion S is resin. For example, the material forming the sliding portion S is fluororesin. The fluororesin is, for example, polytetrafluoroethylene or perfluoroalkoxyalkane.

The sliding portion S improves slidability. The sliding portion S may be formed by surface treatment of the contact surfaces of the fastener member 74 , the rear wheel hub axle 80 , and the base member 22 . For example, the surface treatment of the sliding portion S is composed of at least one of alumite treatment, in which the contact surface is covered with an oxide film, and fluororesin treatment. Fluororesin processing includes fluororesin coating and pasting.

In the rear derailleur 20 of the first embodiment, at least one sliding portion S is formed between the rear wheel hub axle 80 and the base member 22 and between the fastener member 74 and the base member 22 . At least one wear between the rear wheel hub axle 80 and the base member 22 and between the fastener member 74 and the base member 22 is suppressed in the portion where the sliding portion S is formed.

<Second embodiment>
A rear derailleur 20 according to a second embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. 15 to 18. FIG. The rear derailleur 20 of the second embodiment is the same as the rear derailleur 20 of the first embodiment, except that the arrangement of the motor assembly 30 and the motor bracket 36B in the rear derailleur 20 is different. In the second embodiment, the same reference numerals as in the first embodiment are assigned to the same configurations as in the first embodiment, and overlapping descriptions are omitted.

The motor assembly 30 of this embodiment is arranged on either one of the outer link member 34 and the inner link member 32 . The motor bracket 36B of this embodiment is configured to be arranged on either one of the outer link member 34 and the inner link member 32 .

In the first example of the rear derailleur 20 of the second embodiment shown in FIG. 15 and the second example of the rear derailleur 20 of the second embodiment shown in FIG. be done. In the first example of the rear derailleur 20 of the second embodiment shown in FIG. 15 and the second example of the rear derailleur 20 of the second embodiment shown in FIG. configured to be

In the first example of the rear derailleur 20 of the second embodiment shown in FIG. 15, the motor assembly 30 is arranged on the inner link member 32 on the side of the first turning portion 22C. In the first example of the rear derailleur 20 of the second embodiment shown in FIG. 15, for example, the motor assembly 30 rotates the first turning portion 22C of the second mounting end 22B of the base member 22 around the first turning axis PA1. configured to pivot to

In the second example of the rear derailleur 20 of the second embodiment shown in FIG. 16, the motor assembly 30 is arranged on the inner link member 32 on the side of the third turning portion 26A. In the second example of the rear derailleur 20 of the second embodiment shown in FIG. 16, the motor bracket 36B is configured to be arranged in the inner link member 32 on the third turning portion 26A side. In the second example of the rear derailleur 20 of the second embodiment shown in FIG. 16, for example, the motor assembly 30 is configured to pivot the third pivot portion 26A of the movable member 26 around the third pivot axis PA3. be done.

In the third example of the rear derailleur 20 of the second embodiment shown in FIG. 17 and the fourth example of the rear derailleur 20 of the second embodiment shown in FIG. be done. In the third example of the rear derailleur 20 of the second embodiment shown in FIG. 17 and the fourth example of the rear derailleur 20 of the second embodiment shown in FIG. configured to be

In the third example of the rear derailleur 20 of the second embodiment shown in FIG. 17, the motor assembly 30 is arranged on the second turning portion 22D side of the outer link member 34. As shown in FIG. In the third example of the rear derailleur 20 of the second embodiment shown in FIG. 17, the motor bracket 36B is arranged in the outer link member 34 on the side of the second turning portion 22D. In the third example of the rear derailleur 20 of the second embodiment shown in FIG. 17, for example, the motor assembly 30 rotates the second turning portion 22D of the second attachment end 22B of the base member 22 around the second turning axis PA2. configured to pivot to

In a fourth example of the rear derailleur 20 of the second embodiment shown in FIG. 18, the motor assembly 30 is arranged on the fourth turning portion 26B side of the outer link member 34 . In the fourth example of the rear derailleur 20 of the second embodiment shown in FIG. 18, the motor bracket 36B is arranged on the fourth turning portion 26B side of the outer link member 34 . In the fourth example of the rear derailleur 20 of the second embodiment shown in FIG. 18, for example, the motor assembly 30 is configured to pivot the fourth pivot portion 26B of the movable member 26 around the fourth pivot axis PA4. be.

In the rear derailleur 20 of the second embodiment, the strength of the first mounting end 22A is improved by the first arm 40 and the second arm 42, so that the motor 36 is placed on the link mechanism 24 even on rough road surfaces. The shifting operation of the rear derailleur 20 is stabilized.

<Third Embodiment>
A rear derailleur 20 according to a third embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. 19 to 21. FIG. The rear derailleur 20 of the third embodiment is the same as the rear derailleur 20 of the first embodiment or the second embodiment, except that the arrangement of the clutch structure 56 in the rear derailleur 20 is different. In the third embodiment, the same reference numerals as in the first embodiment and the second embodiment are assigned to the configurations common to the first embodiment and the second embodiment, and duplicate descriptions are omitted.

The clutch structure 56 of this embodiment is configured to be positioned on any of the second pivot portion 22D, the third pivot portion 26A, and the fourth pivot portion 26B.

In a first example of the third embodiment rear derailleur 20 shown in FIG. 19, the clutch structure 56 is arranged on the second pivot portion 22D. When the clutch structure 56 is arranged on the second pivot portion 22D and the rear derailleur 20 includes the motor assembly 30, for example, the motor assembly 30 rotates the second pivot portion 22D of the movable member 26 about the second pivot axis PA2. configured to pivot to If clutch structure 56 is located on second pivot portion 22D and rear derailleur 20 includes motor assembly 30, motor assembly 30 is located on at least one of outer link member 34 and base member 22, for example.

In a second example of the third embodiment rear derailleur 20 shown in FIG. 20, the clutch structure 56 is arranged on the third pivot portion 26A. If the clutch structure 56 is located on the third pivot portion 26A and the rear derailleur 20 includes the motor assembly 30, for example, the motor assembly 30 rotates the third pivot portion 26A of the movable member 26 about the third pivot axis PA3. configured to pivot to If clutch structure 56 is located on third pivot portion 26A and rear derailleur 20 includes motor assembly 30, motor assembly 30 is located on at least one of inner link member 32 and movable member 26, for example.

In a third example of the third embodiment rear derailleur 20 shown in FIG. 21, the clutch structure 56 is arranged on the fourth pivot portion 26B. If the clutch structure 56 is located on the fourth pivot portion 26B and the rear derailleur 20 includes the motor assembly 30, for example, the motor assembly 30 rotates the fourth pivot portion 26B of the movable member 26 about the fourth pivot axis PA4. configured to pivot to If clutch structure 56 is located on fourth pivot portion 26B and rear derailleur 20 includes motor assembly 30, motor assembly 30 is located on at least one of outer link member 34 and movable member 26, for example.

In the rear derailleur 20 of the third embodiment, the first arm 40 and the second arm 42 improve the strength of the first attachment end 22A. By arranging the clutch structure 56 on any one of the second turning axis PA2 to the fourth turning axis PA4, it is possible to reduce the size of the rear derailleur 20 so that the operation is stable even on a rough road surface.

In the rear derailleur 20 of the third embodiment, the heavy clutch structure 56 is arranged on the link mechanism 24 . The rear derailleur 20 of the third embodiment can realize a stable shifting operation by arranging the clutch structure 56 on any one of the second turning axis PA2 to the fourth turning axis PA4.

<Fourth Embodiment>
A rear derailleur 20 according to a fourth embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. 22 and 23. FIG. The rear derailleur 20 of the fourth embodiment is the same as any of the rear derailleurs 20 of the first to third embodiments, except that the arrangement of the battery mounting portion 52 in the rear derailleur 20 is different. In the fourth embodiment, the same reference numerals as those in the first to third embodiments are assigned to the configurations common to those in the first to third embodiments, and overlapping descriptions are omitted.

The battery mounting portion 52 of this embodiment is provided on the outer link member 34 .
In the first example shown in FIG. 22 , the battery mounting portion 52 is provided on the second turning portion 22D side of the outer link member 34 . If rear derailleur 20 includes at least one of motor assembly 30 and clutch structure 56 in addition to battery mounting portion 52 , motor assembly 30 and at least one of clutch structure 56 are mounted on battery mounting portion 52 . For example, it is provided on the outer link member 34 other than the second turning portion 22D side so as not to interfere.

In the second example shown in FIG. 23, the battery mounting portion 52 is provided in the outer link member 34 near the fourth turning portion 26B. If rear derailleur 20 includes at least one of motor assembly 30 and clutch structure 56 in addition to battery mounting portion 52 , motor assembly 30 and at least one of clutch structure 56 are mounted on battery mounting portion 52 . For example, it is provided on the outer link member 34 other than the fourth turning portion 26B side so as not to interfere.

A battery 54 is arranged in the link mechanism 24 in the rear derailleur 20 of the fourth embodiment. In the rear derailleur 20 of the fourth embodiment, the first arm 40 and the second arm 42 improve the strength of the first attachment end 22A. Therefore, the shifting operation of the rear derailleur 20 is stable even on a rough road surface.

<Modification>
The description of each embodiment is an illustration of possible forms of a rear derailleur according to the present disclosure and is not intended to limit the forms. A rear derailleur according to the present disclosure can take, for example, modifications of the embodiments shown below, and combinations of at least two modifications that are not mutually contradictory. In the modifications below, the same reference numerals as in the embodiment are given to the parts that are common to the embodiments, and the description thereof is omitted.

- At least part of the motor assembly 30 may be arranged on the base member 22 in the first, third, and fourth embodiments. If at least a portion of motor assembly 30 is disposed on base member 22 , for example, motor bracket 36B is configured to be disposed on base member 22 . For example, if at least a portion of motor assembly 30 is disposed on base member 22 , another portion of motor assembly 30 may be disposed on linkage 24 . For example, if motor 36 is located on base member 22 , drive structure 38 may be located on linkage 24 . For example, if drive structure 38 is located on base member 22 , motor 36 may be located on linkage 24 . For example, when at least part of the motor assembly 30 is arranged on the base member 22, the motor assembly 30 pivots the first pivot portion 22C of the second attachment end 22B of the base member 22 around the first pivot axis PA1. The second pivot portion 22D of the second mounting end 22B of the base member 22 may be configured to pivot about the second pivot axis PA2.

- As shown in Figure 24, the motor assembly 30 may be located on the movable member 26; When the motor assembly 30 is disposed on the movable member 26, for example, the motor assembly 30 is configured to pivot the third pivot portion 26A of the movable member 26 about the third pivot axis PA3. When the motor assembly 30 is disposed on the movable member 26, for example, the motor assembly 30 is configured to pivot the fourth pivot portion 26B of the movable member 26 about the fourth pivot axis PA4.

- As shown in FIG. 25, the battery mounting portion 52 may be provided on the inner link member 32 on the side of the first turning portion 22C. If rear derailleur 20 includes at least one of motor assembly 30 and clutch structure 56 in addition to battery mounting portion 52 , motor assembly 30 and at least one of clutch structure 56 are mounted on battery mounting portion 52 . For example, it is provided on the inner link member 32 other than the first turning portion 22C side so as not to interfere.

- The movable member 26 includes a rotating shaft, and may include a damper structure disposed on the movable member 26 around the rotation axis of the rotating shaft. For example, a rotatable shaft is attached to pulley assembly 28 and rotatably coupled to movable member 26 about the axis of rotation of the rotatable shaft. For example, the damper structure provides frictional resistance in a rotational direction corresponding to the rearward direction of the manpowered vehicle. Friction provided by the damper structure can restrain rotation of the movable member 26 in a rotational direction corresponding to the rearward direction of the manpowered vehicle.

- The drive structure 38 may include a magnet and a magnetic sensor. When the drive structure 38 includes a magnet and a magnetic sensor, for example, the magnetic sensor is provided on the housing of the base member 22 and the magnet is provided on the first pivot portion 22C at a position corresponding to the magnetic sensor. As the first pivoting portion 22C pivots, the magnetic sensor rotates relative to the magnet, so that the magnetic sensor detects changes in the relative position of the magnet, thereby detecting the relative position of the pulley assembly 28. be done.

- The battery mounting portion 52 may be omitted from the rear derailleur 20 . In this case, the motor 36 may be configured to be driven by electric power supplied from the outside of the rear derailleur 20 .

- The clutch structure 56 may be omitted from the rear derailleur 20 . In this case, the motor 36 and any one of the first turning portion 22C, the second turning portion 22D, the third turning portion 26A, and the fourth turning portion 26B are always connected.

As used herein, the phrase "at least one" means "one or more" of the desired option. As an example, the phrase "at least one" as used herein means "only one option" or "both of the two options" if the number of options is two. As another example, the expression "at least one" used herein means "only one option" or "any combination of two or more options" if the number of options is three or more. means.

Reference Signs List 10 Frame 12 Sprocket 14 Chain 16 Multiple rear sprocket assembly 20 Rear derailleur 22 Base member 22A First mounting end 22B Second mounting end 22C First turning portion 22D... Second turning portion 24... Link mechanism 26... Movable member 26A... Third turning part 26B... Fourth turning part 28... Pulley assembly 30... Motor assembly 32... Inner link member 32A... Inner One end of link member 32B... Other end of inner link member 34... Outer link member 34A... One end of outer link member 34B... Other end of outer link member 36... Motor 36A... Output shaft 36B... Motor bracket , 38 Drive structure 40 First arm 42 Second arm 44 Inner guide plate 46 Outer guide plate 48 Guide pulley 50 Tension pulley 56 Clutch structure 58 First clutch Elements 58B...at least one first engagement tooth, 60...second clutch element, 60B...at least one second engagement tooth, 66...angular position adjustment structure, 68...bolt member, 68A...first threaded portion, 70... Adjustment opening, 70A... Second screw portion, 74... Fastener member, 76... Cylindrical portion, 76A... Shaft end, 78... Radial projection.

Claims (23)

A rear derailleur mounted coaxially with a rear wheel axis of a human-powered vehicle,
The rear derailleur is
a base member including a first mounting end mounted coaxially with the rear wheel axis, a first pivoting portion, and a second mounting end having a second pivoting portion;
The inner link member and the rear derailleur are rotatably connected to the base member, and in a mounted state in which the inner link member and the rear derailleur are attached to the manpowered vehicle, are positioned further away from the frame of the manpowered vehicle than the inner link member. a link mechanism including an disposed outer link member;
a third pivoting portion pivotally coupled to the linkage and movable in the mounted state toward the frame of the manpowered vehicle and away from the frame of the manpowered vehicle; and , a movable member having a fourth pivot portion;
a pulley assembly pivotally coupled to the movable member;
a motor assembly disposed on one of the outer link member and the inner link member and including a motor and a drive structure;
the first attachment end includes a first arm and a second arm;
The first arm and the second arm are arranged so as to be separated from each other in the axial direction of the rear wheel axis,
one end of the inner link member is pivotally coupled to the first pivot portion of the second mounting end of the base member about a first pivot axis;
one end of the outer link member is pivotably connected to the second pivot portion of the second mounting end of the base member about a second pivot axis;
the third turning portion is connected to the other end of the inner link member so as to be able to turn about a third turning axis;
The fourth turning portion is connected to the other end of the outer link member so as to be able to turn around a fourth turning axis,
an output shaft of the motor is attached to the drive structure;
The drive structure is configured to drive any one of the first pivot portion, the second pivot portion, the third pivot portion, and the fourth pivot portion to pivot the linkage. is,
A rear derailleur wherein pivoting of the linkage mechanism causes the movable member and the pulley assembly to move relative to the base member. 2. The rear derailleur according to claim 1, wherein said motor assembly is located on said inner link member. 3. The rear derailleur of claim 2, wherein the motor assembly is configured to pivot the first pivot portion of the second mounting end of the base member about the first pivot axis. 3. The rear derailleur of claim 2, wherein the motor assembly is configured to pivot the third pivot portion of the movable member about the third pivot axis. 2. The rear derailleur according to claim 1, wherein said motor assembly is located on said outer link member. 6. The rear derailleur of claim 5, wherein the motor assembly is configured to pivot the second pivot portion of the second mounting end of the base member about the second pivot axis. 6. The rear derailleur of claim 5, wherein the motor assembly is configured to pivot the fourth pivot portion of the movable member about the fourth pivot axis. further comprising a motor bracket configured to be disposed on the one of the outer link member and the inner link member;
8. A rear derailleur according to any preceding claim, wherein the motor is located on the motor bracket. the motor bracket has at least one receiving space;
9. The rear derailleur according to claim 8, wherein said motor is located in said at least one receiving space. the motor assembly includes a clutch structure disposed on any one of the first pivot portion, the second pivot portion, the third pivot portion, and the fourth pivot portion;
The clutch structure includes a first clutch element and the first pivot shaft corresponding to any one of the first pivot portion, the second pivot portion, the third pivot portion, and the fourth pivot portion. a second clutch configured to mesh with the first clutch element in a pivot axis direction relative to any one of center, second pivot axis, third pivot axis, and fourth pivot axis; contains the elements and
the first clutch element has at least one first engagement tooth;
the second clutch element has at least one second engagement tooth;
10. The rear of any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein the at least one first engaging tooth and the at least one second engaging tooth are configured to engage each other, respectively. Derailleur. 11. A rear derailleur according to any preceding claim, wherein the base member includes angular position adjustment structure configured to adjust the angular position of the rear derailleur with respect to the frame of the manpowered vehicle. 12. The rear derailleur of claim 11, wherein said angular position adjustment structure includes a bolt member having a first threaded portion and an adjustment opening having a second threaded portion threadedly engaged with said first threaded portion. 13. The rear derailleur according to any one of claims 1 to 12, wherein the second arm is arranged closer to the center plane of the manpowered vehicle than the first arm in the attached state. In the attached state, the frame of the manpowered vehicle is arranged between the first arm and the second arm in the axial direction of the rear wheel axis. 14. A rear derailleur according to any one of claims 1 to 13, configured to. further comprising a fastener member configured to attach the first attachment end of the base member to the frame of the manpowered vehicle;
2. The rear derailleur according to claim 1, wherein the fastener center axis of the fastener member and the rear wheel axis are coaxial in the attached state. The fastener member has a cylindrical portion and a radially projecting portion that projects radially with respect to the center axis of the fastener,
16. The rear derailleur according to claim 15, wherein the radial protrusion extends radially outward from one axial end of the tubular portion of the fastener member with respect to the fastener central axis. 17. The rear derailleur of claim 16, wherein said first arm of said base member has a first mounting opening configured for said tubular portion of said fastener member to extend therethrough. 18. The rear derailleur of claim 17, wherein said second arm of said base member has a second mounting aperture configured to at least partially extend through said tubular portion of said fastener member. In the attached state, the second arm is arranged at a position closer to the central plane of the shaft center of the manpowered vehicle than the first arm,
19. The first arm according to any one of claims 16 to 18, wherein in the attached state, the first arm is arranged between the frame and the radial projection of the fastener member in an axial direction with respect to the rear wheel axis. rear derailleur as described above. The pulley assembly includes:
at least one of an inner guide plate and an outer guide plate;
a guide pulley configured to engage a chain of the manpowered vehicle and rotatably mounted to the at least one of the inner and outer guide plates about a guide pulley axis;
configured to engage the chain and rotatably mounted to the at least one of the inner and outer guide plates about a tension pulley axis remote from the guide pulley axis; a tension pulley;
20. A rear derailleur according to any preceding claim, wherein the pulley distance defined by the guide pulley axis to the tension pulley axis is 70mm or greater. 21. The rear derailleur of claim 20, wherein said pulley distance is 120mm or less. 22. A rear derailleur according to claim 20 or 21, wherein said rear derailleur is applicable to multiple rear sprocket assemblies including thirteen or more sprockets. 23. The rear derailleur of any one of Claims 20 to 22, wherein the guide pulley is configured to guide the chain to a sprocket having nine total teeth or less.

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