WO2020228985A1

WO2020228985A1 - Bicycle front derailleur with chain jump prevention

Info

Publication number: WO2020228985A1
Application number: PCT/EP2020/025212
Authority: WO
Inventors: Jean Davy
Original assignee: Qmuch
Priority date: 2019-05-10
Filing date: 2020-05-07
Publication date: 2020-11-19
Also published as: FR3095800A1; FR3095800B1

Abstract

Crankset for a cycle comprising a derailleur. The invention relates to a crankset for a cycle intended to be mechanically coupled by at least one chain (13) to at least one sprocket of the cycle and comprising at least one derailleur configured to move the chain (13) alternately from a first chainring (110) to a second chainring (120), the first chainring (110) and the second chainring (120) being borne by the crankset and being rotationally secured to the crankset about an axis of rotation of the crankset, said crankset being characterized in that the derailleur comprises at least: - a movable upshift fork; - an upshift stop; - at least one upshift actuator; - a movable downshift fork; - a downshift stop (170); - at least one downshift actuator.

Description

Title of the invention: Front derailleur of bicycle avoiding chain skipping

[TECHNICAL FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to a crankset preferably for a two-wheeled vehicle such as a bicycle. The invention will find a particularly advantageous application, but not limited to sports bicycles, typically racing bikes, designed to achieve high sports performance.

STATE OF THE ART

Cranksets equipped with derailleur have been known for a long time. This type of crankset thus comprises a plurality of plates cooperating with a chain. The derailleur is thus used to move the chain from one chainring to another, each chainring having a different diameter.

This type of crankset thus allows the user to adapt the mechanical coupling of the crankset with the rear sprocket simply by moving, via the derailleur, the chain from one chainring to another by means of a translation of the chain. This comes in addition to the translation of the chain from one rear sprocket to another in order to have greater modularity in the choice of chainring / sprocket pairs.

This type of derailleur generally comprises a fork comprising an opening through which the chain passes so that the translation of the fork to one side or the other can drive the chain and thus move it from one chainring to another.

It is the mechanical tension supported by the chain between the pinion and the chainring and its lateral bending that allows it to leave the chainring on which it is engaged to join the chainring of higher or lower size, which is why the part of the chain The derailleur fork in contact with the chain must press the chain far enough from the chainring so that only bending the chain allows it to leave the teeth of the chainring.

This maneuver is relatively easy when the movement is from a large chainring to a smaller chainring since once the chain is released from the tooth of the large chainring, the tension of the chain naturally tends to make it join the smaller chainring.

However, the movement of the chain from a small chainring to a larger one is much more difficult since the chain tension opposes this movement.

When the user moves the fork out of the crank to pass the chain over the large chainring, the fork may go too far and exceed the large chainring. The chain then falls beyond the large plateau, we speak of chain jump. This chain jump can occur in the same way when switching from a large to a small plateau. In such a case of derailment, the rider is usually forced to stop to put the chain back on a chainring. This case of derailment is all the more likely to occur when the cyclist exerts a significant force on the pedals and on the shift lever of the fork. The consequences of such a derailment can be very penalizing, in particular in the context of a sports competition.

When the user changes the rear sprocket while remaining on the same chainring, the chain may rub against the fork. So by mounting the chain to a larger and larger pinion, the chain will rub against the left tooth of the fork. Likewise on the right tooth for a smaller and smaller pinion. In order to avoid these friction and therefore energy losses the user must adjust the position of the fork, it is a manipulation which requires a certain dexterity and a low sound environment since it is the noise of the friction which warns the user.

An object of the present invention is therefore to provide a solution to the drawbacks discussed above.

A particular object of the present invention is to reduce the risk of derailment.

The other objects, features and advantages of the present invention will become apparent on examination of the following description and the accompanying drawings. It is understood that other advantages can be incorporated.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to a crankset for a cycle, preferably a bicycle, intended to be mechanically coupled by at least one chain to at least one sprocket of the cycle and comprising at least one derailleur configured to move the chain alternately from a first chainring to a second chainring. , the first chainring and the second chainring being carried by the crankset and being integral with the crankset rotating about an axis of rotation of the crankset, the first chainring having a diameter smaller than the diameter of the second chainring, said crankset being characterized in that the derailleur includes at least:

A lifting fork, movable in translation along a first translation axis, and configured to at least move the chain from the first plate to the second plate;

A rise stopper configured to act as a stopper relative to the movement of the chain from the first chainring to the second chainring;

At least one ascent actuator comprising an ascent cable, the at least one ascent actuator being configured to translate the ascent fork towards the chain so as to move the chain from the first chainring to the second chainring;

A descent fork, movable in translation along a second translation axis and configured to at least move the chain from the second plate to the first plate;

A descent stopper configured to act as a stopper relative to the movement of the chain from the second chainring to the first chainring;

At least one lowering actuator comprising a lowering cable, the at least one lowering actuator being configured to translate the lowering fork towards the chain so as to move the chain from the second plate to the first plate;

and in that :

The first plate has an outer face facing the outside of the crankset and facing the descent stopper, and an inner face facing the inside of the crankset partially facing the descent fork;

The second chainring has an outer face facing the outside of the crankset and facing the up stopper, and an inner face facing the inside of the crankset partially facing the ascent fork and facing the inner face of the crankset. first plateau.

For the purposes of the present invention, the term “fork” is understood to mean a mechanical device used to push the chain. The present invention thus makes it possible to reduce, or even avoid, the derailment of the chain when the user wishes to move from one platform to another. Indeed, cleverly, the present invention uses an ascent fork coupled to an ascent stopper so that when the chain passes from a small chainring to a large chainring, the latter is correctly guided and is limited in its movement so as not to exceed the large platform by means of the up stop. Similarly, the lowering fork works with the lowering stopper to accompany the chain from a large chainring to a smaller chainring without going past the smaller chainring thanks to the lowering stop.

Thus, the lowering stopper and / or the raising stopper are not integral with the lowering fork and respectively with the lifting fork when the latter translate to move the chain.

Preferably, the descent stopper and / or the rise stopper are movable relative to a derailleur support of the crankset so as to come into abutment on their respective plate as soon as their respective fork undergoes a translational movement. The bottom bracket derailleur hanger can be fixed or movable relative to the frame of the bicycle. When the derailleur is movable relative to the frame of the bicycle, this makes it possible to adapt the derailleur to a crankset in which the plates are movable in translation along the axis of rotation of the crankset.

The present invention also relates to a crankset for a cycle, preferably for a bicycle, configured to be mechanically coupled by at least one chain to at least one sprocket of a plurality of sprockets and to be supported by at least one frame of the cycle characterized in that that the crankset includes:

at least a first rolling bearing comprising at least one outer ring and one inner ring, one of the outer ring and the inner ring being intended to be integral with the frame; at least one second rolling bearing comprising at least one outer ring and one inner ring, one of the outer ring and the inner ring being intended to be integral with the frame; at least one crankshaft configured to be guided in rotation by at least the first and second rolling bearings around an axis of rotation of the crankset, the crankshaft being integral with the other among the outer ring and the inner ring of the first rolling bearing and integral with the other among the outer ring and the inner ring of the second rolling bearing, the crankshaft being intended to be driven in rotation by pedals;

at least a first toothed chainring and at least one second toothed chainring, each intended to be mechanically coupled with at least one sprocket of a plurality of sprockets via at least one of a chain or a chain belt ;

at least one carriage rotatably secured to the crankshaft about the axis of rotation of the crankset and mounted free in translation on the crankshaft along the axis of rotation of the crankset between the first and second bearings at bearings, so that throughout its travel in translation the carriage remains located between the first and second rolling bearings;

at least one derailleur configured to move the chain alternately from the first chainring to the second chainring, the first chainring and the second chainring being carried by the crankset and being integral with the crankset in rotation about an axis of rotation of the crankset, the first plate having a diameter smaller than the diameter of the second plate; and in which the plate is integral in rotation and in translation with said carriage;

and in which the derailleur comprises at least:

o An ascent fork, movable in translation along a first translation axis, and configured to at least move the chain from the first plate to the second plate;

o A rise stopper configured to act as a stop relative to the movement of the chain from the first plate to the second plate;

At least one ascent actuator comprising an ascent cable, the at least one ascent actuator being configured to translate the ascent fork towards the chain so as to move the chain from the first tray to the second tray;

o A lowering fork, movable in translation along a second translation axis and configured to at least move the chain from the second plate to the first plate;

o A descent stopper configured to act as a stop relative to the movement of the chain from the second plate to the first plate;

o At least one lowering actuator comprising a lowering cable, the at least one lowering actuator being configured to translate the lowering fork towards the chain so as to move the chain from the second plate to the first plate;

Thus, the rotation of the crankshaft around said axis of rotation of the crankset, typically under the force applied by a user on the pedals, causes the rotation of the carriage and therefore of the plate around said axis of rotation of the pedal. crankset relative to the frame while allowing the carriage to slide along the axis of rotation of the crankset.

The present invention thus makes it possible to have a crankset configured to be movable in translation so as to reduce the tension of the chain while benefiting from a derailleur making it possible to reduce, or even avoid, the derailment of the chain. ie the chain break.

The present invention makes it possible to reduce the friction between the chain and the teeth of the chainring and of the rear sprocket. The present invention thus makes it possible to reduce the energy losses associated with this friction. In fact, by the free translation of the carriage, the plane of rotation of the plate is automatically aligned with the plane of rotation of the rear pinion selected so that the two planes of rotation are substantially coplanar. Carriage slides under the effect of the axial component of the tensile forces applied by the chain and which tend to minimize the axial distance between chainring and pinions. This alignment of the carriage is therefore automatic. Thus, the chain line is therefore located in a plane which is also substantially coplanar with these two planes of rotation, thus reducing friction and therefore energy losses. The free translation of the carriage allows it to position itself along the crankshaft so as to minimize energy losses and this automatically by seeking to reduce the axial component of the mechanical tension applied to the chain.

The crankset according to the invention thus makes it possible to improve the performance of a cycle.

The configuration of the crankset according to the invention makes it possible to maintain the plate between the two rolling bearings. The cantilever is defined as a mechanical element subjected to a force, this element having no support in its immediate plumb an imbalance is generated, the greater the distance between the element and its support, the greater the part must be strengthened to resist this imbalance.

According to the present invention, the overhang of the right pedal is significantly reduced since the support bearing is in the immediate vicinity, the plate being to the left of this right bearing. The plate thus supported on the right and on the left by a bearing, the overhang is removed for the plate.

The forces applied to the chain are then better distributed over the frame and the rider. The bilateral symmetry of the bicycle is greatly improved and joins that of the human, the balance and the feeling of pedaling efficiency are improved.

The present invention makes it possible to optimize the mechanical resistance of the crankset and of the frame by proposing a technical solution reducing the overhang of the pedals present in the prior art. This overhang is a source of many problems.

The present invention improves the rigidity of the crankset and of the entire cycle. Indeed, it is common in the prior art that when a cyclist exerts a considerable force on the crankset, the cantilever participates in the deformation of the frame of the cycle and of the wheels which can cause a point contact. of the rear wheel with the rear brake pads. In particular, the constraints of size and mechanical strength require the use of steel alloys, heavy and expensive, in order to be able to absorb, by the geometry of the frame, the lateral forces due to the overhang and to the chain line. , otherwise the deformation of the frame may cause the rear wheel to touch the brake pads. More precisely, the rim of the rear wheel oscillates between the brake pads of the rear wheel. This causes a few jerks, a clearly deteriorated pedaling sensation and reduced performance even when the rider is in a situation of intense exertion.

To avoid these situations, especially when climbing mountain passes, cyclists usually open the brake calipers on the rear wheel slightly, and close them for the descent. Naturally, this solution is not optimal since it involves an action on the part of the runner in order to open the stirrups. The result is a loss of attention on the part of the runner. Moreover, this solution is absolutely not satisfactory in terms of safety since if the rider forgets to reposition the calipers, the rear brake is seriously degraded and the risk of accident increases considerably.

By proposing a solution in which the plate can translate by means of a carriage movable in translation between two bearings, the present invention reduces or even eliminates the problem of the overhang and makes it possible to increase the rigidity. of the crank. The proposed solution thus makes it possible to reduce on the one hand the mechanical losses due to the misalignment of the chain line and on the other hand the mechanical losses due to the oscillation of the rear wheel between the rear brake pads.

The proposed solution ultimately significantly improves cycle performance.

In addition, the present solution makes it possible to avoid the step of opening the brakes, which improves the safety of the cycle and the driving comfort.

The present invention allows a better distribution of the forces undergone by the frame. This allows a better balance for the cyclist and at the same time a reinforcement of the rigidity of the crankset.

The present invention also allows the elimination and the replacement of the axis and the steel bearings of the prior art, heavy and expensive, by plastic parts of larger dimensions. This allows weight and cost savings as well as easier access to larger parts that do not require, a priori, specific tools.

By design, the prior art gives an oversized geometry of the frames in its rear straight part, the present invention, by its better distribution of the driving forces, makes it possible to design almost symmetrical frames, less expensive to manufacture.

The present invention also allows that in the event of a fall, the plate, framed by its two bearings, has less risk of coming into contact with the cyclist and causing injury.

The present invention also relates to a derailleur intended to cooperate with at least one crankset according to the present invention, characterized in that it comprises:

A lifting fork, mobile in translation along a first translation axis and configured to move the chain from the first plate to the second plate;

An upward cable configured to translate the upward fork towards the chain so as to move the chain from the first chainring to the second chainring;

A descent fork, movable in translation along a second translation axis and configured to move the chain from the second plate to the first plate;

A lowering cable configured to translate the lowering fork towards the chain so as to move the chain from the second chainring to the first chainring;

and in that :

The first plate has an outer face facing the outside of the crankset and facing the descent stopper, and an inner face facing the inside of the crankset partially facing the descent fork; The second chainring has an outer face facing the outside of the crankset and facing the up stopper, and an inner face facing the inside of the crankset partially facing the ascent fork and facing the inner face of the crankset. first plateau.

The present invention finally relates to a cycle comprising at least one crankset according to the present invention.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

The aims, objects, as well as the characteristics and advantages of the invention will emerge more clearly from the detailed description of an embodiment of the latter which is illustrated by the following accompanying drawings in which:

[Fig. 1] shows a perspective view of a crankset according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Fig. 2] shows a perspective view of a crankset according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[Fig. 3] shows a perspective view of a crankset according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[Fig. 4] shows a perspective view of a crankset according to an embodiment of the present invention [FIG. 5] shows a sectional view of a derailleur according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[Fig. 6] shows a perspective view of a derailleur according to the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 5 of the present invention.

[Fig. 7] shows an exploded view of a derailleur according to the embodiment illustrated in Figures 5 and 6 of the present invention.

[Fig. 8] shows an exploded view of a derailleur according to the embodiment illustrated in Figures 5 and 6 of the present invention.

[Fig. 9] shows a perspective view of a derailleur according to an embodiment of the present invention cooperating with a chain mechanically coupled with a chainring and a pinion.

[Fig. 10] represents an enlargement of the derailleur illustrated in FIG. 9.

[Fig. 11] shows a view of the raising fork and the raising stopper of the derailleur according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[Fig. 12] shows a view of the descent fork and the descent stopper of the derailleur according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[Fig. 13] shows a perspective view of a crankset according to another embodiment of the present invention.

[Fig. 14] shows a perspective view of the crankset according to the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 13 of the present invention.

[Fig. 15] shows a perspective view of a derailleur according to the embodiment illustrated in Figures 13 and 14 of the present invention.

[Fig. 16] shows a perspective view of the crankset according to the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 15 of the present invention.

[Fig. 17] shows a perspective view of the derailleur according to the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 15 of the present invention. [Fig. 18] shows a perspective view of the derailleur according to the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 17 of the present invention.

[Fig. 19] shows a perspective view of the derailleur according to the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 17 of the present invention.

[Fig. 20] shows a perspective view of the derailleur according to the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 17 of the present invention.

[Fig. 21] shows a pusher-lifter device according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[Fig. 22] shows a control device according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[Fig. 23] shows a control device according to an embodiment illustrated in FIG. 22 of the present invention.

[Fig. 24] shows an exploded view of a control device according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[Fig. 25] shows a perspective view of a crankset with sliding carriage according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[Fig. 26] represents an exploded view of the crankset illustrated in FIG. 25.

[Fig. 27] illustrates in perspective a portion of a bicycle comprising a crankset according to another embodiment of the present invention.

[Fig. 28] is a view of the pedal assembly illustrated in FIG. 27.

[Fig. 29] is a view of a crankset according to another embodiment comprising a shock absorber.

The drawings are given by way of example and do not limit the invention. They constitute schematic representations of principle intended to facilitate understanding of the invention and are not necessarily on the scale of practical applications.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

Before starting a detailed review of embodiments of the invention, optional characteristics which can optionally be used in combination or alternatively are set out below.

According to one embodiment, the ascent fork is disposed between the descent fork and the descent stop along the axis of rotation of the crankset, and the descent fork is disposed between the ascent fork and the ascent stop according to l axis of rotation of the crankset.

This increases the compactness of the derailleur.

According to one embodiment, the first translation axis and the second translation axis are merged.

This increases the compactness of the derailleur.

According to one embodiment, the first translation axis and the second translation axis are distinct and preferably mutually parallel.

According to one embodiment, at least one of the ascent stopper and the descent stopper preferably comprises at least one distal end and a proximal end, the distal end of the rise stopper preferably comprising at least one roller movable in rotation around an axis orthogonal to the axis of rotation of the crankset, said roller being intended to be in contact, at least occasionally, with at least part of the outer face of the plate facing said at least one stop.

This makes it possible to reduce the friction between the plates and the stops.

According to one embodiment, the roller is removably mounted on said at least one stopper, preferably the distal end of said at least one stopper.

This makes it possible to change the rollers regularly when they are worn by friction with the plates.

According to one embodiment, the descent stopper comprises at least a distal end and a proximal end, the distal end of the descent stopper comprising at least one descent roller movable in rotation about an axis orthogonal to the axis. of rotation of the crankset, said descending roller movable in rotation being intended to be in mechanical contact with at least part of the external face of the first plate.

According to one embodiment, the descent roller is removably mounted on the distal end of the descent stopper.

According to one embodiment, the upward stopper comprises at least one distal end and one proximal end, the distal end of the upward stopper comprising at least one upward roller movable in rotation about an axis orthogonal to the axis. of rotation of the crankset, said rotationally movable ascent roller being intended to be in mechanical contact with at least part of the external face of the second plate.

The ascent roller is removably mounted on the distal end of the ascent stop.

According to one embodiment, the descent stopper comprises a first portion and a second portion, the first portion being configured to serve as a stopper for the chain when the latter is moved from the second plate towards the first plate and the second bearing portion. said roller intended to be in contact, at least occasionally, with at least part of the external face of the first plate.

This makes it possible to have a stopper for the chain placed as close as possible to it.

According to one embodiment, the first plate comprises a covering portion extending around the outer face of the first plate facing at least part of the teeth of the first plate, this covering portion being intended to come into contact with the first plate. less partial with said roller.

According to one embodiment, the first translation axis and the second translation axis are integral with the crankset.

This makes it possible to reinforce the solidity of the derailleur.

According to one embodiment, the up stop is movable in translation along the first translation axis and is configured to at least come into at least one-off mechanical contact with part of the external face of the second plate when the upward fork moves. towards the second plateau.

According to one embodiment, the descent stop is movable in translation along the second translation axis and is configured to at least come into at least one-off mechanical contact with part of the first plate, preferably with part of the surface of a covering portion integral and carried by the first plate, when the lowering fork moves towards the first plate. According to one embodiment, the upward fork and / or the downward fork and / or the upward stop and / or the downward stop slide along an axis, preferably hollow, of translation.

According to one embodiment, the ascent stop is fixed relative to the ascent fork.

According to one embodiment, the descent stop is fixed relative to the descent fork.

According to one embodiment, the derailleur is movable in translation along an axis parallel to the axis of rotation of the crankset.

This makes it possible to accompany the translation of the crankset along its axis of rotation when the latter is mounted mobile in translation along said axis of rotation.

This makes it possible to keep a perfect chain line when changing chainring and therefore the reduction, or even the cancellation, of the transverse component of the chain tension force, this component being the main cause of the chain skipping. This makes it possible to keep a perfect chain line when changing chainring and therefore the reduction, or even the cancellation, of the transverse component of the chain tension force, this component being the main cause of the chain skipping. The second cause being to continue to push the chain beyond the receiving plate, this is where the associated stopper comes in, the chain will hit this stopper and cannot

mechanically go further.

According to one embodiment, the first plate and the second plate are movable in translation along the axis of rotation of the crankset.

This makes it possible to reduce the mechanical tension applied to the chain between the rear sprocket and the chainrings by translating said chainrings in alignment with the rear sprocket to which the chain in question is coupled by the chain.

According to one embodiment, the ascent fork and the descent fork are configured to alternately present an active position and a passive position, the active position corresponding to at least one-off contacting of at least part of the considered fork. with at least part of the chain, the passive position corresponding to a positioning of the fork considered at a distance from the chain, and when the lifting fork is in the active position, then the lowering fork is in the passive position, and when the Lowering fork is in the active position, then the lifting fork is in the passive position.

According to one embodiment, the up stop and the descent stop are configured to alternately present an active position and a passive position, the active position corresponding to at least one-off contacting of at least part of respectively the stop and the descent stop with respectively at least part of the second plate and at least part of the first plate, the passive position corresponding to a positioning of the stop considered at a distance from the plates, and when the up stop is in active position, then the descent stopper is in the passive position, and when the descent stopper is in the active position, then the up stopper is in the passive position.

According to one embodiment, the ascent fork is mechanically coupled to the ascent stopper through at least a first return element configured to maintain the ascent fork and the ascent stopper in the passive position. According to one embodiment, the descent fork is mechanically coupled to the descent stopper through at least one second return element configured to keep the descent fork and the descent stopper in the passive position.

This makes it possible to easily and reliably return the forks to the passive position when the user does not require them. This allows that in the passive position, the forks / stops are separated as far as possible so that a change of sprocket cannot cause the chain to rub against a fork / stop.

According to one embodiment, the ascent cable is configured so that when mechanical tension is applied to it by a user, the ascent cable applies mechanical compression to said first return element so as to translate the ascent fork from the position. passive to the active position so as to apply a displacement driving force to the chain to move it from the first chainring to the second chainring, and so as to translate the up stopper from the passive position to the active position so that that the ascent stop comes into at least one-off mechanical contact with part of the external face of the second plate.

This makes it possible to move the lifting fork in a simple and reliable manner while ensuring its return to the passive position.

According to one embodiment, the descent cable is configured so that when a mechanical tension is applied to it by a user, the descent cable applies mechanical compression to said second return element so as to translate the descent fork from the position passive to the active position so as to apply a displacement driving force to the chain to move it from the second chainring to the first chainring, and so as to translate the descent stop from the passive position to the active position so that that the descent stop comes into at least one-off mechanical contact with the first plate, preferably with part of the surface of a covering portion integral with and carried by the first plate.

This makes it possible to move the lowering fork in a simple and reliable way while guaranteeing its return to the passive position.

According to one embodiment, the climbing fork comprises a stiffening frame resting on said first return element passing through the climbing fork.

This strengthens the mechanical structure of the ascent fork.

According to one embodiment, the lowering fork comprises a stiffening frame resting on said first return element passing through the lowering fork.

This strengthens the mechanical structure of the lowering fork.

According to one embodiment, the upward stop comprises a stiffening frame resting on said first return element passing through the upward stop.

This strengthens the mechanical structure of the ascent fork.

According to one embodiment, the descent stopper comprises a stiffening frame resting on said second return element passing through the descent stopper.

This makes it possible to strengthen the mechanical structure of the descent stop. According to one embodiment, the lifting fork comprises at least one pusher-lifter device configured to move the chain from the first plate to the second plate, the pusher-lifter device being movable in translation along the first translation axis and comprising at least least one lifting element, the lifting element being movable in translation along a third translation axis inclined relative to the first translation axis so that when the lifting fork moves in translation along the first translation axis towards the stop of mounted, the pusher-lifter device moves in translation along the first translation axis and the lifting element moves in translation along the third translation axis so as to come at least partially into mechanical contact with at least part of the chain to move it from the first plate to the second plate, preferably by lifting and advantageously by pushing at least part of the chain.

This allows the chain to be reliably guided from a small chainring to a large chainring.

In one embodiment, the ascent fork and the descent fork are mechanically coupled to each other through at least a first biasing member configured to keep the ascent fork and the descent fork apart. each other, each in a passive position.

According to one embodiment, the up stopper and the descent stopper are mechanically coupled to each other through at least one second return element configured to keep the up stopper and the descent stopper away. each other, each in a passive position.

This helps reduce the space occupied by the derailleur. Advantageously, this embodiment is preferably configured for a triple plate. Indeed, according to this embodiment, the frame forms a free space to the left of the second plate which is much greater than the space present to the left of the second plate in a conventional frame which occupies this space with the saddle tube.

On a classic racing frame, a triple chainring crankset, for example, requires a slightly wider crankset so that the left fork does not come into contact with the tire. However, the present invention makes it possible not to have to widen the frame, thus the Q factor is preserved, that is to say the difference between the pedals.

According to one embodiment, the ascent cable is configured so that when a mechanical tension is applied to it by a user, the ascent cable applies mechanical compression to said first return element so as to translate the ascent fork and to said second. return element so as to translate the lifting stop from their passive positions to an active position, said active position of the lifting fork corresponding to at least partial mechanical contact of the lifting element with at least part of the lifting element. the chain and G application of a driving force to move the chain from the first chainring to the second chainring, preferably by lifting and advantageously by pushing the chain, and the active position of the up stop corresponding to the setting in at least one-off mechanical contact of part of the ascent stop with part of the external face of the second plate.

According to one embodiment, the lowering cable is configured so that when a mechanical tension is applied to it by a user, the lowering cable applies mechanical compression to said first return element so as to translate the lowering fork and to said second. return element so as to translate the descent stop from their passive positions to an active position, said active position of the descent corresponding to at least partial mechanical contact of the lowering fork with at least part of the chain and to the application of a driving force to move the chain from the second chainring to the first chainring, and the active position of the descent stop corresponding to placing at least one-off mechanical contact with the first plate, preferably with part of the surface of a covering portion integral with and carried by the first plate.

According to one embodiment, the pusher-lifter device comprises an additional lifting element movable in translation along the third translation axis so that when the ascent fork moves in translation along the first translation axis, the pusher-lifter device moves in translation along the first axis of translation and the additional lifting element moves in translation along the third axis of translation so as to come at least partially in mechanical contact with at least part of the chain to move it from a additional plate towards the second plate, preferably by lifting and advantageously by pushing at least part of the chain, the additional plate being arranged between the first plate and the second plate and having a diameter greater than that of the first plate and less than that of the second plate.

This makes it possible to have a derailleur according to the present invention in the case of a crankset comprising three chainrings.

According to one embodiment, the descent cable is configured so that when a mechanical tension is applied to it by a user, the descent cable applies mechanical compression to said first return element so as to translate the descent fork to said second element. return so as to translate the descent stop from their passive positions to their active positions so that the descent fork applies a driving force to move the chain to move the chain from the second chainring to the additional chainring and / or the first plate and for the descent stopper to come into at least one-off mechanical contact with the first plate, preferably with part of the surface of a covering portion integral with and carried by the first plate.

According to one embodiment, the pusher-lifter device comprises at least one worm extending along the third translation axis and being configured to be driven in rotation about the third axis of rotation when the ascent cable applies mechanical compression. said first return element, so as to drive in translation along the third translation axis at least one lifting element, and advantageously in a reversible manner.

This makes it possible to control the movement of the lifting element in a simple and reliable manner.

Crankset according to the present invention comprising:

at least a first rolling bearing comprising at least one outer ring and one inner ring, one of the outer ring and the inner ring being intended to be integral with the frame of the cycle;

at least one second rolling bearing comprising at least one outer ring and one inner ring, one of the outer ring and the inner ring being intended to be integral with the frame; at least one crankshaft configured to be guided in rotation by at least the first and second rolling bearings around the axis of rotation of the crankset, the crankshaft being integral with the other among the outer ring and the ring internal of the first rolling bearing and integral with the other among the outer ring and the inner ring of the second rolling bearing, the crankshaft being intended to be driven in rotation by pedals;

at least one toothed chainring intended to be mechanically coupled with at least one sprocket of a plurality of sprockets via at least one of the chain and a belt; at least one trolley:

o integral in rotation with the crankshaft around the axis of rotation of the crankset and o mounted freely in translation on the crankshaft along the axis of rotation of the crankset and between the first and second rolling bearings , so that throughout its travel in translation the carriage remains located between the first and second rolling bearings;

and in which the plate is integral in rotation and in translation with said carriage.

According to one embodiment, the crankshaft extends along the axis of rotation of the crankset and has two ends and the first rolling bearing and the second rolling bearing are respectively arranged at one of said two ends.

This ensures a mechanical balance in the maintenance of the crankset relative to the frame of the bicycle.

According to one embodiment, the first rolling bearing and the second rolling bearing comprise rolling elements, preferably made of synthetic polymer, the rolling elements being taken from balls, cylinders, cones, needles.

This makes it possible to reduce the weight of the rolling bearings while maintaining high mechanical strength.

According to one embodiment, the first rolling bearing comprises at least cylinders and the second rolling bearing comprises at least balls, the diameter of the cylinders being less than the diameter of the balls.

The use of cylinders enables radial forces to be supported.

The use of balls makes it possible in particular to withstand axial forces.

The use of cylinders and balls makes it possible to best adapt the two rolling bearings so that each can optimally withstand the mechanical stresses to which it is subjected.

According to one embodiment, the crankshaft comprises at least a plurality of splines, each spline of the plurality of splines extending over at least part of the crankshaft along the axis of rotation of the crankset, and the carriage comprises at least a plurality of linear guide devices, and the plurality of linear guide devices being configured to cooperate with the plurality of splines such that the rotation of the bottom bracket around the axis of rotation of the crankset rotates the carriage around the axis of rotation of the crankset.

According to one embodiment, the crankshaft comprises at least a plurality of splines, each spline of the plurality of splines extending over at least part of the crankshaft along the axis of rotation of the crankset. This makes it possible to drive the carriage in rotation while allowing its free translation along said grooves.

According to one embodiment the crankshaft comprises at least 1, preferably at least 2 and

advantageously at least 3 grooves.

According to one embodiment, the carriage comprises at least a plurality of linear guide devices, preferably with recirculating balls.

This allows the carriage to freely translate along the bottom bracket shaft.

According to one embodiment, the plurality of linear guide devices is configured to cooperate with the plurality of splines so that the rotation of the crankshaft around the axis of rotation of the crankset rotates the carriage around the axis of rotation of the crankset.

This allows the automatic translation of the carriage relative to the crankshaft.

According to one embodiment, the plurality of linear guide devices comprises recirculating ball linear guide devices.

According to one embodiment, each groove of the plurality of grooves is shaped so as to have a groove bottom and at least two side walls extending along the axis of rotation of the crankset.

According to one embodiment, the groove bottom forms an angle a with one of the two side walls, the angle a being between 100 ° and 150 °, preferably between 110 ° and 140 ° and advantageously between 120 ° and 130 °. According to one embodiment, each groove of the plurality of grooves is shaped so as to have a groove bottom and at least two side walls extending along the axis of rotation of the crankset, and the plurality of linear guide devices comprises recirculating ball linear guide devices, these balls being configured to cooperate with at least one of the two side walls of each spline of the plurality of splines for driving the carriage in rotation by the crankshaft, and these balls are configured to cooperate with at least the bottom of the spline of each spline of the plurality of splines so as to allow translation of the carriage along the axis of rotation of the crankset relative to the crankshaft.

According to one embodiment, the plurality of linear guide devices comprises recirculating ball linear guide devices, these balls being configured to cooperate with at least one of the two side walls of each groove of the plurality of grooves for the drive. in rotation of the carriage by the crankshaft, and these balls are configured to cooperate with at least the bottom of the spline of each spline of the plurality of splines so as to allow the translation of the carriage along the axis of rotation of the crankset by compared to the bottom bracket.

According to one embodiment, the crankshaft has a portion along the axis of rotation of the crank that does not have splines.

According to one embodiment, the splines have a spatial extension along an axis parallel to the axis of rotation of the crankset equal to the spatial extension of the plurality of rear gears taken along an axis parallel to the axis of rotation of the crankset. .

Thus the spatial extension of the splines allows the plate to move in translation between an extreme position where its plane of rotation is coplanar with the plane of rotation of the smallest rear pinion of the plurality of rear sprockets and another extreme position where its plane of rotation is coplanar with the plane of rotation of the largest rear sprocket of the plurality of rear sprockets.

This makes it possible to define the limits of the translational movement of the carriage.

According to one embodiment, the crankshaft comprises at least a plurality of splines, each spline of the plurality of splines extending over at least part of the crankshaft and in a main direction parallel to the axis rotation of the crankset, and the carriage comprises at least a plurality of linear guide devices, and each linear guide device being configured to cooperate with a groove so that:

the groove guides the linear guide device in translation,

the spline transmits a tangential force to the linear guide device when the crankshaft is driven in rotation, thereby causing the carriage and the plate to rotate around the axis of rotation of the crankset.

According to one embodiment, each groove of the plurality of grooves is shaped so as to have a groove bottom and at least two side walls extending mainly along the axis of rotation of the crankset, and the plurality of linear guide devices comprises recirculating ball linear guide devices, these balls being configured to cooperate with at least one of the two side walls of each groove of the plurality of grooves to transmit said tangential force, and these balls are configured to roll on at least l one among a bottom of the spline or the walls of the spline so as to allow the translation of the carriage along the axis of rotation of the crankset relative to the crankshaft.

According to one embodiment, the splines each have one end, at least one of the ends of the spline forms an end-of-stroke stop for the translation of the linear guide device and therefore for the translation of the carriage.

According to one embodiment, the crankshaft comprises a plurality of guide axes, each guide axis of the plurality of guide axes extending over at least part of the crankshaft and in a direction main parallel to the axis of rotation of the crankset, and the carriage comprises at least a plurality of openings, and each opening being crossed by at least one guide axis so that:

the guide axis guides the carriage in translation by sliding the carriage along the guide axis through the opening,

the guide axis transmits a tangential force to the opening when the crankshaft is rotated, thereby causing the carriage and the plate to rotate around the axis of rotation of the crankset.

This makes it possible to improve the seal at the level of the crankshaft in order to reduce the fouling thereof. Otherwise, this fouling would reduce the cart's ability to translate. Indeed, the use of guide pins around which the carriage slides makes it possible to reduce the probability that external elements such as grass, branches or mud, for example, cannot interfere with the sliding of the carriage around the axes. guide. According to one embodiment, one of the first and the second rolling device forms an end stop for the translation of the carriage.

More precisely, the limit stop is provided by a ring which is integral in rotation with the carriage.

According to one embodiment, the crankshaft has a plurality of recesses.

This helps reduce the weight of the bottom bracket.

According to one embodiment, the crankshaft is hollow.

This helps reduce the weight of the bottom bracket.

According to one embodiment, the carriage is mobile in translation relative to the crankshaft along the axis of rotation of the crankset between an initial position and a final position, the initial position being intended to correspond to a mechanical coupling with the smallest pinion of the plurality of pinions according to the diameter of said pinions, and the final position being intended to correspond to a mechanical coupling with the largest pinion of the plurality of pinions according to the diameter of said pinions.

This allows the chain line to be aligned with the rotational planes of the pinion and chainring when these are mechanically coupled by the chain.

According to one embodiment, the crankset comprises at least a first pedal and at least a second pedal, the first pedal and the second pedal being arranged on either side of the crankshaft and being configured to cooperate with the pedal. bottom bracket shaft so that rotating the first and second pedal relative to the frame around the crank axis of rotation causes the bottom bracket shaft to rotate relative to the frame around the crankshaft rotation axis.

According to one embodiment, the crankset comprises at least a first pedal integral with the internal ring of the first rolling bearing and at least one second pedal integral with the internal ring of the second rolling bearing.

According to one embodiment, not illustrated in the figures, one of the first and second rolling bearings forms an end-of-travel stop for said translation of the carriage. Preferably, each of the first and second rolling bearings forms an end stop for said translation of the carriage.

According to one embodiment, the crankset comprises at least one shock absorber, said shock absorber comprising at least one piston integral with one of the crankshaft and the carriage and at least one damping cylinder integral with the other among the The bottom bracket shaft and the carriage, the piston and the damping cylinder being configured to allow movement of the piston in at least part of the damping cylinder.

This makes it possible to damp the translational movement of the carriage along the axis of rotation of the crankset.

According to one embodiment, the present invention comprises at least one frame, the frame comprising at least one of:

a saddle tube extending from the crankset and up to a saddle, preferably via at least two branches,

a bottom bracket tube extending from the bottom bracket and up to a steering tube, preferably via at least two branches, and for at least one of the first and second rolling bearings, said ring intended to be integral with the frame is intended to be integral with at least one of the seat tube and the bottom bracket tube. According to one embodiment, for only one of the first rolling bearing and the second rolling bearing, said ring intended to be integral with the frame is intended to be integral with at least one of the saddle tube and the bottom bracket tube.

According to one embodiment, the frame comprises at least one and preferably at least two stays mechanically connecting the rings intended to be integral with the frame.

According to one embodiment, one of the first rolling bearing and the second rolling bearing is mechanically connected to the frame only by means of said at least one stay.

All the characteristics described in relation to the derailleur 100 according to the present invention can be combined with all the characteristics described in relation to the sliding carriage 316 mentioned above and which will be detailed in more detail below.

The present invention finds for its preferred field of application two-wheeled vehicles of the cycle and velocipede type, for example, whether this is muscular or motorized.

In the prior art, when a cyclist decides to change chainring, the chain can sometimes jump and thus derail. In fact, in the prior art, the derailleur is designed to accompany the chain in translation from a mechanical coupling with a chainring to a mechanical coupling with another chainring.

In the prior art, the derailleur comprises a device movable in translation along an axis parallel to the axis of rotation of the crankset, this device called fork is configured to frame the chain and to apply a normal force to the chain in order to move it. -this. Nevertheless, this type of device poses the problem of chain derailment when the chain moves beyond the chainring to which the fork accompanies it. This type of derailment generally occurs under circumstances of great effort on the part of the user, such as during a full race for example.

In addition, in the prior art, following a change of pinion, the chain can rub against a tooth of the derailleur fork, this friction induces a loss of power.

The present invention solves these problems by proposing a derailleur cooperating with a crankset. Advantageously, the derailleur according to the present invention comprises an ascent fork and a descent fork which can be movable independently of one another, the ascent fork being configured to accompany the chain from a first chainring to a second chainring. , the second plate having a diameter greater than that of the first plate, and vice versa, the lowering fork being configured to accompany the chain from the second plate to the first plate.

When the derailleur is inactive, the forks are separated as far as possible by one or more return elements described below and the chain cannot therefore come to rub against these forks whatever the rear sprocket used. Preferably, said derailleur also comprises an up stopper and a descent stopper. The up stopper is configured to prevent the chain from derailing, that is to say the chain skipping, when the latter passes for example from the first chainring to the second chainring. The descent stopper is configured to prevent the chain from derailing when it passes for example from the second chainring to the first chainring. According to a particularly advantageous embodiment, the derailleur is configured to grip the chain while guiding it from one plate to another. Indeed, advantageously, the chain is gripped, on one side by the fork which presses on the chain, on the other side by the stop pressing on the plate to receive the chain.

Thus, for example, when the user wishes to move from the first plate to the second plate, he actuates a control device configured to cause the movement of the upward fork and of the upward stop so as to grip the chain. In particular, the upward fork translates along a translation axis in a direction towards the second plate, and therefore towards the chain, and preferably simultaneously, the upward stop moves in translation along the same translation axis as the shift fork. rise, or along another axis of translation, towards the first plate, that is to say in a direction opposite to that of the ascent fork, until it comes into at least one-off mechanical contact with the second plate so to serve as a stop for the chain moved in translation from the first to the second plate by the ascent fork. Thus, the ascent fork and the ascent stop move closer together, preferably towards the chain.

It will therefore be noted that the upward fork and the upward stopper can both have a passive position and an active position, the passive position representing a position in which the upward fork and the upward stopper are the furthest away from one another. the other, and the active position corresponding to the pincer grip of the chain by the ascent fork and the up stopper, therefore to a position in which the upward fork and the up stopper approach one another. 'other and are closer to each other.

Similarly, when the user wishes to move from the second chainring to the first chainring, he actuates the control device configured to cause the movement of the descent fork and the descent stopper so as to grip the chain. In particular, the lowering fork translates along a translation axis in a direction towards the first plate, and therefore towards the chain, and preferably

simultaneously, the descent stopper moves in translation along the same translation axis as the descent fork, or along another translation axis, towards the second plate, that is to say in a direction opposite to that of the lowering fork, until it comes into at least one-off mechanical contact with the first plate so as to serve as a stop for the chain moved in translation from the second to the first plate by the lowering fork. Thus, the lowering fork and the lowering stop approach, preferably simultaneously towards the chain.

It will therefore be noted that the lowering fork and the lowering stopper can both have a passive position and an active position, the passive position representing a position in which the lowering fork and the lowering stop are the furthest from one of the two. the other, and the active position corresponding to the pincer grip of the chain by the descent fork and the descent stopper, therefore to a position in which the descent fork and the descent stopper approach one of the 'other and are closer to each other. An advantage of keeping the stops in the passive position outside of the movement of the chain is that this makes it possible to reduce the friction of the stops on the plates. According to another embodiment, the stops can remain fixed in contact with the plates relative to the forks, and only the forks are movable in translation relative to the stops.

We will now describe the present invention according to a plurality of non-limiting embodiments through FIGS. 1 to 24. All these modes are compatible with one another and the technical characteristics of each mode are applicable to the others.

Figures 1 to 4 show, according to one embodiment of the present invention, a crank 10. This crank 10 comprises an axis of rotation 12 called the axis of rotation of the crank 10 around which rotates pedals 11 driving a first plate 110 and a second plate 120 in rotation about said axis of rotation 12 of the crankset 10. Each plate 110, 120 comprises teeth 111, 121 intended to cooperate with the chain 13 so as to drive the chain 13 in motion around the axis of rotation 12 of the crankset 10.

Particularly advantageously, the derailleur 100 comprises an up stopper 160 and a descent stopper 170. The up stopper is configured to limit the translation of the chain 13 when the latter moves from a chainring to the second chainring. In an identical manner, the descent stopper is configured to limit the translation of the chain 13 when the latter moves from a plate towards the first plate. The function of these two stops 160, 170 is thus to limit, or even avoid, the derailment by jumping the chain by forming on the one hand a stop respectively for the ascent fork 140 and the descent fork 150. As described. subsequently, these stops 160, 170 can cleverly come to rest, at least in part by means of rollers 162 and 172, for example comprising rubber tori, on the outer face 113, 123 of their associated plates 110, 120.

According to one embodiment, the stops 160, 170 are movable and only come into mechanical contact with their respective plate 110, 120 when the chain 13 passes from one plate to another.

According to another embodiment, the stops 160, 170 are continuously in mechanical contact with their respective plate 110, 120.

The first plate 110 also called a small plate has a diameter smaller than the diameter of the second plate 130 called a large plate.

According to a clever embodiment, the small plate, that is to say the first plate 110, can comprise a covering portion 114 intended to be in contact with the descent stop 170. Indeed, in a particularly advantageous manner, the first plate 110 being of the smallest diameter, the present invention provides for the optional but advantageous use of a tread forming a covering portion 114 integral with the first plate and having a diameter greater than the diameter of the first plate so to come into abutment on the descent stop, which can thus be disposed at a distance from the first plate while ensuring its function.

It will be noted that in FIGS. 1, 3 and 14, for example, the internal 112, 122 and external 113, 123 faces of the first 110 and second 120 plates. The outer faces 113, 123 are turned towards the outside of the crankset 10, and are located at least in part opposite at least one stop 160, 170.

Thus, for example, the external face 113 of the first plate 110 is opposite the descent stop 170, preferably in contact with the descent stop 170, advantageously by means of the covering portion 114. The outer face 123 of the second plate 120 is opposite the up stop 160, preferably in contact with the up stop 160.

The internal face 112 of the first plate 110 is at least partially opposite the internal face 122 of the second plate 120.

In these figures, two cables 180 and 190 are shown. These cables 180 and 190 are configured to allow the user to control the derailleur 100 according to the present invention. According to one embodiment, these cables are actuated by a control device 200 mechanically and / or electronically in a wired and / or wireless manner. Indeed, the cables 180, 190 can be controlled electronically or manually.

Thus, according to one embodiment, the derailleur 100 is controlled by at least one cable (180, 190), preferably by at least two cables 180 and 190.

Indeed, according to an embodiment not shown, the ascent cable 180 and the descent cable 190 may be combined, preferably formed from one and the same cable.

Advantageously, the derailleur 100 comprises at least one upward cable 180 and at least one downward cable 190. The upward cable 180 is configured to drive the upward fork 140. Preferably, the upward cable 180 is configured to move the lift. Ascent fork 140 from a passive position to an active position and preferably to move the ascent stop 160 from a passive position to an active position. The active position of the ascent fork 140 advantageously corresponds to a position in which the ascent fork 140 is in at least point contact with at least part of the chain 13. In this active position, the ascent fork 140 applies a force. in a direction parallel to the axis of rotation 12 of the crankset 10 so as to move the chain 13 from the chainring with which it is mechanically coupled, the first chainring 110 here, to another chainring of larger diameter, the second chainring 130 here.

The active position of the up stop 160 advantageously corresponds to a position in which the up stop 160 is in mechanical contact with at least part of the external face 123 of the second plate 120, preferably via a roller 162. In this position active, the up stop 160 serves as a stop for the movement of the chain 13 and thus makes it possible to reduce, or even avoid, the derailment of the chain 13.

Thus, according to this embodiment, when the ascent cable 180 undergoes mechanical tension, the ascent fork 140 and the ascent stopper 160 cooperate so as to grip the chain 13 and thus translate it from the first. plate 110 to the second plate 120 while limiting, or even preventing, derailment thereof.

According to one embodiment, the ascent stop 160 is fixed relative to the second plate 120 and is continuously in the active position, that is to say in mechanical contact with the external face 123 of the second plate 120.

The descent cable 190 is advantageously configured to control the descent fork 150. Preferably, the descent cable 190 is configured to move the descent fork 150 from a passive position to an active position and preferably to move the descent stopper. 170 from a passive position to an active position. The active position of the lowering fork 150 advantageously corresponds to a position in which the lowering fork 150 is in at least occasional contact with at least part of the chain 13. In this active position, the lowering fork 190 applies a force. in a direction parallel to the axis of rotation 12 of the crankset 10 so as to move the chain 13 from the chainring with which it is mechanically coupled, the second chainring 130 here, to another chainring of smaller diameter, the first chainring 110 here.

The active position of the descent stop 170 advantageously corresponds to a position in which the descent stop 170 is in mechanical contact, preferably via a roller 172, with at least part of the outer face 113 of the first plate 110, advantageously with part of the surface of a covering portion 114 described below and integral with the first plate 110. In this active position, the descent stop 170 serves as a stop for the movement of the chain 13 and thus makes it possible to reduce, or even to avoid the derailment of the chain 13. Thus, according to this embodiment, when the lowering cable 190 is subjected to mechanical tension, the lowering fork 150 and the lowering stop 170 cooperate so as to come to grips with the chain 13 and thus translate the latter from the second plate 120 to the first plate 110 while limiting, or even preventing, derailment thereof.

According to one embodiment, the descent stop 170 is fixed relative to the first plate 110 and is continuously in the active position, that is to say in mechanical contact with the external face 113 of the first plate 110, preferably with a surface of a covering portion 114 as described below.

In these figures, there is a first return element 103 and a second return element 104. The first return element 103 is advantageously configured to keep the ascent fork 140 in the passive position, and preferably the ascent stop 160. second return element 104 is advantageously configured to keep the lowering fork 150 in the passive position, and preferably the lowering stopper 170. The derailleur 100 is preferably configured so that a compressive force is exerted on the first lowering element. recall 103 when the ascent cable 180 undergoes a mechanical tension so as to move along a first translation axis 101 the ascent fork 140 and preferably the ascent stop 160.

Likewise, and according to one embodiment, the derailleur 100 is configured so that a compressive force is exerted on the second return element 104 when the descent cable 190 is subjected to mechanical tension so as to move along a second axis. translation 102 the lowering fork 150 and preferably the lowering stop 170.

According to one embodiment, the first 101 and the second 102 translation axis are distinct from one another and preferably parallel to each other and advantageously to the axis of rotation 12 of the crankset 10.

According to another embodiment, the first 101 and the second 102 translation axes form a single and unique translation axis, preferably parallel to the axis of rotation 12 of the crank 10.

It will be noted that according to one embodiment, the ascent fork 140 and / or the ascent stop 160 and / or the descent fork 150 and / or the descent stop 170 move along an axis, preferably hollow. , preferably common translation 109. Advantageously, the derailleur 100 according to an embodiment of the present invention, as described above for example, comprises at least one descent stopper 170 and preferably at least one rise stopper 160.

The descent stopper 170 is configured to prevent the chain 13 from going beyond the first plate 110 when the user wishes to move from the second plate 120 to the first plate 110. This descent stopper 170 is thus configured to limit or even avoid , the skipping of chain 13 and therefore the derailment of chain 13.

The ascent stop 160 is configured to prevent the chain 13 from going beyond the second tray 120 when the user wishes to move from the first tray 110 to the second tray 120. This up stop 160 is thus configured to limit or even avoid , the chain derailment 13.

As described more precisely below, at least one of the up stop 160 and the down stop 170 may comprise a roller 162, 172 mounted to rotate freely about an axis of rotation orthogonal to the axis of rotation 12 of the crankset 10 and configured to come into at least one-off mechanical contact with respectively one of the first 110 and the second plate 120. This mechanical contact preferably takes place but not limited to when the corresponding fork 140, 150 at the stop 160, 170, moves the chain 13 towards the plate 110, 120 relative to said stop 160, 170.

Note that Figures 1 and 2 refer to an embodiment in which the crank 10 is fixed in translation along its axis of rotation 12, while Figures 3 and 4 refer to an embodiment in which the crank 10 is movable in translation along its axis of rotation 12, in this case, the derailleur 100 is also movable relative to the frame 22 since it is integral with the crank 10. The crankset movable in translation along the axis of rotation 12 of the crankset will be more specifically described below through Figures 25 and 26.

Figure 5 is a sectional view of the derailleur 100 as shown in Figures 1 to 4 and in Figure 6. In this figure, are clearly shown the up stop 160 and the down stop 170 as well as their respective rollers 162 and 172 mobile in rotation.

In these figures we see the ascent cable 180 arranged along the first translation axis 101 and configured to drive in translation along said first translation axis 101 the upward fork 140 and preferably the upward stop 160, when a mechanical tension is applied to the ascent cable 180. The translation of the ascent fork 140 along the first translation axis 101 is intended to apply a normal force to the chain 13 so as to move it from the first plate 110 for example towards the second plate 120 for example. According to a preferred embodiment, the translation of the ascent stop 160 towards the second plate 120 is intended to establish at least one-off mechanical contact with the external face 123 of the second plate 120 and to form a stop on the translation of the chain 13.

Advantageously, the ascent fork 140 and preferably the ascent stop 160 move in translation along a preferably hollow translational axis 109.

In this figure, the clever shape of the distal portion of the descent stopper 170 will also be noted. Indeed, according to an advantageous embodiment, the descent stopper 170 comprises a distal end formed of a first portion 176 and of a second portion 177. The first portion 176 is configured to serve as a stopper the translation of the chain 13 when the latter moves towards the first plate 110. The second portion 177 is configured to serve as a stop for a surface secured to the first plate 110.

In particular, the second portion 177 carries at least part at least the roller 172 so as to come into at least one point mechanical contact with a surface of the external face 113 of the first plate 110, preferably with a part of the external surface of the portion. cover 114. Indeed, the dimensions of the first plate 110 being very small compared to those of the second plate 120, for reliability and compactness issues, the first plate 110 is mounted integral with a tread formed by said portion covering 114 so that the outer surface of said covering portion 114 which is in mechanical contact with the roller 172 of the descent stop 170.

According to one embodiment, such as that illustrated in FIG. 3 for example, the derailleur 100 comprises a derailleur support 108 whether or not integral with the frame 22 of the cycle 20. Preferably, the stops 160, 170 are carried by said derailleur support. 108. According to one embodiment, the stops 160, 170 are fixed relative to said derailleur support. According to another preferred embodiment, the stops 160 and 170 are movable in translation relative to said derailleur support 108. Advantageously, the forks 140, 150 are carried by said derailleur support 108. Preferably, the forks 140, 150 are movable. in translation relative to said derailleur support 108.

According to one embodiment, the derailleur support 108 is removable relative to the frame 22 of cycle 20. According to another embodiment, the derailleur support 108 is an integral part of the frame 22 of cycle 20.

FIG. 6 is a perspective view of a derailleur 100 according to the embodiment of FIGS. 1 to 5. This figure shows the translation axis 101, as well as the forks for raising 140, lowering 150 and the stops. of ascent 160 and of descent 170. We also find the axis, preferably hollow, of translation 109. Advantageously, the movable elements of the derailleur 100 move in translation along this axis of translation 109, preferably hollow. This axis comprises in particular a key 109a intended to prevent the rotation around the hollow axis 109 of the movable elements in translation, namely for example the upward fork 140, the downward fork 150, the upward stop 160 and / or the descent stop 170.

Preferably, the axes 101 and 102 are parallel to the preferably hollow translational axis 109.

Advantageously, the axes 101 and 102 comprise at least one component, the projection of which is non-point along the preferably hollow translation axis 109.

FIG. 7 represents an exploded view of the same derailleur 100 as described above. In this view, it can be seen that a portion of the ascent cable 180 passes through at least part, and preferably completely, the first return element 103. This first return element 103 is arranged between the ascent stop 160 and the fork. 140. This first return element 103 is preferably a spring, intended to be compressed between the ascent stop 160 and the ascent fork 140 when the ascent fork 140 changes from a passive position to an active position, and preferably when the ascent stop 160 passes from a passive position to an active position, that is to say when the ascending cable 180 is subjected to mechanical tension. The first return element 103 is intended to keep the lifting fork 140 in the passive position when the latter is not requested by the user to transfer the chain 13 from a smaller plate to a larger plate, as per example of the first plate 110 to the second plate 120.

According to one embodiment, the first return element 103 is intended to keep the up stop 160 in the passive position when the latter is not requested by the user to serve as a stop for the chain 13 when the up fork. 140 translates the chain 13 from a smaller plate to a larger plate, for example from the first plate 110 to the second plate 120.

Similarly, a portion of the descent cable 190 passes at least partly, and preferably entirely, the second return element 104. This second return element 104 is disposed between the descent stop 170 and the lowering fork 150. This second return element 104 is preferably a spring, intended to be compressed between the descent stop 170 and the descent fork 150 when the descent fork 150 passes from a passive position to an active position, and preferably when the descent stopper 170 goes from a passive position to an active position, that is to say when the descent cable 190 is subjected to mechanical tension.

The second return element 104 is intended to keep the lowering fork 150 in the passive position when the latter is not requested by the user to transfer the chain 13 from a larger plate to a smaller plate, as per example of the second plate 120 to the first plate 110.

According to one embodiment, the second return element 104 is intended to keep the lowering stop 170 in the passive position when the latter is not requested by the user to serve as a stop for the chain 13 when the lowering fork. 150 translates the chain 13 from a larger plate to a smaller plate, such as for example from the second plate 120 to the first plate 110.

In FIGS. 7 and 8, the structure of the ascent 160 and descent 170 stops can also be seen in exploded views. In particular, it will be noted that each stop 160, 170 comprises a roller 162, 172 intended to come into mechanical contact, at least pointwise, with at least one of the first 110 and the second plate 120, preferably when the stops are in their active position.

Cleverly, each roller 162, 172 is mounted to rotate freely along an axis of rotation orthogonal to the axis of rotation 12 of the crankset 10. According to this advantageous configuration, each roller 162, 172 is free to rotate about its axis of rotation. respective rotation. This rotation is advantageously generated by placing the roller 162, 172 in mechanical contact with its associated plate 110, 120. Indeed, when the plate 110, 120 is rotating around the axis of rotation 12 of the crankset 10 and the roller 162, 172 is in mechanical contact with the outer face 113, 123 of said plate 110, 120, then the latter this drives the roller 162, 172 with it in rotation around the own axis of rotation of said roller 162, 172. This makes it possible to reduce the mechanical friction between the plate 110,

120 and the stopper 160, 170 being associated with it, preferably when the chain is being translated from one plate to another.

In these figures, and according to a preferred embodiment, the rollers 162, 172 are removable so as to allow their change when they are too worn out by friction with their respective plate 110, 120. Advantageously, each roller 162, 172 is mounted on a washer 163, 173 having a groove 165, 175 in which is placed said roller 162, 172. This washer 163, 173 is then mounted to rotate freely at a portion of each stop 160, 170 by means of a fastening element 164, 174.

Figures 9 and 10 show a derailleur 100 according to another embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 9 in particular illustrates the mechanical coupling between the crankset 10 and a plurality of rear sprockets 23 by means of the chain 13. In this figure, and in FIG. 10, an ascent fork 140 and its ascent stop 160 are shown. associated, as well as a lowering fork 150 and its associated lowering stop 170. According to this other embodiment, the descent stopper 170 comprises a stiffening frame 171, preferably crossed by the second return element 104. This makes it possible to reinforce the mechanical structure of the descent stopper 170.

According to one embodiment, the ascent fork 140 comprises a stiffening frame 141, preferably crossed by the first return element 103. This makes it possible to reinforce the mechanical structure of the ascent fork 140.

According to one embodiment and in a spirit of compactness and mechanical strength that only the ascent fork 140 and the descent stopper 170 include a stiffening frame 141, 171. In fact, there is more space on this side. plates.

According to this embodiment, the first 101 and the second 102 translation axis are parallel to each other and to the axis of rotation 12 of the crankset 10.

It will be noted that, according to this embodiment, the ascent fork 140 and the descent fork 150 are both carried by the first translation axis 101 and separated from each other by the first return element 103.

According to this embodiment, the ascent stop 160 and the descent stop 170 are both carried by the second translation axis 102 and separated from one another by the second return element 104.

According to another embodiment not illustrated, the forks 140, 150 and the stops 160, 170 each have a stiffening frame. This makes it possible to increase the mechanical resistance of the derailleur 100 thus formed.

According to this embodiment, the stiffening frame of each fork 140, 150 and of each stop 160, 170 is crossed, in part at least, by the return element which is associated with it among the first 103 and the second 104 element. reminder.

Note in these two figures, a plurality of longitudinal supports 105 partially crossing at least the forks 140, 150 and the stops 160, 170 and being intended to secure the derailleur 100 to the frame 22 of the cycle 20. Advantageously, the lifting forks 140 and 150 descent are movable in translation relative to said plurality of longitudinal supports 105.

Preferably, the plurality of longitudinal supports 105 is intended to be adjusted, mainly in the length of said longitudinal supports, according to the crankset 10 and / or the frame 22 of the cycle 20.

Advantageously, the places of attachment of the ascent cable 180 and the descent cable 190 with the derailleur 100 are arranged between the first 101 and the second 102 translation axis. This makes it possible, for example, to combine the two cables in a single sheath. FIG. 11 represents an exploded view, according to the embodiment of FIGS. 9 and 10, of the lowering fork 150 and of the lowering stop 170. In this figure, the lowering fork 150 is in contact with the first return element 103. It will be noted that the descent stopper 170 is at least partially crossed by the second return element 104. It will be noted that the descent cable 190 secures the descent fork 150 with the descent stop 170.

According to a preferred embodiment, the descent stopper 170 is movable in translation along the second translation axis 102 so that the application of a mechanical tension at the level of the descent cable 190 causes the translation of the descent fork 150 along the first translation axis 101 and the translation of the descent stopper 170 along the second translation axis 102. This so that the lowering fork 150 moves the chain 13 from a large chainring to a smaller chainring , as for example from the second plate 120 towards the first plate 110, and that the descent stopper 170 come into at least one-off mechanical contact with at least part of the outer face 113 of the first plate 110, preferably at least part of the covering portion 114 and thus serves as a stop for the translation of chain 13, limiting or even preventing derailment thereof.

According to another embodiment, the descent stopper 170 is fixed so that the application of a mechanical tension at the level of the descent cable 190 causes the translation of the descent fork 150 along the first translation axis 101. This is so that the lowering fork 150 moves the chain 13 from a large chainring to a smaller chainring, such as from the second chainring 120 to the first chainring 110.

FIG. 12 represents an exploded view, according to the embodiment of FIGS. 9 and 10, of the ascent fork 140 and of the ascent stop 160. In this figure, the ascent fork 140 is at least partially crossed by the first return element 103. In this figure, the upward stop 160 is in contact with the second return element 104. It will be noted that the upward cable 180 secures the upward fork 140 with the upward stop 160.

According to a preferred embodiment, the ascent stop 160 is movable in translation along the second translation axis 102 so that the application of a mechanical tension at the level of the ascent cable 180 causes the translation of the ascent fork 140 along the first translation axis 101 and the translation of the up stopper 160 along the second translation axis 102. This so that the up fork 140 moves the chain 13 from a small chainring to a larger chainring , as for example from the first plate 110 to the second plate 120, and that the upward stop 160 come into at least one-off mechanical contact with at least part of the outer face 123 of the second plate 120 and thus serve as a stop for the translation of chain 13, limiting or even avoiding derailment thereof.

According to another embodiment, the ascent stop 160 is fixed so that the application of a mechanical tension at the level of the ascent cable 180 causes the translation of the ascent fork 140 along the first translation axis 101 This is so that the lifting fork 140 moves the chain 13 from a small chainring to a larger chainring, such as from the first chainring 110 to the second chainring 120. FIGS. 13 and 14 represent a derailleur 100 according to an embodiment of the present invention, preferably but not limited to a crankset comprising at least 3 chainrings. According to this embodiment, the derailleur 100 comprises at least a first translation axis 101 carrying the ascent fork 140 and the descent fork 150, preferably kept at a distance from each other through at least one first return element 103. This derailleur 100 has a second translation axis 102 carrying the up stopper 160 and the descent stopper 170, preferably kept at a distance from each other through at least a second element recall 104.

The ascent fork 140 is configured to be movable in translation along the first translation axis 101. The translation of the ascent fork 140 along this first translation axis 101 being driven when a mechanical tension is applied to the ascent cable. 180.

Preferably, the ascent stop 160 is configured to be movable in translation along the second translation axis 102. The translation of the ascent stop 160 is driven when a mechanical tension is applied to the ascent cable 180.

Advantageously, and according to a preferred embodiment, as soon as a mechanical tension is applied to the ascent cable 180, the ascent fork 140 and the ascent stop 160 move closer to one another so as to take pincers the chain 13.

The descent fork 150 is also configured to be movable in translation along the first translation axis 101. The translation of the descent fork 150 along this first translation axis 101 being driven when a mechanical tension is applied to the cable. descent 190.

Preferably, the descent stopper 170 is configured to be movable in translation along the second translation axis 102. The translation of the descent stop 160 being driven when a mechanical tension is applied to the descent cable 190.

Advantageously, and according to a preferred embodiment, as soon as a mechanical tension is applied to the descent cable 190, the descent fork 150 and the descent stop 170 approach each other so as to take pincers the chain 13.

According to this embodiment, and as illustrated in Figures 15, 16 and 17, the lifting fork 140 comprises a pusher-lifter device 143. This pusher-lifter device 143 is configured to move along the first translation axis. 101 from the passive position to the active position of the lifting fork 140. The movement of the pusher-lifter device 143 along the first translation axis 101 is preferably subject to the mechanical tension applied to the lifting cable 180.

The pusher-lifter device 143 comprises at least one and preferably at least two lifting elements 145, 146.

Advantageously, when the crankset 10 comprises two plates 110, 120, the pusher-lifter device 143 comprises a lifting element 145 for guiding the chain 13 from the first plate 110 to the second plate 120.

Preferably, when the crankset 10 comprises three plates 110, 120, 130, the pusher-lifter device 143 comprises a first 145 and a second 146 lifting elements, the first lifting element 145 being configured to guide the chain 13 from the first plate 110 to an additional plate 130, and the second lifting member 146 being configured to guide the chain 13 from the additional plate 130 to the second plate 120, the additional plate 130 being disposed between the first plate 110 and the second plate 120 and having a diameter greater than the first plate 110 and less than the second plate 120.

Advantageously, the pusher-lifter device 143 comprises a number of lifting elements equal to the number of bottom bracket plates minus one.

Advantageously, this or these lifting element (s) 145, 146 is configured to preferably describe a trajectory in an arc of a circle from a passive position to an active position. Indeed, when the pusher-lifter device 143 translates along the first translation axis 101 from its passive position to its active position, the lifting element 145, 146 exhibits a displacement comprising a non-zero component along the first translation axis. 101 and a non-zero component along a third translation axis 142 inclined, or even orthogonal, relative to the axis of rotation 12 of the crankset 10, and preferably to the first translation axis 101.

Advantageously, the lifting element 145, 146 comprises a portion intended to come into contact with at least part of the chain 13 and to lift it while pushing it towards the plate 120, 130 of the next larger diameter. .

In these figures, and according to an embodiment of the present invention, we note three plates, the first 110 and the second 120 plates as previously presented, as well as an additional plate 130 arranged between the first 110 and the second 120 plate. . This additional plate 130 has a diameter greater than that of the first plate 110 and a diameter less than that of the second plate 120.

It will be noted that Figures 13 and 15 illustrate a crankset 10 movable in translation along the axis of rotation 12. It is the same through Figures 14 and 16 which they show a crankset movable in translation along the axis of rotation 12 described more precisely below through Figures 25 and 26.

In the embodiments where the crankset is movable in translation, it is advantageous for the derailleur to be at least partly also movable in translation along an axis preferably parallel to the axis of rotation 12 of the crankset 10. The derailleur according to the present invention The invention provides a particularly important advantage for cranks comprising a sliding carriage 316 and comprising several plates. In fact, the ability to grip the chain makes it possible to reduce or even avoid chain skipping and in particular in the case of a sliding trolley 316 crankset.

According to the embodiment illustrated in Figures 15, 16 and 17, the pusher-lifter device 143 comprises a lifting element 145 and an additional lifting element 146. The lifting element 145 is configured to move the chain 13 from the first one. plate 110 towards the additional plate 130. In particular, when the user applies a mechanical tension to the lifting cable 180, the latter drives in translation the lifting fork 140 being at least partly formed of the pusher-lifter device 143, and preferably the up stop 160. As the up fork 140 moves along the first translation axis 101 towards the first plate 110, the lifting element 145 moves in translation partly along the first translation axis 101 and partly along the third translation axis 142, preferably along a median translation axis relative to the first 101 and to the third axis 142 of translation, advantageously along an axis being the bisector of the angle formed by the first axis of translation 101 and the third axis of translation 142.

When moving the lifting element 145, the latter comes into at least one-off mechanical contact with a part of the chain 13, preferably with an inner part of the chain 13 so as to lift the chain 13 to mechanically decouple it. of the first plate 110. At the same time as the chain 13 is lifted by the lifting element 145 along the third translation axis 142, the chain 13 is also driven in a translational movement along the first translation axis 101 by the lifting element 145 so as to be placed in a position capable of being coupled with another plate 120, 130, in particular with the additional plate 130 according to the embodiment illustrated in these figures.

The kinematics are substantially identical when it comes to the passage of the chain 13 from the additional plate 130 to the second plate 120 by means of the additional lifting element 146.

Advantageously, the additional lifting element 146 is arranged above the lifting element 145 along the third translation axis 142.

Preferably, the additional lifting element 146 is disposed at a position along the third translation axis 142 configured to come into contact with the chain 13 when the latter is mechanically coupled with the additional plate 130.

Advantageously, the lifting element 145 is disposed at a position along the third translation axis 142 configured to come into contact with the chain 13 when the latter is mechanically coupled with the first plate 110.

According to one embodiment, the translation of the lifting element 145, and preferably of the additional lifting element 146, is carried out through the pusher-lifter device 143 comprising a worm 144 extending along the third translation axis 142 and whose axis of rotation coincides with the third translation axis 142.

According to this embodiment, the worm 144 is mechanically coupled through at least one coupling cable 147 with at least one element fixed on the first translation axis 101 so that the movement of the pusher-lift device 143 along the first translational axis 101 applies mechanical tension to said coupling cable 147 and thereby rotates the worm 144 around the third translational axis 142, thereby causing the lifting member 145 to translate and preferably of the additional lifting element 146. Advantageously, the worm 144 may include a return element, not shown, so as to rotate in one direction when the lifting fork 140 moves in the direction of the second plate 120 and to rotate in the opposite direction as the ascent fork 140 moves away from the second plate 120.

Thus, when the lifting fork 140 moves from its passive position to its active position, the worm 144 rotates in a first direction about the third axis of rotation 142 and the lifting element 145, and preferably the lifting element. additional lifting 146, move in translation in a first direction partly along the third translation axis 142 and partly along the first translation axis 101. And when the lifting fork 140 moves from its active position to its passive position , the worm 144 rotates in a second direction, opposite to the first direction, around the third axis of translation 142, and the lifting element 145, and preferably the lifting element additional lifting 146, move in translation in a second direction, opposite to the first direction, partly along the third translation axis 142 and partly along the first translation axis 101.

We find in Figures 15, 16 and 17, the upstrokes 160 and down 170 with their respective rollers 162, 172 playing the same role as previously described.

Figures 18 to 21 illustrate in detail the derailleur 100 according to the embodiment of Figures 15 to 17. In particular we find the first return element 103 and the second return element 104 playing their roles described above. Note in particular in these figures, the worm 144 carrying the lifting element 145 and the additional washing element 146, and being mechanically coupled to an element, preferably fixed, of the first translation axis 101 through the coupling cable 147. The winding of said coupling cable 147 around the worm 144 is thus shown in FIG. 19. In this figure there is also a mechanical reinforcement also serving as a guide for the movement of the lifting element 145 and of the additional lifting element 146.

It will be noted that in FIGS. 13 to 16, the crankset is a crankset 10 in which the plates 110, 120, 130 are movable in translation along the axis of rotation 12 of the crankset 10. According to this embodiment, the set of The characteristics of the derailleur 100 previously discussed apply in addition to a possible mobility of part or all of the derailleur 100 according to a translational movement along an axis parallel to the axis of rotation 12 of the crankset 10 so as to accompany the translation of the plates 110, 120, 130.

According to one embodiment, the ascent 160 and descent 170 stops are configured to be movable in translation so as to remain in at least one-off mechanical contact with their associated plate 110, 120.

Figures 22 to 25 show a control device 200 of the derailleur 100 according to an embodiment of the present invention. This control device 200 is configured to apply or not a mechanical tension to the ascent cable 180 and / or to the descent cable 190. This control device 200 comprises a control member 210 configured to be pushed forward and / or rearward. Thus, according to one embodiment, when the user pushes the control member 210 forward, this causes the application of a mechanical tension to the ascent cable 180 and allows the chain 13 to translate from the first plate 110 for example towards the second plate 120, or more generally from a small plate to a larger plate. Conversely, when the user pushes the control member 210 backwards, this allows the chain 13 to translate from the second plate 120, for example to the first plate 110, or more generally from a large plate to a smaller tray.

For this, each ascent 180 and descent 190 cable is secured to a part of the control device 200 movable in rotation and mechanically coupled with the control member 210. It is noted in particular in FIG. 23 that the ascent cable 180 is secured to a movable part of the control device 200 through an attachment point 211. Likewise, the descent cable 190 is secured to a movable part of the control device 200 through an attachment point 212. Advantageously , the control device 200 comprises a central opening intended to allow its positioning on the handlebars of a cycle 20.

Note the presence of two rings 215 and 216, one 215 for the ascent cable 180 and the other 216 for the descent cable 190. Each cable 180, 190 is secured to its ring 215, 216 by means of at least a point of fixing 211, 212. Each ring 215, 216 comprises a recess 214 in which moves a finger 213 carried by the control member. These recesses 214 and these fingers 213 cooperate so that the application of a mechanical tension to one of the two cables 180, 190 does not cause any mechanical action on the other cable 180, 190.

According to one embodiment, the control device 200 can be arranged and / or integrated in a brake housing or in any type of equipment customary for the field of application considered of the present invention.

According to one embodiment, the control device 200 may be wireless and thus comprise a wireless actuator communicating with at least one module for controlling the raising 180 and lowering 190 cables.

The present invention advantageously applies to cranksets configured to be movable along a translation axis parallel to the axis of rotation 12 of the crankset.

We will now describe a plurality of embodiments of cranks sliding along the axis of rotation 12 of the crankset. The previous embodiments and characteristics relating to the derailleur 100 described above all apply to each of the following embodiments relating to the crankset 10 with sliding carriage 316 and this in a nonlimiting manner. In the remainder of the description, a crankset 10 comprising a sliding carriage configured to allow translation of the plates along the axis of rotation of the crankset is referred to as a “sliding crank”.

For reasons of clarity and simplification, the embodiments described through FIGS. 25 to 29 only represent a single chainring 317 and no derailleur, in order not to overload the figures. However, the embodiments of FIGS. 25 to 29 also apply to a crankset comprising a carriage carrying a plurality of chainrings, typically two or three toothed chainrings, and to a derailleur 100 according to the present invention. It will be noted that in the context of a crankset 10 with sliding carriage 316, the use of a derailleur 100 according to the present invention makes it possible to reduce, or even avoid, any chain skipping, while reducing the chain tension since the crankset is configured to align the chainring mechanically coupled to the chain with the rear sprocket also mechanically coupled with the chain.

Figures 25 and 26 show a crankset 10 according to one embodiment of the present invention. This crankset is that also illustrated in Figures 3, 4, 14 and 16 previously described.

In Figures 25 and 26, there is illustrated the bottom bracket shaft 315 mounted in rotation about the axis of rotation 12 of the bottom bracket relative to the first parts 313a and 314a of the first 313 and second 314 rolling bearings. The crankshaft 12 is advantageously integral with the inner rings 313b and 314b of the first 313 and second 314 rolling bearings. Preferably, the first pedal 11 is integral with the internal ring 313b of the first rolling bearing 313 and the second pedal 11 is integral with the internal ring 314b of the second rolling bearing 314.

It will be noted in these figures that the bottom bracket shaft 315 can have recesses 315d in order to reduce the amount of material of the bottom bracket shaft 315 and thus its weight.

According to a preferred embodiment, the crankshaft 315 is splined so as to allow free translation along a part of the crankshaft 315 of the carriage 316 as well as its driving in rotation along the axis of rotation. of crankset 315a. In these figures the carriage 316 is shown carrying the plate 317. According to one embodiment, the carriage 316 and the plate 317 can be secured by fasteners.

Once assembled, they thus form a single piece. According to an alternative embodiment, the carriage 316 and the plate 317 can be formed by a single part made from one material or machined from the same part.

The plate 317 comprises teeth configured to cooperate with the chain 13 so as to drive in rotation at least one rear pinion, not shown.

Advantageously, the carriage 316 is movable in rotation around the axis of rotation 12 and is driven in rotation by the bottom bracket shaft 315 by means for example of splines 315b. Preferably, the carriage 316 is configured to cooperate with the bottom bracket shaft 315 so as to be rotated about the axis of rotation 12 relative to the frame 22 by the bottom bracket shaft 315 and so as to translate freely. along at least part of the crankshaft 315 along the axis of rotation 12 of the crank with respect to the frame 22.

According to one embodiment, such as that illustrated in FIGS. 25 and 26, the crankshaft 315 comprises a plurality of splines 315b. These splines 315b extend over at least part of the length of the crankshaft 315 defined as being its dimension of extension along the axis of rotation 12 of the crankset.

The splines 315b of the bottom bracket shaft 315 are configured to guide the carriage 316 in translation as will be explained later.

Preferably, these splines 315b have a spatial extension along the axis of rotation 12 of the crankset less than the length dimension of the crankshaft 315. Thus, the crankshaft 315 has a portion 315c of its extension along its length. length without splines 315b.

FIG. 26 shows the bottom bracket shaft 315 preferably splined to cooperate with the carriage 316. Said carriage 316 comprises at least a plurality of linear guide devices 316a configured to cooperate with said splines 315b so that on the one hand the splines 315b rotate the carriage 316 when the bottom bracket shaft 315 is rotated around the axis of rotation 12 of the bottom bracket, and on the other hand so that the carriage 316 can slide and thus translate the along the bottom bracket shaft 315 along the axis of rotation 12 of the bottom bracket.

According to one embodiment, each linear guide device 316a comprises at least one ball bearing. Advantageously, each linear guide device 316a comprises a ball recirculation device 316b, comprising balls which roll along the grooves 315b. Advantageously, each groove 315b has a groove bottom as well as two side walls. The balls of the linear guide devices 316a roll for example on the bottom or on the walls defining the grooves 315b.

This makes it possible to reduce the friction between the carriage 316 and the bottom bracket shaft 315 when the carriage 316 translates relative to the bottom bracket shaft 315 along the axis of rotation 12 of the bottom bracket. In particular, this allows the mechanical tension undergone by the chain 13 when the latter is on a rear pinion, the plane of rotation of which is not collinear with the plane of rotation of the plate 317, to be sufficient to allow the sliding of the carriage. 316 and therefore of the chainring 317 in a position along the crankshaft 315 so that the plane of rotation of the chainring 317 is substantially coplanar with the plane of rotation of said rear pinion. This translation makes it possible to reduce the mechanical tension undergone by the chain 13 and therefore occurs automatically by simple application of the forces of the chain 13 on the plate 317 thus become sliding plate 317 according to the present invention.

The pedal 10 is configured to form an end stop in order to limit the travel in translation of the carriage between the first 313 and second 314 bearings.

According to one embodiment, an end stop is formed by one end 315e of the grooves 315b. Thus, when the linear guide devices 316a come into contact with the end 315e of the grooves 315b, their translation is stopped.

Provision can be made for another end-of-travel stopper to be formed by the ring which is integral with the crankshaft 315. In the example illustrated, this is the outer ring 313a.

Thus, in the example illustrated, the stroke of the carriage 316 is limited in one direction by the outer ring 313a and in the opposite direction by the end 315e of the groove 315b.

Naturally, many other embodiments are perfectly conceivable. Thus, the two end-of-travel stops could be formed by the ends of the groove. Alternatively, the two end-of-travel stops could be formed by the rings integral with the crankshaft 315.

According to the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 26, the first rolling bearing 313 is structurally different from the second rolling bearing 314. According to one embodiment, the rolling elements of the first rolling bearing 313 are not balls, but cylinders. 313c. These rolling elements have a first diameter and the second rolling bearing 314 comprises a plurality of balls 314c having a second diameter. Preferably the second diameter is greater than the first diameter. In a particularly advantageous manner, the first rolling bearing 313 comprises cylinders 313c making it possible to withstand the radial forces, which are the greatest on the right of the crankset 10 due to the tension of the chain. The use of cylinders 313c also makes it possible to reduce the size of the first rolling bearing 313. Advantageously, the second rolling bearing 314 comprises balls 314c making it possible to withstand axial and radial forces to the left of the crankset 10.

FIG. 27 is a perspective view of another embodiment of a crankset 10 according to the present invention also compatible with the various embodiments of derailleurs described above. It will be noted that this crankset 10 is integral with the frame 22 by means of a plurality of stays 341.

FIG. 28 is a perspective and exploded view of a crankset 10 according to the embodiment of FIG. 27. According to this embodiment, the crankshaft 315 comprises at least a plurality of guide pins 315f s 'extending along the axis of rotation 12, preferably in a direction parallel to the axis of rotation 12 and so as to be distributed around the axis of rotation 12 of the crankset. These guide pins 315f are kept integral with one another by means of a first support 315g and a second support 315h. The first support 315g and the second 315h are preferably arranged respectively at the first and at the second ends of said guide pins 315f. According to one embodiment, the first support 315g is disposed between a first end of the guide pins 315f and the first rolling bearing 313, and the second support 315h is disposed between the second end of the guide pins 315f and the second bearing. bearings 314. According to this embodiment, the carriage 316 is configured to slide along the guide pins 315f. Thus, the carriage 316 comprises openings 316d in which the guide pins 315f are housed at least in part. Advantageously, the guide pins 315f pass through the carriage 316 by passing through the openings 316d. Preferably, the carriage 316 comprises as many openings as the crankshaft 315 comprises guide pins 315f.

Advantageously, these guide pins 315f guide the carriage 316 in translation and ensure its drive in rotation about the axis of rotation 12 of the crankset. We find in this figure 28 the plate 317 integral in translation and in rotation of the carriage 316.

Thus the present invention allows the use of a crankset movable in translation along its axis of rotation and comprising a plurality of plates 110, 120, 130, 317. In fact, the derailleur 100 according to the present invention makes it possible to accompany the chain in its translation from a chainring to another chainring, in addition by defining stops to prevent chain jumps, this derailleur also being mobile in translation at the same time as the crankset if necessary.

Advantageously, the derailleur according to the present invention is configured to cooperate with a crankset in which the plates are movable in translation and slide along their axis of rotation. Indeed, the pincer grip effect that allows the derailleur according to the present invention, makes it possible to accompany the chain from one chainring to another chainring by reducing, or even avoiding, the risks of derailment, that is to say. say chain break.

Fig. 29 illustrates an embodiment of the present invention compatible with the previous embodiments. According to this embodiment, the crankshaft 315 comprises a shock absorber 318.

According to this embodiment, the damper 318 comprises a piston 318a and a damping cylinder 318b. The piston 318a is advantageously integral with one of the crankshaft 315 or the carriage 316, and the damping cylinder 318b is advantageously integral with the other of the crankshaft 315 or the carriage 316.

This makes it possible to reduce the vibrations of the carriage 316 along the axis of rotation 12 of the crankset along the shaft of the crankset 315.

This makes it possible to damp the translational movement of the carriage 316 along the axis of rotation 12 of the crankset along the shaft of the crankset 315.

The use of the damper 318 makes it possible to increase the stability of the carriage 316 when the plane of rotation of the plate 317 is coplanar with the plane of rotation of the rear pinion to which it is mechanically coupled by the chain 13. According to one embodiment , the piston 318a is integral with one of the crankshaft 315 or the carriage 316 by means of supports 318c in the form of rods for example, as in FIG. 29; the damping cylinder 318b is integral with the other of the crankshaft 315 or the carriage 316 also by means of supports 318c in the form of rods as in FIG. 29.

According to an embodiment not shown, the crankset 10 may include a motor device configured to translate the carriage 316 along the axis of rotation 12 of the crankset relative to the crankshaft 315.

According to this embodiment, the motor device is configured to drive the carriage 316 in rotation along the axis of rotation 12 of the crankset so as to position the plane of rotation of the plate 317 substantially in the plane of rotation of the rear pinion to which it is mechanically. coupled by chain 13. According to one embodiment, the driving device can be controlled from a command actuated by the user for example, so that the driving device comprises a plurality of predetermined positions for the position of the plate 317 as a function of the rear pinion. selected by the user.

According to another embodiment, the crankset 10 comprises at least one sensor configured to measure the chain tension 13, preferably the axial component of the chain tension 13 along an axis parallel to the axis of rotation 12 of the crankset, for example. .

This sensor is then configured to communicate with the motor device so that the motor device drives the carriage 316 in translation along the axis of rotation 12 of the crankset so that the position of the carriage 316 corresponds to a position where the axial component the tension of chain 13 is minimal.

Thus, according to this embodiment, the motor device is configured to automatically position the carriage 316, and therefore the plate 317, in a position along the shaft of the crankset 315 so that the plane of rotation of the plate 317 either substantially coplanar with the plane of rotation of the rear pinion with which it is mechanically coupled by the chain 13. This automatic positioning of the plate 317 is advantageously carried out by searching for the minimum of the axial component of the chain tension 13 along an axis parallel to the axis of rotation 12 of the crankset.

According to one embodiment, the motor device is configured to translate the carriage 316 along the axis of rotation 12 of the crankset and in a first direction while measuring the axial component of the chain tension 13 along an axis parallel to the chain. crankshaft rotation axis. If this value increases, then the motor device changes the direction of translation of the carriage 316. If this value decreases, then the motor device continues according to the current direction of translation of the carriage 316. During the translation of the carriage 316, the drive device is configured. to keep in a non-transient memory device the measured value of the axial component of the chain tension 13 while the carriage 316 is translated so as to identify the minimum value and the corresponding position. Then the motor device positions the carriage 316 at said position corresponding to the value of the component of the tension of the chain 13 lowest measured.

The present invention thus makes it possible to translate the chain of a cycle from one chainring to another chainring by reducing, or even avoiding, any derailment, among other things by the cooperation between an ascent fork and an ascent stop, and the cooperation between a fork. descent and a descent stop.

The invention is not limited to the embodiments described above and extends to all the embodiments covered by the claims.

List of references

10 Crankset

11 Pedal

12 Crankshaft rotation axis

13 String

20 Cycle

21 Wheel

22 Frame 23 Rear sprockets

00 Derailleur

101 First axis of translation

102 Second axis of translation

103 First reminder element

104 Second reminder element

105 Longitudinal support

106 Tightening screw for the cable passing through the small plate

107 Tightening screw for the cable passing through the large plate

108 Derailleur hanger for derailleur

109 Axis, preferably hollow, of translation

110 First plate

111 Teeth of the first chainring

112 Internal face of the first plate

113 External face of the first plate

114 Recovery portion

120 Second plate

121 Teeth of the second chainring

122 Internal face of the second plate

123 External face of the second plate

130 Additional tray

140 Climbing fork

141 Raising fork stiffening frame

142 T rth translation axis

143 Pusher-lift device

144 Worm

145 Lifting element

146 Additional lifting element

147 Coupling cable

150 Lowering fork

160 Up stop

170 Lowering stop

171 Stiffening frame for the descent stop

162, 172 Pebble

163. 173 Washer

164. 174 Fixing element

165. 175 Gorge 176 First portion of the descent stop

177 Second portion of the descent stop

180 Climb cable

190 Drop cable

200 Control device

210 Control unit

211 Climbing cable fixing point

212 Lower cable fixing point

213 Finger

214 Obviously

313. First roller bearing

313a. Outer ring of the first rolling bearing 313b. Inner ring of the first rolling bearing 313c. Cylinders

314. Second rolling bearing

314a. Outer ring of the second rolling bearing 314b. Inner ring of the second rolling bearing 314c. Balls

315. Bottom bracket

315b. Groove

315c. Area without grooves

315d. Obviously

315th. End stop

315f. Guide axis

315g. First axis support

315h. Second axis support

316. Trolley

316a. Linear guide device

316b. 316c ball recirculation device. Tray fixing areas

316d. Opening

317. Plateau

318. Shock absorber

318a. Piston

318b. Damping cylinder

318c. Supports

341. Shrouds 343. Seat tube

344. Bottom bracket tube

Claims

[Claim 1] [Crankset (10) for cycle (20), preferably bicycle, intended to be mechanically coupled by at least one chain (13) to at least one pinion (23) of cycle (20) and comprising at least one derailleur (100) configured to move the chain (13) alternately from a first chainring (110) to a second chainring (120), the first chainring (110) and the second chainring (120) being carried by the crankset (10) and being integral with the crankset (10) in rotation around an axis of rotation (12) of the crankset (10), the first chainring (110) having a diameter smaller than the diameter of the second chainring (120), said crankset (10) being characterized in that the derailleur (100) comprises at least:

An ascent fork (140), movable in translation along a first translation axis (101), and configured to at least move the chain (13) from the first plate (110) to the second plate (120);

A rise stopper (160) configured to act as a stopper relative to the movement of the chain (13) from the first chainring (110) to the second chainring (120);

At least one ascent actuator comprising an ascent cable (180), the at least one ascent actuator being configured to translate the ascent fork (140) towards the chain (13) so as to move the chain (13) ) from the first tray (110) to the second tray (120);

A lowering fork (150), movable in translation along a second translation axis (102) and configured to at least move the chain (13) from the second plate (120) to the first plate (110);

A descent stopper (170) configured to act as a stopper relative to the movement of the chain (13) from the second plate (120) to the first plate (110);

At least one lowering actuator comprising a lowering cable (190), the at least one lowering actuator being configured to translate the lowering fork (150) towards the chain (13) so as to move the chain (13) ) from the second tray (120) to the first tray (110);

and in that :

The first chainring (110) has an external face (113) facing the outside of the crankset (10) and facing the descent stop (170), and an internal face (112) facing the inside of the crankset ( 10) partially opposite the lowering fork (150);

The second chainring (120) has an outer face (123) facing the outside of the crankset (10) and facing the ascent stop (160), and an inner face (122) facing the inside of the crankset ( 10) partially facing the ascent fork (140) and facing the internal face (112) of the first plate (110).

[Claim 2] Crankset (10) according to the preceding claim, in which the ascent fork (140) is disposed between the descent fork (150) and the descent stop (170) along the axis of rotation (12) of the crankset (10), and in which the lowering fork (150) is arranged between the lifting fork (140) and the upward stop (160) along the axis of rotation (12) of the crankset (10).

[Claim 3] Crankset (10) according to any one of the preceding claims, in which the first translation axis (101) and the second translation axis (102) are the same.

[Claim 4] Crankset (10) according to any one of claims 1 and 2 wherein the first translation axis (101) and the second translation axis (102) are distinct and preferably parallel to each other.

[Claim 5] Crankset (10) according to any preceding claim wherein at least one of the up stopper (160) and the descent stopper (170) comprises at least one movable roller (162, 172). rotating around an axis orthogonal to the axis of rotation (12) of the crankset (10), said roller (162, 172) being intended to be in contact, at least occasionally, with at least part of the external face (113, 123) of the plate (110, 120) turned opposite said at least one stop (160, 170).

[Claim 6] Crankset (10) according to the preceding claim in which the roller (162, 172) is removably mounted on said at least one stop (160, 170).

[Claim 7] Crankset (10) according to any one of the two preceding claims in which the descent stopper (170) comprises a first portion (176) and a second portion (177), the first portion (176) being configured to serve as a stopper for the chain (13) when the latter is moved from the second plate (120) to the first plate (110) and the second portion (177) carrying said roller (172) intended to be in contact, at least occasionally, with at least part of the outer face (113) of the first plate (110).

[Claim 8] Crankset (10) according to any one of the two preceding claims wherein the first chainring (110) comprises a covering portion (114) extending around the outer face (113) of the first chainring (110). facing at least part of the teeth (111) of the first plate (110), this covering portion (114) being intended to come into at least partial contact with said roller (172).

[Claim 9] A crankset (10) according to any preceding claim in which the

first translation axis (101) and the second translation axis (102) are integral with the crankset (10).

[Claim 10] Crankset (10) according to any one of the preceding claims wherein the up stopper (160) is movable in translation along the first translation axis (101) and is configured to at least come into mechanical contact with at least point with part of the outer face (123) of the second plate (120) when the lifting fork (140) moves towards the second plate (120), and in which the descent stop (170) is movable in translation according to the second translation axis (102) and is configured to at least come into at least one point mechanical contact with a part of the first plate (110), preferably with a part of the surface of a covering portion (114) integral and carried by the first plate (110), when the lowering fork (150) moves towards the first plate (110).

[Claim 11] Crankset (10) according to any one of the preceding claims, in which the ascent fork (140) and / or the descent fork (150) and / or the rise stop (160) and / or the stopper descent (170) slide along an axis, preferably hollow, of translation (109).

[Claim 12] A crankset (10) according to any one of claims 1 to 9 in which the up stop (160) is fixed relative to the up fork (140), and in which the down stop (170) is fixed relative to the lowering fork (150).

[Claim 13] Crankset (10) according to any one of the preceding claims in which the derailleur (100) is movable in translation along an axis parallel to the axis of rotation (12) of the crankset (10).

[Claim 14] Crankset (10) according to any one of the preceding claims in which the first plate (110) and the second plate (120) are movable in translation along the axis of rotation (12) of the crankset (10).

[Claim 15] A crankset (10) according to any preceding claim in which the up fork (140) and the down fork (150) are configured to alternately present an active position and a passive position, the corresponding active position. at least one-off contacting of at least part of the fork (140, 150) considered with at least part of the chain (13), the passive position corresponding to a positioning of the fork (140, 150) considered at a distance from the chain (13), and in which when the ascent fork (140) is in the active position, then the descent fork (150) is in the passive position, and when the descent fork (150) is in active position, then the ascent fork (140) is in the passive position.

[Claim 16] A crankset (10) according to any one of the preceding claims wherein the up stopper (160) and the descent stopper (170) are configured to alternately have an active position and a passive position, the corresponding active position. at least one-off contacting of at least part of respectively the up stop (160) and the descent stop (170) with respectively at least part of the second plate (120) and at least part of the first plate (110), the passive position corresponding to a positioning of the stop (140, 150) considered at a distance from the plates (110, 120), and in which when the up stop (160) is in the active position, then the Descent stop (170) is in the passive position, and when the descent stop (170) is in the active position, then the up stop (160) is in the passive position.

[Claim 17] A crankset (10) according to the two preceding claims in which the up fork (140) is mechanically coupled to the up stop (160) through at least a first return member (103) configured to hold the ascent fork (140) and the ascent stop (160) in the passive position, and in which the descent fork (150) is mechanically coupled to the descent stop (170) through at least a second return (104) configured to maintain the lowering fork (150) and the lowering stop (170) in the passive position.

[Claim 18] A crankset (10) according to the preceding claim wherein the ascending cable (180) is configured so that when mechanical tension is applied to it by a user, the ascending cable (180) applies mechanical compression to said first one. return element (103) so as to translate the lifting fork (140) from the passive position to the active position so as to apply a displacement driving force to the chain (13) to move it from the first chainring (110) towards the second plate (120), and so as to translate the up stop (160) from the passive position to the position active so that the up stop (160) comes into at least one-off mechanical contact with part of the external face (123) of the second plate (120).

[Claim 19] A crankset (10) according to any one of the preceding two claims wherein the lowering cable (190) is configured so that when mechanical tension is applied to it by a user, the lowering cable (190) applies. mechanical compression to said second return member (104) so as to translate the lowering fork (150) from the passive position to the active position so as to apply a driving force of displacement to the chain (13) to move it from the second plate (120) to the first plate (110), and so as to translate the descent stop (170) from the passive position to the active position so that the descent stop (160) comes into mechanical contact with the less punctual with the first plate (110), preferably with part of the surface of a covering portion (114) integral with and carried by the first plate (110).

[Claim 20] Crankset (10) according to any one of the three preceding claims wherein the climbing fork (140) comprises a stiffening frame (141) bearing on said first return element (103) passing through the climbing fork. (140).

[Claim 21] Crankset (10) according to any one of the four preceding claims wherein the up stopper (160) comprises a stiffening frame (161) bearing on said first return element (103) passing through the up stopper (160).

[Claim 22] A crankset (10) according to any one of claims 1 to 16 wherein the lifting fork (140) comprises at least one pusher-lifter (143) configured to move the chain (13) from the first chainring. (110) towards the second plate (120), the pusher-lifter device (143) being movable in translation along the first translation axis (101) and comprising at least one lifting element (145), the lifting element ( 145) being movable in translation along a third translation axis (142) inclined relative to the first translation axis (101) so that when the lifting fork (140) moves in translation along the first translation axis (101) towards the ascent stop (160), the pusher-lifter device (143) moves in translation along the first translation axis (101) and the lifting element (145) moves in translation along the third translation axis (142 ) so as to come at least partially in mechanical contact Anique with at least part of the chain (13) to move it from the first plate (110) to the second plate (120), preferably by lifting and advantageously by pushing at least part of the chain (13).

[Claim 23] A crankset (10) according to the preceding claim in which the up fork (140) and the down fork (150) are mechanically coupled to each other through at least a first return element. (103) configured to keep the ascent fork (140) and the descent fork (150) distant from each other, each in a passive position, and wherein the upstop (160) and the downstop descent (170) are mechanically coupled to each other through at least one second return member (104) configured to hold the up stop (160) and the down stop (170) apart from each other. on the other, each in a passive position.

[Claim 24] A crankset (10) according to the preceding claim wherein the ascending cable (180) is configured so that when mechanical tension is applied to it by a user, the ascending cable (180) applies mechanical compression to said first return member (103) so as to translate the lifting fork (140) and to said second return element so as to translate the up stop (160) from their passive positions to a position active, said active position of the lifting fork (140) corresponding to at least partial mechanical contact of the lifting element (145) with at least part of the chain (13) and to the application of a driving force for moving the chain (13) from the first chainring (110) to the second chainring (120), preferably by lifting and advantageously by pushing the chain (13), and the active position of the up stop ( 160) corresponding to placing at least one-off mechanical contact of part of the up stop (160) with part of the outer face (123) of the second plate (120).

[Claim 25] A crankset (10) according to any one of the preceding claims in which the lowering cable (190) is configured so that when mechanical tension is applied to it by a user, the lowering cable (190) applies. mechanical compression at said first return element (103) so as to translate the lowering fork (150) and said second return element so as to translate the lowering stop (170) from their passive positions to an active position, said position active of the lowering fork (150) corresponding to at least partial mechanical contact of the lowering fork (150) with at least part of the chain (13) and to the application of a driving force for displacement of the chain (13) from the second plate (120) to the first plate (110), and the active position of the descent stop (170) corresponding to placing at least one-off mechanical contact with the first plate (110) , d Preferably with part of the surface of a covering portion (114) integral with and carried by the first plate (110).

[Claim 26] Crankset (10) according to any one of the four preceding claims, in which the pusher-lifter device (143) comprises an additional lifting element (146) movable in translation along the third translation axis (142) so that when the lifting fork (140) moves in translation along the first translation axis (101), the pusher-lifter device (143) moves in translation along the first translation axis (101) and the lifting element (146) moves in translation along the third translation axis (142) so as to come at least partially in mechanical contact with at least part of the chain (13) to move it from an additional plate (130) towards the second plate (120), preferably by lifting and advantageously by pushing at least part of the chain (13), the additional plate (130) being arranged between the first plate (110) and the second plate (120) and having a dia meter greater than that of the first plate (110) and less than that of the second plate (120).

[Claim 27] A crankset (10) according to the preceding claim wherein the lowering cable (190) is configured so that when mechanical tension is applied to it by a user, the lowering cable (190) applies mechanical compression to said first. return element (103) so as to translate the lowering fork (150) to said second return element so as to translate the lowering stop (170) from their passive positions to their active positions so that the lowering fork (150) applies a driving force to move the chain (13) to move the chain (13) from the second chainring to the additional chainring (130) and / or the first chainring (110) and to that the descent stop (170) comes into at least one-off mechanical contact with the first plate (110), preferably with part of the surface of a covering portion (114) integral with and carried by the first plate (110) ).

[Claim 28] Crankset (10) according to any one of the six preceding claims wherein the pusher-lifter device (143) comprises at least one worm screw (144) extending along the third translation axis (142) and being configured to be driven in rotation about the third axis of rotation (142) when the lifting cable (180) applies mechanical compression to said first return element (101), so as to translate along the third translation axis ( 142) at least one lifting element (145), and advantageously in a reversible manner.

[Claim 29] Crankset (10) according to any one of the preceding claims comprising: at least a first rolling bearing (313) comprising at least one outer ring (313a) and one inner ring (313b), one of the following. outer ring (313a) and the inner ring (313b) being intended to be integral with the frame (22) of the cycle (20);

at least one second rolling bearing (314) comprising at least one outer ring (314a) and one inner ring (314b), one of the outer ring (314b) and the inner ring (314b) being intended to be integral with the frame (22);

at least one crankshaft (315) configured to be guided in rotation by at least the first (313) and second (314) rolling bearings around the axis of rotation (12) of the crank (10), the shaft crankset (315) being integral with the other among the outer ring (313a) and the inner ring (313b) of the first rolling bearing (313) and integral with the other among the outer ring (314a) and the inner ring (314b) of the second rolling bearing (314), the crankshaft (315) being intended to be driven in rotation by pedals (11);

at least one toothed chainring (110, 120, 130, 317) intended to be mechanically coupled with at least one sprocket of a plurality of sprockets via at least one of the chain (13) and a belt ; at least one carriage (316):

o integral in rotation with the crankshaft (315) around the axis of rotation (12) of the crankset (10) and o mounted freely in translation on the crankshaft (315) along the axis of rotation (12) of the crankset (10) and between the first (313) and second (314) rolling bearings, so that throughout its travel in translation the carriage (316) remains located between the first (313) ) and second (314) rolling bearings; and in which the plate (110, 120, 130, 317) is integral in rotation and in translation with said carriage (316).

[Claim 30] Derailleur (100) intended to cooperate with at least one crankset according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that it comprises:

An ascent fork (140), movable in translation along a first translation axis (101), and configured to move the chain (13) from the first plate (110) to the second plate (120);

A rise stopper (160) configured to act as a stopper relative to the movement of the chain (13) from the first chainring (110) to the second chainring (120); A lifting cable (180) configured to translate the lifting fork (140) towards the chain (13) so as to move the chain (13) from the first chainring (110) to the second chainring (120);

A lowering fork (150), movable in translation along a second translation axis (102) and configured to move the chain (13) from the second plate (120) to the first plate (110);

A lowering cable (190) configured to translate the lowering fork (150) towards the chain (13) so as to move the chain (13) from the second chainring (120) to the first chainring (110);

and in that :

- The second plate (120) has an external face (123) facing the outside of the crankset (10) and facing the up stop (160), and an internal face (122) facing the inside of the crankset (10) partially facing the lifting fork (140) and facing the internal face (112) of the first plate (110).

[Claim 31] Cycle (20) comprising at least one crankset (10) according to any one of

claims 1 to 29.]