DE102016002298B4 - Electric bicycle rear derailleur - Google Patents

Abstract

An electric bicycle rear derailleur (412) comprising: a base member (416); a chain guide (418) pivotally supported with respect to the base member (416) between a retracted position and an extended position; a linkage assembly (420) operatively coupling the chain guide (418) to the base member (416); anda battery holder (422, 522, 622, 722, 822, 922, 1022, 1122) supported as a separate part on the base member (416), the battery holder (422, 522, 622, 722, 822, 922, 1022, 1122) being configured to removably receive a battery (448), the base member (416) including a frame mounting structure configured to be attached to the bicycle frame (1), and the battery holder (422, 522, 622, 722, 822, 922, 1022, 1122) being attached to the base member (416).

Description

BACKGROUND

This application claims priority from the Japanese Patent Application No. 2015-044818 , which was submitted on 6 March 2015 to the Japanese Patent Application No. 2015-176946 , which was submitted on 8 September 2015, the US Patent Application No. 14,922,731 , which was submitted on 6 October 2015 and the US Patent Application No. 14,879,405 , which was filed on October 9, 2015. The entire disclosures of the Japanese Patent Application No. 2015-044818 , the Japanese Patent Application No. 2015-176946 , the US Patent Application No. 14,922,731 the US patent application 14,879,405 are hereby incorporated by reference.

Field of the invention

This invention generally relates to an electric rear derailleur and a battery holder for an electric rear derailleur.

Background information

In recent years, some bicycles have been provided with electrical components or devices to make it easier for the cyclist to operate the bicycle. Examples of such electrical bicycle components include suspension, derailleur devices (e.g., front derailleurs, hub gears, etc.), and seatposts. Such electrical bicycle components require electricity from a power source, such as a hub generator and/or a battery. Typically, the power source is mounted remotely from the electrical components. As a result, electrical wires are routed along the bicycle frame between the electrical components and the battery. Likewise, these electrical bicycle components can be interconnected to communicate with electrical wires or cables or through wireless communications. Wireless electrical bicycle components are advantageous in that they can eliminate electrical wires connecting electrical bicycle components. Electric bicycle rear derailleurs and battery mounts for electric bicycle rear derailleurs are made, for example, of DE 10 2013 015 946 A1 , DE 10 2011 079 009 A1 and DE 10 2014 015 365 A1 known.

OVERVIEW

In general, the present invention relates to various features of an electric bicycle rear derailleur for a bicycle and a battery holder for an electric bicycle rear derailleur.

The electric bicycle rear derailleur according to the present invention is recited in main claim 1 and dependent claims 2, 4, 6, 7, 8, 11. The battery holder for an electric bicycle rear derailleur according to the present invention is recited in dependent claims 30, 32 and 33. Preferred embodiments are recited in the dependent claims.

It is the object of the present application to provide an improved electric bicycle rear derailleur and an improved battery holder that allow easy attachment and removal of a battery.

The object is achieved by an electric bicycle rear derailleur according to the features of independent claims 1, 2, 4, 6, 7, 8, and 11, as well as by a battery holder according to independent claims 30, 32, and 33. Advantageous embodiments are contained in the subclaims.

Likewise, other features, aspects, and advantages of the disclosed electric bicycle rear derailleur and battery mount will become apparent to those skilled in the art from the following detailed description, which, taken in conjunction with the appended drawings, discloses embodiments of the electric bicycle rear derailleur and battery mount.

SHORT DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWING

• 1 ist eine Rückperspektive eines Abschnitts eines Fahrradrahmens, welcher ausgestattet ist/wird mit einem elektrischen Fahradhinterumwerfer gemäß einer ersten dargestellten Ausführungsform, in welcher der Fahradhinterumwerfer eine Batterie aufweist, montiert am Fahradhinterumwerfer mittels einer Batteriehalterung, welche die Batterie stützt an einem Ort, welcher befindlich ist vornehmlich rückwärtig und vornehmlich unterhalb eines Basisglieds des Fahradhinterumwerfers, während das Basisglied montiert ist/wird am Fahrradrahmen;
• 2 ist eine äußere Aufrissansicht des Abschnitts des Fahrradrahmens und des Fahradhinterumwerfers, dargestellt in 1, wobei die Batteriehalterung die Batterie stützt an einem Ort, welcher befindlich ist vornehmlich rückwärtig und vornehmlich unterhalb des Basisglieds des Fahradhinterumwerfers, während montiert ist/wird am Fahrradrahmen;
• 3 ist eine hintere Aufrissansicht des Abschnitts des Fahrradrahmens und des Fahradhinterumwerfers, dargestellt in 1 und 2, wobei die Batteriehalterung die Batterie stützt an einem Ort, welcher befindlich ist vornehmlich rückwärtig und vornehmlich unterhalb des Basisglieds des Fahradhinterumwerfers, während das Basisglied montiert ist/wird am Fahrradrahmen;
• 4 ist eine vergrößerte Rückperspektivansicht der Batteriehalterung, dargestellt in 1 bis 3, mit der Batterie explodiert aus der Batteriehalterung;
• 5 ist eine vergrößerte Teilaufrissansicht der Batteriehalterung, dargestellt in 1 bis 3, mit einem Abschnitt der Batteriehalterung weggebrochen, um die Batterie innerhalb der Batteriehalterung zu zeigen;
• 6 ist eine äußere Aufrissansicht des Abschnitts des Fahrradrahmens und des Fahradhinterumwerfers dargestellt in 1, aber mit einer ersten alternativen Batteriehalterung, welche die Batterie stützt an einem Ort, welcher befindlich ist vornehmlich rückwärtig und vornehmlich unterhalb des Basisglieds des Fahradhinterumwerfers, während das Basisglied montiert ist/wird am Fahrradrahmen;
• 7 ist eine hintere Aufrissansicht des Abschnitts des Fahrradrahmens und des Fahradhinterumwerfers, dargestellt in 6, aber mit der ersten alternativen Batteriehalterung, welche die Batterie stützt an einem Ort, welcher befindlich ist vornehmlich rückwärtig und vornehmlich unterhalb des Basisglieds des Fahradhinterumwerfers, während das Basisglied montiert ist/wird am Fahrradrahmen;
• 8 ist eine äußere Rückperspektivansicht des Abschnitts des Fahrradrahmens und des Fahradhinterumwerfers dargestellt in 1, aber mit einer zweiten alternativen Batteriehalterung, welche die Batterie stützt an einem Ort, welcher befindlich ist vornehmlich vorwärtig und vornehmlich oberhalb des Basisglieds des Fahradhinterumwerfers, während das Basisglied montiert ist/wird am Fahrradrahmen;
• 9 ist eine hintere Aufrissansicht des Abschnitts des Fahrradrahmens und des Fahradhinterumwerfers, dargestellt in 8, mit der zweiten alternativen Batteriehalterung, welche die Batterie stützt an einem Ort, welcher befindlich ist vornehmlich vorwärtig und vornehmlich oberhalb des Basisglieds des Fahradhinterumwerfers, während das Basisglied montiert ist/wird am Fahrradrahmen;
• 10 ist eine äußere Aufrissansicht des Abschnitts des Fahrradrahmens und des Fahradhinterumwerfers dargestellt in 1, aber mit einer dritten alternativen Batteriehalterung, welche die Batterie stützt an einem Ort, welcher befindlich ist vornehmlich vorwärtig und vornehmlich oberhalb des Basisglieds des Fahradhinterumwerfers, während das Basisglied montiert ist/wird am Fahrradrahmen;
• 11 ist eine hintere Aufrissansicht des Abschnitts des Fahrradrahmens und des Fahradhinterumwerfers dargestellt in 10, mit der dritten alternativen Batteriehalterung, welche die Batterie stützt an einem Ort, welcher befindlich ist vornehmlich vorwärtig und vornehmlich oberhalb des Basisglieds des Fahradhinterumwerfers, während das Basisglied montiert ist/wird am Fahrradrahmen;
• 12 ist eine Rückperspektive eines Abschnitts eines Fahrradrahmens, welcher ausgestattet ist/wird mit einem elektrischen Fahradhinterumwerfer gemäß einer zweiten dargestellten Ausführungsform, in welcher der Fahradhinterumwerfer eine Batterie aufweist, montiert am Fahradhinterumwerfer mittels einer vierten alternativen Batteriehalterung, welche die Batterie stützt an einem Ort, welcher befindlich ist vornehmlich rückwärts und vornehmlich unterhalb des Basisglieds des Fahradhinterumwerfers, während der Fahradhinterumwerfer montiert ist/wird am Fahrradrahmen;
• 13 ist eine äußere Aufrissansicht des Abschnitts des Fahrradrahmens und des Fahradhinterumwerfers, dargestellt in 12, mit der vierten alternativen Batteriehalterung, welche die Batterie stützt an einem Ort, welcher befindlich ist vornehmlich rückwärtig und vornehmlich unterhalb des Basisglieds des Fahradhinterumwerfers, während das Basisglied montiert ist/wird am Fahrradrahmen;
• 14 ist eine hintere Aufrissansicht des Abschnitts des Fahrradrahmens und des Fahradhinterumwerfers, dargestellt in 12 und 13, mit der vierten alternativen Batteriehalterung, welche die Batterie stützt an einem Ort, welcher befindlich ist vornehmlich rückwärtig und vornehmlich unterhalb des Basisglieds des Fahradhinterumwerfers, während das Basisglied montiert ist/wird am Fahrradrahmen;
• 15 eine vergrößerte Rückperspektivansicht der vierten alternativen Batteriehalterung, dargestellt in 12 bis 14, mit der Batterie davon heraus explodiert;
• 16 eine vergrößerte Teilaufrissansicht der Batteriehalterung, dargestellt in 12 bis 14, mit einem Abschnitt der vierten alternativen Batteriehalterung weggebrochen, um die Batterie darin zu zeigen;
• 17 ist eine äußere Rückperspektivansicht des Abschnitts des Fahrradrahmens und des Fahradhinterumwerfers, dargestellt in 12, aber mit einer fünften alternativen Batteriehalterung, welche die Batterie stützt an einem Ort, welcher befindlich ist vornehmlich rückwärtig und vornehmlich unterhalb des Basisglieds des Fahradhinterumwerfers, während das Basisglied montiert ist/wird am Fahrradrahmen;
• 18 ist eine hintere Aufrissansicht des Abschnitts des Fahrradrahmens und des Fahradhinterumwerfers, dargestellt in 17, mit der fünften alternativen Batteriehalterung, welche die Batterie stützt an einem Ort, welcher befindlich ist vornehmlich rückwärtig und vornehmlich unterhalb des Basisglieds des Fahradhinterumwerfers, während das Basisglied montiert ist/wird am Fahrradrahmen;
• 19 ist eine äußere Aufrissansicht des Abschnitts des Fahrradrahmens und des Fahradhinterumwerfers, dargestellt in 12, aber mit einer sechsten alternativen Batteriehalterung, welche die Batterie stützt an einem Ort, welcher befindlich ist vornehmlich vorwärtig und vornehmlich oberhalb des Basisglieds des Fahradhinterumwerfers, während das Basisglied montiert ist/wird am Fahrradrahmen;
• 20 ist eine hintere Aufrissansicht des Abschnitts des Fahrradrahmens und des Fahradhinterumwerfers, dargestellt in 19, mit der sechsten alternativen Batteriehalterung, welche die Batterie stützt an einem Ort, welcher befindlich ist vornehmlich vorwärtig und vornehmlich oberhalb des Basisglieds des Fahradhinterumwerfers, während das Basisglied montiert ist/wird am Fahrradrahmen;
• 21 ist eine äußere Aufrissansicht des Abschnitts des Fahrradrahmens und des Fahradhinterumwerfers, dargestellt in 12, aber mit einer siebten alternativen Batteriehalterung, welche die Batterie stützt an einem Ort, welcher befindlich ist vornehmlich vorwärtig und vornehmlich oberhalb des Basisglieds des Fahradhinterumwerfers, während das Basisglied montiert ist/wird am Fahrradrahmen;
• 22 ist eine hintere Aufrissansicht des Abschnitts des Fahrradrahmens und des Fahradhinterumwerfers, dargestellt in 21, mit der siebten alternativen Batteriehalterung, welche die Batterie stützt an einem Ort, welcher befindlich ist vornehmlich vorwärtig und vornehmlich oberhalb des Basisglieds des Fahradhinterumwerfers, während das Basisglied montiert ist/wird am Fahrradrahmen;
• 23 ist eine äußere Aufrissansicht des Abschnitts des Fahrradrahmens und des Fahradhinterumwerfers, dargestellt in 12, aber mit einer achten alternativen Batteriehalterung, welche die Batterie stützt an einem Ort, welcher befindlich ist vornehmlich rückwärtig und vornehmlich unterhalb des Basisglieds des Fahradhinterumwerfers, während das Basisglied montiert ist/wird am Fahrradrahmen;
• 24 ist eine hintere Aufrissansicht des Abschnitts des Fahrradrahmens und des Fahradhinterumwerfers, dargestellt in 23, mit der achten alternativen Batteriehalterung, welche die Batterie stützt an einem Ort, welcher befindlich ist vornehmlich rückwärtig und vornehmlich unterhalb des Basisglieds des Fahradhinterumwerfers, während das Basisglied montiert ist/wird am Fahrradrahmen;
• 25 ist eine äußere Aufrissansicht des Abschnitts des Fahrradrahmens und des Fahradhinterumwerfers, dargestellt in 12, aber mit einer neunten alternativen Batteriehalterung, welche die Batterie stützt an einem Ort, welcher befindlich ist vornehmlich vorwärtig und vornehmlich oberhalb des Basisglieds des Fahradhinterumwerfers, während das Basisglied montiert ist/wird am Fahrradrahmen;
• 26 ist eine hintere Aufrissansicht des Abschnitts des Fahrradrahmens und des Fahradhinterumwerfers, dargestellt in 25, mit der neunten alternativen Batteriehalterung, welche die Batterie stützt an einem Ort, welcher befindlich ist vornehmlich vorwärtig und vornehmlich oberhalb des Basisglieds des Fahradhinterumwerfers, während das Basisglied montiert ist/wird am Fahrradrahmen;
• 27 ist eine zehnte alternative Batteriehalterung, welche eine Batterie stützt an einem Ort, welcher befindlich ist vornehmlich rückwärtig und vornehmlich unterhalb eines Basisglieds von entweder dem Fahradhinterumwerfer der ersten und zweiten Ausführungsform; und
• 28 ist eine Rückperspektive eines Abschnitts eines Fahrradrahmens, welches ausgestattet ist/wird mit einem elektrischen Fahradhinterumwerfer gemäß einer dritten dargestellten Ausführungsform, in welcher der Fahradhinterumwerfer eine Batterie aufweist, montiert an den Fahradhinterumwerfer mittels einer elften alternativen Batteriehalterung, welche die Batterie stützt an einem Ort, welcher befindlich ist vornehmlich rückwärtig und vornehmlich unterhalb eines Basisglieds des Fahradhinterumwerfers, während das Basisglied montiert ist/wird am Fahrradrahmen.

Referring to the attached drawings, which form a part of this original disclosure:

• 1 is a rear perspective view of a portion of a bicycle frame equipped with an electric bicycle rear derailleur according to a first illustrated embodiment, in which the bicycle rear derailleur includes a battery mounted to the bicycle rear derailleur by means of a battery holder supporting the battery at a location located primarily rearward and primarily below a base member of the bicycle rear derailleur while the base member is mounted to the bicycle frame;
• 2 is an external elevational view of the section of the bicycle frame and bicycle rear derailleur shown in 1 , wherein the battery holder supports the battery at a location which is located primarily rearward and primarily below the Base link of the bicycle rear derailleur while mounted on the bicycle frame;
• 3 is a rear elevational view of the section of the bicycle frame and bicycle rear derailleur shown in 1 and 2 , wherein the battery holder supports the battery at a location which is located primarily rearward and primarily below the base member of the bicycle rear derailleur, while the base member is mounted on the bicycle frame;
• 4 is an enlarged rear perspective view of the battery holder shown in 1 to 3 , with the battery exploding from the battery holder;
• 5 is an enlarged partial elevation view of the battery holder shown in 1 to 3 , with a section of the battery holder broken away to show the battery inside the battery holder;
• 6 is an external elevational view of the section of the bicycle frame and the bicycle rear derailleur shown in 1 , but with a first alternative battery mount which supports the battery at a location which is located primarily rearward and primarily below the base link of the bicycle rear derailleur, while the base link is/will be mounted on the bicycle frame;
• 7 is a rear elevational view of the section of the bicycle frame and bicycle rear derailleur shown in 6 , but with the first alternative battery mount which supports the battery at a location which is located primarily rearward and primarily below the base link of the bicycle rear derailleur, while the base link is/will be mounted on the bicycle frame;
• 8 is an external rear perspective view of the section of the bicycle frame and the bicycle rear derailleur shown in 1 , but with a second alternative battery mount which supports the battery at a location which is located primarily forward and primarily above the base link of the bicycle rear derailleur, while the base link is mounted on the bicycle frame;
• 9 is a rear elevational view of the section of the bicycle frame and bicycle rear derailleur shown in 8 , with the second alternative battery mount supporting the battery at a location located primarily forward and primarily above the base member of the bicycle rear derailleur while the base member is mounted on the bicycle frame;
• 10 is an external elevational view of the section of the bicycle frame and the bicycle rear derailleur shown in 1 , but with a third alternative battery mount which supports the battery at a location which is located primarily forward and primarily above the base link of the bicycle rear derailleur, while the base link is mounted on the bicycle frame;
• 11 is a rear elevational view of the section of the bicycle frame and the bicycle rear derailleur shown in 10 , with the third alternative battery mount supporting the battery at a location located primarily forward and primarily above the base member of the bicycle rear derailleur, while the base member is mounted on the bicycle frame;
• 12 is a rear perspective view of a portion of a bicycle frame equipped with an electric bicycle rear derailleur according to a second illustrated embodiment, in which the bicycle rear derailleur includes a battery mounted to the bicycle rear derailleur by means of a fourth alternative battery mount supporting the battery at a location located primarily rearward and primarily beneath the base member of the bicycle rear derailleur while the bicycle rear derailleur is mounted to the bicycle frame;
• 13 is an external elevational view of the section of the bicycle frame and bicycle rear derailleur shown in 12 , with the fourth alternative battery mount supporting the battery at a location located primarily rearward and primarily below the base link of the bicycle rear derailleur, while the base link is mounted on the bicycle frame;
• 14 is a rear elevational view of the section of the bicycle frame and bicycle rear derailleur shown in 12 and 13 , with the fourth alternative battery mount supporting the battery at a location located primarily rearward and primarily below the base link of the bicycle rear derailleur, while the base link is mounted on the bicycle frame;
• 15 an enlarged rear perspective view of the fourth alternative battery holder shown in 12 to 14 , with the battery exploding out of it;
• 16 an enlarged partial elevation view of the battery holder, shown in 12 to 14 , with a section of the fourth alternative Bat Battery holder broken away to show the battery inside;
• 17 is an external rear perspective view of the section of the bicycle frame and bicycle rear derailleur shown in 12 , but with a fifth alternative battery mount which supports the battery at a location which is located primarily rearward and primarily below the base link of the bicycle rear derailleur, while the base link is/will be mounted on the bicycle frame;
• 18 is a rear elevational view of the section of the bicycle frame and bicycle rear derailleur shown in 17 , with the fifth alternative battery mount which supports the battery at a location which is located primarily rearward and primarily below the base link of the bicycle rear derailleur, while the base link is/will be mounted on the bicycle frame;
• 19 is an external elevational view of the section of the bicycle frame and bicycle rear derailleur shown in 12 , but with a sixth alternative battery mount supporting the battery at a location located primarily forward and primarily above the base link of the bicycle rear derailleur while the base link is mounted on the bicycle frame;
• 20 is a rear elevational view of the section of the bicycle frame and bicycle rear derailleur shown in 19 , with the sixth alternative battery mount supporting the battery at a location located primarily forward and primarily above the base member of the bicycle rear derailleur while the base member is mounted on the bicycle frame;
• 21 is an external elevational view of the section of the bicycle frame and bicycle rear derailleur shown in 12 , but with a seventh alternative battery mount which supports the battery at a location which is located primarily forward and primarily above the base link of the bicycle rear derailleur while the base link is mounted on the bicycle frame;
• 22 is a rear elevational view of the section of the bicycle frame and bicycle rear derailleur shown in 21 , with the seventh alternative battery mount supporting the battery at a location located primarily forward and primarily above the base link of the bicycle rear derailleur while the base link is mounted on the bicycle frame;
• 23 is an external elevational view of the section of the bicycle frame and bicycle rear derailleur shown in 12 , but with an eighth alternative battery mount which supports the battery at a location which is located primarily rearward and primarily below the base link of the bicycle rear derailleur, while the base link is/will be mounted on the bicycle frame;
• 24 is a rear elevational view of the section of the bicycle frame and bicycle rear derailleur shown in 23 , with the eighth alternative battery mount, which supports the battery at a location which is located primarily rearward and primarily below the base link of the bicycle rear derailleur, while the base link is/will be mounted on the bicycle frame;
• 25 is an external elevational view of the section of the bicycle frame and bicycle rear derailleur shown in 12 , but with a ninth alternative battery mount which supports the battery at a location which is located primarily forward and primarily above the base link of the bicycle rear derailleur while the base link is mounted on the bicycle frame;
• 26 is a rear elevational view of the section of the bicycle frame and bicycle rear derailleur shown in 25 , with the ninth alternative battery mount supporting the battery at a location located primarily forward and primarily above the base link of the bicycle rear derailleur while the base link is mounted on the bicycle frame;
• 27 is a tenth alternative battery mount that supports a battery at a location located primarily rearward and primarily below a base member of either the bicycle rear derailleur of the first and second embodiments; and
• 28 is a rear perspective view of a portion of a bicycle frame equipped with an electric bicycle rear derailleur according to a third illustrated embodiment, in which the bicycle rear derailleur includes a battery mounted to the bicycle rear derailleur by means of an eleventh alternative battery mount supporting the battery at a location located primarily rearward and primarily beneath a base member of the bicycle rear derailleur while the base member is mounted to the bicycle frame.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS

Selected embodiments will now be described with reference to the drawings. It will be apparent to those skilled in the bicycle art from this disclosure that the following descriptions of the embodiments are provided for purposes of illustration only and not for the purpose of limiting the invention as defined by the appended claims and their equivalents.

Initially referring to 1 to 3 , a bicycle is illustrated which is/is equipped with an electric rear derailleur 12 according to a first embodiment. The electric rear derailleur 12 is/is mounted to the bicycle frame 1 of the bicycle by means of a fastener (e.g., a fixing bolt) 14. A rear wheel (not shown), having a rear sprocket cassette RS, is/is rotatably supported on the bicycle frame 1 in a conventional manner. The electric rear derailleur 12 is/is configured to shift a chain C in a lateral direction with respect to a vertical center plane of the bicycle frame 1.

In the first embodiment, the electric rear derailleur 12 essentially comprises a base member 16, a chain guide 18, a link assembly 20, and a battery holder 22. The base member 16 includes a mounting portion 16a that rotatably supports the fastener 14 on the base member 16 in a conventional manner. Accordingly, the base member 16 includes a frame mounting structure (i.e., the fastener 14 rotatably supported on the mounting portion 16a) configured to be attached to the bicycle frame 1 and the battery holder 22 secured to the base member 16. The fastener 14 is a part of the mounting portion 16a, in which the fastener 14 is rotatably disposed on the mounting portion 16a, while the fastener 14 is not attached to the bicycle frame 1 and/or the battery holder 22. In other words, the battery holder 22 is supported as a separate part on the base member 16 by means of the fastener 14, so as to be removable and reinstallable without damage to the electric rear derailleur 12 and/or the battery holder 22 using the fastener 14. In this way, the battery holder 22 is detachably and reattachably coupled to the base member 16 by means of the fastener 14. As a result of the detachable and reattachable coupling of the battery holder 22, the battery holder 22 can be replaced if damaged without replacing the electric rear derailleur 12. Furthermore, the battery holder 22 can be replaced, and the electric rear derailleur 12 can be connected to a remote battery. In other words, the battery holder 22 is supported as a separate part on the base member 16.

The base member 16 is preferably constructed of a rigid material, such as a lightweight metal (e.g., an aluminum alloy or a glass-fiber reinforced plastic). Preferably, the base member 16 is pivotally mounted to the fastener 14 about a pivot axis B defined by the longitudinal center axis of the fastener 14. Here, the fastener 14 of the base member 16 forms a mounting portion 16a configured to attach to the bicycle frame 1 and the battery holder 22 to the base member 16. The mounting portion 16a has an opening for receiving the fastener 14 therethrough. The pivot axis B is sometimes called the B-axis of the rear derailleur 12. The mounting portion 16a may also include a biasing member therein for controlling the movement of the base member 16 about the B-axis in a conventional manner. Likewise, the base member 16 pivotally supports one end of the connecting assembly 20.

The chain guide 18 is coupled to the base link 20 by a movable link 24 constructed of a suitable rigid material, such as an aluminum alloy or a glass-fiber reinforced plastic. Specifically, the chain guide 18 is pivotally mounted to the movable link 24 by a shaft (not shown) for pivoting about a chain guide pivot axis P, sometimes called the P-axis of the rear derailleur 12. The chain guide 18 essentially includes a pair of chain cage plates 26, a tension pulley 28, and a guide pulley 30. The parts of the chain guide 18 are constructed of suitable rigid materials, such as an aluminum alloy and/or a glass-fiber reinforced plastic. The rollers 28 and 30 are both rotatably arranged between the chain cage plates 26. The (first) tensioning roller 28 rotates about a first roller axis A1 in a roller center plane PL that intersects the (first) tensioning roller 28. The (second) guide roller 30 rotates about a second roller axis A2 in the roller center plane PL that intersects the (second) guide roller 30. Therefore, in this illustrated embodiment, the rollers 28 and 30 have the same roller center plane PL.

The link assembly 20 will now be described in more detail. The link assembly 20 operatively couples the chain guide 18 to the base link 16. In the illustrated embodiment, the link assembly 20 includes a first or inner link 31 and a second or outer link 32. The inner and outer links 31 and 32 are constructed of a suitable rigid material, such as aluminum aluminum alloy or a glass fiber reinforced plastic. The linkage assembly 20 preferably further includes a biasing member (not shown) interposed between the inner and outer links 31 and 32 for biasing the movable member 24 toward one of a low gear position and a high gear position. The inner link 31 is pivotally connected to the base member 16 and the movable member 24. The outer link 32 is pivotally connected to the base member 16 and the movable member 24. The inner link 31 has a first end pivotally connected to the base member 16 by a pivot pin 34. The inner link 31 has a second end pivotally connected to the movable member 24 by a pivot pin 36. The outer link 32 has a first end pivotally connected to the base member 16 by a pivot pin 38. The outer link 32 has a second end pivotally connected to the movable member 24 by a pivot pin 40. The inner and outer links 31 and 32 thus have first ends pivotally connected to the base member 16 and second ends pivotally connected to the movable member 24, to define a four-link rod arrangement.

As in 3 As can be seen, the chain guide 18 is pivotally supported with respect to the base link 16 between a retracted position (shown in broken lines) and an extended position (shown in solid lines) by the linkage assembly 20. Since the electric rear derailleur 12 is used with a rear sprocket cassette RS having ten sprockets, the chain guide 18 can move to a plurality of retracted positions with respect to the fully extended position shown in solid lines in 3 . Of course, it can be considered that the chain guide 18 has a plurality of extended positions with respect to the fully retracted position of the chain guide 18, which corresponds to a case in which the rollers 28 and 30 of the chain guide 18 are/are aligned with the largest rear sprocket.

An electric motor unit 42 is operatively coupled to the linkage assembly 20 for moving the chain guide 18 relative to the base member 16. In the first embodiment, the pivot pin 34 is also the output shaft of the electric motor unit 42. In this manner, rotation of the pivot pin 34 of the electric motor unit 42 pivots the linkage assembly 20 for moving the chain guide 18 relative to the base member 16. Since derailleurs with electric motor units are known in the bicycle art, the electric motor unit 42 and its connection to the linkage assembly 20 will not be described and/or illustrated in detail herein.

Preferably, the electric rear derailleur 12 further includes a wireless communication unit 46. The wireless communication unit 46 is disposed on the base member 16. The wireless communication unit 46 is a two-way wireless communication unit that performs two-way wireless communications using a wireless receiver for wirelessly receiving shift signals and a wireless transmitter for wirelessly transmitting data. In the present embodiment, the wireless communication unit 46 can wirelessly communicate with other devices, such as a smartphone or a personal computer, for example, updating firmware stored in the memory of the wireless communication unit 46.

The wireless control signals of the wireless communication unit 46 may be radio frequency (RF) signals or any other type of signal suitable for wireless communications as understood in the bicycle field. It should also be understood that the wireless communication unit 46 may transmit signals at a specific frequency and/or with an identifier, such as a specific code, to distinguish the wireless control signals from other wireless control signals. In this way, the electric rear derailleur 12 can recognize which control signals to follow and which control signals to disobey. Accordingly, the front derailleur 12 may ignore control signals from other wireless communication units.

Referring to 4 and 5 , the battery holder 22 will now be described in more detail. The battery holder 22 is configured to receive a battery 48. Preferably, the battery 48 is removable from the battery holder 22 so that the battery 48 can be recharged or replaced. Accordingly, the battery 48 is mounted to the battery holder 22. The battery 48 may be any electrical power source, such as a rechargeable electrical battery, a disposable electrical battery, a fuel cell battery, etc.

The battery holder 22 extends from a frame-facing side of the base member 16. Preferably, the battery holder 22 is mounted to a frame-facing side of the mounting portion 16a. The battery holder 22 includes a mounting part 50, a battery receiving part 52, and an arm part 54. The Mounting part 50, battery receiving part 52, and arm part 54 are preferably constructed of suitable rigid materials, such as an aluminum alloy or a glass-fiber reinforced plastic. The mounting part 50 of the battery holder 22 constitutes a first mounting portion, while the battery receiving part 52 and arm part 54 constitute a second mounting portion. Accordingly, the battery holder 22 comprises a first mounting portion and a second mounting portion.

While, as in 3 As can be seen, when the chain guide 18 is in one of the retracted positions, corresponding to the chain C engaging or coming into engagement with one of the three largest sprockets of the rear sprocket cassette RS, the roller center plane PL intersects with the battery holder 22 and the battery 48. In particular, the roller center plane PL intersects with the battery receiving part 52 of the battery holder 22, while the chain guide 18 is in one of the retracted sections, in which the chain C engages or comes into engagement with one of the three largest sprockets of the rear sprocket cassette RS. Here, the roller center plane PL intersects. Accordingly, the roller center plane PL intersects the battery receiving part 52, while the chain C engages or comes into engagement with the largest sprocket of the rear sprocket cassette RS. Of course, depending on the design of the rear sprocket cassette RS, the roller center plane PL will overlap with the battery receiving part 52 and the battery 48, while the chain guide 18 is in at least one of the retracted sections.

In this first embodiment, the mounting part 50 (i.e., the first mounting portion) is configured to be attached to the base member 16 by means of the fastener 14 (e.g., a fixing bolt). The mounting part 50 is located on the frame-facing side of the mounting portion 16a of the base member 16. However, it will become clear from this disclosure that, depending on the configuration of the rear derailleur, the mounting part 50 (i.e., the first mounting portion) is configured for detachably and reattachably mounting to one of a bicycle frame 1, a derailleur bracket, and a base member 16. The battery receiving part 52 is configured to receive the battery 48. The arm part 54 is configured to connect the mounting part 50 and the battery receiving part 52. The arm part 54 of the battery bracket 22 is configured to maintain a relative position of the battery receiving part 52 to the mounting part 50.

The battery receiving part 52 and the arm part 54 (i.e., the second mounting portion) are configured to support the battery 48 at a position where the battery 48 is primarily located rearward of the base member 16 while the base member 16 is mounted to the bicycle frame 1. The term "primarily rearward" as used herein means that more than fifty percent of the battery 48 is located rearward. In other words, the battery 48 is positioned so that more than fifty percent of the battery 48 is rearward of the base member 16. Likewise, the battery receiving part 52 and the arm part 54 (i.e., the second mounting portion) are configured to support the battery 48 at a position that is primarily located below the base member 16 while the electric rear derailleur 12 is mounted to the bicycle frame 1. The term "primarily located below" as used herein means that more than fifty percent of the battery 48 is located below. In other words, the battery 48 is located so that more than fifty percent of the battery 48 is rearward.

The battery receiving portion 52 includes a housing 60 and a cover 62. The cover 62 is hinged to the housing 60. The cover 62 includes a latch 64 that engages a notch 66 of the housing 60. The housing 60 has a cavity 68 sized to receive the battery 48. An electrical wire 74 includes a pair of wire terminals 70 mounted to the battery holder 22. The battery 48 includes a pair of male connector terminals that mate with the wire terminals 70. For example, the male connector terminals 72 of the battery 48 may be similar to a standard 9V battery, having snap-in terminals that plug into the wire terminals 70.

Accordingly, electrical contacts or terminals 70 form a first electrical interface, while electrical contacts or terminals 72 form a second electrical interface. However, the first and second electrical interfaces may be any suitable electrical interfaces that electrically transmit electrical current therebetween. For example, the first and second interfaces may be contactless electrical connectors in which the electrical metal contacts of the mating electrical connectors do not physically electrically connect for contactless current (contactless connectivity).

The battery 48 is/is electrically connected to the electric motor unit 42 by an electrical wire 74t or an electrical cable or an electrical wire 74. The electrical wire extends directly between the electric motor unit unit 42 and the battery holder 22. In particular, the electrical line 74 includes a first electrical connector 76 that plugs into an electrical terminal of the housing 60, and a second connector 78 that plugs into the electric motor unit 42. The electrical terminals 70 of the housing 60 are/will be electrically connected to the electrical conductors of the electrical line 74. Alternatively, the electrical line 74 may be/will be electrically connected in a non-releasable manner to both the electrical terminals 70 of the housing 60 and the electrical contacts 70 of the electric motor unit 42.

Now 6 and 7 Turning now to FIG. 1, a first alternative battery mount 122 will now be described, which is used with the electric rear derailleur 12. The battery mount 122 includes a mounting part 150, a battery receiving part 152, and an arm part 154. Here, the battery mount 122 is identical to the battery mount 22, except that the configuration of the arm part 154 has been modified such that the mounting part 150 is mounted to a non-frame-facing side of the mounting portion 16a of the base member 16, while the base member 16 is mounted to the bicycle frame 1 by the fastener 14.

The mounting part 150 (i.e., the first mounting portion) is configured for detachably and refastenably mounting to the base member 16 by the fastener 14. The battery receiving part 152 is configured and dimensioned to receive the battery 48. The arm part 154 is configured to connect the mounting part 150 and the battery receiving part 152. The arm part 154 of the battery holder 122 is configured to maintain a relative position of the battery receiving part 152 to the mounting part 150. The battery receiving part 152 and the arm part 154 (i.e., the second mounting portion) are configured to support the battery 48 at a position wherein the battery 48 is disposed primarily rearward of the base member 16 while the base member 16 is mounted to the bicycle frame. 1. Likewise, the battery receiving part 152 and the arm part 154 (i.e., the second mounting portion) are further configured to support the battery 48 at a position primarily located below the base member 116 while the base member 116 is mounted to the bicycle frame 1.

Now 8 and 9 Turning now to FIG. 1, a second alternative battery mount 222 will now be described which is used with the electric rear derailleur 12. The battery mount 222 includes a mounting part 250, a battery receiving part 252, and an arm part 254. The battery receiving part 252 is configured and dimensioned to support the battery 48 therein.

The mounting part 250 (i.e., the first mounting portion) is configured to be detachably and refastenably mounted to the base member 16 by the fastener 14. The battery holder 222 extends from a frame-facing side of the base member 16. In other words, the mounting part 250 is located on a non-frame-facing side of the mounting portion 16a of the base member 16, while the base member 16 is mounted to the bicycle frame 1 by the fastener 14.

The battery receiving part 252 is configured and dimensioned to receive the battery 48. The arm part 254 is configured to connect the mounting part 250 and the battery receiving part 252. The arm part 254 of the battery holder 222 is configured to maintain a relative position of the battery receiving part 252 to the mounting part 250. The battery receiving part 252 and the arm part 254 (i.e., the second mounting portion) are configured to support the battery 48 at a position wherein the battery 48 is disposed primarily forward of the base member 16 while the base member 16 is mounted to the bicycle frame 1. Likewise, the battery receiving part 252 and the arm part 254 (i.e., the second mounting portion) are further configured to support the battery 48 at a position disposed primarily above the base link 16, while the base link 16 is/will be mounted on the bicycle frame 1.

Now 10 and 11 Turning now to FIG. 1, a third alternative battery mount 322 will now be described, which is used with the electric rear derailleur 12. The battery mount 322 includes a mounting part 350, a battery receiving part 352, and an arm part 354. The battery receiving part 352 is configured and dimensioned to support the battery 48 therein. Here, the battery mount 322 is identical to the battery mount 222, except that the configuration of the arm part 354 has been modified such that the mounting part 350 is mounted to a non-frame-facing side of the mounting portion 16a of the base member 16, while the base member 16 is mounted to the bicycle frame 1 by the fastener 14.

The mounting part 350 (ie the first mounting section) is/will be configured for detachable and refastenable mounting to the base member 16 by the fastener 14. The battery holder 322 extends from a frame-to facing side of the base member 16. In other words, the mounting part 350 is located on a non-frame-facing side of the mounting portion 16a of the base member 16, while the base member 16 is mounted to the bicycle frame 1 by the fastener 14.

The battery receiving part 352 is configured and dimensioned to receive the battery 48. The arm part 354 is configured to connect the mounting part 350 and the battery receiving part 352. The arm part 354 of the battery holder 322 is configured to maintain a relative position of the battery receiving part 352 to the mounting part 350. The battery receiving part 352 and the arm part 354 (i.e., the second mounting portion) are configured to support the battery 48 at a position with the battery 48 disposed primarily forward of the base member 16 while the base member 16 is mounted to the bicycle frame 1. Likewise, the battery receiving part 352 and the arm part 354 (i.e., the second mounting portion) are further configured to support the battery 48 at a position disposed primarily above the base member 16, while the base link 16 is mounted on the bicycle frame 1.

Now 12 to 16 Turning now to FIG. 1, an electric rear derailleur 412 will now be described according to a second embodiment. Given the similarities between the electric rear derailleur 12 and 412, the electric rear derailleur 12 will not be described in as much detail.

In the second embodiment, the electric rear derailleur 412 is mounted to the bicycle frame 1 by means of a fastener 414 (e.g., a fixing bolt). Specifically, the electric rear derailleur 412 includes a derailleur bracket 415, which is mounted to the bicycle frame 1 using the fastener 414. The electric rear derailleur 412 essentially includes a base member 416, a chain guide 418, a link assembly 420, and a fourth alternative battery holder 422. Here, the derailleur bracket includes a first attachment portion 415A, which is mounted to the base member 416, and a second attachment portion 415B, which is configured to be mounted to the bicycle frame 1.

The base member 416 includes a mounting portion 416a that rotatably supports a fastener 423 (e.g., a fixing bolt) in a conventional manner. Accordingly, the base member 416 includes a frame mounting structure (i.e., the fastener 423 rotatably supported on the mounting portion 416a) configured to attach to the bicycle frame 1 and secure the battery holder 422 to the base member 416. In other words, the battery holder 422 is supported as a separate part on the base member 416, thus being removable and reinstallable without damage to the electric rear derailleur 412 and/or the battery holder 422.

The chain guide 418 is coupled to the link assembly 420 by a movable link 424. The link assembly 420 operatively couples the chain guide 418 to the base link 416. Similar to the first embodiment, the link assembly 420 includes a first or inner link 431 and a second or outer link 432.

Similar to the first embodiment, the electric rear derailleur 412 further includes an electric motor unit 442 disposed on the base member 416 and a wireless communication unit 446. The electric motor unit 442 and the wireless communication unit 446 are substantially the same as the electric motor unit 42 and the wireless communication unit 46 described above. Accordingly, the electric motor unit 442 and the wireless communication unit 446 will not be further described herein.

Referring to 15 and 16 , the battery holder 422 will now be described in more detail. The battery holder 422 includes a mounting part 450, a battery receiving part 452, and an arm part 454. The battery receiving part 452 of the battery holder 422 is configured to receive a battery 448. Preferably, the battery 448 is removable from the battery holder 422 so that the battery 448 can be charged or replaced. Accordingly, the battery 448 is mounted to the battery holder 422. The battery 448 may be any electrical power source, such as a rechargeable electrical battery, a disposable electrical battery, a fuel cell battery, etc. Here, the battery holder 448 is identical to the battery 48, as described above.

Similar to the first embodiment, the mounting part 450, the battery receiving part 452, and the arm part 454 are preferably constructed of suitable rigid materials, such as an aluminum alloy or a glass-fiber reinforced plastic. The mounting part 450 of the battery holder 422 constitutes a first mounting portion, while the battery receiving part 452 and the arm part 454 constitute a second mounting portion. Accordingly, the battery holder 422 includes a first mounting portion and a second mounting portion.

In this second embodiment, the mounting part 450 (i.e., the first mounting portion) is configured to be attached to the base member 416 by means of the fastener 414 and the derailleur bracket 415. The battery bracket 422 is disposed on the second attachment portion 415B of the derailleur bracket 415. The mounting part 450 is located on the frame-facing side of the derailleur bracket 415. The arm part 454 is configured to connect the mounting part 450 and the battery receiving part 452. The arm part 454 of the battery bracket 422 is configured to maintain a relative position of the battery receiving part 452 to the mounting part 450.

Back referring to 12 to 14 the arm part 454 of the battery holder 422 extends from a frame-facing side of the base member 416. In particular, the arm part 454 of the battery holder 422 is/will be mounted to a frame-facing side of the derailleur bracket 415. The battery receiving part 452 and the arm part 454 (i.e., the second mounting portion) are/will be configured to support the battery 448 at a position with the battery 448 disposed primarily rearward of the base member 416 while the base member 416 is/will be mounted to the bicycle frame 1. Likewise, the battery receiving part 452 and the arm part 454 (i.e., the second mounting portion) are/will be further configured to support the battery 448 at a position disposed primarily beneath the base member 416 while the base member 416 is/will be mounted to the bicycle frame 1.

The battery receiving portion 452 includes a housing 460 and a cover 462. The cover 462 is hinged to the housing 460. The cover 462 includes a latch 464 that engages a notch 466 of the housing 460. The housing 460 has a cavity 468 sized to receive the battery 448. Here, an electrical lead 474 includes a pair of wire terminals 470 mounted to the battery holder 422. The battery 448 includes a pair of connector terminals 472 that mate with the wire terminals 470. Thus, the wire terminals 470 form a first electrical interface, while the connector terminals 472 form a second electrical interface. However, the first and second electrical interfaces may be any suitable electrical interfaces that electrically transmit current therebetween. For example, the first and second interfaces may be contactless electrical connectors in which the electrical metal contacts of the mating electrical connectors do not physically electrically connect for contactless current (contactless connectivity).

The battery 448 is/will be electrically connected to the electric motor unit 442 through the electrical conduit 474. The electrical conduit 474 extends directly between the electric motor unit 442 and the battery holder 422. In particular, the electrical conduit 474 includes a first electrical connector 476 that plugs into an electrical port of the housing 460, and a second connector 478 that plugs into the electric motor unit 442. The wire terminals 470 of the housing 460 are/will be electrically connected to the electrical conductors of the electrical conduit 474. Alternatively, the electrical conduit 474 may be/will be electrically connected in a non-releasable manner to both the wire terminals 470 of the housing 460 and the electrical contacts of the electric motor unit 442.

Now 17 and 18 Turning now to FIG. 1, a fifth alternative battery mount 522 will now be described, which is used with the electric rear derailleur 412. The battery mount 522 includes a mounting part 550, a battery receiving part 552, and an arm part 554. Here, the battery mount 522 is identical to the battery mount 422, except that the configuration of the arm part 554 has been modified so that the mounting part 550 is mounted on a frame-facing side of the derailleur mount 415 by the fastener 423, while the base member 416 is mounted on the bicycle frame 1 by the fastener 414 and the derailleur mount 415. In particular, the battery mount 522 is disposed on the first mounting portion 415A of the derailleur mount 415.

The mounting part 550 (i.e., the first mounting portion) is configured for detachable and refastenable mounting to the base member 416 by the fastener 414 via the derailleur bracket 415. The battery receiving part 552 is configured and dimensioned to receive the battery 448. The arm part 554 is configured to connect the mounting part 550 and the battery receiving part 552. The arm part 554 of the battery bracket 522 is configured to maintain a relative position of the battery receiving part 552 to the mounting part 550. The battery receiving part 552 and the arm part 554 (i.e., the second mounting portion) are configured to support the battery 448 at a position with the battery 448 disposed primarily rearward of the base member 416, while the base member 416 is/will be mounted on bicycle frame 1.

Now 19 and 20 Turning to, a sixth alternative battery holder 622 is now which is used with the electric rear derailleur 412. The battery holder 622 includes a mounting part 650, a battery receiving part 652, and an arm part 654. The battery receiving part 652 is configured and sized to support the battery 448 therein. Here, the arm part 654 has been modified so that the mounting part 650 is mounted on a non-frame-facing side of the derailleur bracket 415 by the fastener 414, while the base member 416 is mounted on the bicycle frame 1 by the fastener 414 and the derailleur bracket 415. Specifically, the battery holder 622 is disposed on the second attachment portion 415B of the derailleur bracket 415.

The mounting part 650 (i.e., the first mounting portion) is configured to be detachably and refastenably mounted to the base member 416 by the fastener 414 via the derailleur bracket 415. The battery holder 622 extends from a frame-facing side of the base member 416. In other words, the mounting part 660 is located on a non-frame-facing side of the derailleur bracket 415, while the base member 416 is mounted to the bicycle frame 1 by the fastener 414.

The battery receiving part 652 is configured and dimensioned to receive the battery 448. The arm part 654 is configured to connect the mounting part 650 and the battery receiving part 652. The arm part 654 of the battery holder 622 is configured to maintain a relative position of the battery receiving part 652 to the mounting part 650. The battery receiving part 652 and the arm part 654 (i.e., the second mounting portion) are configured to support the battery 448 at a position wherein the battery 448 is disposed primarily forward of the base member 416 while the base member 416 is mounted to the bicycle frame 1. Likewise, the battery receiving part 652 and the arm part 654 (i.e., the second mounting portion) are further configured to support the battery 448 at a Position, arranged primarily above the base member 416, while the base member 416 is mounted on the bicycle frame 1.

Now 21 and 22 Turning now to FIG. 1, a seventh alternative battery mount 722 will now be described, which is used with the electric rear derailleur 412. The battery mount 722 includes a mounting part 750, a battery receiving part 752, and an arm part 754. The battery receiving part 752 is configured and dimensioned to support the battery 48 therein. Here, the battery mount 722 is identical to the battery mount 622, except that the configuration of the arm part 754 has been modified such that the mounting part 750 is mounted on a non-frame-facing side of the derailleur mount 415, while the base member 16 is mounted to the bicycle frame 1 through the fastener 414 and the derailleur mount 415.

The mounting part 750 (i.e., the first mounting portion) is configured to be detachably and refastenably mounted to the base member 416 by the fastener 414 via the derailleur bracket 415. The battery holder 722 extends from a side of the base member 416 opposite a frame-facing side. In other words, the mounting part 750 is located on a non-frame-facing side of the derailleur bracket 415, while the base member 416 is mounted to the bicycle frame 1 by the fastener 414.

The battery receiving part 752 is configured and dimensioned to receive the battery 448. The arm part 754 is configured to connect the mounting part 750 and the battery receiving part 752. The arm part 754 of the battery holder 722 is configured to maintain a relative position of the battery receiving part 752 to the mounting part 750. The battery receiving part 752 and the arm part 754 (i.e., the second mounting portion) are configured to support the battery 448 at a position where the battery 448 is disposed primarily forward of the base member 416 while the base member 416 is mounted to the bicycle frame 1. Likewise, the battery receiving part 752 and the arm part 754 (i.e., the second mounting portion) are further configured to support the battery 448 at a position located primarily above the base member 416 while the base member 416 is mounted to the bicycle frame 1.

Now 23 and 24 Turning now to FIG. 1, an eighth alternative battery mount 822 will now be described, which is used with the electric rear derailleur 412. The battery mount 822 includes a mounting part 850, a battery receiving part 852, and an arm part 854. Here, the arm part 854 has been modified so that the mounting part 850 is mounted on a non-frame-facing side of the derailleur bracket 415 by the fastener 423, while the base member 416 is mounted on the bicycle frame 1 by the fastener 414 and the derailleur bracket 415. In particular, the battery mount 822 is disposed on the first attachment portion 415A of the derailleur bracket 415.

The mounting part 850 (i.e., the first mounting portion) is configured for detachable and refastenable mounting to the base member 416 by the fastener 414 via the derailleur bracket 415. The battery receiving part 852 is configured and dimensioned to receive the battery 448. The arm part 854 is configured to connect the mounting part 850 and the battery receiving part 852. The arm part 854 of the battery bracket 822 is configured to maintain a relative position of the battery receiving part 852 to the mounting part 850. The battery receiving part 852 and the arm part 854 (i.e., the second mounting portion) are configured to support the battery 448 at a position wherein the battery 448 is disposed primarily rearward of the base member 416 while the base member 416 is/will be mounted on bicycle frame 1.

Now 25 and 26 Turning now to FIG. 1, a ninth alternative battery mount 922 will now be described, which is used with the electric rear derailleur 412. The battery mount 922 includes a mounting part 950, a battery receiving part 952, and an arm part 954. The battery receiving part 952 is configured and sized to support the battery 448 therein. Here, the arm part 954 has been modified so that the mounting part 950 is mounted to a non-frame-facing side of the mounting portion 416a of the base member 416 by the fastener 423, while the base member 416 is mounted to the bicycle frame 1 by the fastener 414 and the derailleur mount 415.

The mounting part 950 (i.e., the first mounting portion) is configured to be detachably and refastenably mounted to the base member 416 by the fastener 414 via the derailleur bracket 415. The battery bracket 922 extends from a side of the base member 416 opposite a frame-facing side. In other words, the mounting part 960 is located on a non-frame-facing side of the mounting portion 416a of the base member 416, while the base member 416 is mounted to the bicycle frame 1 by the fastener 414.

The battery receiving part 952 is configured and dimensioned to receive the battery 448. The arm part 954 is configured to connect the mounting part 650 and the battery receiving part 952. The arm part 954 of the battery holder 922 is configured to maintain a relative position of the battery receiving part 952 to the mounting part 950. The battery receiving part 952 and the arm part 954 (i.e., the second mounting portion) are configured to support the battery 448 at a position wherein the battery 448 is disposed primarily forward of the base member 416 while the base member 416 is mounted to the bicycle frame 1. Likewise, the battery receiving part 952 and the arm part 954 (i.e., the second mounting portion) are further configured to support the battery 448 at a Position, arranged primarily above the base member 416, while the base member 416 is mounted on the bicycle frame 1.

Now 27 Turning now to FIG. 11, an eleventh alternative battery mount 1022 will now be described, which may be used with either the electric rear derailleur 12 of the first embodiment or the electric rear derailleur 412 of the second embodiment. The battery mount 1022 includes a mounting portion 1050, a battery receiving portion 1052, and an arm portion 1054. The battery receiving portion 1052 is configured and sized to support the battery 48 or 448 therein.

The arm part 1054 of the battery holder 1022 includes a plurality of ball joint connectors 1055. As a result, the arm part 1054 is configured to flexibly maintain a relative position of the battery receiving part 1052 to the mounting part 1050. In the case of the ball joint connectors 1055, the arm part 1054 can be bent and/or twisted so that the battery receiving part 1052 can be located either primarily rearward or primarily forward of the base member (16 or 416), as well as either primarily below or primarily above the base member (16 or 416). A more detailed description of the ball joint connectors 1055 can be found in US Patent US 7 891 615 B2 . assigned to Joby Photo.

Now 28 Turning now to FIG. 11, an electric rear derailleur 1112 will be illustrated according to a third embodiment with an eleventh alternative battery mount 1122 mounted to the rear derailleur 1112 using a fastener 1114. Here, the rear derailleur 1112 is identical to the rear derailleur 12, and the battery mount 1122 is identical to the battery mount 22, as described above, except for the power line connection between the rear derailleur 1112 and the battery mount 1122. Likewise, the rear derailleur 1112 and the battery mount 1122 are fixed to the bicycle frame 1 in the same way as in the first embodiment. Accordingly, the following description of the rear derailleur 1112 and the battery mount 1122 will focus only on the differences from the first embodiment.

The battery holder 1122 includes a mounting part 1150, a battery receiving part 1152 and an arm part 1154. The battery receiving part 1152 is configured and sized to support a battery 1148 therein. The battery 1148 is electrically connected to the electric motor unit of the rear derailleur 1112 through an electrical conduit 1174. Here, a first portion 1174A of the electrical conduit 1174 is embedded in the arm part 1154 of the battery holder 1122. A second portion 1174B of the electrical conduit 1174 is an external conduit extending between an electrical connector 1176 and a second electrical connector 1178. The first electrical connector 1176 is either partially embedded in or attached to the arm part 1154 of the battery holder 1122, while the second electrical connector 1178 is either partially embedded in or attached to a housing of the electric motor unit of the rear derailleur 1112.

This alternative wiring, as shown in 28 shown, can be implemented in any of the embodiments described above, as needed and/or desired. Furthermore, the power wire connection between the rear derailleur 1112 and the battery holder 1122 can be completely hidden, if needed and/or desired. For example, the mounting part 1150 can be provided with electrical contacts that electrically contact the corresponding electrical contacts provided on a mounting portion of the rear derailleur 1112.

In understanding the scope of the present invention, the term "comprising" and its derivatives, as used herein, are intended as open-ended terms that specify the presence of recited features, elements, components, groups, integers, and/or steps, but do not preclude the presence of other unmentioned features, elements, components, groups, integers, and/or steps. The foregoing also applies to words having a similar meaning, such as the terms "including," "comprising," and their derivatives. Also, the terms "part," "portion," "member," or "element," when used in the singular, can have the dual meaning of a single part or a plurality of parts, unless otherwise stated.

As used herein, the following directional terms "forward," "backward," "front," "rear," "upward," "downward," "top," "bottom," "lateral," "transverse," and "horizontal," as well as any other similar directional terms, refer to such directions of a bicycle in an upright riding position equipped with the bicycle component operating apparatus. Similarly, these directional terms, as used to describe the bicycle component operating apparatus, are to be understood with respect to a bicycle in an upright riding position on a horizontal surface equipped with the bicycle component operating apparatus. The terms "left" and "right" are used to refer to the right side of a bicycle when viewed from the rear end of the bicycle and the left side when viewed from the rear end of the bicycle.

It will also be understood that although the terms "first" and "second" may be used herein to describe various components, these components are not to be construed as being limited thereby. The terms serve solely to distinguish one component from another. For example, a first component as described above could therefore also be referred to as a second component, and vice versa, without departing from the teachings of the present invention. In the present embodiment, the terms "attached" or "attaching" as used herein include embodiments in which one element is/is attached directly to another element by means of a fastening element; embodiments in which the element is/is attached in an indirect manner to the other element by means of an intermediate member(s); and embodiments in which one element is integral with another element, i.e., one element is substantially a part of the other element. This concept also applies to words of similar meaning such as "connected,""coupled,""mounted,""bonded,""fixed," and their derivatives. The term "removably attached" or "removably attaching," as used herein, includes configurations in which one element is directly attached to another element by directly fixing the element to the other element, while the element is harmlessly detachable from the other element; as well as configurations in which the element is indirectly attached to the other element by means of an intermediate member(s), while the element is harmlessly detachable from the other element and the intermediate member(s). This concept also applies to words of similar meaning such as "removably connected,""removablymounted,""removablybonded,""removablyfixed," and their derivatives. Also, the term "refastenably attached" or "refastenably attaching" as used herein includes embodiments in which an element is directly attached to another element by directly fixing the element to the other element, while the element is damage-free refastenable to the other element and the intermediate member(s). This concept also applies to words of a similar meaning such as "refastenable "refastenably connected,""refastenablycoupled,""refastenablymounted,""refastenablybonded,""refastenablyfixed," and their derivatives. Finally, terms of a degree such as "substantially,""about," and "approximately," as used herein, mean a proportionate degree of departure from the modified term such that the end result is not materially changed.

While only selected embodiments have been chosen to illustrate the present invention, it will be apparent to those skilled in the bicycle art from the present disclosure that numerous changes and modifications may be made without departing from the scope of the invention as defined by the appended claims. For example, the size, shape, location, or orientation of various components may be changed as needed and/or desired, so long as the change does not substantially affect the intended actions and functions. Components that have been shown to be directly connected or contacting one another may have intermediate structures between them, so long as the change does not substantially affect their intended functions and effects. The functions of one element may be performed by two elements, and vice versa. The structures and functions of one embodiment may be adopted in other embodiments. It is not necessary that all advantages be present in a particular embodiment. Any feature that is unique with respect to the prior art may, alone or in combination with other features, be considered a separate description of another invention by the applicant, including structural and/or functional concepts embodied by such features. The foregoing descriptions of embodiments according to the present invention are therefore provided for purposes of illustration only and not for the purpose of limiting the invention as defined by the appended claims and their equivalents.

Claims (34)

An electric bicycle rear derailleur (412) comprising: a base member (416); a chain guide (418) pivotally supported relative to the base member (416) between a retracted position and an extended position; a linkage assembly (420) operatively coupling the chain guide (418) to the base member (416); and a battery holder (422, 522, 622, 722, 822, 922, 1022, 1122) supported as a separate part on the base member (416), wherein the battery holder (422, 522, 622, 722, 822, 922, 1022, 1122) is configured to removably receive a battery (448), wherein the base member (416) includes a frame mounting structure configured to be attached to the bicycle frame (1), and the battery holder (422, 522, 622, 722, 822, 922, 1022, 1122) is attached to the base member (416). An electric bicycle rear derailleur (412) comprising: a derailleur body including: a base member (416); a chain guide (418) pivotally supported relative to the base member (416) between a retracted position and an extended position; and a linkage assembly (420) operatively coupling the chain guide (418) to the base member (416); a derailleur mount (415) securing the base member (416) to a bicycle frame (1); and a battery holder (422, 522, 622, 722, 822, 922, 1022, 1122) supported as a separate part on the base member (416), wherein the battery holder (422, 522, 622, 722, 822, 922, 1022, 1122) includes a mounting part (450, 550, 650, 750, 850, 950, 1050, 1150) and a battery receiving part (452, 552, 652, 752, 852, 952, 1052, 1152), wherein the mounting part (450, 550, 650, 750, 850, 950, 1050, 1150) is/is configured to secure the base member (416) by means of the derailleur bracket (415), and the battery receiving part (452, 552, 652, 752, 852, 952, 1052, 1152) is/is configured to removably receive a battery (448). Electric bicycle rear derailleur (412) according to Claim 2 , wherein the derailleur bracket (415) including a first mounting portion (415A) mounted on the base member (416) and a second mounting portion (415B) configured to be mounted on the bicycle frame (1), wherein the mounting part (450, 550, 650, 750, 850, 950, 1050, 1150) is attached to the second mounting portion (415B). An electric bicycle rear derailleur (412) comprising: a base member (416); a chain guide (418) pivotally supported with respect to the base member (416) between a retracted position and an extended position; and a linkage assembly (420) operatively coupling the chain guide (418) to the base member (416); a battery holder (422, 522, 822, 1022, 1122) supported as a separate part on the base member (416), wherein the battery holder (422, 522, 822, 1022, 1122) is/is configured to removably receive a battery (448) for supporting the battery (448) at a position which is/is primarily disposed below the base member (416) while the base member (416) is/is mounted on the bicycle frame (1). Electric bicycle rear derailleur (412) according to Claim 4 , wherein the battery holder (422, 522, 822, 1022, 1122) is/is further configured to support the battery (448) at a position which is/is arranged primarily rearward of the base member (416) while the base member (416) is/is mounted on a bicycle frame (1). An electric bicycle rear derailleur (412) comprising: a base member (416); a chain guide (418) pivotally supported relative to the base member (416) between a retracted position and an extended position; and a linkage assembly (420) operatively coupling the chain guide (418) to the base member (416); a battery holder (622, 722, 922) supported as a separate part on the base member (416), wherein the battery holder (622, 722, 922) is configured to removably receive a battery (448) for supporting the battery (448) at a position disposed primarily above the base member (416) while the base member (416) is mounted on the bicycle frame (1). An electric bicycle rear derailleur (412) comprising: a base member (416); a chain guide (418) pivotally supported relative to the base member (416) between a retracted position and an extended position; and a linkage assembly (420) operatively coupling the chain guide (418) to the base member (416); a battery holder (622, 722, 922) supported as a separate part on the base member (416), wherein the battery holder (622, 722, 922) is configured to removably receive a battery (448) for supporting the battery (448) at a position disposed primarily forward of the base member (416) while the base member (416) is mounted on the bicycle frame (1). An electric bicycle rear derailleur (412) comprising: a derailleur body including: a base member (416); a chain guide (418) pivotally supported relative to the base member (416) between a retracted position and an extended position; and a linkage assembly (420) operatively coupling the chain guide (418) to the base member (416); a battery holder (622, 722, 922) configured to removably receive a battery (448) at a primarily forward position of the base member (416); an electric motor unit (442) operatively coupled to the linkage assembly (420) for moving the chain guide (418) relative to the base member (416); and an electrical line (474) extending between the electric motor unit (442) and the battery holder (622, 722, 922). Electric bicycle rear derailleur (412) according to Claim 8 wherein the battery holder (622, 722, 922) further supports a battery (448) at a position which is/will be arranged primarily above the base member (416) while the base member (416) is/will be mounted on the bicycle frame (1). Electric bicycle rear derailleur (412) according to Claim 8 or 9 , wherein the battery holder (622, 722,922,) is supported as a separate part on the derailleur body. An electric bicycle rear derailleur (412) comprising: a derailleur body including: a base member (416); a chain guide (418) pivotally supported relative to the base member (416) between a retracted position and an extended position; and a linkage assembly (420) operatively coupling the chain guide (418) to the base member (416); a battery holder (422, 522, 622, 722, 822, 922, 1022, 1122) supported as a separate part on the derailleur body, the battery holder (422, 522, 622, 722, 822, 922, 1022, 1122) configured to removably receive a battery (448), an electric motor unit (442) operatively coupled to the linkage assembly (420) for moving the chain guide (418) relative to the base member (416); and an electrical conduit (474) extending between the electric motor unit (442) and the battery holder (422, 522, 622, 722, 822, 922, 1022, 1122). Electric bicycle rear derailleur (412) according to Claim 11 wherein the battery holder (422, 522, 622, 722, 822, 922, 1022, 1122) further supports a battery (448) at a position which is/will be arranged primarily rearward or below or forward or above the base member (416) while the base member (416) is/will be mounted on the bicycle frame (1). Electric bicycle rear derailleur (412) according to one of the Claims 1 until 12 , further encompass send the battery (448), mounted on the battery holder (422, 522, 622, 722 822, 922, 1022, 1122). Electric bicycle rear derailleur (12) according to one of the Claims 1 until 13 , wherein the battery holder (422, 522, 622, 722 822, 922, 1022, 1122) is detachably and refastenably coupled to the base member (416). Electric bicycle rear derailleur (412) according to one of the Claims 4 until 14 , further comprising a derailleur bracket (415) including a first attachment portion (415A) mounted on the base member (416), and a second attachment portion (415B) configured to be mounted on the bicycle frame (1). Electric bicycle rear derailleur (412) according to Claim 15 , wherein the battery holder (422, 522, 622, 722 822, 922, 1022, 1122) is arranged either on the second attachment portion (415B) of the derailleur bracket (415) or on the first attachment portion (415A) of the derailleur bracket (415). Electric bicycle rear derailleur (12) according to one of the Claims 2 until 16 , if not from Claim 1 dependent, wherein the base member (416) includes a frame mounting structure configured to be attached to the bicycle frame (1) and the battery holder (422, 522, 622, 722 822, 922, 1022, 1122) attached to the base member (416). Electric bicycle rear derailleur (12) according to one of the Claims 4 until 16 , wherein the battery holder (422, 522, 622, 722 822, 922, 1022, 1122) includes a mounting part (450, 550, 650, 750, 850, 950, 1050, 1150) configured to be attached to the base member (416), a battery receiving part (452, 552, 652, 752, 852, 952, 1052, 1152) configured to receive the battery (448), and an arm part (454, 554, 654, 754, 854, 954, 1054, 1154) configured to connect the mounting part (450, 550, 650, 750, 850, 950, 1050, 1150) and the battery holder part (452, 552, 652, 752, 852, 952, 1052, 1152). Electric bicycle rear derailleur (412) according to Claim 18 , wherein the arm part (454, 554, 654, 754, 854, 954, 1054, 1154) of the battery holder (422, 522, 622, 722 822, 922, 1022, 1122) is/is designed to maintain a relative position of the battery receiving part (452, 552, 652, 752, 852, 952, 1052, 1152) to the mounting part (450, 550, 650, 750, 850, 950, 1050, 1150). Electric bicycle rear derailleur (412) according to Claim 18 or 19 , wherein the arm part (1054) of the battery holder (1022) includes a plurality of ball joint connectors (1055), wherein the arm part (1054) is configured to flexibly maintain a relative position of the battery receiving part (1052) to the mounting part (1050). Electric bicycle rear derailleur (412) according to one of the Claims 1 until 6 or 6 until 20 , if not by one of the Claims 7 until 10 dependent, wherein the battery holder (422, 522, 822, 1022, 1122) extends from a frame-facing side of the base member (416) and supports the battery (448) at a position wherein the battery (448) is/will be arranged primarily rearward of the base member (416) while the base member (416) is/will be mounted on a bicycle frame (1). Electric bicycle rear derailleur according to one of the Claims 1 until 6 or 11 until 20 , if not by one of the Claims 7 until 10 dependent, wherein the battery holder (622, 722, 922) extends from a side of the base member (416) opposite a frame-facing side, and the battery (448) supports at a position wherein the battery (448) is/will be arranged primarily rearward of the base member (416) while the base member (416) is/will be mounted on a bicycle frame (1). Electric bicycle rear derailleur (412) according to Claim 21 or 22 , if not by one of the Claims 6 until 10 dependent, wherein the battery holder (422, 522, 622, 722 822, 922, 1022, 1122) further supports the battery (448) primarily below the base member (416), while the base member (416) is mounted on a bicycle frame (1). Electric bicycle rear derailleur (412) according to one of the Claims 1 until 4 or 6 until 20 , if not from Claim 5 dependent, wherein the battery holder extends from a frame-facing side of the base member (416), and the battery (448) supports at a position wherein the battery (448) is/is disposed primarily forward of the base member (416) while the base member (416) is/is mounted on a bicycle frame (1). Electric bicycle rear derailleur (412) according to one of the Claims 1 until 4 or 6 until 20 , if not from Claim 5 dependent, wherein the battery holder (622, 722, 922) extends from a side of the base member (416) opposite a frame-facing side, and the battery (448) supports at a position, wherein the battery (448) is/is disposed primarily forward of the base member (416) while the base member (416) is/is mounted on a bicycle frame (1). Electric bicycle rear derailleur (412) according to Claim 24 or 25 if not from Claim 4 or 5 dependent, wherein the battery holder (622, 722, 922) further supports the battery (448) primarily above the base member (416), while the base member (416) is mounted on a bicycle frame (1). Electric bicycle rear derailleur (412) according to one of the Claims 1 until 7 , 9 , 10 , or 12 to 26 if not from Claim 8 or 11 dependent, further comprising an electric motor unit (442) arranged on the base member (416). Electric bicycle rear derailleur (412) according to Claim 27 , wherein the battery (448) is/is electrically connected to the electric motor unit (442) by means of an electrical line (474), wherein in particular the electrical line (474) extends directly between the electric motor unit (442) and the battery holder (422, 522, 622, 722 822, 922, 1022, 1122). Electric bicycle rear derailleur (412) according to Claim 28 , wherein the electrical line (474) includes a wire terminal which is mounted on the battery holder (422, 522, 622, 722 822, 922, 1022, 1122), and the battery (448) includes a plug-in connector which mates with the wire terminal. A battery mount (422, 522, 622, 722, 822, 922, 1022, 1122) comprising: a first mounting portion configured to be detachably and refastenably mounted to one of a bicycle frame (1), a derailleur mount (415), and a base member (416), wherein the base member (416) includes a frame mounting structure configured to be attached to the bicycle frame (1), and the battery mount (422, 522, 622, 722, 822, 922, 1022, 1122) is attached to the base member (416); and a second mounting portion configured to removably support a battery (448) at a position wherein the battery (448) is/will be disposed primarily rearward of the base member (416) while the base member (416) is/will be mounted on the bicycle frame (1) Battery holder (422, 522, 622, 722 822, 922, 1022, 1122) according to Claim 30 , wherein the second mounting portion is further configured to support the battery (448) at a position which is primarily located below the base member (416) while the base member (416) is mounted on the bicycle frame (1). A battery mount (422, 522, 622, 722, 822, 922, 1022, 1122) comprising: a first mounting portion configured to be detachably and refastenably mounted to one of a bicycle frame (1), a derailleur mount (415), and a base member (416); and a second mounting portion configured to support a battery (448) at a position wherein the battery (448) is disposed primarily forward of the base member (416) while the base member (416) is mounted to the bicycle frame (1). A battery mount (422, 522, 622, 722, 822, 922, 1022, 1122) comprising: a first mounting portion configured to be detachably and refastenably mounted to a bicycle frame (1) or a derailleur mount (415); and a second mounting portion configured to support a battery (448) at a position wherein the battery (448) is disposed primarily rearward of the base member (416) while the base member (416) is mounted to the bicycle frame (1). Battery holder (422, 522, 622, 722 822, 922, 1022, 1122) according to Claim 32 or 33 , wherein the second mounting portion is further configured to support the battery (448) at a position disposed primarily above the base member (416) while the base member (416) is mounted to the bicycle frame (1).

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