Abstract: A bicycle derailleur comprises a first base member structured to be detachably mounted to a bicycle frame, wherein the first base member has a first abutment; a second base member structured to be mounted to the first base member, wherein the second base member has a second abutment that faces the first abutment of the first base member and the first and second base members define a housing space between them; a drive mechanism at least partially disposed in the housing space; a link mechanism that moves in response to movement of the drive mechanism; a chain guide coupled to the link mechanism for moving a chain among a plurality of sprockets; and a misalignment inhibiting structure disposed between the first base member and the second base member to inhibit misalignment of the drive mechanism as a result of an external force.

Abstract: A derailleur comprises a base member including an engagement member for nonrotatably engaging the bicycle frame; a threaded member coupled to the base member for engaging a threaded shaft; a chain guide; and a coupling mechanism coupled between the base member and the chain guide so that the chain guide moves relative to the base member.

Abstract: A bicycle derailleur comprises a mounting member adapted to be mounted to a bicycle frame, a base member pivotably mounted relative to the mounting member, a biasing mechanism that biases the base member clockwise relative to the mounting member when viewed laterally outwardly from the base member, a chain guide and a coupling mechanism coupled between the base member and the chain guide so that the chain guide moves relative to the base member. A rotation restricting mechanism is disposed in a force communicating path between the mounting member and the base member to restrict counterclockwise rotation of the base member relative to the mounting member.

Abstract: A bicycle derailleur comprises a base member structured to be mounted to a bicycle frame; a link mechanism having a first portion and a second portion, wherein the first portion of the link mechanism is coupled to the base member, and wherein the second portion of the link mechanism is disposed above the first portion of the link mechanism; and a chain guide coupled to the second portion of the link mechanism so that the chain guide moves relative to the base member to move a chain among a plurality of sprockets.

Abstract: A bicycle derailleur comprises a bracket adapted to be mounted to the frame; a base member supported by the bracket; a chain guide; and a coupling mechanism coupled between the base member and the chain guide so that the chain guide moves relative to the base member. The base member is supported at first and second lateral locations, wherein the bracket supports at least one of the first and second lateral locations of the base member.

Abstract: It is the problem to provide a rear derailleur having structure in which even when the chain has been looped over a chain wheel of major diameter, the tension sprocket wheel does not come so closer to the ground to thereby reduce accidents of a violent fall or trouble. Further, it is the problem to facilitate detachment and attachment of the wheel, and to provide a rear derailleur having a wide application range to wheel size. To solve these problems, the guide arm and the tension arm are capable of rocking around the guide arm rocking axis and the tension arm rocking axis which are different from each other, and these arms are rocked independently of each other, and the distance between the guide sprocket wheel and the tension sprocket wheel varies with the speed variation state.

Abstract: Front bicycle derailleur comprising an electrical motor controlling an actuating arm, consisting of an extension of an articulated arm of the derailleur, by means of a geared reduction transmission, comprising a worm screw and a sector gear, or a bevel pair.

Abstract: An apparatus for moving an electrically controlled bicycle derailleur from a first sprocket to a second sprocket comprises a derailleur position input for receiving a signal indicating a position of the derailleur; a memory storing a first reference derailleur position for the second sprocket; and a motion control circuit that provides a plurality of signals to move the derailleur from the first sprocket to the second sprocket. The plurality of signals comprises a first signal generated when the derailleur initially moves away from the first sprocket and a second signal generated when the derailleur is in close proximity to the second sprocket.

Abstract: A structure of an automatic speed change device for bicycle gearbox is disclosed in this present invention. The above-mentioned design can be applied to a bicycle with a rear wheel speed change device. According to this invention, the automatic speed change device is able to control the allotting device of the rear wheel speed change device to transfer the chain into suitable gear by the treading rat of the user. This design can simplify the manual gear shifting process in the prior art for controlling the rear wheel speed change device. Therefore, this invention can make riding bicycle more easily and widely for all age.

Abstract: A process for controlling the transmission of a cycle having one or more gear sprockets is provided. The gear sprockets include one or more angular positions in which shifting of the gears is facilitated. A sensor is provided to detect the one or more angular positions of the gear sprocket in which gear shifting is facilitated. The sensor is selectively activated according to a command request to initiate a shift.

Abstract: A derailleur includes a base member, a movable member coupled for moving relative to the base member and supporting a chain guide, a first actuating unit for moving the movable member relative to the base member, and a second actuating unit for moving the first actuating unit. In one embodiment, the second actuating unit includes a wire winding surface, and a position adjuster is provided for adjusting a relative position between the first actuating unit and the second actuating unit. In another embodiment, the second actuating unit comprises a first actuating member movably coupled to a second actuating member, and a position adjuster is provided for adjusting a relative position between the first actuating unit and the second actuating unit. Alternatively, a position adjuster is provided for adjusting a relative position between the first actuating member and the second actuating member.

Abstract: A motorized bicycle actuator assembly has a motorized actuator unit arranged to operate a bicycle component. The motorized actuator unit has a drive train coupled to a reversible motor, and a position switch device or an overcurrent detecting circuit coupled to the motor to stop rotation of a drive axle of the drive train at first and second stop positions. The bicycle component is coupled to the drive axle to move a movable member between a first and second preset component positions that correspond to the first and second stop positions of the drive axle, respectively. First and second shock absorbing elements are arranged to cushion the drive train when the drive axle moves past the first and second stop positions of the drive axle, respectively.

Abstract: A drive train for a bicycle includes a housing mounted in a bicycle frame with a pedal assembly attached to a drive shaft fixably mounting a plurality of different diameter drive elements, the drive shaft is journalled in and between the housing cover plates. A driven shaft is also journalled in and between the housing cover plates. The driven shaft mounts a plurality of rotatably unfixed different diameter driven elements, with the driven shaft rotationally coupled to a bicycle rear wheel. A plurality of connection elements rotationally couples the plurality of different diameter drive elements to the different diameter driven elements, wherein a single connection element rotatably couples a single drive element to a single driven element being in alignment. Also, a structural assembly for rotatably engaging a selected single driven element to the driven shaft to establish a selected rotational ratio between the drive shaft and the driven shaft.

Abstract: A motorized bicycle gear shift device comprising a derailleur and an electric motor, associated directly with the derailleur, for controlling the derailleur and an electric transducer of absolute type, also associated with the derailleur for producing an electric signal indicative of the absolute position of the movable body of the derailleur.

Abstract: A bicycle control device is provided that uses power from a rotating member to assist the operation of a bicycle mechanism, wherein the control device includes an input member that requests assistance of the rotating member and an output member that is assisted by the rotating member, and wherein the input member electrically moves from a first position to a second position and then to a third position. A method of operating the control device comprises the steps of providing an input signal for moving the input member from the first position to the second position and then to the third position; sensing a position of the input member with an input position sensor; and determining whether the input position sensor indicates the input member is in the third position.

Abstract: A derailleur system for bicycle is constructed to include an annular plate holding at least two gears, a bracket assembly rotated to a center hole of the annular plate to hold a transmission shaft, a driven gear wheel set pivoted to the transmission shaft and having a driven gear wheel meshed with one of the gears, a control device connected to a derailleur cable of the bicycle, and a driven member for selectively controlling the engagement between the driven gear wheels of the driven gear wheel set with the transmission shaft subject to the position of the control device.

Abstract: A control apparatus is provided for a bicycle shift control device that uses power from a rotating member to assist the operation of a bicycle transmission, wherein the shift control device includes an input transmission member that requests assistance of the rotating member and an output transmission member that is assisted by the rotating member. The control apparatus comprises an input transmission member drive member that moves at least to a neutral position, to an upshift position and to a downshift position; an input drive member position sensor operatively coupled to the input transmission member drive member; and a motor operatively coupled to the input transmission member drive member. A control unit is operatively coupled to the input drive member position sensor and to the motor to move the input transmission member drive member to at least one of the neutral position, the upshift position and the downshift position.

Abstract: A chain shifting assembly for bicycles includes a fixed member fixed to the bicycle frame and an operation member is pivotally connected to the fixed member. The operation member includes first, second and third arms wherein one end of a shifting member is connected to the first arm and a derailleur cable is fixed to the second arm or the third arm. The arms radially extend outwardly from the junction pivotally connecting the operation member and the fixed member. A shift frame is connected to the other end of the shifting member. An angle limitation member is pivotally connected to the fixed member and the shifting member respectively. A spring is connected between the fixed member and the angle limitation member. The operation member is rotated about a center thereof and the track of the shift frame is a parabola so as to smoothly shift the chain among the sprockets.

Abstract: An automatic derailleur device comprises an arm, a sprocket roller meshed with one of a set of different-sized sprocket wheels on, a control member, a tension wheel meshed with a sprocket chain and secured to the arm, a cylinder including a shaft secured to the arm, an intermediate collar on the shaft, an elastic member on the shaft and biased between the collar and the cylinder, and a hollow cylindrical block with the shaft passed through, and a pump in the cylinder and including a piston rod rotatably coupled to the sprocket roller, a plurality of blades extended from the piston rod, and a cylindrical passage formed between the cylinder and the block. The sprocket chain is shiftable from a meshing with a largest sprocket wheel to a smallest sprocket wheel automatically as the bicycle is accelerating from a stop or low speed to a high speed and vice versa.

Abstract: Rocker arm assembly for the rear derailleur of a bicycle, comprising an outer plate (12) carrying a pivot pin (32), an inner plate (10) and a pair of idle transmission wheels (14) arranged between the outer plate (12) and the inner plate (10). The inner plate is made of metallic material and the outer plate is made of a structural fibre fabric incorporated in a thermoplastic material matrix.

Abstract: A bicycle gear-shift actuator (10, 100) having an articulated quadrilateral support (11) with four connecting rods (21, 22, 23, 24) hinged together by four pin elements (41, 42, 43, 44), and a motor member (12), having a variable length output shaft that travels along a drive axis (13) between two opposite pin elements (41, 42) to move them for deforming the articulated quadrilateral (11). Preferably, the drive axis (13) perfectly intersects the pin axis (32) of at least one (42) of the two pin elements (41, 42).

Abstract: The invention relates to a compact installation gear with, for instance, a ⅜″ derailleur chain and a derailleur for setting a transmission ratio between a crankshaft and a rear hub of a bicycle. To that end, the gear comprises a compact housing with the crankshaft included therein, with a slidable driving first sprocket engaging, via the derailleur chain, a selected second sprocket which forms part of a series of second sprockets mutually different in diameter, located on a secondary shaft with a third sprocket mounted thereon outside the housing, which, in turn, via a roller chain, drives a fourth sprocket on the rear hub. The transmission ratio can be set with the aid of the derailleur by moving the derailleur chain over the different second sprockets while at the same time moving the driving first sprocket to a position directly opposite the selected second sprocket.

Abstract: Front bicycle derailleur comprising an electrical motor controlling an actuating arm, consisting of an extension of an articulated arm of the derailleur, by means of a geared reduction transmission, comprising a worm screw and a sector gear, or a bevel pair.

Abstract: Chain guides for the front sprockets of bicycles are disclosed. More particularly, the chain guides are adapted or configured for bicycles that have multiple (usually 2 or 3) sprockets/chain rings mounted to the crank assembly. The setup is provided to freely allow shifting between the gears. All of the chain guide variations presented are provided with an outer flange attached to a roller section so that these portions roll together with the chain they restrain. Additional optional features include aspects to do with roller positioning, bracket mounting, roller configuration and supplemental chain restrain means (including a stop/post member and inner roller flange.

Abstract: A sensor retainer for a bicycle sprocket assembly includes an annular member for mounting and rotating coaxially with the bicycle sprocket assembly and a sensor element fixed to the annular member. Alternatively, the sensor retainer may include a fixing member for mounting a derailleur or other transmission to a bicycle frame and a sensor element mounted to the fixing member.

Abstract: A shift operating device for a bicycle is provided to change gears of the bicycle. The shift operating device is coupled to the front or rear derailleur via a shift cable. The shift operating device is also coupled to a gear indicator device via an indicator cable. The shift operating device has an attachment portion, a hand operating portion, and a take up member. The attachment portion is adapted to be coupled to a portion of a handlebar of the bicycle. The hand operating portion is coupled to the attachment portion to move between a plurality of shifting positions. The take up member is operatively coupled to the hand operating portion to move in response to movement of the hand operating portion. The take up member has a peripheral winding surface, a first cable attachment point and a second cable attachment point.

Abstract: A shift control device is provided for controlling a transmission control member coupled to a bicycle transmission. The device comprises an actuating component that is manually operated by a rider, wherein the actuating component moves to an actuating component neutral position, to an actuating component upshift position and to an actuating component downshift position. A first biasing component biases the actuating component toward one of the upshift position and the downshift position, and a neutral positioning component positions the actuating component in a neutral position.

Abstract: The present invention provides a bicycle front derailleur mountable to a seat tube of a bicycle frame for fitting a chain around a selected sprocket of a multiple chainwheel by pushing the chain laterally at a portion thereof advancing into engagement with the chainwheel, the front derailleur comprising: a fixed section fixed to a bicycle frame, a chain guide for contacting a chain to shift the chain, and an actuating arm and a linkage rod disposed between and pivotally connected to the fixed section and the chain guide. In the above construction, the present invention has achieved the intended object of providing an improved bicycle front derailleur capable of reliably effecting a change speed operation with the aid of a sufficient restoring force of the return spring and achieving minimized in operation forces required for various change speeds.

Abstract: A shift control device includes a mounting unit; a transmission control element movably mounted to the mounting unit, wherein the transmission control element moves between a first transmission control position and a second transmission control position; a first transmission control element biasing mechanism for biasing the transmission control element toward the first transmission control position; and a first shift control element that moves between a first shift control position and a second shift control position. The first shift control element and the transmission control element are operatively coupled such that the transmission control element moves toward the second transmission control position when the first shift control element moves toward the second shift control position, and the transmission control element moves toward the first transmission control position as the first shift control element continues to move toward the second shift control position.

Abstract: A bicycle shift control device is provided for a transmission actuating member, wherein the transmission actuating member moves to a plurality of transmission actuating positions for moving a bicycle transmission to a plurality of transmission positions. The shift control device comprises an operator attachment element that moves among a first operator attachment position, a second operator attachment position, and a third operator attachment position for causing an operation of the transmission actuating member. The second operator attachment position is disposed on a first path of movement from the first operator attachment position, and the third operator attachment position is disposed on a second path of movement from the first operator attachment position. The first path of movement is different from the second path of movement.

Abstract: An assisting apparatus for using power from a rotating member to assist the operation of a bicycle transmission includes a mounting unit; an input transmission member coupled to the mounting unit, wherein the input transmission member moves to at least a neutral position, to an upshift position and to a downshift position; and an output transmission member coupled to the mounting unit, wherein the output transmission member moves to at least a first output position and a second output position. A rotating member engaging member moves between a rotating member engaging position and a rotating member disengaging position, and a motion transmitting mechanism transmits motion from the rotating member engaging member to the output transmission member. A switching mechanism moves the rotating member engaging member to the rotating member engaging position when the input transmission member is in at least one of the upshift position and the downshift position.

Abstract: A protective device adapted to be attached to a bicycle for protecting a rear derailleur includes a mounting member structured for attachment to the bicycle in close proximity to the rear derailleur. A shock absorbing member extends from the mounting member and is dimensioned so as to be positioned between the bicycle frame and the rear derailleur.

Abstract: A bicycle derailleur having a derailleur fork. The inner plate of the fork according is made of light alloy, while the outer plate is made of fibre-reinforced synthetic resin. A rear bridge having interlocking portions connects the inner and outer plates.

Abstract: A sensor retainer for a bicycle sprocket assembly includes an annular member for mounting and rotating coaxially with the bicycle sprocket assembly and a sensor element fixed to the annular member. Alternatively, the sensor retainer may include a fixing member for mounting a derailleur or other transmission to a bicycle frame and a sensor element mounted to the fixing member.

Abstract: An automatic derailleur device comprises an arm, a sprocket roller meshed with one of a set of different-sized sprocket wheels on, a control member, a tension wheel meshed with a sprocket chain and secured to the arm, a cylinder including a shaft secured to the arm, an intermediate collar on the shaft, an elastic member on the shaft and biased between the collar and the cylinder, and a hollow cylindrical block with the shaft passed through, and a pump in the cylinder and including a piston rod rotatably coupled to the sprocket roller, a plurality of blades extended from the piston rod, and a cylindrical passage formed between the cylinder and the block. The sprocket chain is shiftable from a meshing with a largest sprocket wheel to a smallest sprocket wheel automatically as the bicycle is accelerating from a stop or low speed to a high speed and vice versa.

Abstract: An apparatus for determining when to shift a bicycle chain from a first sprocket having a first number of teeth to a second sprocket having a second number of teeth comprises a memory for storing a reference value, and a processor that determines a shift value corresponding to a shift speed for shifting the chain from the first sprocket to the second sprocket by multiplying the reference value by one of the first number of teeth and the second number of teeth and dividing by the other one of the first number of teeth and the second number of teeth.

Abstract: Electrically operated actuating apparatus for a bicycle derailleur, having an output shaft (16) rotationally connected to a driven shaft (29) by means of a coupling (34), allowing a limited misalignment between the axis (33, 32) of the output shaft (16) and the driven shaft (30). The coupling is preferably an Oldham coupling.

Abstract: An apparatus for moving an electrically controlled bicycle derailleur from a first sprocket to a second sprocket comprises a derailleur position input for receiving a signal indicating a position of the derailleur; a memory storing a first reference derailleur position for the second sprocket; and a motion control circuit that provides a plurality of signals to move the derailleur from the first sprocket to the second sprocket. The plurality of signals comprises a first signal generated when the derailleur initially moves away from the first sprocket and a second signal generated when the derailleur is in close proximity to the second sprocket.

Abstract: A control apparatus for controlling a drive member rotatably supported on a bicycle includes a mounting member for mounting the apparatus to the bicycle, a braking mechanism coupled to the mounting member for applying a braking force to the drive member; and a coupling mechanism adapted to couple the braking mechanism to a shift control mechanism so that the braking mechanism applies the braking force to the drive member upon actuation of the shift control mechanism.

Abstract: A forked member for a bicycle front derailleur is provided on the inside face of its outer plate with an extra plate, preferably made of a plastic with a low coefficient of friction, that locally reduces the gap between the two plates of the forked member, in order to ensure the correct shifting of the chain from a smaller-diameter chainring to a larger-diameter chainring.

Abstract: Fork (4) of a bicycle front derailleur comprising an outer plate (6) and an inner plate (5), which are two separate elements made of different materials, the inner plate (5) being stiffer and made of a harder material and the outer plate (6) being made of a lighter material.

Abstract: A system for controlling gear shifting in a transmission of a cycle, includes at least one gear wheel or sprocket on which a transmission element is engaged to perform transmission of motion as a result of movement in a predetermined direction. The gear shifting is carried out by changing the position of engagement of the transmission member with respect to the at least one gear wheel or sprocket. The system further includes at least one sensor for detecting the movement in corresponding direction of movement of the motion transmitting element for generating a signal and a control unit for controlling the change of the position of the element for transmitting motion with respect to the at least one gear wheel or sprocket when the signal indicates that the element for transmitting motion is moving in the given direction.

Abstract: A device and method of mechanically synchronizing the displacement requirements of a bicycle derailleur with the displacement created by an indexing gear shifter lever. The device includes a linkage element that is mounted to a bicycle between a gear shifter lever and a derailleur. The linkage element is mounted to the bicycle with a pivot hinge, wherein the linkage element is free to rotate about the pivot hinge. A cable from the gear shifter lever is attached to the linkage element at a first distance from the pivot hinge. A cable from the derailleur is attached to the linkage element at a second different distance from the pivot hinge. As the cable from the gear shifter is moved, the linkage element is rotated and that movement is transferred to the cable for the derailleur in a compensated manner.

Abstract: A derailleur for a bicycle is provided that is easy to operate. The derailleur basically has a mounting member, a chain guide and a chain guide positioning mechanism. The mounting member is adapted to be coupled to a portion of the bicycle. The chain guide is movably coupled to the mounting member. The chain guide is adapted to shift a chain of a bicycle in a transverse direction. The chain guide positioning mechanism has an actuating cam operatively coupled to the chain guide. The actuating cam is adapted to be coupled to a control element such as a cable. The actuating cam is arranged to rotate only in one direction in response to movement of the control element to move the chain guide from a first position to a second position. In the preferred embodiment, the chain guide positioning mechanism includes one-way clutch coupled to the actuating cam, and an indexing mechanism with an indexing element that is arranged to operatively apply a retaining force to the actuating cam.

Abstract: A motorized bicycle gear shift device comprising a derailleur and an electric motor for controlling the derailleur, associated directly with the derailleur, and an electric transducer of absolute type, also associated with the derailleur and designed to produce an electric signal indicative of the absolute position of the movable body of the derailleur.

Abstract: A bicycle rear derailleur is basically provided with a base member, a link mechanism, outer and inner plate members, a guide pulley and a tension pulley. At least one of the outer and inner plate members includes a bent portion integrally formed with the at least one of the outer and inner plate members to prevent a chain from disengaging from at least one of the tension pulley and the guide pulley. The bent portion is formed by bending an inner section of the at least one of outer and inner plate members in a direction towards the other of the at least one of the outer and inner plate members. The inner section is spaced inwardly from an external peripheral edge of the at least one of the outer and inner plate members.

Abstract: A derailleur includes a base member for attachment to a bicycle frame and a movable member supporting a chain guide such that the chain guide moves laterally to shift a chain among a plurality of gears. The base member has a laterally inner surface and a laterally outer surface, and it includes a projection extending laterally outwardly for engaging a corresponding recess in the frame.

Abstract: A derailleur includes a base member for attachment to a bicycle frame and a movable member supporting a chain guide such that the chain guide moves laterally to shift a chain among a plurality of gears. The base member has a laterally inner surface and a laterally outer surface, and it includes a projection extending from one of the laterally inner surface and the laterally outer surface for engaging a corresponding recess in the frame.

Abstract: A cycle derailleur incorporates an indexing mechanism (indexer) as an integral part of the derailleur. More specifically, the indexer is a physical part of the derailleur structure, and is activated by the pull or release of a cable (e.g., operated via gearshift control on a cycle handlebar). Actuation of the indexer requires exertion of a threshold force sufficient to overcome built-in resistance of a detent-style, spring-loaded mechanism. As shifts are made from one gear to another, the indexer is adapted to urge the derailleur into precision alignment with each selected gear. In each of the described embodiments, the indexed derailleur and a method for indexing (digitizing) gear changes by means of, for example, a movable bearing/detent mechanism, are characterized by a deformable parallelogram linkage actuated via the cable through a gearshift control. The result is an improved cycle shifter system that fosters accuracy and avoids derailleur mislocation between shifts.

Abstract: A front derailleur mounting arrangement includes a bottom bracket tube and a front derailleur mounting bracket having first and second complementary mounting structures. The first and second complementary mounting structures are configured to retain the front derailleur mounting bracket in a predetermined rotational orientation and a predetermined axial orientation on an axial end edge of the bottom bracket tube prior to threading of a bottom bracket within the interior threaded passage of the bottom bracket tube. One of the first and second complementary mounting structures is formed as a slot and the other of the first and second complementary mounting structures is formed as a projection that mates with the slot.