Bicycle derailleur

A user interface of a bicycle derailleur is configured to receive a user input to execute at least one of: calibration in which a sensor is reset; changing an assist operation of an assist driving unit; changing information displayed in a display; a recovering operation by an actuator of the bicycle derailleur; a reset of a pairing operation; changing a shifting threshold used in an automatic shifting mode; changing a communication channel between a wired communication channel and a wireless communication channel; changing a function assigned to an operating device; a shut-down of a system of the bicycle derailleur; a wake-up operation of the system; a restart of the system; an operation of at least one additional bicycle component; changing a shifting mode between the automatic shifting mode and a manual shifting mode; and changing the shifting operation between a synchronized shifting mode and a non-synchronized shifting mode.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Field of the Invention

The present invention relates to a bicycle derailleur.

Discussion of the Background

A bicycle includes a derailleur configured to move a chain relative to a plurality of sprockets.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In accordance with a first aspect of the present invention, a bicycle derailleur comprises a base member, a movable member, a linkage structure, and a user interface. The base member is configured to be attached to a bicycle frame. The movable member is configured to be movable relative to the base member. The linkage structure is configured to movably couple the movable member to the base member. The user interface is configured to receive a user input to execute at least one of: calibration in which a sensor is reset; changing an assist operation of an assist driving unit; changing information displayed in a display; a recovering operation by an actuator of the bicycle derailleur; a reset of a pairing operation between the bicycle derailleur and another component; changing a shifting threshold used in an automatic shifting mode; changing a communication channel through which the bicycle derailleur communicates with another component between a wired communication channel and a wireless communication channel; changing a function assigned to an operating device separately provided from the bicycle derailleur; a shut-down of a system of the bicycle derailleur; a wake-up operation of the system of the bicycle derailleur; a restart of the system of the bicycle derailleur; an operation of at least one additional bicycle component of a plurality of additional bicycle components; changing a shifting mode between the automatic shifting mode and a manual shifting mode; and changing the shifting operation between a synchronized shifting mode and a non-synchronized shifting mode.

With the bicycle derailleur according to the first aspect, it is possible to improve usability of a bicycle.

In accordance with a second aspect of the present invention, the bicycle derailleur according to the first aspect is configured so that the user interface includes a switch other than a push switch.

With the bicycle derailleur according to the second aspect, it is possible to improve usability of the bicycle with a simple structure.

In accordance with a third aspect of the present invention, the bicycle derailleur according to the first or second aspect is configured so that the user interface includes a switch having a first switch status and a second switch status that is different from the first switch status. The bicycle derailleur has a first derailleur status and a second derailleur status that is different from the first derailleur status. The bicycle derailleur is in the first derailleur status while the switch is in the first switch status. The bicycle derailleur is in the second derailleur status while the switch is in the second switch status.

With the bicycle derailleur according to the third aspect, it is possible to further improve usability of the bicycle.

In accordance with a fourth aspect of the present invention, the bicycle derailleur according to any one of the first to third aspects is configured so that the user interface includes a switch having a first switch status and a second switch status that is different from the first switch status. The at least one additional bicycle component of the plurality of additional bicycle components has a first component status and a second component status that is different from the first component status. The at least one additional bicycle component of the plurality of additional bicycle components is in the first component status while the switch is in the first switch status. The at least one additional bicycle component of the plurality of additional bicycle components is in the second component status while the switch is in the second switch status.

With the bicycle derailleur according to the fourth aspect, it is possible to further improve usability of the bicycle.

In accordance with a fifth aspect of the present invention, the bicycle derailleur according to any one of the first to fourth aspects is configured so that the user interface includes at least one of a dial switch, a tactile switch, a slide switch, a capacitive switch, and a toggle switch.

With the bicycle derailleur according to the fifth aspect, it is possible to improve usability of the bicycle with a simple structure.

In accordance with a sixth aspect of the present invention, the bicycle derailleur according to any one of the first to fifth aspects is configured so that the base member has a rear-sprocket facing surface and a reverse surface provided on a reverse side of the rear-sprocket facing side. The rear-sprocket facing side is configured to face toward a bicycle rear sprocket assembly in a mounting state where the base member is attached to the bicycle frame. The user interface is provided in the reverse surface.

With the bicycle derailleur according to the sixth aspect, it is possible to further improve usability of the bicycle.

In accordance with a seventh aspect of the present invention, the bicycle derailleur according to the sixth aspect is configured so that the reverse surface is inclined relative to an upper direction in the mounting state where the base member is attached to the bicycle frame.

With the bicycle derailleur according to the seventh aspect, it is possible to further improve usability of the bicycle.

In accordance with an eighth aspect of the present invention, the bicycle derailleur according to any one of the first to seventh aspects further comprises an information device configured to inform a user of a state of the bicycle derailleur.

With the bicycle derailleur according to the eighth aspect, it is possible to further improve usability of the bicycle.

In accordance with a ninth aspect of the present invention, the bicycle derailleur according to the eighth aspect is configured so that the information device is mounted to at least one of the base member, the movable member, and the linkage structure.

With the bicycle derailleur according to the ninth aspect, it is possible to improve design flexibility of the bicycle derailleur with improving usability of the bicycle.

In accordance with a tenth aspect of the present invention, the bicycle derailleur according to the eighth or ninth aspect is configured so that the base member has a rear-sprocket facing surface and a reverse surface provided on a reverse side of the rear-sprocket facing side. The rear-sprocket facing side is configured to face toward a bicycle rear sprocket assembly in a mounting state where the base member is attached to the bicycle frame. The information device is provided in the rear-sprocket facing surface.

With the bicycle derailleur according to the tenth aspect, it is possible to further improve usability of the bicycle.

In accordance with an eleventh aspect of the present invention, the bicycle derailleur according to any one of the eighth to tenth aspects is configured so that the information device includes an indicator configured to indicate the state of the bicycle derailleur.

With the bicycle derailleur according to the eleventh aspect, it is possible to further improve usability of the bicycle with a simple structure.

In accordance with a twelfth aspect of the present invention, the bicycle derailleur according to the eleventh aspect is configured so that the indicator includes a light emitter configured to emit light in accordance with the state of the bicycle derailleur.

With the bicycle derailleur according to the twelfth aspect, it is possible to further improve usability of the bicycle with a simple structure.

In accordance with a thirteenth aspect of the present invention, the bicycle derailleur according to any one of the eighth to twelfth aspects is configured so that the information device is configured to inform the user of a state of a battery charge.

With the bicycle derailleur according to the thirteenth aspect, it is possible to further improve usability of the bicycle.

In accordance with a fourteenth aspect of the present invention, the bicycle derailleur according to any one of the first to thirteenth aspects is configured so that the at least one additional bicycle component of the plurality of additional bicycle components includes at least one of a bicycle suspension and a bicycle adjustable seatpost.

With the bicycle derailleur according to the fourteenth aspect, it is possible to further improve usability of the bicycle.

In accordance with a fifteenth aspect of the present invention, a bicycle derailleur comprises a base member, a movable member, a linkage structure, and a user interface. The base member is configured to be attached to a bicycle frame. The movable member is configured to be movable relative to the base member. The linkage structure is configured to movably couple the movable member to the base member. The user interface includes an electric switch other than a push switch.

With the bicycle derailleur according to the fifteenth aspect, it is possible to improve usability of the bicycle.

In accordance with a sixteenth aspect of the present invention, a bicycle derailleur comprises a base member, a movable member, a linkage structure, and a user interface. The base member is configured to be attached to a bicycle frame. The base member includes a first base surface and a second base surface. The first base surface faces in an upper direction in the mounting state where the base member is attached to the bicycle frame. The second base surface is provided on a reverse side of the first base surface. The movable member is configured to be movable relative to the base member. The linkage structure is configured to movably couple the movable member to the base member. The user interface is configured to receive a user input and provided in the second base surface.

With the bicycle derailleur according to the sixteenth aspect, it is possible to improve usability of the bicycle.

In accordance with a seventeenth aspect of the present invention, a bicycle derailleur comprises a base member, a movable member, a linkage structure, at least one of a user interface and an information device, and a pulley axis. The base member is configured to be attached to a bicycle frame. The movable member is configured to be movable relative to the base member. The linkage structure is configured to movably couple the movable member to the base member. The linkage structure includes at least one linkage axis. The at least one of the user interface and the information device is mounted to at least one of the base member and the linkage structure. The pulley axis extends along an axial direction parallel to a sprocket rotational axis of a bicycle sprocket assembly in a mounting state where the bicycle derailleur and the bicycle sprocket assembly are mounted to a bicycle frame. The at least one linkage axis of the linkage structure is oriented orthogonally to the axial direction.

With the bicycle derailleur according to the seventeenth aspect, it is possible to improve usability of the bicycle.

In accordance with an eighteenth aspect of the present invention, a bicycle derailleur comprises a base member, a movable member, a linkage structure, a chain guide, and at least one of a user interface and an information device. The base member is configured to be attached to a bicycle frame. The movable member is configured to be movable relative to the base member. The linkage structure is configured to movably couple the movable member to the base member. The chain guide is pivotally disposed on the movable member. The chain guide includes a guide pulley and a tension pulley. The guide pulley is rotatable relative to the movable member about a guide pulley axis. The tension pulley is rotatable relative to the movable member about a tension pulley axis. The at least one of the user interface and the information device is mounted to at least one of the base member, the movable member, and the linkage structure. The chain guide is pivotable relative to the movable member about a chain-guide axis. The guide pulley axis and the tension pulley axis are spaced apart from each other. The tension pulley axis and the chain-guide axis are spaced apart from each other. A first reference line is defined to extend from the guide pulley to the chain-guide axis. A second reference line is defined to extend from the guide pulley axis to the tension pulley axis. An angle defined by the first reference line and the second reference line ranges from 20 degrees to 170 degrees.

With the bicycle derailleur according to the eighteenth aspect, it is possible to improve usability of the bicycle.

DESCRIPTION OF THE EMBODIMENTS

First Embodiment

Referring initially toFIG. 1, a bicycle2includes a bicycle derailleur10in accordance with a first embodiment. While the bicycle2is illustrated as a mountain bike, the bicycle derailleur10can be applied to a road bike, a city bike, a tricycle, a cargo bike, a recumbent bike, or any type of bicycles.

The bicycle2further includes a bicycle frame2A, a saddle2B, a handlebar2C, a front fork2D, a drive train2E, a front wheel W1, and a rear wheel W2. The front fork2D is rotatably mounted to the bicycle frame2A. The handlebar2C is secured to the front fork2D. The front wheel W1is rotatably coupled to the front fork2D. The rear wheel W2is rotatably coupled to the bicycle frame2A.

In the present application, the following directional terms “front,” “rear,” “forward,” “rearward,” “left,” “right,” “transverse,” “upward” and “downward” as well as any other similar directional terms refer to those directions which are determined on the basis of a user (e.g., a rider) who is in the user's standard position (e.g., on the saddle2B or a seat) in the bicycle2with facing the handlebar2C. Accordingly, these terms, as utilized to describe the bicycle derailleur10or other components, should be interpreted relative to the bicycle2equipped with the bicycle derailleur10as used in an upright riding position on a horizontal surface.

The drive train2E includes the bicycle derailleur10, an additional bicycle derailleur12, a crank CR, a bicycle front sprocket assembly FS, a bicycle rear sprocket assembly RS, and a chain C The bicycle front sprocket assembly FS is coupled to the crank CR to rotate relative to the bicycle frame2A along with the crank CR. The bicycle rear sprocket assembly RS is rotatably mounted to the bicycle frame2A. The chain C is engaged with the bicycle front sprocket assembly FS and the bicycle rear sprocket assembly RS. The bicycle derailleur10is mounted to the bicycle frame2A and is configured to shift the chain C relative to the bicycle rear sprocket assembly RS to change a gear position. The additional bicycle derailleur12is mounted to the bicycle frame2A and is configured to shift the chain C relative to the bicycle front sprocket assembly FS to change a gear position. However, the additional bicycle derailleur12can be omitted from the drive train2E if needed and/or desired.

The bicycle2includes a bicycle suspension BS and a bicycle adjustable seatpost BA. The bicycle suspension BS is provided in a headtube of the bicycle frame2A. The bicycle suspension BS is configured to absorb shock transmitted from a road surface to the front fork2D. The bicycle suspension BS includes a suspension actuator configured to change damper property and/or a stroke in response to a suspension input. The bicycle adjustable seatpost BA is configured to change a position of the saddle2B in response to a seatpost input. The bicycle adjustable seatpost BA includes a seatpost actuator configured to change a state of the bicycle adjustable seatpost BA between a locked state and an adjustable state. An interface configured to receive the suspension input and the seatpost input can be provided to another device such as the operating device16or18or the bicycle derailleur10. Each of the bicycle suspension BS and the bicycle adjustable seatpost BA includes structures which has been known in the bicycle field. Thus, they will not be described in detail here for the sake of brevity.

As seen inFIG. 2, the bicycle2includes an assist driving unit DU configured to assist pedaling. The assist driving unit DU includes an assist motor DU1and a pedaling-force sensor DU2. The assist motor DU1is configured to apply an assist driving force to the drive train2E. The pedaling-force sensor DU2is configured to sense a pedaling force applied to the crank CR from a rider. The assist driving unit DU includes a motor controller DU3configured to control the assist motor DU1to add the assist driving force to the drive train2E based on an assist ratio and the pedaling force sensed by the pedaling-force sensor DU2. The motor controller DU3is configured to select and/or calculate the assist ratio. However, the motor controller DU3can be configured to control the assist motor DU1to add the assist driving force to the drive train2E regardless of the assist ratio and/or the pedaling force. For example, the motor controller DU3can be configured to control the assist motor DU1to add the assist driving force to the crank CR based on a user input received by an operating device.

The assist driving unit DU has at least two assist modes having different assist ratios. In this embodiment, the assist driving unit DU has a first assist mode and a second assist mode. The first assist mode has a first assist ratio. The second assist mode has a second assist ratio which is lower than the first assist ratio. In the first assist mode, the motor controller DU3is configured to calculate the assist driving force based on the first assist ratio and the pedaling force sensed by the pedaling-force sensor DU2. In the second assist mode, the motor controller DU3is configured to calculate the assist driving force based on the second assist ratio and the pedaling force sensed by the pedaling-force sensor DU2. The operating device16includes an assist mode switch SW13configured to receive an assist-mode input U13. For example, the motor controller DU3is configured to change the assist mode between the first assist mode and the second assist mode in response to the assist-mode input U13received by the assist mode switch SW13. For example, the assist mode switch SW13has two positions respectively corresponding to the first assist mode and the second assist mode.

The bicycle2includes a lamp LP configured to emit light. The lamp LP has a plurality of illumination levels and a plurality of illumination patterns. The lamp LP includes a lamp switch configured to receive an illumination-level user input and an illumination-pattern user input. The lamp LP is configured to change the illumination level in response to an illumination-level user input and configured to change the illumination pattern in response to an illumination-pattern user input. In this embodiment, the lamp LP is a tale lamp. However, the lamp LP can be a head lamp.

As seen inFIG. 1, the bicycle2includes a power supply PS. The power supply PS is configured to supply electricity to the bicycle derailleur10, the additional bicycle derailleur12, the assist driving unit DU, the bicycle suspension BS, and the bicycle adjustable seatpost BA. The power supply PS includes a battery PS1and a battery holder PS2. The battery holder PS2is secured to the bicycle frame2A. The battery PS1is detachably attached to the battery holder PS2.

As seen inFIG. 3, the bicycle2includes a wired communication structure WS. The power supply PS is electrically connected to the bicycle derailleur10, the additional bicycle derailleur12, the assist driving unit DU, the bicycle suspension BS, the bicycle adjustable seatpost BA, and the lamp LP with the wired communication structure WS to supply electricity to the bicycle derailleur10, the additional bicycle derailleur12, the assist driving unit DU, the bicycle suspension BS, the bicycle adjustable seatpost BA, and the lamp LP. For example, the wired communication structure WS includes at least one electric cable. However, the bicycle derailleur10can be electrically connected to another power supply which is separately provided from the power supply PS. For example, the bicycle derailleur10can be electrically connected to a power supply provided inside the bicycle frame2A or directly attached to the bicycle derailleur10.

The bicycle2comprises an operating device16and an operating device18. The operating device18is a separate device from the operating device16. The operating device16is mounted to a right part of the handlebar2C. The operating device18is mounted to a left part of the handlebar2C. However, the positions of the operating device16and the operating device18are not limited to this embodiment. The operating device18can be integrally provided with the operating device16as a single device.

The operating device16is configured to receive a first user input U11and a first additional user input U12. The operating device16is configured to output a first control signal CS11in response to the first user input U11. The operating device16is configured to output a first additional control signal CS12in response to the first additional user input U12.

The operating device16includes a first electrical switch SW11and a first additional electrical switch SW12. The first electrical switch SW11is configured to receive the first user input U11. The first additional electrical switch SW12is configured to receive the first additional user input U12.

The operating device18is configured to receive a second user input U21and a second additional user input U22. The operating device18is configured to output a second control signal CS21in response to the second user input U21. The operating device18is configured to output a second additional control signal CS22in response to the second additional user input U22.

The operating device18includes a second electrical switch SW21and a second additional electrical switch SW22. The second electrical switch SW21is configured to receive the second user input U21. The second additional electrical switch SW22is configured to receive the second additional user input U22.

In this embodiment, the first user input U11and the first control signal CS11indicate upshifting of the bicycle derailleur10. The first additional user input U12and the first additional control signal CS12indicate downshifting of the bicycle derailleur10. The second user input U21and the second control signal CS21indicate upshifting of the additional bicycle derailleur12. The second additional user input U22and the second additional control signal CS22indicate downshifting of the additional bicycle derailleur12.

As seen inFIG. 2, upshifting occurs the chain C is shifted from a sprocket to a neighboring smaller sprocket in an upshifting direction D31in the bicycle rear sprocket assembly RS. Downshifting occurs the chain C is shifted from a sprocket to a neighboring larger sprocket in a downshifting direction D32in the bicycle rear sprocket assembly RS.

As seen inFIG. 4, the bicycle derailleur10comprises a base member20, a movable member22, and a linkage structure24. The base member20is configured to be attached to the bicycle frame2A (see, e.g.,FIG. 1). The movable member22is configured to be movable relative to the base member20. The linkage structure24is configured to movably couple the movable member22to the base member20. The linkage structure24includes at least one linkage axis.

In this embodiment, the base member20includes a base body25configured to be attached to the bicycle frame2A (see, e.g.,FIG. 1). The linkage structure24is configured to movably couple the movable member22to the base body25of the base member20. The linkage structure24includes a first link26and a second link28. The first link26is pivotally coupled to the base body25of the base member20about a first linkage axis A11. The second link28is pivotally coupled to the base body25of the base member20about a second linkage axis A21. The first link26is pivotally coupled to the movable member22about a first additional linkage axis A12. The second link28is pivotally coupled to the movable member22about a second additional linkage axis A22.

The bicycle derailleur10comprises a chain guide30. The chain guide30is pivotally disposed on the movable member22. The chain guide30is pivotable relative to the movable member22about a chain-guide axis A3. The chain guide30includes a guide pulley32and a tension pulley34. The guide pulley32is rotatable relative to the movable member22about a guide pulley axis A4. The tension pulley34is rotatable relative to the movable member22about a tension pulley axis A5. The guide pulley axis A4and the tension pulley axis A5are spaced apart from each other. The tension pulley axis A5and the chain-guide axis A3are spaced apart from each other. The guide pulley axis A4can also be referred to as a pulley axis A4. The tension pulley axis A5can also be referred to as a pulley axis A5. The guide pulley axis A4is coincident with the chain-guide axis A3. However, the positional relationship among the chain-guide axis A3, the guide pulley axis A4, and the tension pulley axis A5is not limited to this embodiment.

In this embodiment, the chain guide30includes a guide member36. The guide member36is pivotally coupled to the movable member22about the chain-guide axis A3. The guide pulley32is rotatably coupled to the guide member36about the guide pulley axis A4. The tension pulley34is rotatably coupled to the guide member36about the tension pulley axis A5. The guide pulley32and the tension pulley34are configured to be engaged with the chain C.

As seen inFIG. 5, the bicycle derailleur10further comprises an actuator38. The actuator38is configured to be coupled to at least one of the movable member22and the linkage structure24to move the movable member22relative to the base member20. In this embodiment, the actuator38is configured to be coupled to the second link28of the linkage structure24to move the linkage structure24relative to the base member20. However, the actuator38can be configured to be coupled to the movable member22or both the movable member22and the linkage structure24to move the movable member22relative to the base member20.

In this embodiment, the actuator38includes a motor unit40and an output shaft42. The output shaft42is configured to output a rotation generated by the motor unit40. The base member20includes a housing43and a cover44. The housing43is a separate member from the base body25and the cover44. The cover44is a separate member from the base body25. The cover44is secured to the base body25with fasteners44A. The cover44is secured to the base body25to hold the housing43between the base body25and the cover44. The housing43includes an internal space43A (see, e.g.,FIG. 10). The actuator38is partly provided in the internal space43A of the housing43.

The bicycle derailleur10comprises a saver structure45configured to protect the actuator38from overload. The actuator38is configured to be coupled to the second link28of the linkage structure24via the saver structure45.

As seen inFIG. 6, the saver structure45includes an output member46, an intermediate link48, a drive link50, and a biasing member52. The output member46is secured to the output shaft42of the actuator38to rotate along with the output shaft42. The intermediate link48is pivotally coupled to the output shaft42of the actuator38about a first axis A61. The intermediate link48is pivotally coupled to the second link28of the linkage structure24about a second axis A62. The drive link50is pivotally coupled to the intermediate link48about a third axis A63. The output member46is engaged with the drive link50to transmit the rotational from the output shaft42to the drive link50. The biasing member52is configured to bias the drive link50to maintain engagement between the drive link and the output member46.

The output member46includes a notch46A, a first slidable surface46B, and a second slidable surface46C. The notch46A is provided between the first slidable surface46B and the second slidable surface46C. The drive link50includes a protrusion50A configured to be engaged with the output member46.

The saver structure45has a transmission state and a protection state. In the transmission state, the protrusion50A of the drive link50is engaged with the notch46A of the output member46to receive the rotation from the output member46. Thus, in the transmission state, the saver structure45is configured to transmit a drive force of the actuator38to the linkage structure24via the output member46, the drive link50, and the intermediate link48to move the movable member22with respect to the base member20.

In the protection state, the protrusion50A of the drive link50is outside the notch46A and in slidable engagement with one of the first slidable surface46B and the second slidable surface46C. Thus, in the protection state, the saver structure45is configured to stop the transmission of the drive force of the actuator38(see, e.g.,FIG. 4) to the linkage structure24.

The state of the saver structure45is automatically changed from the transmission state to the protection state if the movable member22cannot move with respect to the base member20(e.g. becomes jammed) or if the force to move the movable member22with respect to the base member20becomes greater than a prescribed operating force. The protrusion50A of the drive link50is automatically disengaged from the notch46A of the output member46while the actuator38outputs the drive force from the output shaft42to the output member46if the movable member22cannot move with respect to the base member20(e.g. becomes jammed) or if the force necessary to move the movable member22with respect to the base member20becomes greater than a prescribed operating force. In this way, the actuator38is protected by the saver structure45in certain situations.

The state of the saver structure45is not automatically returned from the protection state to the transmission state. In a recovering operation of the saver structure45, the state of the saver structure45is returned from the protection state to the transmission state when the actuator38rotates the output member46in an opposite direction to bring the protrusion50A in engagement with the notch46A.

As seen inFIG. 3, the bicycle derailleur10includes a position sensor54and a motor driver56. The actuator38is electrically connected to the position sensor54and the motor driver56. The actuator38includes a rotational shaft operatively coupled to the movable member22. The position sensor54is configured to sense a current gear position of the bicycle derailleur10. Examples of the position sensor54include a potentiometer and a rotary encoder. The position sensor54is configured to sense an absolute rotational position of the output shaft42of the actuator38as the current gear position of the bicycle derailleur10. The motor driver56is configured to control the actuator38based on the current gear position sensed by the position sensor54.

As seen inFIGS. 3 and 7, the bicycle derailleur10comprise a base member60, a movable member62, a linkage structure64, an actuator66, a position sensor68, and a motor driver70. The base member60, the movable member62, the linkage structure64, the actuator66, the position sensor68, and the motor driver70have substantially the same structures as the structures of the base member20, the movable member22, the linkage structure24, the actuator38, the position sensor54, and the motor driver56of the bicycle derailleur10. Thus, they will not be described in detail here for sake of brevity.

As seen inFIG. 3, the bicycle derailleur10comprises a controller72and a communicator74. In this embodiment, the controller72and the communicator74are configured to be mounted to the base member20. However, at least one of the controller72can be mounted to another member of the bicycle derailleur10or another device such as the operating device16, the operating device18, the additional bicycle derailleur12, the power supply PS, and the wired communication structure WS.

The controller72is configured to be electrically connected to the additional bicycle derailleur12, the assist driving unit DU, the power supply PS, the bicycle suspension BS, the bicycle adjustable seatpost BA, and the lamp LP with the wired communication structure WS. The communicator74is configured to be communicate with the operating device16, the operating device18, the additional bicycle derailleur12, the assist driving unit DU, the power supply PS, the bicycle suspension BS, the bicycle adjustable seatpost BA, and the lamp LP. The controller72is configured to control the bicycle derailleur10based on the first control signal CS11and the first additional control signal CS12. The controller72is configured to control the additional bicycle derailleur12based on the second control signal CS21and the second additional control signal CS22.

In this embodiment, the controller72is configured to control the actuator38to move the movable member22in an upshift direction in response to the first control signal CS11. The controller72is configured to control the actuator38to move the movable member22in a downshift direction in response to the first additional control signal CS12. The controller72is configured to control the additional bicycle derailleur12to upshift in response to the second control signal CS21. The controller72is configured to control the additional bicycle derailleur12to downshift in response to the second additional control signal CS22.

The communicator74includes a wireless communicator WC3configured to establish a wireless communication channel. The wireless communicator WC3is configured to communicate with the operating device16and the operating device18via the wireless communication channel. The wireless communicator WC3is configured to wirelessly receive the first control signal CS11, the first additional control signal CS12, the second control signal CS21, and the second additional control signal CS22.

The controller72includes a processor72P, a memory72M, a circuit board72C, and a system bus72D. The processor72P and the memory72M are electrically mounted on the circuit board72C. The processor72P includes a central processing unit (CPU) and a memory controller. The memory72M is electrically connected to the processor72P. The memory72M includes a read only memory (ROM) and a random-access memory (RAM). The memory72M includes storage areas each having an address in the ROM and the RAM. The processor72P is configured to control the memory72M to store data in the storage areas of the memory72M and reads data from the storage areas of the memory72M. The memory72M (e.g., the ROM) stores a program. The program is read into the processor72P, and thereby the configuration and/or algorithm of the controller72is performed.

The wireless communicator WC3is electrically mounted on the circuit board72C. The wireless communicator WC3is electrically connected to the processor72P and the memory72M with the circuit board72C and the system bus72D. The wireless communicator WC3includes a signal transmitting circuit, a signal receiving circuit, and an antenna. Thus, the wireless communicator WC3can also be referred to as a wireless communication circuit WC3.

The wireless communicator WC3is configured to superimpose digital signals on carrier wave using a predetermined wireless communication protocol to wirelessly transmit a control signal. In this embodiment, the wireless communicator WC3is configured to encrypt a control signal using a cryptographic key to generate encrypted wireless signals.

The wireless communicator WC3is configured to receives a wireless signal via the antenna. In this embodiment, the wireless communicator WC3is configured to decode the wireless signal to recognize the first control signal CS11, the first additional control signal CS12, the second control signal CS21, and/or the second additional control signal CS22which are wirelessly transmitted from the operating device16and/or the operating device18. The wireless communicator WC3is configured to decrypt the wireless signal using the cryptographic key.

As seen inFIG. 3, the operating device16includes a first wireless communicator WC1configured to wirelessly transmit the first control signal CS11and the first additional control signal CS12. The first wireless communicator WC1is configured to wirelessly receive information. The first wireless communicator WC1is configured to be electrically connected to the first electrical switch SW11to transmit the first control signal CS11in response to the first user input Ulf. The first wireless communicator WC1is configured to be electrically connected to the first additional electrical switch SW12to transmit the first additional control signal CS12in response to the first additional user input U12.

The operating device16includes a first processor16P, a first memory16M, a first circuit board16C, and a first system bus16D. The first processor16P and the first memory16M are electrically mounted on the first circuit board16C. The first processor16P includes a CPU and a memory controller. The first memory16M is electrically connected to the first processor16P. The first memory16M includes a ROM and a RAM. The first memory16M includes storage areas each having an address in the ROM and the RAM. The first processor16P is configured to control the first memory16M to store data in the storage areas of the first memory16M and reads data from the storage areas of the first memory16M. The first circuit board16C, the first electrical switch SW11, and the first additional electrical switch SW12are electrically connected to the first system bus16D. The first electrical switch SW11and the first additional electrical switch SW12are electrically connected to the first processor16P and the first memory16M with the first circuit board16C and the first system bus16D. The first memory16M (e.g., the ROM) stores a program. The program is read into the first processor16P, and thereby the configuration and/or algorithm of the operating device16is performed.

The first wireless communicator WC1is electrically mounted on the first circuit board16C. The first wireless communicator WC1is electrically connected to the first processor16P and the first memory16M with the first circuit board16C and the first system bus16D. The first wireless communicator WC1includes a signal transmitting circuit, a signal receiving circuit, and an antenna. Thus, the first wireless communicator WC1can also be referred to as a first wireless communication circuit WC1.

The first wireless communicator WC1is configured to superimpose digital signals such as the first control signal CS11and the first additional control signal CS12on carrier wave using a predetermined wireless communication protocol to wirelessly transmit the first control signal CS11and the first additional control signal CS12. In this embodiment, the first wireless communicator WC1is configured to encrypt a control signal (e.g., the first control signal CS11or the first additional control signal CS12) using a cryptographic key to generate encrypted wireless signals.

The first wireless communicator WC1is configured to receives a wireless signal via the antenna. In this embodiment, the first wireless communicator WC1is configured to decode the wireless signal to recognize signals and/or information wirelessly transmitted from another wireless communicator. The first wireless communicator WC1is configured to decrypt the wireless signal using the cryptographic key.

The operating device16includes a first electric power source16E. The first electric power source16E is configured to supply electricity to the operating device16. The first electric power source16E is configured to be electrically connected to the operating device16. In this embodiment, the first electric power source16E includes a first battery and a first battery holder. The first battery includes a replaceable and/or rechargeable battery. The first battery holder is configured to be electrically connected to the operating device16via the first circuit board16C and the first system bus16D. The first battery is configured to be detachably attached to the first battery holder. However, the first electric power source16E is not limited to this embodiment. For example, the first electric power source16E can include another component such as a capacitor and an electricity generation element (e.g., a piezoelectric element) instead of or in addition to the first battery and the first battery holder.

As seen inFIG. 3, the operating device18includes a second wireless communicator WC2configured to wirelessly transmit the second control signal CS21and the second additional control signal CS22. The second wireless communicator WC2is configured to wirelessly receive information. The second wireless communicator WC2is configured to be electrically connected to the second electrical switch SW21to transmit the second control signal CS21in response to the second user input U21. The second wireless communicator WC2is configured to be electrically connected to the second additional electrical switch SW22to transmit the second additional control signal CS22in response to the second additional user input U22.

The operating device18includes a second processor18P, a second memory18M, a second circuit board18C, and a second system bus18D. The second processor18P and the second memory18M are electrically mounted on the second circuit board18C. The second processor18P includes a CPU and a memory controller. The second memory18M is electrically connected to the second processor18P. The second memory18M includes a ROM and a RAM. The second memory18M includes storage areas each having an address in the ROM and the RAM. The second processor18P is configured to control the second memory18M to store data in the storage areas of the second memory18M and reads data from the storage areas of the second memory18M. The second circuit board18C, the second electrical switch SW21, and the second additional electrical switch SW22are electrically connected to the second system bus18D. The second electrical switch SW21and the second additional electrical switch SW22are electrically connected to the second processor18P and the second memory18M with the second circuit board18C and the second system bus18D. The second memory18M (e.g., the ROM) stores a program. The program is read into the second processor18P, and thereby the configuration and/or algorithm of the operating device18is performed.

The second wireless communicator WC2is electrically mounted on the second circuit board18C. The second wireless communicator WC2is electrically connected to the second processor18P and the second memory18M with the second circuit board18C and the second system bus18D. The second wireless communicator WC2includes a signal transmitting circuit, a signal receiving circuit, and an antenna. Thus, the second wireless communicator WC2can also be referred to as a second wireless communication circuit WC2.

The second wireless communicator WC2is configured to superimpose digital signals such as the second control signal CS21and the second additional control signal CS22on carrier wave using a predetermined wireless communication protocol to wirelessly transmit the second control signal CS21and the second additional control signal CS22. In this embodiment, the second wireless communicator WC2is configured to encrypt a control signal (e.g., the second control signal CS21or the second additional control signal CS22) using a cryptographic key to generate encrypted wireless signals.

The second wireless communicator WC2is configured to receives a wireless signal via the antenna. In this embodiment, the second wireless communicator WC2is configured to decode the wireless signal to recognize signals and/or information wirelessly transmitted from another wireless communicator. The second wireless communicator WC2is configured to decrypt the wireless signal using the cryptographic key.

The operating device18includes a second electric power source18E. The second electric power source18E is configured to supply electricity to the operating device18. The second electric power source18E is configured to be electrically connected to the operating device18. In this embodiment, the second electric power source18E includes a second battery and a second battery holder. The second battery includes a replaceable and/or rechargeable battery. The second battery holder is configured to be electrically connected to the operating device18via the second circuit board18C and the second system bus18D. The second battery is configured to be detachably attached to the second battery holder. However, the second electric power source18E is not limited to this embodiment. For example, the second electric power source18E can include another component such as a capacitor and an electricity generation element (e.g., a piezoelectric element) instead of or in addition to the second battery and the second battery holder.

Each of the bicycle derailleur10, the operating device16, and the operating device18has a pairing mode. In the pairing mode, the wireless communicator WC3and the first wireless communicator WC1are configured to establish the wireless communication channel between the wireless communicator WC3and the first wireless communicator WC1. In the pairing mode, the wireless communicator WC3and the second wireless communicator WC2are configured to establish the wireless communication channel between the wireless communicator WC3and the second wireless communicator WC2. Each of the bicycle derailleur10, the operating device16, and the operating device18is configured to store unique identifying information.

In the pairing mode of the bicycle derailleur10, the wireless communicator WC3is configured to transmit identifying information indicating the bicycle derailleur10to the first wireless communicator WC1and/or configured to receive first identifying information indicating the operating device16. In the pairing mode of the bicycle derailleur10, the wireless communicator WC3is configured to transmit the identifying information indicating the bicycle derailleur10to the second wireless communicator WC2and/or configured to receive second identifying information indicating the operating device18.

In the pairing mode of the operating device16, the first wireless communicator WC1is configured to transmit the first identifying information indicating the operating device16to the wireless communicator WC3and/or configured to receive the identifying information indicating the bicycle derailleur10. In the pairing mode of the operating device18, the second wireless communicator WC2is configured to transmit the second identifying information indicating the operating device18to the wireless communicator WC3and/or configured to receive the identifying information indicating the bicycle derailleur10.

The wireless communicator WC3is configured to recognize signals transmitted from the first wireless communicator WC1based on the identifying information and/or the first identifying information. The wireless communicator WC3is configured to recognize signals transmitted from the second wireless communicator WC2based on the identifying information and/or the second identifying information.

The first wireless communicator WC1is configured to recognize signals transmitted from the wireless communicator WC3based on the identifying information and/or the first identifying information. The second wireless communicator WC2is configured to recognize signals transmitted from the wireless communicator WC3based on the identifying information and/or the second identifying information.

As seen inFIG. 3, the controller72is configured to generate a first control command CC11based on the first control signal CS11. The controller72is configured to generate a first additional control command CC12based on the first additional control signal CS12. The controller72is configured to generate a second control command CC21based on the second control signal CS21. The controller72is configured to generate a second additional control command CC22based on the second additional control signal CS22.

The first control signal CS11, the first additional control signal CS12, the second control signal CS21, and the second additional control signal CS22are distinguishable from each other. The first control command CC11, the first additional control command CC12, the second control command CC21, and the second additional control command CC22are distinguishable from each other.

In this embodiment, the first control signal CS11and the first control command CC11indicate upshifting of the bicycle derailleur10. The first additional control signal CS12and the first additional control command CC12indicate downshifting of the bicycle derailleur10. The second control signal CS21and the second control command CC21indicate upshifting of the additional bicycle derailleur12. The second additional control signal CS22and the second additional control command CC22indicate downshifting of the additional bicycle derailleur12.

As seen inFIG. 3, the motor driver56is configured to control the actuator38based on the first control command CC11and the first additional control command CC12generated by the controller72. The motor driver56is configured to control the actuator38to move the movable member22relative to the base member20by one gear position in an upshift direction based on the first control command CC11and the current gear position sensed by the position sensor54. The motor driver56is configured to control the actuator38to move the movable member22relative to the base member20by one gear position in a downshift direction based on the first additional control command CC12and the current gear position sensed by the position sensor54.

The motor driver70is configured to control the actuator66based on the second control command CC21and the second additional control command CC22generated by the controller72. The motor driver70is configured to control the actuator66to move the movable member62relative to the base member60by one gear position in an upshift direction based on the second control command CC21and the current gear position sensed by the position sensor68. The motor driver70is configured to control the actuator66to move the movable member62relative to the base member60by one gear position in a downshift direction based on the second additional control command CC22and the current gear position sensed by the position sensor68.

As seen inFIG. 3, the controller72, the additional bicycle derailleur12, the power supply PS, and the assist driving unit DU communicate with each other via the wired communication structure WS using power line communication (PLC) technology. More specifically, each of the electric cables of the wired communication structure WS includes a ground line and a voltage line that are detachably connected to a serial bus that is formed by communication interfaces. In this embodiment, the controller72, the additional bicycle derailleur12, the power supply PS, and the assist driving unit DU can all communicate with each other through the voltage line using the PLC technology.

As seen inFIG. 3, the second control command CC21and the second additional control command CC22are transmitted from the controller72to the additional bicycle derailleur12through the wired communication structure WS. However, the additional bicycle derailleur12can include a wireless communicator configured to wirelessly receive the second control signal CS21and the second additional control signal CS22. In such embodiment, the power supply PS and the wired communication structure WS can be omitted from the bicycle2. Instead, each of the bicycle derailleur10and the additional bicycle derailleur12can include a battery.

The PLC technology is used for communicating between electric components. The PLC carries data on a conductor that is also used simultaneously for electric power transmission or electric power distribution to the electric components. In this embodiment, electricity is supplied from the power supply PS to the bicycle derailleur10, the additional bicycle derailleur12, and the assist driving unit DU via the wired communication structure WS. Furthermore, the controller72can receive information signals from the bicycle derailleur10, the additional bicycle derailleur12, the assist driving unit DU, and the power supply PS through the wired communication structure WS using the PLC.

The PLC uses unique identifying information such as a unique identifier that is assigned to each of the bicycle derailleur10, the additional bicycle derailleur12, the assist driving unit DU, and the power supply PS. Each of the bicycle derailleur10, the additional bicycle derailleur12, the assist driving unit DU, and the power supply PS is configured to store the identifying information. Based on the identifying information, each of the bicycle derailleur10, the additional bicycle derailleur12, the assist driving unit DU, and the power supply PS is configured to recognize, based on the identifying information, information signals which are necessary for itself among information signals transmitted via the wired communication structure WS. For example, the controller72is configured to recognize information signals transmitted from the bicycle derailleur10, the additional bicycle derailleur12, the assist driving unit DU, and the power supply PS with the wired communication structure WS. Instead of using the PLC technology, however, separate signal wires can be provided for transmitting data in addition to the ground wire and the voltage wire if needed and/or desired.

The communicator74includes a wired communicator PC1configured to establish a wired communication channel such as the PLC. The wired communicator PC1is electrically mounted on the circuit board72C. The wired communicator PC1is connected to the wired communication structure WS, the bicycle derailleur10, and the system bus72D. The wired communicator PC1is configured to separate input signals to a power source voltage and control signals. The wired communicator PC1is configured to regulate the power source voltage to a level at which the controller72and the bicycle derailleur10can properly operate. The wired communicator PC1is further configured to superimpose output signals such as the second control command CC21and the second additional control command CC22on the power source voltage applied to the wired communication structure WS from the power supply PS.

The additional bicycle derailleur12includes a wired communicator PC2. The power supply PS includes a wired communicator PC3. The operating device16includes a wired communicator PC4. The operating device18includes a wired communicator PC5. The wired communicators PC1, PC2, PC3, PC4, and PC5are configured to communicate with each other using the PLC. The wired communicators PC2, PC3, PC4, and PC5have substantially the same structure as the structure of the wired communicator PC1. Thus, they will not be described in detail here for the sake of brevity.

The bicycle derailleur10includes a cable connector CN to which an electric cable of the wired communication structure WS is detachably connected. The cable connector CN is configured to be electrically connected to the controller72and the wired communicator PC1. As seen inFIG. 5, in this embodiment, the cable connector CN is provided to the base member20. Specifically, the cable connector CN is provided in the first base surface20A. However, the cable connector CN can be provided to another member such as the movable member22and the linkage structure24.

The controller72is configured to detect that an electric cable is connected to the connector CN. For example, the controller72is configured to automatically execute the pairing operation of the wireless communicator WC3in response to the connection between the electric cable and the connector CN if the wireless communicator WC3has not been paired with another wireless communicator. The controller72can be configured to execute the pairing operation in response to anther input.

As seen inFIG. 3, the operating device16is configured to select the first wireless communicator WC1if the wired communicator PC4is not electrically connected to the wired communication structure WS. The operating device18is configured to select the second wireless communicator WC2if the wired communicator PC5is not electrically connected to the wired communication structure WS.

The controller72is configured to select the wireless communicator WC3if the controller72wirelessly receives the control signal CS11and/or CS12from the operating device16. The controller72is configured to select the wireless communicator WC3if the controller72wirelessly receives the control signal CS21and/or CS22from the operating device18.

As seen inFIG. 8, the controller72is configured to communicate with the operating devices16and18using the wired communicator PC1through the wired communication structure WS if the wired communicators PC4and PC5of the operating devices16and18are electrically connected to the wired communication structure WS. The operating device16is configured to select the wired communicator PC4if the wired communicator PC4is electrically connected to the wired communication structure WS. The operating device18is configured to select the wired communicator PC5if the wired communicator PC5is electrically connected to the wired communication structure WS.

The controller72is configured to select the wired communicator PC1if the controller72receives the control signal CS11and/or CS12from the operating device16via the wired communication structure WS. The controller72is configured to select the wired communicator PC1if the controller72receives the control signal CS21and/or CS22from the operating device18via the wired communication structure WS. The controller72can be configured to change the communication channel between the wired communication channel and the wireless communication channel in response to another input.

As seen inFIG. 3, the bicycle2includes a sensor SS1. In this embodiment, the sensor SS1is configured to sense a posture of the bicycle2relative to a direction of gravitational force. The sensor SS1includes an acceleration sensor configured to sense an inclined angle of the bicycle2relative to the direction of gravitational force. The inclined angle sensed by the sensor SS1indicates an inclined angle of a road surface on which the bicycle2runs. The sensor SS1is configured to be calibrated (e.g., rest) to execute zero adjustment of the sensor SS1based on a posture of the sensor SS1of when the sensor SS1is calibrated. In this embodiment, as seen inFIG. 2, the sensor SS1is mounted to a bicycle hub assembly H configured to rotatably support the bicycle rear sprocket assembly RS. However, the position and/or function of the sensor SS1is not limited to this embodiment. The sensor SS1is configured to wirelessly communicate with the wireless communicator WC3of the bicycle derailleur10. However, the sensor SS1can be configured to be electrically connected to the bicycle derailleur10via the wired communication structure WS.

The bicycle2includes a cadence sensor SS2. The cadence sensor SS2is configured to sense a cadence of the bicycle2. The cadence sensor SS2is configured to sense a rotational speed of the crank CR. The controller72is configured to obtain the cadence sensed by the cadence sensor SS2. In this embodiment, as seen inFIG. 1, the cadence sensor SS2is mounted to the bicycle frame2A. However, the position of the cadence sensor SS2is not limited to this embodiment. For example, the cadence sensor SS2can be provided at any one of a crank shaft of the crank CR, a crank arm of the crank CR, a pedal attached to the crank CR. The cadence sensor SS2is configured to wirelessly communicate with the controller72of the bicycle derailleur10. However, the cadence sensor SS2can be configured to be electrically connected to the bicycle derailleur10via the wired communication structure WS.

The controller72has a manual shifting mode and an automatic shifting mode.

In the manual shifting mode, the controller72is configured to control the bicycle derailleur10and the additional bicycle derailleur12based on the control signals CS11, CS12, CS21, and CS22transmitted from the operating device16and the operating device18. In the automatic shifting mode, the controller72is configured to control the bicycle derailleur10and the additional bicycle derailleur12based on an automatic gear shift schedule R1(FIG. 9), the inclined angle sensed by the sensor SS1, and the cadence sensed by the cadence sensor SS2without using the control signals transmitted from the operating device16and the operating device18. In the automatic shifting mode, the controller72is configured to automatically maintain the cadence of the crank CR within a preferable cadence range based on the automatic gear shift schedule R1(FIG. 9), the inclined angle sensed by the sensor SS1, and the cadence sensed by the cadence sensor SS2without using the control signals transmitted from the operating device16and the operating device18. The controller72is configured to store the preferable cadence range in the memory72M. The preferable cadence range has an upper shifting threshold and a lower shifting threshold and is defined from the upper shifting threshold to the lower shifting threshold. The upper shifting threshold and the lower shifting threshold can also be referred to as the shifting threshold and the shifting threshold.

In the automatic shifting mode, the controller72is configured to execute upshifting of the bicycle derailleur10if the cadence sensed by the cadence sensor SS2is higher than the upper shifting threshold for a determination time. The controller72is configured to execute downshifting of the bicycle derailleur10if the cadence sensed by the cadence sensor SS2is lower than the lower shifting threshold for the determination time. The controller72is configured to store the determination time in the memory72M. Each of the upper shifting threshold and the lower shifting threshold can also be referred as a shifting threshold.

In the automatic shifting mode, the controller72is configured to change the upper shifting threshold and the lower shifting threshold based on the inclined angle sensed by the sensor SS1. For example, the controller72is configured to increase each of the upper shifting threshold and the lower shifting threshold by a first predetermined percentage if the inclined angle sensed by the sensor SS1is larger than an upper inclination threshold. The controller72is configured to decrease each of the upper shifting threshold and the lower shifting threshold by a second predetermined percentage if the inclined angle sensed by the sensor SS1is larger than a lower inclination threshold. The controller72is configured to store the first predetermined percentage, the second predetermined percentage, the upper inclination threshold, and the lower inclination threshold in the memory72M.

The controller72has a synchronized shifting mode and a non-synchronized shifting mode. The manual shifting mode includes the synchronized shifting mode and the non-synchronized shifting mode. In the synchronized shifting mode, the controller72is configured to control the bicycle derailleur10and the additional bicycle derailleur12based on a synchronized gear shift schedule R2(FIG. 9) and the control signals transmitted from the operating device16without using the control signals transmitted from the operating device18. The controller72is configured to store the synchronized gear shift schedule R2of the synchronized shifting mode in the memory72M. In the non-synchronized shifting mode, the controller72is configured to control the bicycle derailleur10based on the control signals transmitted from the operating device16and is configured to control the additional bicycle derailleur12based on the control signals transmitted from the operating device18.

As seen inFIG. 9, the bicycle derailleur10has first to twelfth gear stages. The additional bicycle derailleur12has low and top gear stages. The drive train2E has 24 gear stages. The automatic gear shift schedule R1has 14 gear stages among the 24 gear stages. The synchronized gear shift schedule R2uses 14 gear stages among the 24 gear stages. In this embodiment, the automatic gear shift schedule R1is the same as the synchronized gear shift schedule R2. However, the automatic gear shift schedule R1can be different from the synchronized gear shift schedule R2.

In this embodiment, each of the automatic gear shift schedule R1and the synchronized gear shift schedule R2is used for both upshifting and downshifting. However, the controller72is configured to use an automatic gear upshift schedule for upshifting and an automatic gear downshift schedule route, which is different from the automatic gear upshift schedule, for downshifting. The controller72is configured to use a synchronized gear upshift schedule for upshifting and a synchronized gear downshift schedule route, which is different from the synchronized gear upshift schedule, for downshifting.

As seen inFIG. 3, the operating device16includes a shifting-mode operation switch SW14configured to receive a shifting-mode input U14. The controller72is configured to change the shifting mode between the manual shifting mode and the automatic shifting mode in response to the shifting-mode input U14received by the shifting-mode operation switch SW14.

The operating device18includes an additional shifting-mode switch SW24configured to receive an additional shifting-mode input U24. In the manual shifting mode, the controller72is configured to change the shifting mode between the synchronized shifting mode and the non-synchronized shifting mode in response to the additional shifting-mode input U24received by the additional shifting-mode switch SW24.

The controller72is configured to execute a shut-down of the system of the bicycle derailleur10in response to a shut-down user input. The shut-down includes a normal shut-down and a forced shut-down. When the controller72executes the normal shut-down of the system of the bicycle derailleur10, the controller72executes a shut-down process and is shut the power off. In the normal shut-down, the controller72stores the late-minute setting of the bicycle derailleur10in the memory72M before the controller72is shut the power off. An interface configured to receive the shut-down user input can be provided to another device such as the operating device16or18or the bicycle derailleur10.

In case of a system error of the bicycle derailleur10, for example, the controller72cannot execute the normal shut-down. Instead, the controller72is configured to execute the forced shut-down. As with the normal shut-down, when the controller72executes the forced shut-down of the system of the bicycle derailleur10, the controller72is shut the power off without executing the shut-down process. Thus, in the forced shut-down, the controller72does not store the late-minute setting of the bicycle derailleur10in the memory72M.

The controller72is configured to execute a wake-up operation of the system of the bicycle derailleur10in a sleep mode. The controller72has an awake mode and a sleep mode. Power consumption of the controller72in the sleep mode is lower than power consumption of the controller72in the awake mode. In the awake mode, the controller72is configured to execute a normal control of the bicycle derailleur10. In the sleep mode, the controller72is configured to maintain its minimum function to respond signals such as the first and second control signals. The controller72is configured to execute the wake-up operation to change the mode of the controller72from the sleep mode to the awake mode in response to a wake-up user input or physical change (e.g., vibration) in the bicycle2. The controller72is configured to execute the wake-up operation to change the mode of the controller72from the awake mode to the sleep mode if the controller72does not detect the wake-up user input or physical change (e.g., vibration) in the bicycle2in the awake mode for a predetermined period of time. An interface configured to receive the wake-up user input can be provided to another device such as the operating device16or18or the bicycle derailleur10.

The controller72is configured to execute a restart of the system of the bicycle derailleur10. The restart of the system includes the normal shut-down and a start of the system following the normal shut-down. Thus, in the restart of the system, the controller72is configured to execute the normal shut-down and the start of the system of the bicycle derailleur10in response to a restart user input. An interface configured to receive the restart user input can be provided to another device such as the operating device16or18or the bicycle derailleur10.

The bicycle2includes an electric device ED. Examples of the electric device ED include a smart device. Examples of the smart device include a cycle computer, a smartphone, a tablet computer, and a smart watch. The electric device ED includes a display ED1, a display operation switch ED2, and an additional wireless communicator WC4. The additional wireless communicator WC4is configured to wirelessly communicate with the wireless communicator WC3of the bicycle derailleur10. The display ED1is configured to display information relating to the bicycle2. For example, the display ED1is configured to display information relating to the shifting mode of the bicycle2, the rear gear position of the bicycle derailleur10, the front gear position of the additional bicycle derailleur12, and the cadence sensed by the cadence sensor SS2. The display ED1has a plurality of display modes having different layouts and/or different display items. The electric device ED is configured to change the display mode of the display ED1among the plurality of display modes in response to the operation of the display operation switch ED2. Namely, the electric device ED is configured to change the information displayed on the display ED1in response to the operation of the display operation switch ED2.

As seen inFIGS. 4 and 5, the bicycle derailleur10comprises at least one of a user interface75and an information device76. In this embodiment, as seen inFIG. 4, the bicycle derailleur10comprises the user interface75. The user interface75is configured to receive a user input. As seen inFIG. 5, the bicycle derailleur10further comprises the information device76. The information device76is configured to inform a user of a state of the bicycle derailleur10. However, at least one of the user interface75and the information device76can be omitted from the bicycle derailleur10.

As seen inFIGS. 4 and 5, the at least one of the user interface75and the information device76is mounted to at least one of the base member20and the linkage structure24. At least one of the user interface75and the information device76is mounted to at least one of the base member20, the movable member22, and the linkage structure24. The user interface75is mounted to at least one of the base member20, the movable member22, and the linkage structure24. The information device76is mounted to at least one of the base member20, the movable member22, and the linkage structure24. In this embodiment, the user interface75and the information device76are mounted to the base member20. Specifically, the user interface75and the information device76are mounted to the housing43of the base member20. However, at least one of the user interface75and the information device76can be mounted to at least one the base member20, the movable member22, and the linkage structure24.

As seen inFIG. 4, the user interface75includes a switch78other than a push switch. The switch78is configured to be activated in response to the user input. Thus, the switch78includes an electric switch78E. Namely, the user interface75includes the electric switch78E other than a push switch. The user interface75includes at least one of a dial switch, a tactile switch, a slide switch, a capacitive switch, and a toggle switch. In this embodiment, the user interface75includes a tactile switch configured to be activated in response to the user input. However, the user interface75can include another switch or interface instead of or in addition to the tactile switch.

For example, the dial switch includes a dial and a switch element configured to detect rotational positions of the dial. The dial is configured to be operated by a user and is provided rotatably relative to a base such as the housing43. The tactile switch includes a mounting base, a button, a movable contact, and a fixed contact. The tactile switch is configured to close and/or open an electrical contact in response to a user's operation of the button. The slide switch includes a slide member and a switch element configured to detect linear positions of the slide member. The slide member is movable relative to a base such as the housing43. The capacitive switch is configured to sense change in electrostatic capacitance between a metallic member of the capacitive switch and a part of a user's body such as a hand. The toggle switch includes a lever and a switch element configured to close and/or open in response to positions of the lever. The push switch is configured to close and/or open an electrical contact when a button of the push switch is pressed. The push switch includes the tactile switch.

As seen inFIG. 3, the user interface75is configured to be electrically connected to the controller72. The switch78of the user interface75is configured to be electrically connected to the controller72. The controller72is configured to detect whether the switch78is operated by the user. The controller72is configured to determine a single click of the switch78, a double click of the switch78, and a long press of the switch78. The controller72can be configured to determine a variety of different operations of the user interface75in accordance with the type of the switch78.

As seen inFIG. 5, the information device76includes an indicator80configured to indicate the state of the bicycle derailleur10. The indicator80includes a light emitter80A configured to emit light in accordance with the state of the bicycle derailleur10. The light emitter80A is electrically mounted on the circuit board72C of the controller72. The indicator80includes a light guide member80B configured to guide light emitted from the light emitter. The light guide member80B is made of a transparent material. The circuit board72C and the light emitter80A are provided in the internal space43A of the housing43. The circuit board72C is secured to the housing43.

The information device76is configured to inform the user of a state of a battery charge. The information device76is configured to inform the user of the remaining level of the battery PS1of the power supply PS. However, the information device76can be configured to indicate other states of the bicycle derailleur10. For example, the information device76can be configured to inform the user of a state of a battery charge of a battery mounted to the bicycle derailleur10. The battery of the bicycle derailleur10is a separate power supply from the power supply PS and is attached to the base member20.

As seen inFIG. 10, the base member20has a rear-sprocket facing surface20A and a reverse surface20B provided on a reverse side of the rear-sprocket facing surface20A. The rear-sprocket facing surface20A is configured to face toward the bicycle rear sprocket assembly RS (see, e.g.,FIG. 1) in a mounting state where the base member20is attached to the bicycle frame2A. In this embodiment, the rear-sprocket facing surface20A is configured to face toward the axial center plane CP of the bicycle2in the mounting state where the base member20is attached to the bicycle frame2A. The rear-sprocket facing surface20A can also be referred to as a first base surface20A. The reverse surface20B can also be referred to as a second base surface20B. Namely, the base member20includes the first base surface20A and the second base surface20B. The second base surface20B is provided on a reverse side of the first base surface20A. In this embodiment, the base body25includes the second base surface20B. The cover44includes the first base surface20A. However, the positions of the first base surface20A and the second base surface20B are not limited to this embodiment.

As seen inFIG. 2, the axial center plane CP of the bicycle2is defined at an axial center of the bicycle frame2A in an axial direction D1parallel to a sprocket rotational axis RA of the bicycle rear sprocket assembly RS. The axial center plane CP is perpendicular to the sprocket rotational axis RA of the bicycle rear sprocket assembly RS.

As seen inFIG. 11, the first base surface20A faces in an upper direction D2in the mounting state where the base member20is attached to the bicycle frame2A. The reverse surface20B is inclined relative to the upper direction D2in the mounting state where the base member20is attached to the bicycle frame2A. The first base surface20A is inclined relative to the upper direction D2in the mounting state where the base member20is attached to the bicycle frame2A. The upper direction D2is parallel to the axial center plane CP of the bicycle2. Thus, the first base surface20A and the second base surface20B are inclined relative to the upper direction D2in the mounting state where the base member20is attached to the bicycle frame2A.

In this embodiment, as seen inFIGS. 4, 5, and 10, the user interface75is provided in the reverse surface20B. The user interface75is provided in the second base surface20B. The information device76is provided in the rear-sprocket facing surface20A. The information device76is provided on the first base surface20A. However, the positions of the user interface75and the information device76are not limited to this embodiment.

As seen inFIG. 10, the base body25includes a hole25A provided on the second base surface20B. The switch78is at least partly provided in the hole25A. The switch78includes a button78A, a switch element78B, and a switch biasing member78C. The housing43includes a housing body82and a lid84. The lid84is secured to the housing body82to define the internal space86between the housing body82and the lid84. The housing body82includes a support hole82A. The button78A extends through the support hole82A. The button78A is movably supported by the housing43and is contactable with the switch element78B. The switch element78B constitutes a main part of the tactile switch and includes a mounting base, a movable contact, a fixed contact, and a film, for example. The switch biasing member78C is configured to bias the button78A toward a rest position. The button78A is partly provided in the hole25A of the base body25and is exposed from the second base surface20B.

The light guide member80B of the information device76is attached to the lid84of the housing43. The lid84includes a support hole84A. The cover44includes a hole44B. The light guide member80B of the indicator80extends through the support hole84A and the hole44B. The cover44is secured to the base body25to hold the housing body82and the lid84between the base body25and the cover44.

As seen inFIG. 3, the user interface75is configured to receive the user input U3to execute at least one of: (1) calibration in which the sensor SS1is reset; (2) changing an assist operation of the assist driving unit DU; (3) changing information displayed in the display ED1; (4) the recovering operation by the actuator38of the bicycle derailleur10; (5) a reset of the pairing operation between the bicycle derailleur10and another component; (6) changing the shifting threshold used in the automatic shifting mode; (7) changing the communication channel through which the bicycle derailleur10communicates with another component between the wired communication channel and the wireless communication channel; (8) changing a function assigned to the operating device16and/or18separately provided from the bicycle derailleur10; (9) a shut-down of the system of the bicycle derailleur10; (10) wake-up operation of the system of the bicycle derailleur10; (11) a restart of the system of the bicycle derailleur10; (12) operation of at least one additional bicycle component of a plurality of additional bicycle components; (13) changing the shifting mode between the automatic shifting mode and the manual shifting mode; and (14) changing the shifting mode between the synchronized shifting mode and the non-synchronized shifting mode.

In a case where the user interface75is configured to receive the user input U3to execute the calibration of the sensor SS1, for example, the sensor SS1is rest to execute zero adjustment of the sensor SS1based on a current posture sensed by the sensor SS1in response to the user input U3received by the user interface75(e.g., the single click, the double click, or the long press of the switch78).

In a case where the user interface75is configured to receive the user input U3to execute the changing of the assist operation of the assist driving unit DU, for example, the assist mode of the assist driving unit DU is changed among at least two assist modes (e.g., the first assist mode and the second assist mode) in response to the user input U3received by the user interface75(e.g., the single click, the double click, or the long press of the switch78).

In a case where the user interface75is configured to receive the user input U3to execute the changing of the information displayed in the display, for example, the electric device ED changes the information displayed on the display ED1in response to the user input U3received by the user interface75(e.g., the single click, the double click, or the long press of the switch78).

In a case where the user interface75is configured to receive the user input U3to execute the recovering operation of the saver structure45, for example, the actuator38rotates the output member46in the opposite direction to bring the protrusion50A in engagement with the notch46A in response to the user input U3received by the user interface75(e.g., the single click, the double click, or the long press of the switch78).

In a case where the user interface75is configured to receive the user input U3to execute the reset of the pairing operation between the bicycle derailleur10and another component (e.g., the operating devices16and18), the controller72is configured to delete the first identifying information and the second identifying information from the memory72M in response to the user input U3received by the user interface75(e.g., the single click, the double click, or the long press of the switch78).

In a case where the user interface75is configured to receive the user input U3to execute the changing of the shifting threshold used in the automatic shifting mode, the controller72is configured to change the shifting threshold among the first shifting threshold, the second shifting threshold, and the third shifting threshold in response to the user input U3received by the user interface75(e.g., the single click, the double click, or the long press of the switch78).

In a case where the user interface75is configured to receive the user input U3to execute the changing of the communication channel, the controller72is configured to delete the identifying information (e.g., the first identifying information and the second identifying information stored in the memory72M) in response to the user input U3received by the user interface75(e.g., the single click, the double click, or the long press of the switch78).

In a case where the user interface75is configured to receive the user input U3to execute the changing a function assigned to the operating device16and/or18separately provided from the bicycle derailleur10, a function assigned to an interface of the operating device16and/or18is changed to another function in response to the user input U3received by the user interface75(e.g., the single click, the double click, or the long press of the switch78). For example, a function to receive the assist-mode input U13is assigned to the assist mode switch SW13in the operating device16. However, the operating device16has a plurality of functions that can be assigned to the assist mode switch SW13. The operating device16is configured to change the function assigned to the assist mode switch SW13to other functions in respond to the user input U3received by the user interface75.

In a case where the user interface75is configured to receive the user input U3to execute the shut-down of the system of the bicycle derailleur10, the controller72is configured to execute the shut-down (e.g., at least one of the normal shut-down and the forced shut-down) and is shut the power off in response to the user input U3received by the user interface75(e.g., the single click, the double click, or the long press of the switch78).

In a case where the user interface75is configured to receive the user input U3to execute the wake-up of the bicycle derailleur10system, the controller72is configured to execute the wake-up operation to change the mode of the controller72from the sleep mode to the awake mode in response to the user input U3received by the user interface75(e.g., the single click, the double click, or the long press of the switch78).

In a case where the user interface75is configured to receive the user input U3to execute the restart of the system of the bicycle derailleur10, the controller72is configured to execute the normal shut-down and the start of the system of the bicycle derailleur10in response to the user input U3received by the user interface75(e.g., the single click, the double click, or the long press of the switch78).

In a case where the user interface75is configured to receive the user input U3to execute the operation of at least one additional bicycle component of the plurality of additional bicycle components, the controller72is configured to transmit signals to the at least one additional bicycle component of the plurality of additional bicycle components in response to the user input U3received by the user interface75(e.g., the single click, the double click, or the long press of the switch78).

The plurality of additional bicycle components is separately provided from the bicycle derailleur10and has a structure and/or configuration different from a structure and/or configuration of the bicycle derailleur10. For example, the at least one additional bicycle component of the plurality of additional bicycle components can include at least one of the bicycle suspension BS and the bicycle adjustable seatpost BA. The at least one additional bicycle component of the plurality of additional bicycle components can include the additional bicycle derailleur12, the power supply PS, the assist driving unit DU, the operating device16, the operating device18, the electric device ED, or other devices.

In the where the additional bicycle component includes the bicycle suspension BS, the user interface75is configured to receive the user input U3to execute changing the damper property and/or the stroke of the bicycle suspension BS. The suspension actuator of the bicycle suspension BS is configured to change the damper property of the bicycle suspension BS in response to the user input U3received by the user interface75. The suspension actuator of the bicycle suspension BS is configured to change the stroke of the bicycle suspension BS in response to the user input U3received by the user interface75. For example, the suspension actuator of the bicycle suspension BS is configured to change the damper property of the bicycle suspension BS in response to the single click of the switch378. The suspension actuator of the bicycle suspension BS is configured to change the stroke of the bicycle suspension BS in response to the double click of the switch378.

In a case where the additional bicycle component includes the bicycle adjustable seatpost BA, the user interface75is configured to receive the user input U3to execute changing the state of the bicycle adjustable seatpost BA between the locked state and the adjustable state. For example, the seatpost actuator of the bicycle adjustable seatpost BA is configured to lengthen or shorten the bicycle adjustable seatpost BA in response to the user input U3received by the user interface75. For example, the seatpost actuator of the bicycle adjustable seatpost BA lengthens the bicycle adjustable seatpost BA in response to the double click of the switch378and shortens the bicycle adjustable seatpost BA in response to the single click of the switch378.

In a case where the seatpost actuator of the bicycle adjustable seatpost BA is configured to move a valve rod of a hydraulic positioning structure of the bicycle adjustable seatpost BA, the seatpost actuator of the bicycle adjustable seatpost BA moves the valve rod from a locked position to an adjustable position for a predetermined period of time in response to the user input U3of the user interface75(e.g., the single click, the double click, or the long press of the switch78). The seatpost actuator of the bicycle adjustable seatpost BA moves the valve rod from the adjustable position to the locked position when the predetermined period of time elapses from the receipt of the user input U3of the user interface75(e.g., the single click, the double click, or the long press of the switch78).

In a case where the additional bicycle component includes the electric device ED, the user interface75is configured to receive the user input U3to execute at least one of: (1) turning on or off the electric device ED; (2) changing the information displayed in the display ED1; and (3) start or stop of recording information relating to travel of the bicycle2. For example, the electric device ED is configured to change the information displayed in the display ED1in response to the single click of the switch78. The electric device ED is configured to start or stop the recording of the information relating to travel of the bicycle2in response to the double click of the switch78. The electric device ED is configured to turning on or off in response to the long press of the switch78.

In a case where the additional bicycle component includes the lamp LP, the user interface75is configured to receive the user input U3to execute at least one of: (1) turning on or off the lamp LP; (2) changing an illumination level of the lamp LP; and (3) changing an illumination pattern of the lamp LP. For example, the lamp LP is configured to change the illumination level of the lamp LP in response to the single click of the switch78. The lamp LP is configured to change the illumination pattern of the lamp LP in response to the double click of the switch78. The lamp LP is configured to turn on or off in response to the long press of the switch78.

In a case where the additional bicycle component includes the assist driving unit DU, the user interface75is configured to receive the user input U3to execute at least one of: (1) changing the assist mode of the assist driving unit DU; (2) turning on or off the assist driving unit DU; and (3) turning on or off a walk mode in which the assist ratio is set to a predetermined assist ratio regardless of the pedaling force. For example, the assist driving unit DU is configured to change the assist mode between the first and second assist modes in response to the single click of the switch78. The assist driving unit DU is configured to turn on or off the walk mode in response to the double click of the switch78. The assist driving unit DU is configured to turn on or off in response to the long press of the switch78.

In a case where the user interface75is configured to receive the user input U3to execute the changing of the shifting mode, the controller72is configured to change the shifting mode between the automatic shifting mode and the manual shifting mode in response to the user input U3of the user interface75(e.g., the single click, the double click, or the long press of the switch78).

In a case where the user interface75is configured to receive the user input U3to execute the changing of the shifting mode, the controller72is configured to change the shifting mode between the synchronized shifting mode and the non-synchronized shifting mode in response to the user input U3of the user interface75(e.g., the single click, the double click, or the long press of the switch78).

Second Embodiment

A bicycle derailleur210in accordance with a second embodiment will be described below referring toFIG. 12. The bicycle derailleur210has the same structure and/or configuration as those of the bicycle derailleur10except for an inclination angle of the first to fourth linkage axes A11, A12, A21, and A22. Thus, elements having substantially the same function as those in the first embodiment will be numbered the same here and will not be described and/or illustrated again in detail here for the sake of brevity.

As seen inFIG. 12, the bicycle derailleur210comprises the base member20, the movable member22, and the linkage structure24. The bicycle derailleur210comprises the chain guide30. At least one of the user interface75and the information device76is mounted to at least one of the base member20and the linkage structure24. The at least one of the user interface75and the information device76is mounted to at least one of the base member20, the movable member22, and the linkage structure24.

In this embodiment, the pulley axis A4and/or A5extends along the axial direction D1parallel to the sprocket rotational axis RA of the bicycle rear sprocket assembly RS in a mounting state where the bicycle derailleur10and the bicycle rear sprocket assembly RS are mounted to the bicycle frame2A. The at least one linkage axis A11, A12, A21, and/or A22of the linkage structure24is oriented orthogonally to the axial direction D1. In this embodiment, the first to fourth linkage axes A11, A12, A21, and A22of the linkage structure24are oriented orthogonally to the axial direction D1. As with the bicycle derailleur10of the first embodiment, however, the at least one linkage axis A11, A12, A21, and/or A22of the linkage structure24can be inclined relative to the axial direction D1.

A first reference line L1is defined to extend from the guide pulley axis A4to the chain-guide axis A3. A second reference line L2is defined to extend from the guide pulley axis A4to the tension pulley axis A5. An angle AG defined by the first reference line L1and the second reference line L2ranges from 20 degrees to 170 degrees. In this embodiment, the angle AG ranges from 45 degrees to 120 degrees. The angle AG preferably ranges from 45 degrees to 100 degrees. The angle AG more preferably ranges from 60 degrees to 95 degrees. However, the angle AG is not limited to this embodiment and the above range.

Modifications

In the first and second embodiments, the switch78of the user interface75is a normally open switch. The switch78is configured not to keep an ON state of the switch78by itself. However, the structure of the user interface75is not limited to the switch78of the first and second embodiments. As seen inFIG. 13, the bicycle derailleur10comprises a user interface375. The user interface375is configured to receive the user input U3to execute at least one of: (1) calibration in which the sensor SS1is reset; (2) changing an assist operation of the assist driving unit DU; (3) changing information displayed in the display ED1; (4) a recovering operation by the actuator38of the bicycle derailleur10; (5) a reset of the pairing operation between the bicycle derailleur10and another component; (6) changing the shifting threshold used in the automatic shifting mode; (7) changing the communication channel through which the bicycle derailleur10communicates with another component between the wired communication channel and the wireless communication channel; (8) changing a function assigned to the operating device16and/or18separately provided from the bicycle derailleur10; (9) a shut-down of the system of the bicycle derailleur10; (10) wake-up of the system of the bicycle derailleur10; (11) a restart of the system of the bicycle derailleur10; (12) operation of at least one additional bicycle component of a plurality of additional bicycle components; (13) changing the shifting mode between the automatic shifting mode and the manual shifting mode; and (14) changing the shifting mode between the synchronized shifting mode and the non-synchronized shifting mode.

In this modification, as seen inFIG. 14, the user interface375include a switch378having a first switch status ST1and a second switch status ST2that is different from the first switch status ST1. For example, the first switch status ST1corresponds to an OFF state of an electrical contact of the switch378. The second switch status ST2corresponds to an ON state of the electrical contact of the switch378. The switch378has a structure configured to maintain each of the first switch status ST1(e.g., the OFF state) and the second switch status ST2(e.g., the ON state) by itself. The switch378is configured to change the state of the switch378between the first switch status ST1and the second switch status ST2in response to the user's operation.

The bicycle derailleur10has a first derailleur status and a second derailleur status that is different from the first derailleur status. The bicycle derailleur10is in the first derailleur status while the switch378is in the first switch status ST1. The bicycle derailleur10is in the second derailleur status while the switch378is in the second switch status ST2. In this embodiment, the first switch status ST1corresponds to the wireless communication channel through which the wireless communicator WC3wirelessly communicates with the operating devices16and18. The second switch status ST2corresponds to the wired communication channel through which the wired communicator PC1communicates with the operating devices16and18via the wired communication structure WS. The communication channel can be changed between the wired communication channel and the wireless communication channel in response to the operation of the switch378. The first switch status ST1and the second switch status ST2are not limited to the wireless communication channel and the wired communication channel.

Furthermore, the user interface375can be configured to receive the user input U3to execute the operation of the at least one additional bicycle component of the plurality of additional bicycle components. The at least one additional bicycle component of the plurality of additional bicycle components has a first component status and a second component status that is different from the first component status. The at least one additional bicycle component of the plurality of additional bicycle components is in the first component status while the switch378is in the first switch status ST1. The at least one additional bicycle component of the plurality of additional bicycle components is in the second component status while the switch378is in the second switch status ST2.

For example, in a case where the additional bicycle component includes the assist driving unit DU, the first switch status ST1and the first component status correspond to the first assist mode of the assist driving unit DU, and the second switch status ST2and the second component status correspond to the second assist mode of the assist driving unit DU. The assist mode of the assist driving unit DU can be changed between the first assist mode and the second assist mode in response to the operation of the switch378. The first switch status ST1and the first component status are not limited to the first assist mode of the assist driving unit DU. The second switch status ST2and the second component status are not limited to the second assist mode of the assist driving unit DU.

The terms “a” (or “an”), “one or more” and “at least one” can be used interchangeably herein.

The phrase “at least one of” as used in this disclosure means “one or more” of a desired choice. For one example, the phrase “at least one of” as used in this disclosure means “only one single choice” or “both of two choices” if the number of its choices is two. For other example, the phrase “at least one of” as used in this disclosure means “only one single choice” or “any combination of equal to or more than two choices” if the number of its choices is equal to or more than three. For instance, the phrase “at least one of A and B” encompasses (1) A alone, (2), B alone, and (3) both A and B. The phrase “at least one of A, B, and C” encompasses (1) A alone, (2), B alone, (3) C alone, (4) both A and B, (5) both B and C, (6) both A and C, and (7) all A, B, and C. In other words, the phrase “at least one of A and B” does not mean “at least one of A and at least one of B” in this disclosure.

Finally, terms of degree such as “substantially,” “about” and “approximately” as used herein mean a reasonable amount of deviation of the modified term such that the end result is not significantly changed. All of numerical values described in the present application can be construed as including the terms such as “substantially,” “about” and “approximately.”