Bicycle electronic control device

Abstract

A bicycle electronic control device configured to be mounted on a handlebar of a bicycle, wherein the bicycle electronic control device includes: a handlebar seat including a grip portion; a brake handle disposed on the handlebar seat; a rotating shaft for pivotally connecting the brake handle to the handlebar seat; an antenna unit disposed on the rotating shaft; and a control unit in communication with the antenna unit for transmitting a wireless signal to the outside.

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a control device, and more particularly to an electronic control device for a bicycle. [Previous Technology]

[0002] Bicycles with variable speeds are popular among consumers because their gears can be switched according to different driving conditions (flat surfaces, uphill, downhill, etc.).

[0003] Conventionally, bicycle derailleurs are controlled by moving a lever or rotating a control disc near the brake lever to pull the cable, which in turn actuates the derailleur to shift gears. In recent years, electronic control technology has been developed, which involves installing an electronic control device on the bicycle handlebars and controlling the derailleur by pressing with a finger. However, the wires connecting the electronic control device need to go around the pivot point of the brake lever, which is inconvenient for installation, and the wires are easily worn and have poor durability.

[0004] Furthermore, existing electronic control technology usually installs the control circuit inside the grip seat, which requires changing the structure of the existing grip seat to accommodate the control circuit, increasing additional production costs; there are also cases where the control circuit is installed in the brake lever, but this can lead to accidental activation of the brake lever when operating the electronic control, causing inconvenience to the rider.

[0005] Therefore, it is necessary to provide a novel and progressive electronic control device for bicycles to solve the above-mentioned problems. [Summary of the Invention]

[0006] The main objective of this invention is to provide a bicycle electronic control device that eliminates the need for control wires on the frame to connect to the controlled device. Its structure is simple and stable, easy to install, and does not require changes to the existing structural design, making it convenient to operate.

[0007] To achieve the above objectives, the present invention provides an electronic control device for a bicycle handlebar, comprising: a handlebar seat with a grip portion; a brake lever disposed on the handlebar seat; a pivot for the brake lever to be pivotally connected to the handlebar seat; an antenna unit disposed on the pivot; and a control unit, which is electrically connected to the antenna unit and transmits a wireless signal to the outside through the antenna unit.

Implementation Method

[0008] The following examples illustrate possible implementations of the present invention, but are not intended to limit the scope of protection of the present invention. The words "a" or "at least one" preceding the terms mentioned herein are not intended to limit the quantity. Depending on the requirements, there may also be "multiple" items. This variation in quantity is also within the scope of protection, as will be stated in advance.

[0009] Please refer to Figures 1 to 5, which show one embodiment of the present invention. The bicycle electronic control device 1 of the present invention is provided on the handlebar of a bicycle. The bicycle electronic control device 1 includes a handlebar seat 10, a brake lever 20, a pivot 30, an antenna unit 40, and a control unit 50. The handlebar is, for example, a curved handlebar.

[0010] The grip base 10 is provided with a gripping part 11 for hand gripping. The brake lever 20 is provided on the grip base 10 for operation to brake the bicycle. The pivot 30 allows the brake lever 20 to be pivotally connected to the grip base 10, so that the brake lever 20 can be rotated relative to the grip base 10. The antenna unit 40 is provided on the pivot 30. The antenna unit 40 can be rotatably configured relative to the pivot 30, thereby ensuring stable positioning and preventing damage from pulling due to the pivoting of the brake lever 20 and / or the pivot 30; alternatively, the antenna unit 40 can be configured without rotation relative to the pivot 30, providing stability and strength to the overall structural configuration. The control unit 50 is electrically connected to the antenna unit 40, transmitting a wireless signal through the antenna unit 40. This eliminates the need for control cables on the frame to connect to the controlled device, resulting in a simple and robust structure that is easy to install and operate. The bicycle electronic control device 1 can be used to control the front derailleur and / or the rear derailleur for gear shifting operations, and can also be used to control other electronic components or devices of the bicycle.

[0011] The bicycle electronic control device 1 further includes a control lever 60, which is pivotally connected to the pivot 30, and the control unit 50 is disposed on the control lever 60. The control lever 60 rotates around the pivot 30. For example, when the rider moves the brake lever 20, the control lever 60 will rotate simultaneously. Thus, when gear shifting is desired, the control unit 50 disposed on the control lever 60 can be pressed with a finger, providing good operational convenience.

[0012] In this embodiment, the antenna unit 40 is sleeved on the pivot 30. The antenna unit 40 includes a base 41 disposed on the pivot 30 and an antenna 42 disposed on the base 41. The base 41 and the grip seat 10 are two separate components. The base 41 is housed inside the brake lever 20. The antenna 42 is used to transmit the wireless signal to the outside. Further, the control unit 50 includes a power supply 51, which is electrically connected to the antenna unit 40 and the control unit 50. The antenna 42 is connected to the control unit 50, for example, through a wire 43. The power supply 51 provides the power required for the operation of the antenna unit 40 and the control unit 50. The power supply 51 can be a disposable battery or a rechargeable battery, preferably a button battery, which is small in size, readily available, and easy to install, replace, and maintain.

[0013] In detail, the base 41 includes a groove 411 in which the antenna 42 is embedded. Preferably, the antenna 42 does not protrude from the groove 411, thereby providing good protection for the antenna 42. The base 41 also includes a sleeve 412, an extension arm 413, and an antenna mounting part 414. The sleeve 412 is sleeved on the rotating shaft 30. The extension arm 413 is connected between the sleeve 412 and the antenna mounting part 414. The antenna 42 is located in the antenna mounting part 414. The antenna mounting part 414 is provided with the groove 411. The extension arm 413 can be appropriately configured according to the different spaces in different grip seats.

[0014] The control unit 50 further includes at least one operating mechanism 52 for operating the transmission of the wireless signal. The operating mechanism 52 is, for example, an electronic switch, and its form can be a press-type or a touch-type switch. The operating mechanism 52 is located on the control lever 60, but it can also be located on the grip base 10 or other parts, as long as it is convenient to operate. In this embodiment, the control lever 60 is provided with two operating mechanisms 52 (for example, for shifting gears and shifting gears respectively). The control lever 60 and the brake lever 20 at least partially overlap, and the two operating mechanisms 52 can be arranged sequentially up and down along the outer contour of the brake lever 20, thereby providing excellent operational convenience.

[0015] In one embodiment shown in FIG. 6, the base 41a of the antenna unit 40a includes a sleeve portion 412a disposed on the rotating shaft 30 and an antenna mounting portion 414a connected to the sleeve portion 412a. The antenna 42a is embedded in the antenna mounting portion 414a and connected to the control unit by a wire 43. Therefore, the antenna unit 40a has a smaller size and is advantageous for installation in small or limited spaces.

[0016] In one embodiment shown in FIG. 7, the base 41b of the antenna unit 40b is mounted on the rotating shaft, and the antenna 42b is embedded in the antenna mounting portion 414b and connected to the control unit by a wire 43. The base 41b can be connected to the rotating shaft through a connecting member, or the base 41b can be directly connected (slip-fitted, inserted, or glued) to the rotating shaft. Therefore, the antenna unit 40b is small in size, simple in structure, and easy to assemble, disassemble, replace, and maintain. [Simplified Explanation of the Diagram]

[0017] Figure 1 is a perspective view of an embodiment of the present invention. Figure 2 is an exploded view of an embodiment of the present invention. Figure 3 is a cross-sectional view of an embodiment of the present invention. Figure 4 is a partial enlarged cross-sectional view of an embodiment of the present invention. Figure 5 is a schematic diagram of an antenna element of an embodiment of the present invention. Figure 6 is a perspective view of an antenna element of another embodiment of the present invention. Figure 7 is a perspective view of an antenna element of yet another embodiment of the present invention.

Claims

1. A bicycle electronic control device, disposed on the handlebars of a bicycle, comprising: A grip base with a gripping part; a brake lever disposed on the grip base; a pivot for the brake lever to be pivotally connected to the grip base; an antenna unit disposed on the pivot; and a control unit, which is electrically connected to the antenna unit and transmits a wireless signal to the outside through the antenna unit; wherein, the antenna unit includes a base disposed on the pivot and an antenna disposed on the base, the base and the grip base are two separate components, the base is housed inside the brake lever, and the antenna is used to transmit the wireless signal to the outside.

2. The bicycle electronic control device as claimed in claim 1, further comprising a control lever pivotally connected to the pivot shaft, the control unit being disposed on the control lever.

3. The bicycle electronic control device as claimed in claim 1, wherein the control unit includes a power source electrically connected to the antenna unit and the control unit.

4. The bicycle electronic control device as claimed in claim 1, wherein the antenna unit is sleeved on the pivot.

5. The bicycle electronic control device as claimed in claim 1, wherein the base includes a slot in which the antenna is embedded.

6. The bicycle electronic control device as claimed in claim 1, wherein the base further includes a sleeve, an extension arm and an antenna mounting portion, the sleeve being fitted onto the pivot, the extension arm being connected between the sleeve and the antenna mounting portion, and the antenna being disposed on the antenna mounting portion.

7. The bicycle electronic control device as claimed in claim 2, wherein the control unit includes an operating mechanism for operating the transmission of the wireless signal.

8. The bicycle electronic control device as claimed in claim 7, wherein the operating mechanism is located on the control lever.

9. The bicycle electronic control device as claimed in claim 2, wherein the control lever is provided with two operating mechanisms, the control lever at least partially overlaps with the brake lever, and the two operating mechanisms are sequentially arranged vertically along the outer contour of the brake lever.

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