Operating device for a human-powered vehicle

Abstract

The present invention discloses an operating device for a human-powered vehicle. The operating device includes a base member, an operating member, an electrical switch, and a controller. The operating member is movably coupled to the base member. The electrical switch is configured to receive input information in response to the movement of the operating member to operate an additional device. The controller is configured to change at least between a first mode and a second mode of the controller. In the first mode, the controller is configured to be at a first power consumption, and in the second mode, the controller is configured to be at a second power consumption different from the first power. The controller is configured to: if the controller does not detect input information within a determined time in the second mode, change the mode from the second mode to the first mode.

Description

[0001] This divisional application is a divisional application of the patent application with the Chinese invention patent application number 202110421607.7, the invention title of "Operating Device for Human-Powered Vehicle", and the application date of April 20, 2021. Technical Field

[0002] The present invention relates to an operating device for a human-powered vehicle. Background Art

[0003] A human-powered vehicle includes an operation unit. Summary of the Invention

[0004] According to a first aspect of the present invention, an operating device for a human-powered vehicle includes a base member, an operation member, an electrical switch, and a controller. The operation member is movably coupled to the base member. The electrical switch is configured to receive a user input to operate an additional device in response to the movement of the operation member. The controller is configured to change at least between a first mode and a second mode of the controller, in the first mode, the controller is configured to be at a first power consumption, and in the second mode, the controller is configured to be at a second power consumption different from the first power.

[0005] With the operating device according to the first aspect, it is possible to reduce the power consumption of the operating device by changing the mode of the operating device between the first mode and the second mode.

[0006] According to a second aspect of the present invention, the operating device according to the first aspect is configured such that the controller is configured to change the mode between the first mode and the second mode in response to input information.

[0007] With the operating device according to the second aspect, it is possible to change the mode between the first mode and the second mode using the input information.

[0008] According to a third aspect of the present invention, the operating device according to the second aspect is configured such that the first power consumption is lower than the second power consumption. The controller is configured to change the mode from the first mode to the second mode in response to the input information.

[0009] With the operating device according to the third aspect, it is possible to use the input information to change the mode from the first mode with a lower power consumption to the second mode with a higher power consumption.

[0010] According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, the operating device according to any one of the first aspect to the third aspect is configured such that the controller is configured to: if the controller does not detect input information within a determined time in the second mode, change the mode from the second mode to the first mode.

[0011] With the operating device according to the fourth aspect, it is possible to change the mode from the second mode to the first mode using the input information.

[0012] According to a fifth aspect of the present invention, the operating device according to the second or third aspect is configured such that the input information includes a user input received by an electrical switch. The controller is configured to change the mode from the first mode to the second mode in response to the user input received by the electrical switch.

[0013] With the operating device according to the fifth aspect, it is possible to change the mode from the first mode to the second mode using the electrical switch.

[0014] According to a sixth aspect of the present invention, the operating device according to the fifth aspect is configured such that the controller is configured to: change the mode from the second mode to the first mode if the controller does not detect a user input within a determined time in the second mode.

[0015] With the operating device according to the sixth aspect, it is possible to change the mode from the first mode to the second mode using the electrical switch.

[0016] According to a seventh aspect of the present invention, the operating device according to any one of the third to sixth aspects is configured such that the second power consumption includes a waiting power consumption and an activation power consumption higher than the waiting power consumption. The first power consumption is lower than the waiting power consumption and the activation power consumption. The second mode includes a waiting mode in which the operating device is at the waiting power consumption and an activation mode in which the operating device is at the activation power consumption.

[0017] With the operating device according to the seventh aspect, it is possible to reduce the power consumption of the operating device using the first mode, the waiting mode, and the activation mode.

[0018] According to an eighth aspect of the present invention, the operating device according to the seventh aspect is configured such that the controller is configured to change the mode from the first mode to the activation mode in response to the input information.

[0019] With the operating device according to the eighth aspect, it is possible to change the mode from the first mode with a lower power consumption to the activation mode with a higher power consumption.

[0020] According to a ninth aspect of the present invention, the operating device according to the eighth aspect is configured such that the controller is configured to generate a control signal in the activation mode.

[0021] With the operating device according to the ninth aspect, it is possible to use the control signal to control an additional device or another device in the activation mode.

[0022] According to a tenth aspect of the present invention, the operating device according to the ninth aspect is configured such that the controller is configured to generate a control signal in response to changing the mode to the activation mode

[0023] Using the operating device of the tenth aspect, it is possible to shorten the time delay between changing the mode to the active mode and generating the control signal, thereby reducing the power consumption of the operating device.

[0024] According to the eleventh aspect of the present invention, the operating device according to the ninth aspect or the tenth aspect is configured such that the controller is configured to change the mode from the active mode to the waiting mode in response to the completion of generating the control signal.

[0025] Using the operating device according to the eleventh aspect, the use of the waiting mode may reduce the power consumption of the operating device.

[0026] According to the twelfth aspect of the present invention, the operating device according to any one of the seventh aspect to the eleventh aspect is configured such that the controller is configured to change the mode between the active mode and the waiting mode at a constant interval while the controller continuously detects the input information in the second mode.

[0027] Using the operating device according to the twelfth aspect, it is possible to perform multiple changes between the active mode and the waiting mode based on a single continuous input.

[0028] According to the thirteenth aspect of the present invention, the operating device according to any one of the seventh aspect to the twelfth aspect is configured such that the controller is configured to: if the controller detects an interruption of the input information in the second mode, change the mode from the waiting mode to the active mode.

[0029] Using the operating device according to the thirteenth aspect, it is possible to use the interruption of the input information to generate a signal to change the mode from the waiting mode to the active mode.

[0030] According to the fourteenth aspect of the present invention, the operating device according to the thirteenth aspect is configured such that the second power consumption includes a sleep power consumption higher than the first power consumption, and the sleep power consumption is lower than the active power consumption and the waiting power consumption. The second mode includes a sleep mode in which the operating device is configured to be at the sleep power consumption. The controller is configured to: if the controller generates a control signal after detecting an interruption of the input information in the second mode, change the mode from the active mode to the sleep mode.

[0031] Using the operating device according to the fourteenth aspect, it is possible to use the interruption of the input information to generate a control signal to change the mode from the waiting mode to the sleep mode through the active mode.

[0032] According to the fifteenth aspect of the present invention, the operating device according to the fourteenth aspect is configured such that the controller is configured to change the mode of the controller from the sleep mode to the active mode in response to the input information.

[0033] Using the operating device according to the fifteenth aspect, it is possible to change the mode from the sleep mode to the active mode using the input information.

[0034] According to a sixteenth aspect of the present invention, the operating device according to the fourteenth aspect is configured such that the controller is configured to change the mode from the sleep mode to the first mode if the controller does not detect input information within a determined time in the sleep mode.

[0035] With the operating device according to the sixteenth aspect, it is possible to reduce the power consumption of the operating device when the controller does not detect input information.

[0036] According to a seventeenth aspect of the present invention, the operating device according to any one of the first aspect to the sixteenth aspect is configured such that the controller is configured to stop consuming power in the first mode.

[0037] With the operating device according to the seventeenth aspect, it is possible to effectively reduce the power consumption of the operating device.

[0038] According to an eighteenth aspect of the present invention, the operating device according to any one of the first aspect to the seventeenth aspect is configured such that the controller is configured to determine whether an additional device is in a predetermined mode based on input information. The controller is configured to change the mode from the second mode to the first mode if the controller determines that the additional device is in the predetermined mode.

[0039] With the operating device according to the eighteenth aspect, it is possible to change the mode from the second mode to the first mode according to the state of the additional device, thereby reducing the power consumption of the operating device.

[0040] According to a nineteenth aspect of the present invention, the operating device according to the eighteenth aspect is configured such that the controller is configured to generate an inspection signal in the second mode to determine whether the additional device is in a predetermined mode. The controller is configured to change the mode from the second mode to the first mode if the controller determines that the additional device is in the predetermined mode.

[0041] With the operating device according to the nineteenth aspect, it is possible to reliably determine whether the additional device is in a predetermined mode. Description of the Drawings

[0042] A more complete understanding of the present invention and many of its attendant advantages will be readily obtained as the present invention becomes better understood by reference to the following detailed description when considered in conjunction with the accompanying drawings.

[0043] Figure 1 is a side view of a human-powered vehicle including an operating device according to an embodiment.

[0044] Figure 2 is Figure 1 a schematic view of the human-powered vehicle shown.

[0045] Figure 3 is Figure 1Schematic block diagram of a human-powered vehicle as shown.

[0046] Figure 4 is a timing diagram showing the control of the Figure 1 human-powered vehicle as shown.

[0047] Figure 5 is Figure 1 schematic block diagram of the electric power controller of the human-powered vehicle as shown.

[0048] Figures 6 to 9 is a timing diagram showing the control of the Figure 1 human-powered vehicle as shown.

[0049] Figures 10 to 13 is a timing diagram showing the control of the Figure 1 human-powered vehicle as shown.

[0050] Figures 14 to 17 is a flowchart showing the control of a human-powered vehicle according to a variant embodiment. Detailed Description of the Invention

[0051] Embodiments will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which like reference numerals refer to corresponding or identical elements in the various drawings.

[0052] As seen in Figure 1 , the human-powered vehicle VH includes operating devices 10 and 12 according to one embodiment. For example, the human-powered vehicle VH is a vehicle that travels using power, which at least includes the human power of a user (i.e., a cyclist) riding the human-powered vehicle VH. The human-powered vehicle VH has any number of wheels. For example, the human-powered vehicle VH has at least one wheel. In the present disclosure, the human-powered vehicle VH preferably has a smaller size than a four-wheel automobile. However, the human-powered vehicle VH can have any size. Examples of the human-powered vehicle VH include bicycles, tricycles, and scooters. In the present disclosure, the human-powered vehicle VH is a bicycle. An electric assist system including an electric motor can be applied to the human-powered vehicle VH (e.g., a bicycle) to assist the user's muscle power. That is, the human-powered vehicle VH can be an electric bicycle. Although the human-powered vehicle VH is illustrated as a road bicycle, the operating devices 10 and 12 can be applied to a mountain bicycle or any type of human-powered vehicle.

[0053] The human-powered vehicle VH further includes a frame VH1, a saddle VH2, handlebars VH3, a front fork VH4, a front wheel W1, and a rear wheel W2. The front fork VH4 is rotatably mounted to the frame VH1. The handlebars VH3 are fixed to the front fork VH4. The front wheel W1 is rotatably coupled to the front fork VH4. The rear wheel W2 is rotatably coupled to the frame VH1.

[0054] In the present application, the following directional terms "front", "rear", "forward", "backward", "left", "right", "lateral", "upward" and "downward" and any other similar directional terms refer to those directions as determined by a user (e.g., a cyclist) facing the handlebar VH3 in a standard position of the user (e.g., on the saddle VH2 or seat) in the human-powered vehicle VH. Accordingly, these terms used to describe the operating device 10 or 12 or other components should be interpreted with respect to the human-powered vehicle VH equipped with the operating device 10 or 12 used in an upright cycling position on a horizontal surface.

[0055] The human-powered vehicle VH includes a crank CR, a front sprocket assembly FS, a rear sprocket assembly RS, a chain C, an additional device RD, an additional device FD, and a power source PS. The front sprocket assembly FS is fixed to the crank CR. The rear sprocket assembly RS is disposed on the rear wheel W2. The chain C engages with the front sprocket assembly FS and the rear sprocket assembly RS. Each of the additional devices RD and FD includes a speed-changing device (such as a transmission). The additional device RD is mounted to the frame VH1 and configured to switch the chain C relative to the rear sprocket assembly RS to change gears. The additional device FD is mounted to the frame VH1 and configured to switch the chain C relative to the front sprocket assembly FS to change gears. In the present disclosure, the power source PS is disposed in the seat post VH11 provided on the frame VH1. However, the position of the power source PS is not limited to this embodiment.

[0056] As seen in Figure 2 the human-powered vehicle VH includes an electrical communication path CP. The power source PS is electrically connected to the additional device RD and the additional device FD through the electrical communication path CP to supply power to the additional device RD and the additional device FD.

[0057] The electrical communication path CP includes a connection point J1 and cables C1 to C3. Each of the cables C1 to C3 includes an electrical connector at both ends thereof. The connection point J1 is electrically connected to the power source PS through the cable C1. The connection point J1 is electrically connected to the additional device FD through the cable C2. The connection point J1 is electrically connected to the additional device RD through the cable C3.

[0058] As seen in Figure 2 the operating device 10 for the human-powered vehicle VH includes a base member 14. The base member 14 is configured to be mounted to the handlebar VH3 (e.g., see Figure 1 ).

[0059] The operating device 10 for a human-powered vehicle VH includes an operating member 16. The operating member 16 is movably coupled to a base member 14. In the present disclosure, the operating device 10 includes an additional operating member 17. The additional operating member is movably coupled to the base member 14 to operate another device such as a braking device. The additional operating member 17 is pivotally coupled to the base member 14. However, the additional operating member 17 can be omitted from the operating device 10.

[0060] The operating device 10 for a human-powered vehicle VH includes an electrical switch SW1. The electrical switch SW1 is configured to receive a user input U1 in response to the movement of the operating member 16 to operate an additional device RD. In the present disclosure, the electrical switch SW1 includes a normally open switch. Examples of the electrical switch SW1 include a push-button switch and a joystick switch. The electrical switch SW1 is coupled to one of the operating member 16 and the additional operating member 17. The electrical switch SW1 is configured to turn on in response to the movement of the operating member 16. The reception of the user input U1 includes turning on the electrical switch SW1.

[0061] The electrical switch SW1 and the operating member 16 are configured to be attached to the additional operating member 17 to be movable relative to the base member 14 together with the additional operating member 17. The operating member 16 is movably mounted to the additional operating member 17. However, the electrical switch SW1 and the operating member 16 can be directly attached to the base member 14.

[0062] The operating device 10 for a human-powered vehicle VH includes an operating member 18. The operating member 18 is movably coupled to a base member 14. The operating device 10 for a human-powered vehicle VH includes an electrical switch SW2. The electrical switch SW2 is configured to receive a user input U2 in response to the movement of the operating member 18 to operate an additional device RD. The operating member 18 and the electrical switch SW2 are configured to be attached to the additional operating member 17. The operating member 18 has a structure substantially the same as that of the operating member 16. The electrical switch SW2 has a structure substantially the same as that of the electrical switch SW1. Therefore, for the sake of brevity, it will not be described in detail here.

[0063] As in Figure 3As seen in, the operating device 10 for the human-powered vehicle VH includes a controller 20. The controller 20 includes a processor 20P, a memory 20M, a circuit board 20B, and a system bus 20D. The processor 20P and the memory 20M are electrically mounted on the circuit board 20B. The processor 20P includes a central processing unit (CPU) and a memory controller. The memory 20M is electrically connected to the processor 20P. The memory 20M includes a read-only memory (ROM) and a random access memory (RAM). The memory 20M includes storage areas that each have an address in the ROM and the RAM. The processor 20P is configured to control the memory 20M to store data in the storage areas of the memory 20M and to read data from the storage areas of the memory 20M. The circuit board 20B, the electrical switch SW1, and the electrical switch SW2 are electrically connected to the system bus 20D. The electrical switch SW1 and the electrical switch SW2 are electrically connected to the processor 20P and the memory 20M through the circuit board 20B and the system bus 20D. The memory 20M (e.g., ROM) stores programs. The programs are read into the processor 20P to execute the configuration and / or algorithms of the controller 20.

[0064] The controller 20 includes a communicator 20C configured to communicate with other devices (e.g., the additional device RD and the additional device FD). The communicator 20C is configured to send signals to other devices. The communicator 20C is configured to send control signals CS11, CS12, and / or CS13 in response to the user input U1 received by the electrical switch SW1. The communicator 20C is configured to send control signals CS21, CS22, and / or CS23 in response to the user input U2 received by the electrical switch SW2. The communicator 20C is configured to receive information from other devices. The communicator 20C includes a wireless communicator WC1 configured to wirelessly communicate with other devices. The wireless communicator WC1 is configured to send control signals CS11, CS12, and / or CS13 in response to the user input U1. The wireless communicator WC1 is configured to send control signals CS21, CS22, and / or CS23 in response to the user input U2. The wireless communicator WC1 is configured to wirelessly receive information from other devices. The wireless communicator WC1 is configured to be electrically connected to the controller 20. The operating device 10 can also be referred to as the wireless operating device 10.

[0065] The wireless communicator WC1 is electrically mounted on the circuit board 20B. The wireless communicator WC1 is electrically connected to the processor 20P and the memory 20M via the circuit board 20B and the system bus 20D. The wireless communicator WC1 includes a signal transmission circuit WC11, a signal reception circuit WC12, and an antenna WC13, and the antenna WC13 is electrically connected to the signal transmission circuit WC11 and the signal reception circuit WC12. The signal transmission circuit WC11, the signal reception circuit WC12, and the antenna WC13 are electrically mounted on the circuit board 20B. Therefore, the wireless communicator WC1 can also be referred to as a wireless communication circuit or line WC1. The communicator 20C can also be referred to as a communication circuit or line 20C. The controller 20 can also be referred to as a control circuit or line 20.

[0066] The signal transmission circuit WC11 of the wireless communicator WC1 is configured to superimpose a digital signal on a carrier wave using a predetermined wireless communication protocol to wirelessly transmit a signal via the antenna WC13. In the present disclosure, the signal transmission circuit WC11 is configured to encrypt a signal using an encryption key to generate an encrypted wireless signal.

[0067] The signal reception circuit WC12 of the wireless communicator WC1 is configured to receive a wireless signal via the antenna WC13. In the present disclosure, the signal reception circuit WC12 is configured to decode the wireless signal to identify a signal and / or information wirelessly transmitted from another wireless communicator. The signal reception circuit WC12 is configured to decrypt the wireless signal using an encryption key.

[0068] The operating device 10 includes an electric power source 22. The electric power source 22 is configured to supply power to the controller 20 and the communicator 20C. The electric power source 22 is configured to be electrically connected to the controller 20 and the communicator 20C. In the present disclosure, the electric power source 22 includes a battery 22B and a battery holder 22H. The battery 22B includes a replaceable battery and / or a rechargeable battery. The battery holder 22H is configured to be electrically connected to the communicator 20C via the circuit board 20B and the system bus 20D. The battery 22B is configured to be detachably attached to the battery holder 22H. However, the electric power source 22 is not limited to this embodiment. For example, instead of or in addition to the battery 22B and the battery holder 22H, the electric power source 22 may include another component such as a capacitor and a power generation element (e.g., a piezoelectric element).

[0069] The controller 20 further includes a notifier 20N. The notifier 20N is configured to notify a user of the state of the operating device 10. In the present disclosure, the notifier 20N is mounted on the circuit board 20B. For example, the notifier 20N includes an indicator such as a light-emitting diode. The notifier 20N is configured to indicate the state of the operating device 10 with light. Examples of the state of the operating device 10 include a communication state between the controller 20 and another device, a mode of the controller 20, and a remaining level of the electric power source 22.

[0070] The controller 20 is configured to manage the power consumption of the hardware in the operating device 10. The controller 20 is configured to control the power supply to each of the processor 20P, the memory 20M, the wireless communicator WC1, the notifier 20N, and other electrical components installed in the operating device 10. The controller 20 is configured to separately control the power supply to each of the signal transmission circuit WC11, the signal reception circuit WC12, the antenna WC13, and the notifier 20N. Therefore, the controller 20 has multiple modes with different power consumptions.

[0071] As seen in Figure 4 , the controller 20 is configured to change the mode of the controller 20 at least between a first mode M1 and a second mode M2. In the first mode, the controller 20 is configured to be at a first power consumption PC1, and in the second mode, the controller 20 is configured to be at a second power consumption PC2 different from the first power consumption PC1. The power consumption of the operating device 10 is substantially equal to the power consumption of the controller 20. Therefore, the power consumption of the operating device 10 is proportional to the power consumption of the controller 20.

[0072] In the present disclosure, the first power consumption PC1 is lower than the second power consumption PC2. The controller 20 is configured to stop consuming power in the first mode M1. That is, the controller 20 is turned off in the first mode M1. In the second mode M2, power is supplied from the power source 22 to at least a part of the controller 20. However, the first mode M1 can be a mode in which the controller 20 is configured to consume power.

[0073] The controller 20 is configured to change the mode between the first mode M1 and the second mode M2 in response to the input information INF. The controller 20 is configured to change the mode from the first mode M1 to the second mode M2 in response to the input information INF. The input information INF includes the user input U1 received by the electrical switch SW1. That is, the controller 20 is configured to change the mode from the first mode M1 to the second mode M2 in response to the user input U1 received by the electrical switch SW1. However, the input information INF can include other information. Examples of the input information INF include the user input U1 received by the electrical switch SW1, the information sent from another device, and physical changes in the operating device 10 (such as vibrations generated in the operating device 10 and / or vibrations transmitted to the operating device 10).

[0074] The second power consumption PC2 includes a standby power consumption PC22 and an active power consumption PC21 that is higher than the standby power consumption PC22. The first power consumption PC1 is lower than the standby power consumption PC22 and the active power consumption PC21. The second mode M2 includes a standby mode M22 and an active mode M21. In the standby mode M22, the operating device 10 is under the standby power consumption PC22, and in the active mode M21, the operating device 10 is under the active power consumption PC21. The controller 20 is configured to change the mode from the first mode M1 to the active mode M21 in response to the input information INF.

[0075] In the active mode M21, the controller 20 is configured to allow power supply from the power source 22 to the processor 20P, the memory 20M, the signal transmission circuit WC11, the signal reception circuit WC12, and the antenna WC13 (for example, see Figure 3 ). Therefore, the controller 20 is configured to generate and transmit signals to other devices and identify signals transmitted from other devices in the active mode M21. Meanwhile, in the standby mode M22, the controller 20 is configured to interrupt the power supply from the power source 22 to the signal transmission circuit WC11, while the controller 20 is configured to allow power supply from the power source 22 to the processor 20P, the memory 20M, the signal reception circuit WC12, and the antenna WC13 (for example, see Figure 3 ). Therefore, the controller 20 is configured to identify signals transmitted from other devices but not generate and transmit signals to other devices in the standby mode M22.

[0076] The second power consumption PC2 includes a sleep power consumption PC23 that is higher than the first power consumption PC1. The sleep power consumption PC23 is lower than the active power consumption PC21 and the standby power consumption PC22. The second mode M2 includes a sleep mode M23. In the sleep mode M23, the operating device 10 is configured to be under the sleep power consumption PC23. The controller 20 is configured to allow power supply from the power source 22 to the processor 20P and the memory 20M in the sleep mode M23. However, the controller 20 is configured to interrupt the power supply from the power source 22 to the signal transmission circuit WC11, the signal reception circuit WC12, and the antenna WC13 in the sleep mode M23. Therefore, the controller 20 is configured not to generate and transmit signals to other devices and not to identify signals transmitted from other devices in the sleep mode M23.

[0077] As in Figure 3As seen in, the operation device 10 includes an electric power controller 40. The electric power controller 40 is configured to control the power supplied from the electric power source 22 to the controller 20. The electric power controller 40 is configured to start supplying power to the controller 20 in response to the input information INF (e.g., turning on one of the power switches SW1 and SW2). The electric power controller 40 is configured to start supplying power to the controller 20 in the first mode M1 in response to the input information INF. The electric power controller 40 is configured to stop supplying power to the controller 20 in response to the control voltage provided from the controller 20. The electric power controller 40 is electrically connected to the controller 20, the electric power source 22, and the power switches SW1 and SW2.

[0078] As seen in Figure 5 As seen in, the electric power controller 40 includes a first field effect transistor (FET) 40A, a second field effect transistor (FET) 40B, a voltage regulator 40C, a first pull-up resistor 40D, a second pull-up resistor 40E, a third pull-up resistor 40F, a first diode 40G, a second diode 40H, a third diode 40K, and a fourth diode 40L.

[0079] The first FET 40A is configured to control the current flow between the first source terminal S1 and the first drain terminal D1 in response to the first gate voltage applied to the first gate terminal G1. The first FET 40A is configured to allow current to flow between the first source terminal S1 and the first drain terminal D1 when the first gate voltage higher than the first threshold voltage is applied to the first gate terminal G1. The first FET 40A includes a p-type metal oxide semiconductor field effect transistor (MOSFET). However, the first FET 40A may include other FETs such as an n-type MOSEFT.

[0080] The second FET 40B is configured to control the current flow between the second source terminal S2 and the second drain terminal D2 in response to the second gate voltage applied to the second gate terminal G2. The second FET 40B is configured to allow current to flow between the second source terminal S2 and the second drain terminal D2 when the second gate voltage higher than the second threshold voltage is applied to the second gate terminal G2. The second FET 40B includes an n-type MOSFET. However, the second FET 40B may include other FETs such as a p-type MOSEFT.

[0081] The voltage regulator 40C is configured to control the output voltage based on the input voltage. Examples of the voltage regulator 40C include a DC-DC converter and a low dropout (LDO) voltage regulator. The first pull-up resistor 40D is configured to maintain a first gate voltage applied to the first gate terminal G1 of the first FET 40A in response to the activation of one of the electrical switches SW1 and SW2. The second pull-up resistor 40E is configured to hold the voltage applied from the voltage regulator 40C to the controller 20 in response to the activation of the electrical switch SW1. The third pull-up resistor 40F is configured to hold the voltage applied from the voltage regulator 40C to the controller 20 in response to the activation of the electrical switch SW2.

[0082] The first diode 40G is configured to allow current to flow in one direction. The second diode 40H is configured to allow current to flow in one direction. The third diode 40K is configured to allow current to flow in one direction. The fourth diode 40L is configured to allow current to flow in one direction.

[0083] When one of the electrical switches SW1 and SW2 is turned on, due to the action of the first pull-up resistor 40D, the first gate voltage is applied from the power source 22 to the first gate terminal G1 of the first FET 40A, and the FET 40A controls the current flowing from the first source terminal S1 to the first drain terminal D1 according to the first gate voltage applied to the first gate terminal G1 of the first FET 40A.

[0084] The voltage regulator 40C controls the voltage applied from the first FET 40A to the controller 20 at a predetermined level. If the electrical switch SW1 is turned on, the voltage applied from the voltage regulator 40C to the controller 20 is held due to the action of the second pull-up resistor 40E. If the electrical switch SW2 is turned on, the voltage applied from the voltage regulator 40C to the controller 20 is held due to the action of the third pull-up resistor 40F. Thus, the controller 20 is powered by the power source 22 through the power controller 40.

[0085] After the controller 20 is turned on, the controller 20 detects the operation of the electrical switch SW1 or SW2. For example, the controller 20 includes a gate driver configured to supply a second gate voltage to the gate of the second FET 40B. The controller 20 applies the second gate voltage to the second gate terminal G2 of the second FET 40B in response to the operation of one of the electrical switches SW1 and SW2. The first gate voltage is applied from the second FET 40B to the first gate terminal G1 of the first FET 40A, while the controller 20 applies the second gate voltage to the second gate terminal G2 of the second FET 40B. This maintains the power supply from the power source 22 to the controller 20 after both the electrical switches SW1 and SW2 are turned off.

[0086] When the controller 20 stops supplying the second gate voltage to the second gate terminal G2, the supply of the first gate voltage applied from the second FET 40B to the first gate terminal G1 of the first FET 40A is stopped. Accordingly, the controller 20 is configured to stop the supply of the control current from the power source 22 to the controller 20 based on the input information INF. When the first FET 40A is turned off, the first FET 40A has a leakage current, and the current value of the leakage current is lower than the current value of the minimum control current of the controller 20. Accordingly, the controller 20 is configured to change the mode from the second mode M2 to the first mode M1 by stopping the supply of the second gate voltage. The electric power controller 40 identifies Figure 4 the first power consumption PC1 shown. However, if desired and / or required, the mode change from the second mode M2 to the first mode M1 may be performed by components other than the electric power controller 40.

[0087] As seen in Figure 4 , the controller 20 is configured to generate the control signals CS11, CS12, or CS13 in the activation mode M21. The controller 20 is configured to generate the control signals CS11, CS12, or CS13 in response to the mode change to the activation mode M21. The controller 20 is configured to change the mode from the activation mode M21 to the waiting mode M22 in response to the completion of the generation of the control signals CS11, CS12, or CS13. The controller 20 is configured to transmit the control signals CS11, CS12, or CS13 in the activation mode M21 after the generation of the control signals CS11, CS12, or CS13.

[0088] In the present disclosure, the control signals CS11, CS12, CS13, CS21, CS22, and CS23 can be distinguished from each other as signals. The control signals CS11 and CS12 indicate the acceleration of the additional device RD. The control signals CS21 and CS22 indicate the deceleration of the additional device RD. The control signals CS13 and CS23 indicate that the operating device 10 is in the sleep mode M23. However, at least one of the control signals CS11, CS12, and CS13 may be the same as another of the control signals CS11, CS12, and CS13. At least one of the control signals CS21, CS22, and CS23 may be the same as another of the control signals CS21, CS22, and CS23.

[0089] The controller 20 is configured to change the mode from the first mode M1 to the activation mode M21 in response to the input information INF (especially the user input U1) in the first mode M1. The controller 20 is configured to: if the power switch SW1 is turned on in the first mode M1, change the mode from the first mode M1 to the activation mode M21. The controller 20 is configured to: if the power switch SW1 is turned on in the first mode M1, enter the activation mode M21. The controller 20 is configured to generate a control signal CS11 in response to changing the mode from the first mode M1 to the activation mode M21. The controller 20 is configured to change the mode from the activation mode M21 to the waiting mode M22 in response to the completion of generating the control signal CS11.

[0090] The controller 20 is configured to change the mode between the activation mode M21 and the waiting mode M22 at a constant interval while the controller 20 continuously detects the input information INF in the second mode M2. In the present disclosure, the controller 20 is configured to change the mode between the activation mode M21 and the waiting mode M22 at a constant interval while the controller 20 continuously detects the user input U1 in the second mode M2. The controller 20 is configured to: if the controller 20 determines that the power switch SW1 continuously receives the user input U1 within the signal determination time T1 after generating the control signal CS11, change the mode from the waiting mode M22 to the activation mode M21. The controller 20 is configured to generate a control signal CS12 in response to changing the mode from the waiting mode M22 to the activation mode M21. The controller 20 is configured to change the mode from the activation mode M21 to the waiting mode M22 in response to the completion of generating the control signal CS12.

[0091] The controller 20 is configured to: if the controller 20 determines that the power switch SW1 continuously receives the user input U1 within the signal determination time T1 after generating the previous control signal CS12, change the mode from the waiting mode M22 to the activation mode M21. The controller 20 is configured to generate a control signal CS12 in response to changing the mode from the waiting mode M22 to the activation mode M21. The controller 20 is configured to change the mode from the activation mode M21 to the waiting mode M22 in response to the completion of generating the control signal CS12.

[0092] The controller 20 is configured to: if the controller 20 detects an interruption of the input information INF in the second mode M2 before the signal determination time T1 has elapsed since generating the control signal CS11 or CS12, change the mode from the waiting mode M22 to the activation mode M21. The controller 20 is configured to generate a control signal CS13 in response to changing the mode from the waiting mode M22 to the activation mode M21.

[0093] The controller 20 is configured such that if the controller 20 generates a control signal CS13 after detecting an interruption of the input information INF in the second mode M2, the mode is changed from the active mode M21 to the sleep mode M23. The controller 20 is configured to change the mode from the active mode M21 to the sleep mode M23 in response to the completion of generating the control signal CS13.

[0094] The controller 20 is configured to change the mode of the controller 20 from the sleep mode M23 to the active mode M21 in response to the input information INF (in particular, the user input U1) in the sleep mode M23. The controller 20 is configured to change the mode from the sleep mode M23 to the active mode M21 if the power switch SW1 is turned on in the sleep mode M23. The controller 20 is configured to enter the active mode M21 if the power switch SW1 is turned on in the sleep mode M23. Specifically, the controller 20 is configured to change the mode from the sleep mode M23 to the active mode M21 if the controller 20 detects the user input U1 within a determined time T2 in the sleep mode M23. The controller 20 is configured to generate a control signal CS11 in response to changing the mode from the sleep mode M23 to the active mode M21. The controller 20 is configured to change the mode from the active mode M21 to the waiting mode M22 in response to the completion of generating the control signal CS11. The controller 20 is configured to generate a control signal CS12 or CS13 according to the input state of the user input U1 after generating the control signal CS11.

[0095] As seen in Figure 6 the controller 20 is configured to change the mode from the second mode M2 to the first mode M1 if the controller 20 does not detect the input information INF within a determined time T2 or T3 in the second mode M2. The controller 20 is configured to change the mode from the sleep mode M23 to the first mode M1 through another mode if the controller 20 does not detect the input information INF within a determined time T2 or T3 in the second mode M2. The input information INF includes the user input U1, the user input U2, and the confirmation signal CS3 sent from the additional device RD (for example, see Figure 7 ).

[0096] The controller 20 is configured to change the mode from the second mode M2 to the first mode M1 if the controller 20 does not detect a user input U1 within a determined time T2 in the second mode M2. The controller 20 is configured to change the mode from the sleep mode M23 to the first mode M1 if the controller 20 does not detect input information INF within a determined time T2 in the sleep mode M23. The controller 20 is configured to change the mode from the sleep mode M23 to the first mode M1 through another mode if the controller 20 does not detect a user input U1 within a determined time T2 in the sleep mode M23 and if the additional device RD is in a predetermined mode M3.

[0097] In the present disclosure, the controller 20 is configured to determine whether the additional device RD is in a predetermined mode M3 based on the input information INF. The controller 20 is configured to determine whether the additional device RD is in a predetermined mode M3 based on the input information INF before changing the mode from the second mode M2 to the first mode M1 if the controller 20 does not detect a user input U1 within a determined time T2 in the second mode M2. The controller 20 is configured to change the mode from the second mode M2 to the first mode M1 if the controller 20 determines that the additional device RD is in a predetermined mode M3. That is, the controller 20 is configured to change the mode from the second mode M2 to the first mode M1 if the controller 20 does not detect the input information INF within a determined time T2 in the sleep mode M23 and the controller 20 determines that the additional device RD is in a predetermined mode M3.

[0098] The controller 20 is configured to generate a check signal CS14 in the second mode M2 to determine whether the additional device RD is in a predetermined mode M3. The controller 20 is configured to generate a check signal CS14 in the second mode M2 to determine whether the additional device RD is in a predetermined mode M3 if the controller 20 does not detect a user input U1 within a determined time T2 in the sleep mode M23. The controller 20 is configured to change the mode from the sleep mode M23 to the active mode M21 if the controller 20 does not detect a user input U1 within a determined time T2 in the sleep mode M23. The controller 20 is configured to generate the check signal CS14 in response to changing the mode from the sleep mode M23 to the active mode M21. The controller 20 is configured to change the mode from the active mode M21 to the waiting mode M22 in response to the completion of generating the check signal CS14.

[0099] As in Figure 7As seen in, the controller 20 is configured such that if the controller 20 detects the input information INF within a determined time T2 or T3 in the second mode M2, the second mode M2 is maintained. The controller 20 is configured such that if the controller 20 detects the confirmation signal CS3, the mode is changed from the waiting mode M22 to the sleep mode M23. The additional device RD is configured to return the confirmation signal CS3 to the operating device 10 in response to the check signal CS14 sent from the operating device 10. The additional device RD has a continuous confirmation mode M41, in the continuous confirmation mode M41, the additional device RD is configured to continuously confirm signals (such as the control signals CS11, CS12, and CS13 and the check signal CS14). In the continuous confirmation mode M41, the additional device RD is configured to maintain the response state ST1 during the continuous confirmation mode M41, in the response state ST1, the additional device RD is configured to respond to the check signal CS14 sent by the controller 20. Therefore, the additional device RD is configured to return the confirmation signal CS3 to the operating device 10 in response to the check signal CS14 in the continuous confirmation mode M41.

[0100] As seen in Figure 6 and Figure 8 As seen in, the additional device RD has an intermittent confirmation mode M42, in the intermittent confirmation mode M42, the additional device RD is configured to intermittently confirm the check signal CS14. The predetermined mode M3 includes the intermittent confirmation mode M42. As seen in Figure 8 As seen in, in the intermittent confirmation mode M42, the additional device RD is configured to maintain the response state ST1 at regular intervals within a predetermined time T51, in the response state ST1, the additional device RD is configured to respond to the check signal CS14 sent by the controller. As seen in Figure 6 As seen in, in the intermittent confirmation mode M42, the additional device RD is configured to maintain the non-response state ST2 at regular intervals within a predetermined time T52, in the non-response state ST2, the additional device RD is configured not to detect the check signal CS14 sent by the controller 20. The additional device RD is configured to alternately repeat the response state ST1 and the non-response state ST2 in the intermittent confirmation mode M42. The predetermined time T52 of the non-response state ST2 is longer than the predetermined time T51 of the response state ST1. The power consumption PC42 of the non-response state ST2 is lower than the power consumption PC41 of the response state ST1. Therefore, the power consumption of the intermittent confirmation mode M42 is lower than the power consumption of the continuous confirmation mode M41. As seen in Figure 6 and Figure 8 As seen in, the additional device RD is configured to return the confirmation signal CS3 to the operating device 10 in response to the check signal CS14 only in the response state ST1.

[0101] As seen in Figure 6 and Figure 9As seen in, the controller 20 is configured such that if the controller 20 does not detect the confirmation signal CS3 within the determined time T3 in the waiting mode M22, it repeatedly generates and transmits the check signal CS14 a predetermined number of times. The controller 20 is configured to determine whether the controller 20 receives the confirmation signal CS3 from the additional device RD within the determined time T4 from the generation of the check signal CS14 while the controller 20 repeatedly generates and transmits the check signal CS14. The predetermined time T52 of the non-response state ST2 is longer than the determined times T3 and T4. The determined time T4 is shorter than the determined time T3. However, the determined time T4 may be equal to or longer than the determined time T3.

[0102] As in Figure 9 As seen in, the controller 20 is configured such that while the controller 20 repeatedly generates and transmits the check signal CS14, if the controller 20 detects the confirmation signal CS3, it maintains the second mode M2. Specifically, the controller 20 is configured such that while the controller 20 repeatedly generates and transmits the check signal CS14 a predetermined number of times, if the controller 20 detects the confirmation signal CS3, it changes the mode from the waiting mode M22 to the sleep mode M23.

[0103] As in Figure 6 As seen in, the controller 20 is configured such that while the controller 20 repeatedly generates and transmits the check signal CS14 a predetermined number of times, if the controller 20 does not detect the confirmation signal CS3, it changes the mode from the waiting mode M22 to the first mode M1. However, the controller 20 may be configured such that if the controller 20 does not detect the confirmation signal CS3 within the determined time T3 in the waiting mode M22 without repeatedly generating the check signal CS14, it changes the mode from the waiting mode M22 to the first mode M1.

[0104] The description of the control signals CS11, CS12, and CS13 can be used as the description of the control signals CS21, CS22, and CS23 by replacing the reference numerals "SW1", "U1", "CS11", "CS12" with the reference numerals "SW2", "U2", "CS21", "CS22", and "CS23". Therefore, for the sake of brevity, it will not be described in detail here.

[0105] As in Figure 2 and Figure 3 As seen in and, the operating device 12 has substantially the same structure as the operating device 10. For example, the operating device 12 is configured to communicate with the additional device RD to operate the additional device FD. Therefore, for the sake of brevity, it will not be described in detail.

[0106] As in Figure 3As seen in, the additional device RD includes an additional controller 30. The additional controller 30 is configured to communicate with the operating device 10, the operating device 12, the additional device RD, and the additional device FD. The additional controller 30 has a continuous confirmation mode M41 and an intermittent confirmation mode M42. In the present disclosure, the additional controller 30 is configured to be installed in the additional device RD. However, the additional controller 30 can be installed in other devices such as the additional device FD, the power source PS, and the connection point J1.

[0107] The additional controller 30 includes a processor 30P, a memory 30M, a circuit board 30B, and a system bus 30D. The processor 30P and the memory 30M are electrically installed on the circuit board 30B. The processor 30P includes a CPU and a memory controller. The memory 30M is electrically connected to the processor 30P. The memory 30M includes a ROM and a RAM. The memory 30M includes storage areas having addresses in the ROM and the RAM, respectively. The processor 30P is configured to control the memory 30M to store data in the storage areas of the memory 30M and read data from the storage areas of the memory 30M. The memory 30M (e.g., ROM) stores programs. The programs are read into the processor 30P to execute the configuration and / or algorithms of the additional controller 30.

[0108] The additional controller 30 includes an additional communicator 30C. The additional communicator 30C is configured to communicate with the communicator 20C of the controller 20 of the operating device 10. The additional communicator 30C is configured to communicate with the operating device 12. The additional communicator 30C is configured to receive the control signals CS11, CS12, and CS13 and the check signal CS14 from the operating device 10 in the response state ST1 of both the continuous confirmation mode M41 and the intermittent confirmation mode M42 (e.g., see Figures 6 to 9 )). In the present disclosure, the additional communicator 30C includes an additional wireless communicator WC2 configured to communicate wirelessly with other devices. The additional wireless communicator WC2 is configured to wirelessly receive the control signals CS11, CS12, and CS13 and the check signal CS14 from the wireless communicator WC1 of the operating device 10 in the response state ST1 (e.g., see Figures 6 to 9 ). The additional wireless communicator WC2 is configured to wirelessly transmit information to other devices.

[0109] The additional wireless communicator WC2 is electrically mounted on the circuit board 30B. The additional wireless communicator WC2 is electrically connected to the processor 30P and the memory 30M through the circuit board 30B and the system bus 30D. The additional wireless communicator WC2 includes a signal transmission circuit WC21, a signal reception circuit WC22, and an antenna WC23, and the antenna WC23 is electrically connected to the signal transmission circuit WC21 and the signal reception circuit WC22. The signal transmission circuit WC21, the signal reception circuit WC22, and the antenna WC23 are electrically mounted on the circuit board 30B. Therefore, the additional wireless communicator WC2 can also be referred to as an additional wireless communication circuit or line WC2.

[0110] The signal transmission circuit WC21, the signal reception circuit WC22, and the antenna WC23 respectively have substantially the same structures as the signal transmission circuit WC11, the signal reception circuit WC12, and the antenna WC13 of the wireless communicator WC1. Therefore, for the sake of brevity, they will not be described in detail here.

[0111] The additional controller 30 further includes an additional notifier 30N. The additional notifier 30N is configured to notify the user of the state of the additional device RD. The additional notifier 30N is configured to notify the user of the state of the additional device RD. In the present disclosure, the additional notifier 30N is mounted on the circuit board 30B. For example, the additional notifier 30N includes an indicator such as a light-emitting diode. The additional notifier 30N is configured to indicate the state of the additional device RD with light. Examples of the state of the additional device RD include the communication state between the additional controller 30 and another device (e.g., the operating device 10), the mode of the additional controller 30, and the remaining level of the power source PS.

[0112] The additional controller 30 is configured to manage the power usage of the hardware in the additional device RD. The additional controller 30 is configured to control the power supply to each of the processor 30P, the memory 30M, the wireless communicator WC2, the additional notifier 30N, and other electrical components mounted in the additional device RD. The additional controller 30 is configured to separately control the power supply to each of the signal transmission circuit WC21, the signal reception circuit WC22, the antenna WC23, and the additional notifier 30N. Therefore, the additional controller 30 has multiple modes with different power consumptions. For example, the additional controller 30 has a continuous confirmation mode M41 and an intermittent confirmation mode M42. The power consumption in the intermittent confirmation mode M42 is lower than that in the continuous confirmation mode M41.

[0113] As seen in Figure 3 the additional device RD includes a base member RD1, a chain guide RD2, an actuator RD3, a position sensor RD4, and an actuator driver RD5. The base member RD1 is mounted on the frame VH1 (e.g., see Figure 1) The chain guide RD2 is movably coupled to the base member RD1 and configured to engage with the chain C. The actuator RD3 is configured to move the chain guide RD2 relative to the base member RD1 to switch the chain C relative to the rear sprocket assembly RS.

[0114] The actuator driver RD5 is electrically connected to the actuator RD3 to control the actuator RD3 based on control signals CS11, CS12, CS21, and CS22 sent from the operating device 10 through the additional controller 30. Examples of the actuator RD3 include a direct current (DC) motor and a stepper motor. The actuator RD3 includes a rotating shaft operably coupled to the chain guide RD2. The position sensor RD4 is configured to sense the current gear position of the additional device RD. Examples of the position sensor RD4 include a potentiometer and a rotary encoder. The position sensor RD4 is configured to sense the absolute rotational position of the rotating shaft of the actuator RD3 as the current gear position of the additional device RD. The actuator RD3 and the position sensor RD4 are electrically connected to the actuator driver RD5.

[0115] The actuator driver RD5 is configured to control the actuator RD3 based on the control signal CS11 or CS12 and the current gear position sensed by the position sensor RD4 to move the chain guide RD2 one gear in the acceleration direction relative to the base member RD1. The actuator driver RD5 is configured to control the actuator RD3 based on the control signal CS21 or CS22 and the current gear position sensed by the position sensor RD4 to move the chain guide RD2 one gear in the deceleration direction relative to the base member RD1. The actuator driver RD5 is configured to control the actuator RD3 to maintain the chain guide RD2 in the current gear position relative to the base member RD1 when the position sensor RD4 senses the control signal CS13.

[0116] As seen in Figure 4 For example, the actuator driver RD5 controls the actuator RD3 in response to the control signal CS11 to move the chain guide RD2 from the gear GP1 to the adjacent gear GP2 relative to the base member RD1. The actuator driver RD5 controls the actuator RD3 in response to the control signal CS12 to move the chain guide RD2 from the gear GP2 to the adjacent gear GP3 relative to the base member RD1. The actuator driver RD5 controls the actuator RD3 in response to the control signal CS12 to move the chain guide RD2 from the gear GP3 to the adjacent gear GP4 relative to the base member RD1. However, when the position sensor RD4 senses the control signal CS13, the actuator driver RD5 controls the actuator RD3 to maintain the chain guide RD2 in the gear GP4 relative to the base member RD1. The additional device FD has a structure substantially the same as that of the additional device RD. Therefore, for the sake of brevity, it will not be described in detail here.

[0117] The control of the operating device 10 will be described with reference to Figures 10 to 13 As seen in Figure 10 , the controller 20 changes the mode between the first mode M1 and the second mode M2 in response to the input information INF (step S1). If the controller 20 receives the input information INF (here, the user input U1) in the first mode M1, the controller 20 changes the mode from the first mode M1 to the activation mode M21 (steps S11 and S12). Specifically, if the power switch SW1 is turned on, the controller 20 is powered on. The controller 20 generates and sends a control signal CS11 in response to changing the mode from the first mode M1 to the activation mode M21 (step S13). If the controller 20 receives the user input U1 in the first mode M1, the controller 20 starts measuring time to determine that the signal has passed a determined time T1 (step S14). In response to the completion of generating the control signal CS11, the controller 20 changes the mode from the activation mode M21 to the waiting mode M22 (step S15). If necessary and / or desired, the time measurement in step S14 can start at any timing during the mode change in step S1. For example, if necessary and / or desired, the time measurement in step S14 can start at a timing different from the timing Figure 10 shown (e.g., after step S12 and before step S13). In addition, if necessary and / or desired, the time measurement in step S14 can start at the same timing as the timing of step S12, S13, or S15.

[0118] While the controller 20 continuously detects the input information INF (here, the user input U1) in the second mode M2, the controller 20 changes the mode between the activation mode M21 and the waiting mode M22 at a constant interval (step S2). If the controller 20 determines that the power switch SW1 remains on within the signal determination time T1 after generating the control signal CS11, the controller 20 changes the mode from the waiting mode M22 to the activation mode M21 (steps S21 to S23). The controller 20 generates and sends a control signal CS12 in response to changing the mode from the waiting mode M22 to the activation mode M21 (step S24). If the controller 20 continuously detects the user input U1 in the second mode M2, the controller 20 starts measuring time to determine that the signal determination time T1 has passed (step S25). The controller 20 changes the mode from the activation mode M21 to the waiting mode M22 in response to the completion of generating the control signal CS12 (step S26). Steps S21 to S26 are repeatedly executed while the controller 20 continuously detects the user input U1. If necessary and / or desired, the time measurement in step S25 can start at any timing during the mode change in step S2. For example, if necessary and / or desired, the time measurement in step S25 can start at a timing different from the timingFigure 10 start at different timings (e.g., after step S23 and before step S24) as shown. Further, if required and / or desired, the time measurement of step S25 can start at the same timing as the timings of steps S23, S24, or S26.

[0119] As seen in Figure 11 if the controller 20 detects an interruption of the input information INF in the second mode M2, the controller 20 changes the mode from the waiting mode M22 to the active mode M21 (steps S21 and step S3). If the controller 20 detects an interruption of the input information INF in the second mode M2 before the signal determination time T1 has elapsed since the generation of the control signal CS11 or CS12, the controller 20 changes the mode from the waiting mode M22 to the active mode M21 (steps S31 and S32). The controller 20 generates and transmits a control signal CS13 in response to changing the mode from the waiting mode M22 to the active mode M21 (step S33). The controller 20 resets the determination time T2 and starts measuring the determination time T2 (step S34). If the controller 20 generates and transmits the control signal CS13 after detecting an interruption of the input information INF in the second mode M2 (e.g., the waiting mode M22), the controller 20 changes the mode from the active mode M21 to the sleep mode M23 (steps S21 and S35). Specifically, the controller 20 changes the mode from the active mode M21 to the sleep mode M23 in response to the completion of the generation of the control signal CS13 (step S35). If required and / or desired, the time measurement of step S34 can start at any timing in the mode change of step S1. For example, if required and / or desired, the time measurement of step S34 can start at a timing different from the Figure 11 timing shown (e.g., after step S32 and before step S33). Further, if required and / or desired, the time measurement of step S34 can start at the same timing as the timings of steps S32, S33, or S35.

[0120] As seen in Figure 11 and Figure 12 if the controller 20 does not detect the input information INF within the determination time T2 or T3 in the second mode, the controller 20 changes the mode from the second mode M2 (here, the sleep mode M23) to the first mode M1 (steps S4 and S5). The controller 20 determines whether the additional device RD is in a predetermined mode M3 based on the input information INF (step S5).

[0121] As seen in Figure 11As seen in, the controller 20 changes the mode of the controller 20 from the sleep mode M23 to the activation mode M21 in response to the input information INF (step S4). Specifically, the controller 20 changes the mode from the sleep mode M23 to the activation mode M21 in response to the user input U1 in the sleep mode M23 (step S41 and step S42). If the power switch SW1 is turned on in the sleep mode M23 before the elapse of the determined time T2 since the generation of the control signal CS13, the controller 20 changes the mode from the sleep mode M23 to the activation mode M21 (steps S41 to S43). The controller 20 generates and transmits the control signal CS11 in response to the change of the mode from the sleep mode M23 to the activation mode M21 (step S44). The controller 20 starts measuring time to determine the elapse of the signal determination time T1 (step S45). The controller 20 changes the mode from the activation mode M21 to the waiting mode M22 in response to the completion of the generation of the control signal CS11 (step S46). After the mode changes from the activation mode M21 to the waiting mode M22, the process returns to step S3. If necessary and / or desirable, the time measurement in step S45 can start at any timing during the mode change in step S2. For example, if necessary and / or desirable, the time measurement in step S45 can start at a timing different from the timing shown in Figure 11 (e.g., after step S43 and before step S44). Further, if necessary and / or desirable, the time measurement in step S45 can start at the same timing as the timing of step S43, S44, or S46.

[0122] As seen in Figure 11 and Figure 12 in order to generate the check signal CS14, if the controller 20 does not detect the user input U1 within the determined time T2 in the sleep mode M23, the controller 20 changes the mode from the sleep mode M23 to the activation mode M21 (steps S41, S42, and S51). As seen in Figure 12 the controller 20 generates and transmits the check signal CS14 in response to the change of the mode from the sleep mode M23 to the activation mode M21 (step S52). The controller 20 starts measuring time to determine the elapse of the determined time T3 (step S53). The controller 20 changes the mode from the activation mode M21 to the waiting mode M22 in response to the completion of the generation of the check signal CS14 (step S54). If necessary and / or desirable, the time measurement in step S53 can start at any timing during the mode change in step S1. For example, if necessary and / or desirable, the time measurement in step S53 can start at a timing different from the timing shown in Figure 12Start at different timings (e.g., after step S51 and before step S52). Additionally, if needed and / or desired, the time measurement in step S53 can start at the same timing as the timings of steps S51, S52, or S54.

[0123] As seen in Figure 12 the controller 20 determines whether it has received the confirmation signal CS3 from the controller 30 of the additional device RD within the determined time T3 since the generation of the check signal CS14 (steps S55 and step S56). If the controller 20 detects the confirmation signal CS3 within the determined time T3 in the waiting mode M22, the controller 20 maintains the second mode M2 (steps S55 and S58). Specifically, if the controller 20 detects the confirmation signal CS3 within the determined time T3 in the waiting mode M22, the controller 20 changes the mode from the waiting mode M22 to the sleep mode M23 (steps S55 and S58). The controller 20 starts measuring time to determine that the determined time T2 has elapsed (step S59). The process returns to step S4. If needed and / or desired, the time measurement in step S59 can start at any timing during the mode change in step S5. For example, if needed and / or desired, the time measurement in step S59 can start at a timing different from Figure 12 the timings shown (e.g., before step S58). Additionally, if needed and / or desired, the time measurement in step S59 can start at the same timing as the timing of step S58.

[0124] If the controller 20 does not detect the confirmation signal CS3 within the determined time T3 in the waiting mode M22, the controller 20 repeats generating and sending the check signal CS14 a predetermined number of times (steps S55 and S56). Specifically, the process enters Figure 13 the step S6 shown.

[0125] As seen in Figure 12 and Figure 13 if the controller 20 does not detect the confirmation signal CS3 within the determined time T3 in the waiting mode M22, the controller 20 resets the count value N to zero (steps S55, step S56, and step S60). As seen in Figure 13As seen in, the controller 20 changes the mode from the waiting mode M22 to the activation mode M21 (step S61). The controller 20 generates and transmits a check signal CS14 in response to changing the mode from the waiting mode M22 to the activation mode M21 (step S62). The controller 20 starts measuring time to determine that a determined time T4 has elapsed (step S63). The controller 20 changes the mode from the activation mode M21 to the waiting mode M22 in response to the completion of generating the check signal CS14 (step S64). The controller 20 increments the count value N by 1 (step S65).

[0126] As seen in Figure 13 As seen in, the controller 20 determines whether the controller 20 has received a confirmation signal CS3 from the additional controller 30 of the additional device RD within a determined time T4 from the generation of the confirmation signal CS14 (steps S66 and S67). If the controller 20 detects the confirmation signal CS3 within the determined time T4 in the waiting mode M22, the controller 20 maintains the second mode M2 (steps S66 and S68). Specifically, if the controller 20 detects the confirmation signal CS3 within the determined time T4 in the waiting mode M22, the controller 20 changes the mode from the waiting mode M22 to the sleep mode M23 (steps S66 and S68). The controller 20 starts measuring time to determine that a determined time T2 has elapsed (step S69). The process returns to step S4. If desired and / or necessary, the time measurement in step S69 can start at any timing during the mode change in step S6. For example, if desired and / or necessary, the time measurement in step S69 can start at a timing different from the timing shown in Figure 13 (e.g., before step S68). Additionally, if desired and / or necessary, the time measurement in step S69 can start at the same timing as the timing of step S68.

[0127] As seen in Figure 13 As seen in, if the controller 20 does not detect the confirmation signal CS3 within the determined time T4 in the waiting mode M22, the controller 20 determines whether the count value N has reached a predetermined count value N0 (steps S66, S67, and S70). If the count value N has not reached the predetermined count value N0, the controller 20 repeatedly executes steps S61 to S67 (steps S67 and S70). If the controller 20 determines that the count value N has reached the predetermined count value N0, the controller 20 changes the mode from the waiting mode M22 to the first mode M1 (steps S70 and S71). The process returns to step S1.

[0128] Variant Embodiment

[0129] The controller 20 may have additional modes (e.g., pairing mode) in addition to the first mode M1 and the second mode M2. One or two of the activation mode M21, the waiting mode M22, and the sleep mode M23 may be omitted from the second mode M2. In other words, at least one of the activation mode M21, the waiting mode M22, and the sleep mode M23 may be combined into another one of the activation mode M21, the waiting mode M22, and the sleep mode M23. For example, as seen in Figure 14 and Figure 15 , the waiting mode M22 may be combined into the activation mode M21, and the waiting mode M22 may be omitted from the second mode M2. As seen in Figure 16 and Figure 17 , the sleep mode M23 may be combined into the waiting mode M22, and the sleep mode M23 may be omitted from the second mode M2. Figures 10 to 12 The flowchart shown in

[0130] may be modified according to the above-described variant embodiments of the mode of the controller 20. Figures 11 to 12 The controller 20 may be configured to change the mode from the second mode M2 to the first mode M1 if the controller 20 does not detect the input information INF only within one of the determination time T2 and the determination time T3 in the second mode M2. That is, in Figure 13 , at least one of step S4 and step S5 may be omitted from the flowchart of the controller 20. In addition, step S6 shown in

[0131] may be omitted from the flowchart of the controller 20.

[0132] As used herein, the term "comprising" and its derivatives are intended to be open-ended terms that specify the presence of the recited features, elements, components, groups, integers, and / or steps, but do not preclude the presence of other unrecited features, elements, components, groups, integers, and / or steps. This concept also applies to words with similar meanings, such as the terms "having", "including" and their derivatives.

[0133] When used in the singular form, the terms "member", "section", "portion", "part", "element", "body", and "structure" may have a dual meaning of a single part or multiple parts.

[0133] Ordinal numbers such as "first" and "second" described in this application are only identifiers and do not have any other meanings (e.g., specific order, etc.). In addition, for example, the term "first element" does not imply the existence of a "second element" by itself, and the term "second element" does not imply the existence of a "first element" by itself.

[0134] As used herein, the term "pair" can include configurations in which a pair of elements have different shapes or structures from each other, in addition to configurations in which a pair of elements have the same shape or structure as each other. The terms "a" (or "an"), "one or more" and "at least one" are used interchangeably herein. The phrase "at least one" as used in this disclosure refers to "one or more" in a desired selection. For one example, the phrase "at least one" as used in this disclosure means "only a single selection" or "both of two selections" if the number of its selections is two. For other examples, the phrase "at least one" as used in this disclosure means "only a single selection" or "any combination of two or more selections" if the number of its selections is equal to or greater than three. For example, 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 of A, B and C. In other words, in this disclosure, the phrase "at least one of A and B" does not mean "at least one of A and at least one of B".

[0135] Finally, degree terms such as "substantially", "about" and "approximately" as used herein refer to a reasonable deviation amount that modifies the term such that the final result is not significantly changed. All numerical values described in this application can be interpreted to include terms such as "substantially", "about" and "approximately".

[0136] Obviously, various modifications and changes can be made to the present invention according to the above teachings. Therefore, it should be understood that within the scope of the appended claims, the present invention can be practiced in a manner different from that specifically described herein.

Claims

1. An operating device for a human-powered vehicle, the operating device comprising: Base member; An operating member movably coupled to the base member; An electrical switch configured to receive user input in response to movement of the operating member to operate an additional device; And A controller configured to change at least between a first mode and a second mode of the controller, In the first mode, the controller is configured to be at a first power consumption, and In the second mode, the controller is configured to be at a second power consumption different from the first power consumption; Wherein, the controller is configured to: if the controller does not detect input information within a determined time in the second mode, change the mode from the second mode to the first mode, The second mode includes a waiting mode and an activation mode, The controller is configured to send a signal to the additional device in the activation mode, The controller is configured not to send a signal to the additional device in the waiting mode, and The controller is configured to: change the mode between the activation mode and the waiting mode at a constant interval while the controller continuously detects input information in the second mode.

2. The operating device according to claim 1, wherein a first power consumption is lower than a second power consumption, and the controller is configured to change a mode from a first mode to a second mode in response to input information.

3. The operating device according to claim 1, wherein the input information includes user input received by an electrical switch, and the controller is configured to change a mode from a first mode to a second mode in response to user input received by the electrical switch.

4. The operating device according to claim 3, wherein the controller is configured to: if the controller does not detect user input within a determined time in the second mode, change the mode from the second mode to the first mode.

5. The operating device according to claim 2, wherein the second power consumption includes a waiting power consumption and an activation power consumption higher than the waiting power consumption, the first power consumption is lower than the waiting power consumption and the activation power consumption, the operating device is at the waiting power consumption in a waiting mode, and the operating device is at the activation power consumption in an activation mode.

6. The operating device according to claim 5, wherein the controller is configured to change a mode from the first mode to the activation mode in response to input information.

7. The operating device according to claim 6, wherein the controller is configured to generate a control signal in the activation mode.

8. The operating device according to claim 7, wherein The controller is configured to generate a control signal in response to changing the mode to the activation mode.

9. The operating device according to claim 7, wherein The controller is configured to change the mode from the activation mode to the waiting mode in response to completion of generating the control signal.

10. The operating device according to claim 5, wherein The controller is configured to: if the controller detects an interruption of input information in the second mode, change the mode from the waiting mode to the activation mode.

11. The operating device according to claim 10, wherein The second power consumption includes a sleep power consumption higher than the first power consumption, and the sleep power consumption is lower than the activation power consumption and the waiting power consumption; The second mode includes a sleep mode, and the operating device is configured to be at the sleep power consumption in the sleep mode, and The controller is configured to: if the controller generates a control signal after detecting an interruption of input information in the second mode, change the mode from the activation mode to the sleep mode.

12. The operating device according to claim 11, wherein The controller is configured to change the mode of the controller from the sleep mode to the activation mode in response to the input information.

13. The operating device according to claim 11, wherein The controller is configured to: if the controller does not detect input information within a determined time in the sleep mode, change the mode from the sleep mode to the first mode.

14. The operating device according to claim 1, wherein The controller is configured to stop consuming power in the first mode.

15. The operating device according to claim 1, wherein The controller is configured to determine whether an additional device is in a predetermined mode based on the input information, and The controller is configured to: if the controller determines that the additional device is in the predetermined mode, change the mode from the second mode to the first mode.

16. The operating device according to claim 15, wherein, The controller is configured to generate a check signal in the second mode to determine whether the additional device is in a predetermined mode, and The controller is configured to: if the controller determines that the additional device is in the predetermined mode, change the mode from the second mode to the first mode.

17. The operating device according to claim 1, wherein, The controller is configured to: if the controller does not detect an acknowledgement signal from the additional device within a determined time in the second mode, change the mode from the second mode to the first mode.

18. The operating device according to claim 17, wherein, The controller is configured to: while the controller repeatedly generates and sends the check signal a predetermined number of times, if the controller does not detect an acknowledgement signal, repeatedly generate and send the check signal a predetermined number of times.

19. An operating device for a human-powered vehicle, the operating device comprising: Base member; An operating member movably coupled to the base member; An electrical switch configured to receive user input in response to movement of the operating member to operate an additional device; And A controller configured to change at least between a first mode and a second mode of the controller, In the first mode, the controller is configured to be at a first power consumption, and In the second mode, the controller is configured to be at a second power consumption different from the first power consumption; Wherein, the controller is configured to stop consuming power in the first mode, The second mode includes a waiting mode and an activation mode, The controller is configured to send a signal to the additional device in the activation mode, The controller is configured not to send a signal to the additional device in the waiting mode, and The controller is configured to: change the mode between the activation mode and the waiting mode at a constant interval while the controller continuously detects input information in the second mode.

20. The operating device according to claim 19, wherein the input information includes user input received by an electrical switch, and the controller is configured to change the mode from a first mode to a second mode in response to user input received by the electrical switch.

21. The operating device according to claim 19 or 20, wherein the second power consumption includes a waiting power consumption and an activation power consumption higher than the waiting power consumption, the first power consumption is lower than the waiting power consumption and the activation power consumption, the operating device is at the waiting power consumption in the waiting mode, and the operating device is at the activation power consumption in the activation mode.

22. The operating device according to claim 21, wherein the controller is configured to: if the controller detects an interruption of the input information in the second mode, change the mode from the waiting mode to the activation mode.

23. The operating device according to claim 22, wherein the second power consumption includes a sleep power consumption higher than the first power consumption, the sleep power consumption being lower than the activation power consumption and the waiting power consumption; the second mode includes a sleep mode, the operating device being configured to be at the sleep power consumption in the sleep mode, and the controller is configured to: if the controller generates a control signal after detecting an interruption of the input information in the second mode, change the mode from the activation mode to the sleep mode.

24. An operating device for a human-powered vehicle, the operating device comprising: Base member; An operating member movably coupled to the base member; An electrical switch configured to receive user input in response to movement of the operating member to operate an additional device; And A controller configured to change at least between a sleep mode and a waiting mode of the controller, In the sleep mode, the controller is configured to be at a sleep power consumption, and In the waiting mode, the controller is configured to be at a waiting power consumption different from the sleep power consumption; Wherein, the controller is configured to: if the controller does not detect input information within a determined time in the waiting mode, change the mode from the waiting mode to the sleep mode.

25. The operating device according to claim 24, wherein, The operating device further includes: a processor; and a signal transmission circuit for wirelessly transmitting signals, the signal transmission circuit being connected to the processor, The controller is configured to: while the controller is configured to allow power supply to the processor in the waiting mode, interrupt the power from the power source to the signal transmission circuit.

Images