Energy storage device with position sensor for use in bicycle

Abstract

The invention relates to an energy storage device with a position sensor for use in a bicycle. An energy storage device for a bicycle comprises: a housing movable between at least a first position and a second position; the at least one battery unit is arranged in the shell; the at least one battery unit is arranged in the shell; and a heat sink coupled to the housing. When the shell is located at the first position, the radiator is located at the radiating position, and when the shell is located at the second position, the radiator is located at the non-radiating position. The energy storage device includes a position sensor coupled to the housing and configured to sense when the housing is in the second position. In various embodiments, the position sensor may be configured as an orientation sensor or a proximity sensor. The bicycle communication system may include a WiFi-enabled energy storage system.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present application generally relates to an energy storage device for a bicycle, and in particular to an energy storage device having a position sensor, and to methods for assembling and using an energy storage system and a communication system on a bicycle. Background Art

[0002] An electric-assisted bicycle or e-bike is typically powered by an energy storage device, such as a battery, that is connected to an external charge controller that manages the charging voltage and / or charging current. The charge controller requires a power line connection to the battery, a ground line connection, and a communication line connection. The external charge controller generates heat during battery charging. The external charge controller may include a radiator or other heat dissipation device that is preferably exposed to the surrounding environment and sufficient air flow to dissipate heat from the radiator. If the radiator is blocked or airflow is restricted, the charge controller may be prone to overheating.

[0003] In addition, many bicycles include multiple components, such as electric saddle pipes, gear shifters, derailleurs, etc., which can be adjusted or reconfigured and are usually connected to energy storage devices. Typically, a bicycle includes a main device that handles all pairing and communications between components and a user interface (e.g., a smart phone). The main device communicates with the components to collect status information from the components and / or transmit new configuration data to the components. The main device usually communicates with an application on the user interface via Bluetooth. Any changes made by the user to the system configuration are transmitted to the main device via Bluetooth and then transmitted to the relevant components. Thereafter, any system information received by the user on the user interface can be transmitted to one or more remote servers from the smart phone application via the Internet. Conversely, the server can transmit configuration information to the user interface, which is then transmitted to the main device and components. In this system, if the user is outside the Bluetooth range of the main device, the user cannot obtain and view the current status information or make system changes by reconfiguring. Summary of the invention

[0004] In one aspect, an embodiment of an energy storage device for a bicycle includes: a housing that can move between at least a first position and a second position; at least one battery cell that is disposed in the housing; and a heat sink that is coupled to the housing. When the housing is in the first position, the heat sink is in a heat dissipation position, and when the housing is in the second position, the heat sink is in a non-heat dissipation position. The energy storage device includes a position sensor that is coupled to the housing and is configured to sense when the housing is in the second position. In various embodiments, the position sensor can be configured as an orientation sensor or a proximity sensor.

[0005] On the other hand, an embodiment of a method for charging an energy storage device includes: connecting a power source to the energy storage device, wherein the energy storage device includes a heat sink; sensing a first position of the energy storage device with a position sensor; charging the energy storage device at a first charging rate if the first position of the energy storage device corresponds to the heat sink being in a heat dissipation position; moving the energy storage device to a second position; sensing the second position of the energy storage device with the position sensor; and charging the energy storage device at a second charging rate less than the first charging rate if the second position of the energy storage device corresponds to the heat sink being in a non-heat dissipation position. In various embodiments, the position sensor can be configured as an orientation sensor or a proximity sensor.

[0006] In another aspect, an embodiment of a bicycle communication system includes: a WiFi-enabled energy storage system. The WiFi-enabled energy storage system includes: at least one battery cell; a battery management system operatively coupled to the at least one battery cell; a charge controller configured to control a charging current supplied from a power source to the at least one battery cell; and a WiFi component configured to enable the energy storage device to communicate with a remote server.

[0007] Various embodiments of energy storage devices and methods of use and assembly thereof provide significant advantages over other energy storage devices, bicycles and methods. For example, but not limited to, a position sensor can sense when the heat sink is in a non-heat dissipating position and reduce the charging current so that the battery does not overheat.

[0008] The communication system also allows the WiFi-enabled energy storage device to communicate with a user interface such as a smart phone via the server and thereby provide status information to the user, including, for example but not limited to: the charging speed has been reduced, and / or information about other components in communication with the WiFi-enabled energy storage device. In addition, the user is able to configure the WiFi-enabled energy storage device or other components in communication with it via the server and the WiFi connection.

[0009] The foregoing paragraphs are provided by way of summary and are not intended to limit the scope of the claims set forth below. Various preferred embodiments and other advantages will be better understood by referring to the following detailed description in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0010] The objects, features and advantages of the present invention will become apparent from the following description read in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0011] Figure 1 is a side view of a bicycle having a drive unit and an energy storage device.

[0012] Figure 2 It is a three-dimensional diagram of the energy storage device.

[0013] Figure 3 yes Figure 2 A side view of the energy storage device shown.

[0014] Figure 4 is along Figure 3 A cross-sectional view of the energy storage device taken along line 4-4 in FIG.

[0015] Figure 5 is along Figure 4 An enlarged partial view of the charge controller taken along line 5-5 in FIG.

[0016] Figure 6 is a flow chart illustrating a charging process of an energy storage device configured with an orientation sensor.

[0017] Figure 7 is a flow chart illustrating a charging process of an energy storage device configured with a proximity sensor.

[0018] Figure 8 is a block diagram of an energy storage device equipped with an orientation sensor.

[0019] Fig. 9 is a block diagram of an energy storage device configured with a proximity sensor.

[0020] Fig.10 is a block diagram of a bicycle communication system.

[0021] Fig.11 is a flow chart illustrating communicating status information from one or more bicycle components and / or WiFi enabled devices to a user.

[0022] Fig.12 is a flow chart illustrating the transfer of configuration data from a user to a WiFi enabled device and one or more bicycle components. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0023] It should be understood that the term "multiple" as used herein refers to two or more. The term "longitudinal" as used herein refers to or relates to a length or length direction. The term "lateral" as used herein refers to being located in the lateral direction, pointing to the lateral direction, or extending in the lateral direction. The term "coupled" refers to connecting or engaging directly or indirectly (e.g., with an intermediate member), and does not require the engagement to be fixed or permanent, although it can be fixed or permanent. The term "connected" may refer to an electrical or mechanical connection. The term "communication" refers to a connection that allows power and / or data transmission, and may include wired or wireless connections. The terms "first", "second", etc. as used herein do not mean to be assigned to a specific component so designated, but simply refer to such components in the numerical order mentioned, which means that a component designated as "first" may later be a "second" such component, depending on the order in which it is cited. It should also be understood that the designation of "first" and "second" does not necessarily mean that the two components or values ​​so designated are different, which means that, for example, the first direction may be the same as the second direction, where each is simply applicable to different components. The terms "upper", "lower", "posterior", "front", "forward", "rearward", "vertical", "horizontal", "right", "left", "medial", "lateral" and variations or derivatives thereof refer to Figure 1 The orientation of the exemplary bicycle 50 shown (from the perspective of a user seated thereon) is such that, for example, "inboard" components or features are closer to a vertical mid-plane of the bicycle 50 extending in direction A. The term "lateral" means not parallel. The terms "outboard" and "outward" refer to directions or features that point away from a central location, for example, the phrases "radially outward," "radial directions," and / or their derivatives refer to features that point away from a central location. Conversely, the terms "inboard" and "inwardly" refer to directions toward a central or inboard location. The term "subassembly" refers to an assembly of multiple components, wherein the subassemblies are capable of being further assembled into other subassemblies and / or a final assembly, such as the bicycle 50.

[0024] Figure 1An example of a human-powered vehicle is shown, which may also include an electric drive system. In this example, the vehicle is a bicycle 50 of one possible type, such as an electric bicycle ("E-bike"). In alternative embodiments, the bicycle may be a mountain bike, a gravel bike, a road bike, other bicycles, or any combination thereof. The bicycle 50 has a frame 52, a handlebar 54 near the front end of the frame 52, and a seat or saddle 56 for supporting the rider on the top of the frame 52. The bicycle 50 also has a first wheel or front wheel 58 carried by a front fork subassembly 60 supporting the front end of the frame 52. The bicycle 50 also has a second wheel or rear wheel 62 supporting the rear end of the frame 52. The rear end of the frame 52 may be supported by a rear suspension component 61 (e.g., a rear shock absorber). The bicycle 50 has a transmission 64 with a crank assembly 66, which is operatively connected to a rear cassette flywheel 70 or a driven sprocket assembly near a rear axle by a roller chain 68, and the rear axle provides a rotation axis of the rear wheel 62. The crank assembly 66 includes at least one (typically two) crank arms 75 and pedals 76. A crank spindle or axle can connect the two crank arms. The crank axle defines the central rotation axis of the chain ring assembly. The crank assembly 66 may also include other components.

[0025] A rear shifting device 37, such as a derailleur, is provided at the rear wheel 62 to move the roller chain 68 through the different sprockets of the cassette 70. In one embodiment, a front shifting device (not shown), such as a derailleur, may be provided to move the chain 68. In the example shown, the saddle 56 is supported on a seat tube 81 having an end received in the top of a frame riser 89 of the frame. A clamping ring 91 may be tightened to secure the upper seat tube 81 to the lower frame riser 89. Figure 1 , arrow A shows the normal riding or forward movement direction of the bicycle 50.

[0026] Reference Figure 1 , the bicycle 50 includes a drive unit 100 mounted on the frame 52 and coupled to the crank assembly 66. The drive unit 100 can be powered to partially or fully assist in the rotation of the crank assembly 66, the associated movement of the chain 68, and / or the associated rotation of the cassette 70 and the rear wheel 62. The drive unit 100 can be electrically coupled to an energy storage device 102, such as, but not limited to, a battery, which provides power to the drive unit 100.

[0027] See also Figures 1 to 5, the energy storage device 102 can be mechanically and electrically releasably coupled to the drive unit 100 and / or the bicycle frame 52. The energy storage device 102 includes a contact connector that can be connected to the drive unit 100 or engaged with the drive unit 100 through a drive unit contact connector, which can include one or more wires and connectors. The battery contacts on the energy storage device 102 are connected to and engaged with corresponding contacts on the drive unit or frame 52, and the corresponding contacts on the drive unit or frame 52 can be defined by a pair of pins, wires or other electrical contacts. The energy storage device 102 can be fixed to the drive unit 100 and / or the frame 52, and is held in place by a mounting device (e.g., a sliding interface) to maintain electrical connection, and can include one or more latches, pawls, tabs and / or other fasteners. The mounting device can be defined by the shape of the energy storage device housing 122 and the interface between the housing 122 and / or the drive unit 100. The phrase "mounting device" refers to any structure that maintains the position of the energy storage device 102 relative to the frame 52 and / or the drive unit 100, and may include an interface between the housing 122 and the frame 52 and / or the drive unit 100 (including an interface between contacts), and / or may include additional fasteners, such as bolts, tabs, clips, snaps, detents, plug / socket interfaces, and / or other suitable connectors. The energy storage device 102 (particularly the housing 122) is releasably connected to the frame 52 and / or the drive unit 100, which means that the energy storage device 102 and the housing 122 can be moved from an engaged position to a disengaged position and can be replaced or reinstalled with another energy storage device 102, such as after charging is performed remotely.

[0028] The housing 122 can be configured with a pair of laterally spaced opposing sidewalls 130 or covers and a peripheral wall 132 extending between and connected to the sidewalls 130. One or more of the peripheral wall 132 and the sidewalls 130 can define an enclosure that is covered by the other sidewall, wherein each sidewall 130 defines a cover. The sidewalls 130 can be connected to the peripheral wall 132 with one or more fasteners 133, which are shown as screws or adhesives, snap fits, tabs, clips, and / or other suitable fasteners 133. The housing 122 can include one or more charging ports 125, including battery contact connections. In one embodiment, the energy storage device 102 can include a first charging port 125 configured as a DC charging port, which includes, for example, a pair of electrical contacts, wherein the charging port 125 also defines a motor connection.

[0029] The sidewalls 130 and the peripheral wall 132 define an interior cavity 166 of the housing 122. The energy storage device 102 includes a plurality of battery cells 170 disposed or positioned in the housing 122, and specifically in the interior cavity 166 of the housing 122. The battery cells 170 are individual batteries that are connected in series and in parallel to form a battery pack 172. The battery pack cell configuration is described by the number of battery cells 170 in series and the number of battery cells 170 in parallel. There are many possible battery configurations suitable for the energy storage device 102, including, for example, but not limited to, 10S-3P, 13S-2P, and 16S-2P configurations.

[0030] Reference Figure 5 , Figure 8 and Fig. 9 , the energy storage device 102 may include a battery management system (BMS) 174 disposed in the housing 122. The BMS 174 may be mounted on a printed circuit board (PCB) 177 disposed in the housing 122. The PCB 177 covers and has contacts that form an electrical connection with the battery pack 172. The PCB 177 may be disposed or mounted in the inner cavity 166 of the housing 122, such as in the enlarged side 181. The BMS 174 is connected to the battery cells 170 in the battery pack 172 to monitor the voltage of the battery cells 170 to prevent failure. The BMS 174 also measures the current in and out of the battery pack 172 to prevent overcurrent failures. The BMS 174 may communicate with a temperature sensor 185 that is distributed throughout the battery pack 172 to monitor the temperature of the battery pack 172 during charging and discharging to prevent damage to the battery pack 172 due to overheating. Using all of this information, the BMS 174 can control the charge and discharge field effect transistors (FETS) to connect or disconnect the battery pack 172 from the rest of the system during charging and discharging. The BMS 174 receives configuration information from the microcontroller 178 and the radio 180. The configuration information may include charge / discharge current limits, individual battery voltage limits, and over / under temperature limits that may be preset by the microcontroller firmware. The configuration information may also be updated via a firmware update, or dynamically updated based on information received by the microcontroller 178 from other systems on the bicycle 50 (e.g., wirelessly received by the radio 180).

[0031] In one embodiment, the energy storage device 102 includes a charge controller 192 disposed in the housing 122 and mounted on the PCB 177 or a separate PCB 189. The charge controller 192 can be connected to a DC power source and modulate the DC power to safely charge the battery pack 172. In the case of a lithium-ion battery pack 172, the charge controller 192 provides a constant current to the battery cells 170 of the battery pack 172 until a target voltage is reached, and then the charge controller 192 provides a constant voltage while the current slowly decreases to zero. During charging, the charge controller 192 communicates with and receives messages from the battery management system 174 and the microcontroller 178 so that the charge controller 192 can modulate the charging current based on the state of the battery to provide fast and safe charging.

[0032] The microcontroller 178 may be disposed in the housing 122 or its inner cavity 166 and mounted on the PCBs 177, 189. The microcontroller 178 may receive data from the BMS 174, the charging controller 192, the inertial measurement unit (IMU) 190, and / or the smart phone application via wireless or wired communication. The IMU 190 may also be mounted on one or the other of the PCBs 177, 189. The microcontroller 178 uses the data to determine how quickly to charge the battery pack 172, how much power to supply from the charging port 125 (if connected), whether the energy storage device 102 has fallen off when not installed in the bicycle 50, when to display the battery charge status with an indicator (e.g., an LED), and / or when to enable the output of the energy storage device 102. The smart phone application may receive information about the energy storage device 102 via the microcontroller 178 and the radio 180. Some of the information that may be transmitted to the user interface 306, such as a smartphone configured with a human machine interface (HMI), may be the charging status, estimated charging time, faults, the temperature of the energy storage device 102, the voltage of the individual battery cells 170, the total voltage of the battery pack 172, and the health of the battery pack 172. The smartphone application may also transmit configuration information from the user interface 306 to the energy storage device 102.

[0033] The energy storage device 102 may also include an indicator, which in one embodiment is configured as an LED array mounted on the PCB 177, wherein the LED is visible to the user through the housing 122 or on the outside of the housing 122. The indicator may be a collection of red / blue / green (RGB) LEDs that may be used to display charging status, error messages, or general bicycle alarms. The LEDs may be activated via a battery installation detection device or by the IMU 190 depending on whether the energy storage device 102 has been installed. The indication may also be transmitted to the user via a smartphone application. Push notifications for faults may warn the user in more detail what has caused the energy storage device 102 to fail. Within the application, the battery charge status and operating conditions may be displayed on the component screen. In one embodiment, multiple indicators provide various indications. These LEDs may be used to indicate to the user several possible ways of the state of charge (SOC) and faults. For example, an SOC indication may be provided when the energy storage device 102 is not installed in the bicycle 50, and an SOC indication may be triggered, for example, when the energy storage device 102 is lifted or otherwise moved, wherein the movement is detected by the IMU 190.

[0034] The energy storage device 102 may include a sensor disposed in or on the housing 122 that detects whether the device has been mounted on the bicycle 50. The sensor may include a contact sensor, a force sensor, and / or a spatial sensor, and may be a magnetic sensor, a button sensor, an NFC sensor, an IR sensor, or any other type of sensor, whether electrical or mechanical.

[0035] The IMU 190 may be disposed in or on the housing 122 and may be mounted on the PCB 177. The IMU 190 includes an accelerometer, a gyroscope, and / or a magnetometer. The IMU 190 may use these three sensors to determine the position or orientation of the energy storage device 102 in space and its relative motion. The IMU 190 may communicate with the microcontroller 178 to track whether the energy storage device 102 has any impact when it is not mounted on the bicycle 50. If an impact has been detected, additional safety checks may be performed to ensure that the energy storage device 102 is still safe to use. Data from the IMU 190 may also be transmitted to other components on the bicycle 50 via the radio 180.

[0036] When the battery is installed in a bicycle, an internal charge controller 192 allows any voltage and current source to be applied to the output terminals of the battery or to a charging port located on the bicycle frame to provide charging current. Another source of charging current can be provided via a USB C port located on the battery or on the bicycle frame. Because the charge controller 192 is located on the battery pack 172, the heat generated from the charge controller 192 must be removed from the system.

[0037] refer to Figures 2 to 5 , a heat sink 194 is coupled to the housing 122, such as to one of the side walls 130, in an overlapping relationship with the charge controller 192 on one or more sides of the battery pack 172 that are thermally coupled to the electronics of the charge controller 192. In one embodiment, the heat sink 194 is configured as a metal plate that may have grooves 195 or fins on an outer surface to increase its exposed surface area. More than one heat sink 194 may be coupled to the housing adjacent to the charge controller 192. In order for the heat sink 194 to properly dissipate heat from the charge controller 192, the heat sink 194 is preferably exposed to the air in the heat dissipation position and not facing the ground 240 in the non-heat dissipation position. For example, the heat sink 194 may face upward, or away from the ground 240, such as Figure 4 as shown, or facing sideways, as Figure 3 As shown, all of these are heat dissipation locations.

[0038] In one embodiment, Figure 3 , Figure 4 and Fig. 9As shown, the IMU 190 is configured as a position sensor. A "position sensor" is a sensor that measures or senses the orientation of the energy storage device 102 and / or the radiator 194 (i.e., an orientation sensor, such as the IMU 190) or the proximity of the energy storage device 102 and / or the radiator 194 relative to the shielding member 250 (i.e., a proximity sensor 196). The phrase "shielding member" refers to any component 250 that can be positioned adjacent to the radiator 194 so as to prevent or adversely affect the heat dissipation function, such as a wall, furniture component, or other surface. The IMU 190 or orientation sensor can measure the orientation of the energy storage device 102 and detect when the radiator 194 is facing or away from the ground 240. The orientation sensor 190 is configured to signal the charge controller 192 when the housing 122 is in a position where the radiator 194 is in a non-heat dissipation position and / or a heat dissipation position. When the heat sink 194 faces the ground 240, the charge controller 192 will reduce the charging current in response to the signal from the position sensor to prevent the charge controller 192 and / or the battery cell 170 from overheating during charging. The microcontroller 178 may include a radio 180 that may communicate to or with one or more bicycle components or energy storage devices 102 used to power these components, including but not limited to adjustable saddle bars, front and / or rear derailleurs, torque sensors, shock absorbers, shift levers, etc., which may define a component network 310 individually or in combination, and the radio may communicate with a user interface 306 (e.g., a smart phone). If the energy storage device 102 is positioned so that the radiator 194 faces downward when the energy storage device 102 is charged, the radio device 180 may send a message to the user interface 306 informing the user that charging will be reduced if the energy storage device 102 is not moved (e.g., rotated) to another position so that the radiator 194 faces the open air environment (e.g., upward or sideways). Under their guidance, the user or someone can move the housing 122 to a position where the radiator 194 is in a heat dissipation position, such as by rotating the housing 122. In this way, the housing 122 can be moved, such as rotated, between a first position and a second position corresponding to a heat dissipation position and a non-heat dissipation position of the radiator 194. In other embodiments, if the energy storage device 102 is installed on the bicycle 50, the bicycle 50 can be manipulated to reposition the housing 122 and the radiator 194.

[0039] In another embodiment, Figures 3 to 5 and Fig. 9 As shown, the position sensor is configured as a proximity sensor 196. In one embodiment, the proximity sensor 196 is configured as a capacitive sensor using the heat sink 194 as a sensor node. Figure 4When the housing 122 is in the vicinity of a surface (such as the ground 240, a wall, or other surface shown), the relative capacitance between the heat sink 194 and the ground plane of the battery PCB 177, 189 will change. This capacitance change can be detected using an integrated circuit or analog hardware, wherein the charge controller 192 thereafter reduces the charging current in response to a signal received from the proximity sensor 196 to prevent the charge controller 192 and / or the battery cell 170 from overheating during charging. The proximity sensor 196 is configured to send a signal to the charge controller 192 when the housing 122 is in a position where the heat sink 194 is in a non-heat dissipation position and / or a heat dissipation position. In one embodiment, the heat sink 194 is positioned a distance (D) relative to the shielding member 250. When the housing 122 is in a position corresponding to the heat sink 194 being in the non-heat dissipation position, D is less than or equal to 10 cm. The distance (D) may also be less than or equal to 5 cm, 15 cm, or 30 cm, depending on the configuration of the heat sink. It should be understood that the energy storage device 102 may be configured with more than one position sensor, and may be configured with one or more orientation sensors 190 and one or more proximity sensors 196. Other suitable proximity sensors 196 may include, but are not limited to, magnetic sensors, optical (eg, infrared, photoelectric, etc.) sensors, ultrasonic sensors, fiber optic sensors, and / or Hall effect sensors.

[0040] Reference Figure 6 , Figure 8 and Fig. 9 In operation, for example, in action 600, the charging source 183 is connected to the energy storage device 102, and charging begins. In action 602, the microcontroller 178 queries the orientation sensor 190 to determine whether the energy storage device 102 is in a position corresponding to the heat dissipation position of the heat sink 194. In action 604, the orientation sensor 190 signals whether the heat sink 194 is facing downward (e.g., toward the ground 240), in a non-heat dissipation position, and if not facing downward, then in action 606, charging can continue at the previous normal rate. If in action 604, the orientation sensor 190 signals that the heat sink 194 is in a non-heat dissipation position, then in action 608, the controller 192 reduces or decreases the charging rate, and in action 610, the user is notified that the charging rate has been reduced and / or the energy storage device 102 (particularly the heat sink 194) is in a non-heat dissipation position. Then, under their guidance, the user or someone can reposition the energy storage device 102 so that the heat sink 194 is in a heat dissipation position. In a subsequent act 602 , the microcontroller 178 may again interrogate the orientation sensor 190 regarding the position of the housing 122 and the heat sink 194 .

[0041] Reference Figure 7, in operation, for example in act 600, the charging source 183 is connected to the energy storage device 102, and charging begins. In act 612, the microcontroller 178 interrogates the proximity sensor 196 to determine whether the energy storage device 102 is in a position in which the heat sink 194 is in a non-heat dissipation position, for example, at a distance D≤10 cm or less relative to the surface of the shielding member 250. In act 614, the proximity sensor 196 signals whether the heat sink 194 is positioned too close to the shielding member 250, in a non-heat dissipation position, and if not, in act 606, charging can continue at the previous normal rate. If in act 614, the proximity sensor 196 signals that the heat sink 194 is in a non-heat dissipation position, then in act 608, the controller 192 reduces or decreases the charging rate, and in act 610, the user is notified that the charging rate has been reduced and / or the energy storage device 102 (particularly the heat sink 194) is in a non-heat dissipation position. Then, under their guidance, the user or someone can reposition the energy storage device 102 so that the heat sink 194 is in a heat dissipation position, wherein the heat sink 194 is positioned at a distance D>10 cm. In a subsequent action 612 , the microcontroller 178 can query the proximity sensor 196 again.

[0042] Bicycle Communication System

[0043] refer to Figures 8 to 12, the energy storage device 102 is WiFi-enabled, which means that the energy storage device 102 is configured as a WiFi-enabled device (WED). In one embodiment, the WiFi-enabled energy storage device 102 is configured with a WiFi component 300, such as a radio device 180 or chip, and can be integrated into a microcontroller 178 that enables the energy storage device 102 to communicate with a remote server 302. It should be understood that other devices or components on the bicycle 50 can be WiFi-enabled devices (WED). If the user interface 306 is remote, or is not within the Bluetooth range of the WiFi-enabled energy storage device 102 or the component network 310 that defines the communication with the energy storage device 102, but there is a known WiFi network 312, all status information and configuration data of the paired system information can be transmitted directly to the WiFi-enabled energy storage device 102 and the remote server 302 via the Internet and the WiFi network 312 and transmitted between the WiFi-enabled energy storage device 102 and the remote server 302. The user can then open the application on their internet-connected 312 user interface 306 (e.g., a smartphone) and view: current status information about their bicycle 50, including, for example, but not limited to, the charging status of the energy storage device 102; or current status information about other components in the component network 310 (including their respective energy storage devices 102), including the charging status. At the same time, the user can transmit configuration data from the user interface 306 to the server 302 via the user interface 306 and the application, and then to the WiFi-enabled energy storage device 102, all of which is not within the range of the Bluetooth connection to the WiFi-enabled energy storage device 102 or the component network 310.

[0044] If the user interface 306 is within the Bluetooth range, the WiFi-enabled energy storage device 102 and any component in the component network 310 can communicate with the user interface 306 via Bluetooth. Any changes made by the user to the system configuration are transmitted back to the WiFi-enabled energy storage device 102 via Bluetooth and then transmitted to the relevant components, or alternatively transmitted directly to the components. Thereafter, any system information received by the user on the user interface 306 can be transmitted from the smartphone application to one or more remote servers 302 via the Internet 312. Conversely, the server 302 can transmit configuration information to the user interface 306, which is then transmitted to the WiFi-enabled energy storage device 102 and the components in the component network 310. The bicycle communication system may include at least one bicycle component that is configured to transmit status information to the WiFi-enabled energy storage device 102. In one embodiment, the at least one bicycle component includes a plurality of bicycle components or component networks 310, each of which is configured to transmit status information to the WiFi-enabled energy storage device 102.

[0045] The data transmitted between the WiFi-enabled energy storage device 102 and the remote server 302 may include, but is not limited to, the energy storage device charging state, the energy storage device charging current, the estimated charging completion time, the estimated charging completion time (if the energy storage device is rotated so that the heat sink can properly dissipate heat), the temperature of the energy storage device, the orientation of the energy storage device relative to the ground, and / or historical discharge current and temperature data. If the energy storage device has a proximity sensor, data about the distance of the energy storage device to the surface may also be transmitted.

[0046] Reference Fig.11 In operation, for example, in act 700, a WiFi-enabled device (e.g., a WiFi-enabled energy storage device 102) receives status information from one or more paired components or component networks 310. In act 702, the WiFi-enabled device 102 determines whether a known WiFi network 312 is present or within range. If so, in act 704, the WiFi-enabled device 102 transmits the status information to a server 302 and then to a user interface 306, such as a user's smartphone. In act 706, the user interface 306 pulls the status information from the server 302. In act 708, the user is able to view the status information using an application on the user interface 306. If no WiFi network 312 is detected in act 702, in act 710, the energy storage device 102 transmits the status information to the user interface 306 via Bluetooth, and in act 712, the user interface 306 transmits the status information to the server 302. In act 714, the user can view the status information via an application or on the Internet.

[0047] refer to Fig.12 In operation, for example, in act 716, the user interface 306 checks whether the energy storage device 102 or other WiFi-enabled device 102 is within Bluetooth range, and if not, in act 718, the user interface 306 checks whether the WiFi-enabled device (WED), such as the WiFi-enabled energy storage device 102, is connected to the Internet 312. If not, in act 720, the user is prohibited from reconfiguring the WED or the component. If the WED is connected to the Internet 312, in act 722, the user interface 306 can retrieve configuration information from the server 302, in act 724, the user can change the configuration, in act 726, the new configuration data is transmitted to the WED via the server 302, and in act 728, the WED transmits the new configuration data to the paired component 310. In act 730, if user interface 306 is within Bluetooth range of the WED, user interface 306 requests current configuration data from the WED, in act 732 the user changes the configuration, and in act 734, user interface 306 transmits the new configuration data to the WED and / or component 310 via Bluetooth.

[0048] In various embodiments, dedicated hardware implementations, such as application specific integrated circuits, programmable logic arrays, and other hardware devices, can be constructed to implement one or more methods described herein. The applications of the devices and systems that may include various embodiments may include a wide range of electronic and computer systems. One or more embodiments described herein may implement functions using two or more specific interconnected hardware modules or devices with associated control and data signals, which may be transmitted between and through these modules, or as part of an application specific integrated circuit. Therefore, this system includes software, firmware, and hardware implementations.

[0049] One embodiment of the radio 180 or communication interface provides data and / or signal communication from the energy storage device 102 to another component of the bicycle 50 or an external device (such as a mobile phone or other computing device). The communication interface uses any operable connection to transmit data. An operable connection can be a connection in which signals, physical communications, and / or logical communications can be sent and / or received. An operable connection can include a physical interface, an electrical interface, and / or a data interface. The communication interface can be configured as a wireless communication system for wireless communication, and can also include one or more antennas. The communication interface provides wireless communication in any format now known or later developed. Although this specification describes components and functions that can be implemented in specific embodiments with reference to specific standards and protocols, the present invention is not limited to these standards and protocols. For example, standards for Internet 312 and other packet switching network transmissions (e.g., TCP / IP, UDP / IP, HTML, HTTP, HTTPS) represent examples of the prior art. Such standards are periodically replaced by faster or more efficient equivalents having substantially the same functionality. It may also be used and / or ANT+ TM Standard, or alternatively, use and / or ANT+ TM Standards. Therefore, replacement standards and protocols having the same or similar functions as those disclosed herein are considered equivalents thereof. In one embodiment, the communication interface can be configured to transmit a signal indicating a power determined from the measured strain of the body. In addition, the determined power can be transmitted wirelessly.

[0050] The HMI on the user interface can be one or more buttons, keypads, keyboards, mice, styluses, trackballs, rocker switches, touchpads, voice recognition circuits, or other devices or components for transmitting data between the user and the energy storage device 102. The HMI can be a touch screen, which can be capacitive or resistive. The HMI can include a liquid crystal display (LCD) panel, a light emitting diode (LED), an LED screen, a thin film transistor screen, or other types of displays. The HMI can also include audio capabilities or speakers.

[0051] In one embodiment, the HMI includes an LED indicator that illuminates to indicate input of a command or other action to the power meter system.

[0052] The HMI is configured to send and / or receive data, such as control signals and / or commands, to and / or from bicycle components, such as rear derailleur 37, saddle bar 81, shift lever, shock absorber or other reconfigurable components. The HMI uses any operable connection to transmit data. An operable connection can be a connection in which signals, physical communications and / or logical communications can be sent and / or received. An operable connection can include a physical interface, an electrical interface and / or a data interface. The HMI provides wireless communication in any format now known or later developed. Although this specification describes components and functions that can be implemented in specific embodiments with reference to specific standards and protocols, the present invention is not limited to these standards and protocols. For example, standards for Internet 312 and other packet switching network transmissions (e.g., TCP / IP, UDP / IP, HTML, HTTP, HTTPS) represent examples of the prior art. Such standards are periodically replaced by faster or more efficient equivalents having substantially the same functions. Therefore, replacement standards and protocols having the same or similar functions as those disclosed herein are considered to be equivalents thereof.

[0053] According to various embodiments of the present disclosure, the methods described herein may be implemented with a software program executable by a computer system (such as a circuit). In addition, in an exemplary non-limiting embodiment, implementation may include distributed processing, component / object distributed processing, and parallel processing. Alternatively, a virtual computer system process may be constructed to implement one or more of the methods or functionalities described herein.

[0054] A computer program (also referred to as a program, software, software application, script, or code) may be written in any form of programming language, including compiled or interpreted languages, and it may be deployed in any form, including as a stand-alone program or as a module, component, subroutine, or other unit suitable for use in a computing environment. A computer program does not necessarily correspond to a file in a file system. A program may be stored in a portion of a file that holds other programs or data (e.g., one or more scripts stored in a markup language document), in a single file dedicated to the program in question, or in multiple collaborative files (e.g., files storing one or more modules, subroutines, or portions of code). A computer program may be deployed to execute on one or more computers located at one site or distributed across multiple sites and interconnected by a communications network.

[0055] The processes and logic flows described in this specification can be performed by one or more programmable processors executing one or more computer programs to perform functions by operating on input data and generating output. The processes and logic flows can also be performed by special purpose logic circuitry, and the apparatus can also be implemented as special purpose logic circuitry, such as an FPGA (field programmable gate array) or an ASIC (application specific integrated circuit).

[0056] As used in this application, the term "circuitry" refers to all of the following: (a) hardware-only circuit implementations (e.g., implementations in analog and / or digital circuits only) and (b) combinations of circuits and software (and / or firmware), such as (as applicable): (i) a combination of processors or (ii) portions of processor / software (including digital signal processors), software, and memory that work together to enable a device such as a mobile phone or server 302 to perform various functions; and (c) circuits, such as a microprocessor or portion of a microprocessor, that require software or firmware to operate even if the software or firmware is not physically present.

[0057] This definition of "circuitry" applies to all uses of this term in this application, including in any claims. As another example, as used in this application, the term "circuitry" would also cover an implementation of only a processor (or multiple processors) or portion of a processor and its (or its) accompanying software and / or firmware and other electronic components. The term "circuitry" would also cover (for example and if applicable to a particular claim element) a baseband integrated circuit or application processor integrated circuit for a mobile computing device or a similar integrated circuit in a server 302, a cellular network device, or other network device.

[0058] For example, processors suitable for executing computer programs include general and special purpose microprocessors, and any one or more processors of any type of digital computer. Typically, the processor receives instructions and data from a read-only memory or a random access memory or both. The basic elements of a computer are a processor for executing instructions and one or more memory devices for storing instructions and data. Typically, the computer also includes one or more mass storage devices for storing data, such as a magnetic disk, a magneto-optical disk, or an optical disk, or the computer is also operatively connected to one or more mass storage devices to receive data from it or to transmit data to it or both. However, the computer does not have to have such a device. In addition, the computer can be embedded in another device, such as a mobile phone, a personal digital assistant (PDA), a mobile audio player, a global positioning system (GPS) receiver, or a power meter system, to name just a few examples. Computer-readable media suitable for storing computer program instructions and data include all forms of non-volatile memory, media, and memory devices, including, for example, semiconductor memory devices, such as EPROM, EEPROM, and flash memory devices; magnetic disks, such as internal hard disks or removable disks; magneto-optical disks; and CDROM and DVD-ROM disks. The processor and the memory can be supplemented by, or incorporated in, special purpose logic circuitry.

[0059] The description of the embodiments described herein is intended to provide a general understanding of the structures of various embodiments. These illustrations are not intended to be used as a complete description of all elements and features of the devices and systems utilizing the structures or methods described herein. After reading this disclosure, many other embodiments will be apparent to those skilled in the art. Other embodiments may be utilized and derived from this disclosure so that structural and logical replacements and changes may be made without departing from the scope of this disclosure. In addition, the illustrations are merely representative and may not be drawn to scale. Certain proportions in the illustrations may be exaggerated, while other proportions may be minimized. Therefore, this disclosure and the accompanying drawings are considered to be illustrative rather than restrictive.

[0060] Although this specification contains many details, these details should not be interpreted as limitations on the scope of the present invention or the scope that may be claimed, but rather as descriptions of specific features of specific embodiments of the present invention. Certain features described in the context of a single embodiment in this specification may also be implemented in combination in a single embodiment. On the contrary, the various features described in the context of a single embodiment may also be implemented individually or in any suitable sub-combination in multiple embodiments. In addition, although features may be described above as working in certain combinations and even initially claimed as such, one or more features from the claimed combination may be deleted from the combination in some cases, and the claimed combination may be directed to a sub-combination or a change in the sub-combination.

[0061] Similarly, although operations and / or actions are depicted in the accompanying drawings and described herein in a particular order, this should not be understood as requiring that the operations be performed in the particular order shown or in sequence, or that all of the operations shown be performed to achieve the desired results. In some cases, multitasking and parallel processing may be advantageous. In addition, the separation of various system components in the above-described embodiments should not be understood as requiring such separation in all embodiments, and it should be understood that any of the described program components and systems can generally be integrated into a single software product or packaged into multiple software products.

[0062] One or more embodiments of the present disclosure may be referred to herein individually and / or collectively by the term "invention", which is only for convenience and is not intended to voluntarily limit the scope of the present application to any particular invention or inventive concept. In addition, although specific embodiments are shown and described herein, it should be understood that any subsequent arrangement designed to achieve the same or similar purpose may replace the specific embodiments shown. The present disclosure is intended to cover any and all subsequent modifications or variations of the various embodiments. The combination of the above-mentioned embodiments and other embodiments not specifically described herein will be apparent to those skilled in the art after reading this specification.

[0063] The Abstract of the present disclosure is provided and is submitted with the understanding that it will not be used to interpret or limit the scope or meaning of the claims. In addition, in the foregoing detailed description, various features may be grouped together or described in a single embodiment for the purpose of simplifying the present disclosure. This disclosure should not be interpreted as reflecting an intention that the claimed embodiments require more features than those expressly recited in each claim. On the contrary, as reflected in the following claims, the inventive subject matter may involve less than all the features of any disclosed embodiment. Therefore, the following claims are incorporated into the detailed description, wherein each claim independently represents a subject matter that is individually defined for protection.

[0064] The foregoing detailed description is intended to be considered illustrative rather than restrictive, and it should be understood that the appended claims, including all equivalents, are intended to define the scope of the invention. The claims should not be understood to be limited to the described order or elements unless this effect is stated. Therefore, all embodiments within the scope and spirit of the appended claims and their equivalents are claimed to be the present invention.

[0065] Although embodiments have been described for illustrative purposes, it will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that various modifications, additions and substitutions are possible without departing from the scope and spirit of the present disclosure. Therefore, the foregoing description is intended to be considered illustrative rather than restrictive, and it should be understood that all equivalents and / or combinations of the embodiments and examples are intended to be included in this description.

[0066] Although certain parts, components, features and methods of operation and use have been described herein according to the teachings of the present disclosure, the scope of coverage of this patent is not limited thereto. On the contrary, this patent covers all embodiments of the teachings of the present disclosure that fully fall within the scope of permissible equivalents.

Claims

1. An energy storage device for a bicycle, the energy storage device comprising: a housing movable between at least a first position and a second position; at least one battery cell disposed in the housing; a heat sink coupled to the housing, wherein the heat sink is in a heat dissipating position when the housing is in the first position, and the heat sink is in a non-heat dissipating position when the housing is in the second position; and A position sensor is coupled to the housing and is configured to sense when the housing is in the second position.

2. The energy storage device for a bicycle according to claim 1, wherein: The position sensor includes an orientation sensor.

3. The energy storage device for a bicycle according to claim 2, wherein: The orientation sensor includes an inertial measurement unit.

4. The energy storage device for a bicycle according to claim 2, wherein: When the housing is in the second position, the heat sink faces downward.

5. The energy storage device for a bicycle according to claim 1, wherein: The position sensor includes a proximity sensor.

6. The energy storage device for a bicycle according to claim 5, wherein: The proximity sensor includes a capacitive sensor.

7. The energy storage device for a bicycle according to claim 5, wherein: When the housing is in the second position, the radiator is positioned at a distance less than or equal to 10 centimeters from the shielding member.

8. The energy storage device for a bicycle according to claim 1, wherein: The energy storage device also includes a charging controller disposed in the housing.

9. The energy storage device for a bicycle according to claim 8, wherein: The heat sink is thermally coupled to the charge controller.

10. The energy storage device for a bicycle according to claim 8, wherein: The position sensor is operatively coupled to the charge controller, wherein the position sensor is configured to signal the charge controller when the housing is in the second position.

11. The energy storage device for a bicycle according to claim 10, further comprising a power source electrically coupled to the at least one battery unit, wherein: The charge controller is configured to reduce a charging current provided from the power source to the at least one battery cell in response to the signal received from the position sensor. 12 . The energy storage device for a bicycle according to claim 8 , further comprising a WiFi component configured to enable the energy storage device to communicate with a remote server.

13. An energy storage device for a bicycle, the energy storage device comprising: a housing rotatable between at least a first position and a second position; at least one battery cell disposed in the housing; a heat sink coupled to the housing, wherein the heat sink faces sideways and / or upward when the housing is in the first position, and wherein the heat sink faces downward when the housing is in the second position; and An orientation sensor is coupled to the housing and is configured to sense when the housing is in the second position.

14. The energy storage device for a bicycle according to claim 13, wherein: The orientation sensor includes an inertial measurement unit.

15. The energy storage device for a bicycle according to claim 13, wherein: The energy storage device also includes a charge controller disposed in the housing, wherein the orientation sensor is operatively coupled to the charge controller, wherein the orientation sensor is configured to signal the charge controller when the housing is in the second position.

16. The energy storage device for a bicycle according to claim 15, further comprising a power source electrically coupled to the at least one battery unit, wherein: The charge controller is configured to reduce a charging current provided from the power source to the at least one battery cell in response to the signal received from the orientation sensor.

17. An energy storage device for a bicycle, the energy storage device comprising: a housing movable between at least a first position and a second position; at least one battery cell disposed in the housing; a heat sink coupled to the housing, wherein the heat sink is positioned at a distance less than or equal to 10 centimeters from the shielding member when the housing is in the second position; as well as A proximity sensor is coupled to the housing and is configured to sense when the housing is in the second position.

18. The energy storage device for a bicycle according to claim 17, wherein: The proximity sensor includes a capacitive sensor.

19. The energy storage device for a bicycle according to claim 17, further comprising a charging controller disposed in the housing, wherein: The proximity sensor is operatively coupled to the charge controller, wherein the proximity sensor is configured to signal the charge controller when the housing is in the second position.

20. The energy storage device for a bicycle according to claim 19, further comprising a power source electrically coupled to the at least one battery unit, wherein: The charge controller is configured to reduce a charging current provided from the power source to the at least one battery cell in response to the signal received from the proximity sensor.

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