Electronic control device

Abstract

The invention provides an electronic control device which comprises a base and an operation rod pivoted on the base, the operation rod is provided with a rod part protruding out of the base, a first operation part connected with the tail end of the rod part and a second operation part connected with the side edge of the rod part, and when the first operation part is subjected to external force, the second operation part is connected with the side edge of the rod part. When the first operation part is subjected to external force, the operation rod rotates towards a first direction and triggers a control unit to enable the control unit to send a first signal, when the second operation part is subjected to external force, the operation rod rotates towards a second direction and triggers the control unit to enable the control unit to send a second signal, and the second direction is different from the first direction. The second signal is different from the first signal. Therefore, according to the electronic control device, the first operation part and the second operation part are arranged on the same side of the operation rod, so that a rider can operate the electronic control device more intuitively and conveniently, and the convenience in operation is improved.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to an electronic control device for a bicycle, and more particularly to an electronic control device that can provide intuitive operation. Background Art

[0002] Patent US2007 / 0000343 discloses a bicycle generator switch. When the rider presses the first operating lever, the first operating lever strikes the first piezoelectric element with the first hammer, and then the first piezoelectric element outputs a downshift signal to the motor through the first wireless signal output unit, so that the motor drives the derailleur to perform a downshift action; similarly, when the rider presses the second operating lever, the second operating lever strikes the second piezoelectric element with the second hammer, and then the second piezoelectric element outputs an upshift signal to the motor through the second wireless signal output unit, so that the motor drives the derailleur to perform an upshift action.

[0003] However, in the aforementioned patent case, the rider needs to press the first operating lever and the second operating lever respectively to complete the gear switching. In addition to being more complicated in structure configuration, the operation is not intuitive enough, which makes the rider easily confused when switching gears. Therefore, there is still room for improvement in the structure of the aforementioned patent case. Summary of the invention

[0004] The main purpose of the present invention is to provide an electronic control device, which can make the rider more intuitive and convenient when switching gears, so as to increase the convenience of operation.

[0005] In order to achieve the above main purpose, the electronic control device of the present invention includes a base, an operating rod, and a control unit. The base has a chamber and an opening connected to the chamber; the operating rod has a pivot portion located in the chamber, and the operating rod is pivotally connected to the base by the pivot portion. In addition, the operating rod has a rod portion, a first operating portion and a second operating portion, the rod portion is connected to one end of the pivot portion and protrudes out of the base through the opening, the first operating portion is connected to an end of the rod portion, and the second operating portion is connected to a side of the rod portion; the control unit is arranged in the chamber of the base, and is used to send a first signal or a second signal different from the first signal, wherein when the first operating portion of the operating rod is acted upon by an external force, the operating rod rotates in a first direction and triggers the control unit, so that the control unit sends the first signal, and when the second operating portion of the operating rod is acted upon by another external force, the operating rod rotates in a second direction different from the first direction and triggers the control unit, so that the control unit sends the second signal.

[0006] From the above, it can be seen that the electronic control device of the present invention arranges the first operating part and the second operating part on the same side of the operating lever, so that the rider can complete the operation with two fingers of the same hand, which is more intuitive and convenient in operation, thereby achieving the purpose of increasing the convenience of operation.

[0007] Preferably, the operating rod further has an arm and an action portion, the arm is connected to the other end of the pivot portion and is located in the housing of the base, and the action portion is connected to the arm. The control unit includes a circuit board, a first reed switch, a second reed switch and a magnet, the first reed switch and the second reed switch are both electrically connected to the circuit board and are located on two opposite sides of the operating rod, and the magnet is embedded in the action portion of the operating rod and is located between the first reed switch and the second reed switch. Thereby, when the operating rod rotates in the first direction, the magnet approaches the first reed switch to turn it on, thereby causing the circuit board to send the first signal, and when the operating rod rotates in the second direction, the magnet approaches the second reed switch to turn it on, thereby causing the circuit board to send the second signal.

[0008] Preferably, a first reset mechanism and a second reset mechanism are further arranged in the housing of the base, and the first reset mechanism and the second reset mechanism are located at two opposite sides of the operating rod. The operating portion of the operating rod has a first acting end and a second acting end, and when the operating rod rotates in the first direction to a first position, the operating rod pushes a button of the first reset mechanism with the first acting end of the acting portion, and when the operating rod rotates in the second direction to a second position, the operating rod pushes a button of the second reset mechanism with the second acting end of the acting portion.

[0009] Preferably, when the external force applied to the first operating portion of the operating rod is eliminated, the button of the first reset mechanism applies a reset force to the first acting end of the acting portion of the operating rod, so that the operating rod returns from the first position to an initial position in the second direction; when the external force applied to the second operating portion of the operating rod is eliminated, the button of the second reset mechanism applies a reset force to the second acting end of the acting portion of the operating rod, so that the operating rod returns from the second position to the initial position in the first direction.

[0010] Preferably, the control unit includes a circuit board, a first touch switch and a second touch switch. The first touch switch and the second touch switch are both electrically connected to the circuit board and are located on two opposite sides of the operating rod. Thus, when the operating rod rotates to a first position in the first direction, the operating rod touches a button of the first touch switch with the first action end of the action part, so that the first touch switch is turned on, thereby causing the circuit board to send the first signal. When the operating rod rotates to a second position in the second direction, the operating rod touches a button of the second touch switch with the second action end of the action part, so that the second touch switch is turned on, thereby causing the circuit board to send the second signal.

[0011] Preferably, when the external force applied to the first operating portion of the operating rod is eliminated, the button of the first touch switch applies a reset force to the first acting end of the acting portion of the operating rod, so that the operating rod returns from the first position to an initial position in the second direction; when the external force applied to the second operating portion of the operating rod is eliminated, the button of the second touch switch applies a reset force to the second acting end of the acting portion of the operating rod, so that the operating rod returns from the second position to the initial position in the first direction.

[0012] Preferably, the pivoting portion of the operating rod is pivotally connected to the base via a pivot, and a reset element (such as a torsion spring) is sleeved on the pivot. The reset element is connected to the base and the operating rod to provide a reset force to the operating rod.

[0013] Preferably, the first signal and the second signal are both speed change signals for controlling a motor to drive a derailleur to switch speed gears.

[0014] Preferably, the first signal and the second signal are used to control the actuation of a dropper seat tube, a suspension front fork, a buzzer or a hydraulic brake respectively.

[0015] The detailed structure, features, assembly or use of the electronic control device provided by the present invention will be described in the detailed description of the implementation method in the following. However, those with ordinary knowledge in the field of the present invention should understand that the detailed description and the specific embodiments listed for implementing the present invention are only used to illustrate the present invention and are not used to limit the scope of the patent application of the present invention. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0016] Figure 1 is a three-dimensional diagram of an electronic control device according to a first embodiment of the present invention;

[0017] Figure 2 is a three-dimensional exploded view of an electronic control device according to a first embodiment of the present invention;

[0018] Figure 3It is a top view of the electronic control device of the first embodiment of the present invention with some components omitted, mainly showing that the operating lever is in the initial position;

[0019] Figure 4 Similar Figure 3 , mainly showing that the operating lever is in the first position;

[0020] Figure 5 Similar Figure 3 , mainly showing that the operating lever is in the second position;

[0021] Figure 6 is a block diagram of an electronic control device according to a first embodiment of the present invention;

[0022] Figure 7 is a three-dimensional diagram of an electronic control device according to a second embodiment of the present invention;

[0023] Figure 8 is a three-dimensional exploded view of an electronic control device according to a second embodiment of the present invention;

[0024] Fig. 9 This is a top view of the electronic control device of the second embodiment of the present invention with some components omitted, mainly showing that the operating lever is in the initial position;

[0025] Fig.10 Similar Fig. 9 , mainly showing that the operating lever is in the first position;

[0026] Fig.11 Similar Fig. 9 , mainly showing that the operating lever is in the second position;

[0027] Fig.12 is a block diagram of an electronic control device according to a second embodiment of the present invention;

[0028] Wherein, the reference numerals are:

[0029] 10: Electronic control device

[0030] 10': Electronic control device

[0031] 12: Handlebars

[0032] 14: Motor

[0033] 16: Derailleur

[0034] 20: Base

[0035] 21: Base

[0036] 22: Axis

[0037] 23: Opening

[0038] 24: Installation slot

[0039] 25: Top cover

[0040] S1: Screw

[0041] 26: Ring

[0042] 27: Room

[0043] S2: Pivot

[0044] 30: Operation lever

[0045] 31: Pivot

[0046] 32: Pivot hole

[0047] 33: Rod

[0048] 34: First operating unit

[0049] 35: Second operating unit

[0050] 36: Arm

[0051] 37: Action Department

[0052] 372: First action end

[0053] 374: Second action end

[0054] 376: Magnet mounting hole

[0055] 40: Control unit

[0056] 41: Circuit Board

[0057] S3: Screw

[0058] 42: First magnetic spring mechanism

[0059] 43: Second magnetic spring mechanism

[0060] 44: Magnet

[0061] 50: First reset mechanism

[0062] 52: Button

[0063] 60: Second reset mechanism

[0064] 62: Button

[0065] 70: Control unit

[0066] 80: First touch switch

[0067] 82: Button

[0068] 90: Second touch switch

[0069] 92: Button

[0070] P1: Initial position

[0071] P2: First position

[0072] P3: Second position. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0073] The following is a detailed description of the technical content and features of the present invention through several examples listed below in conjunction with drawings. Directional descriptive terms such as "upper", "lower", "inner", "outer", "top", and "bottom" mentioned in this specification are only illustrative descriptive terms based on normal usage directions and are not intended to limit the scope of the claims.

[0074] In order to explain the technical features of the present invention in detail, the following embodiments are given with reference to the accompanying drawings, wherein:

[0075] See also Figure 1 and Figure 2 The electronic control device 10 of the first embodiment of the present invention is applicable to a bicycle, and in this embodiment is used to transmit two different electronic signals to control the switching of the gear shifting positions. The electronic control device 10 of the first embodiment of the present invention includes a base 20, an operating lever 30, a control unit 40, a first reset mechanism 50, and a second reset mechanism 60.

[0076] like Figure 1 and Figure 2 As shown, the base 20 has a base 21, a top cover 25, and a collar 26. The base 21 has a shaft 22, an opening 23, and two mounting grooves 24. The opening 23 is adjacent to the right side of the shaft 22; the two mounting grooves 24 are located at the front and rear sides of the shaft 22; the top cover 25 is locked to the base 21 by a plurality of screws S1 to form a chamber 27 communicating with the opening 23 between the top cover 25 and the base 21; the collar 26 is connected to the front side of the base 21, and the base 20 is fixed to a handlebar 12 through the collar 26.

[0077] like Figure 2 and Figure 3As shown, the operating lever 30 has a pivot portion 31, which is sleeved on the shaft portion 22 of the base 21 through a pivot hole 32 and is located in the housing chamber 27 of the base 20. A pivot S2 passes through the pivot hole 32 from top to bottom and is locked to the shaft portion 22 of the base 21, so that the pivot portion 31 cannot be separated from the shaft portion 22 and can pivot relative to the shaft portion 22. In addition, the operating rod 30 further has a rod portion 33, a first operating portion 34, a second operating portion 35, an arm portion 36 and an action portion 37, wherein the rod portion 33 is connected to the right end of the pivot portion 31 and protrudes out of the base 20 through the opening 23; the first operating portion 34 is connected to the end of the rod portion 33 and protrudes from the bottom surface of the rod portion 33; the second operating portion 35 is connected to the front side of the rod portion 33 and is located between the pivot portion 31 and the first operating portion 34 and protrudes from the top surface of the rod portion 33; the arm portion 36 is connected to the left end of the pivot portion 31 and is located in the accommodation chamber 27 of the base 20; the action portion 37 is connected to the end of the arm portion 36 and has a first action end 372, a second action end 374 and a magnet mounting hole 376 located between the first action end 372 and the second action end 374.

[0078] The control unit 40 is disposed in the housing 27 of the base 20. In this embodiment, Figure 2 and Figure 3 As shown, the control unit 40 includes a circuit board 41, a first reed switch 42, a second reed switch 43 and a magnet 44. The circuit board 41 is fixed to the top cover 25 by two screws S3 and is electrically connected to a motor 14 (such as Figure 6 As shown), it is used to control the start and stop of the motor 14; the first reed switch 42 and the second reed switch 43 are both electrically connected to the circuit board 41 and are located at the front and rear opposite sides of the operating rod 30; the magnet 44 is embedded in the magnet installation hole 376 of the action portion 37 of the operating rod 30 and is located between the first reed switch 42 and the second reed switch 43.

[0079] The first reset mechanism 50 and the second reset mechanism 60 are installed in the installation slot 24 of the base 21 and have a button 52 , 62 respectively. The two buttons 52 , 62 correspond to the first and second action ends 372 , 374 of the operating rod 30 respectively.

[0080] As can be seen from the above, when the rider pushes the first operating portion 34 backward with the right index finger, the operating rod 30 moves in a first direction D1 from Figure 3 The initial position P1 shown is rotated to Figure 4 In the first position P2 shown in FIG. 1 , the magnet 44 approaches the first reed switch 42 to turn it on, thereby causing the circuit board 41 to send a first signal (shift-up signal) to the motor 14 (eg, Figure 6As shown in the figure), the motor 14 can drive a derailleur 16 to perform an upshift action. At the same time, the operating rod 30 will push the button 52 of the first reset mechanism 50 with the first action end 372, so that the button 52 of the first reset mechanism 50 compresses a spring (not shown) inwardly to accumulate an elastic restoring force. Once the external force applied to the first operating portion 34 disappears, the button 52 of the first reset mechanism 50 will apply a restoring force to the first action end 372 of the operating rod 30 through the elastic restoring force released by the spring, so that the operating rod 30 moves from the first direction D1 to the second direction D2 opposite to the first direction D1. Figure 4 The first position P2 shown returns to Figure 3 The initial position P1 is shown.

[0081] On the other hand, when the rider pushes the second operating portion 35 forward with the right thumb, the operating rod 30 moves in the second direction D2 from Figure 3 The initial position P1 shown is rotated to Figure 5 In the second position P3 shown in FIG. 1 , the magnet 44 approaches the second reed switch 43 to turn it on, thereby causing the circuit board 41 to send a second signal (downshift signal) to the motor 14 (eg Figure 6 As shown in the figure), the motor 14 can drive a derailleur 16 to perform a downshift action. At the same time, the operating rod 30 will push the button 62 of the second reset mechanism 60 with the second action end 374, so that the button 62 of the second reset mechanism 60 compresses a spring (not shown) inwardly to accumulate an elastic restoring force. Once the external force applied to the second operating portion 35 disappears, the button 62 of the second reset mechanism 60 will apply a restoring force to the second action end 374 of the operating rod 30 through the elastic restoring force released by the spring, so that the operating rod 30 moves toward the first direction D1 from as shown in the figure. Figure 5 The second position P3 shown returns to Figure 3 The initial position P1 is shown.

[0082] Please continue reading Figures 7 to 9 The electronic control device 10 ′ of the second embodiment of the present invention is substantially similar in structure to the first embodiment, except that the control unit 70 is different and the first reset mechanism 50 and the second reset mechanism 60 are omitted.

[0083] Specifically, the control unit 70 in this embodiment includes a circuit board 41, a first touch switch 80, and a second touch switch 90. The circuit board 41 is electrically connected to the motor 14 to control the start and stop of the motor 14 (eg, Fig.12 The first and second touch switches 80 , 90 are both electrically connected to the circuit board 41 and are located at two opposite sides of the operating rod 30 .

[0084] As can be seen from the above, when the rider pushes the first operating portion 34 backward with the index finger of the right hand, the operating rod 30 moves in the first direction D1 from Fig. 9 The initial position P1 shown is rotated to Fig.10 In the first position P2 shown in FIG. 1 , the operating rod 30 uses the first action end 372 to touch a button 82 of the first touch switch 80, so that the first touch switch 80 is turned on, thereby causing the circuit board 41 to send a first signal (upshift signal) to the motor 14 (such as Fig.12 As shown in the figure), the motor 14 can drive the derailleur 16 to shift up. At the same time, when the button 82 of the first reset mechanism 50 is pushed by an external force, a spring sheet (not shown) is compressed inwardly to accumulate an elastic restoring force. Once the external force applied to the first operating portion 34 disappears, the button 82 of the first touch switch 80 will apply a restoring force to the first action end 372 of the operating rod 30 through the elastic restoring force released by the spring sheet, so that the operating rod 30 moves in the second direction D2 from the position shown in the figure. Fig.10 The first position P2 shown returns to Fig. 9 The initial position P1 is shown.

[0085] On the other hand, when the rider pushes the second operating portion 35 forward with the right thumb, the operating rod 30 moves in the second direction D2 from Fig. 9 The initial position P1 shown is rotated to Fig.11 In the second position P3 shown in FIG. 1 , the operating rod 30 uses the second action end 374 to touch a button 92 of the second touch switch 90, so that the second touch switch 90 is turned on, thereby causing the circuit board 41 to send a second signal (downshift signal) to the motor 14 (such as Fig.12 As shown in the figure, the motor 14 can drive the derailleur 16 to downshift. At the same time, when the button 92 of the second touch switch 90 is pushed by an external force, a spring sheet (not shown) is compressed inwardly to accumulate an elastic restoring force. Once the external force applied to the second operating portion 35 disappears, the button 92 of the second touch switch 90 will apply a restoring force to the second action end 374 of the operating rod 30 through the elastic restoring force released by the spring sheet, so that the operating rod 30 moves from the first direction D1 to the second direction D2. Fig.11 The second position P3 shown returns to Fig. 9 The initial position P1 is shown.

[0086] It should be supplemented here that the electronic control device 10, 10' of the present invention can also use a reset element, such as a torsion spring (not shown in the figure) to provide a reset force for the operating rod 30. In this case, the torsion spring is sleeved on the pivot S2 and its two ends are in contact with the base 20 and the operating rod 30, so that when the operating rod 30 is subjected to an external force, it pushes against one end of the torsion spring to accumulate elastic restoring force. When the external force on the operating rod 30 is eliminated, the reset effect can be achieved by the elastic restoring force released by the torsion spring.

[0087] In summary, the electronic control device 10, 10' of the present invention sets the first operating portion 34 and the second operating portion 35 on the same side of the operating lever 30, so that the rider can complete the operation with two fingers of the same hand, which is more intuitive and convenient in operation than the prior art, thereby achieving the purpose of increasing the convenience of operation. It should also be noted that the electronic control device 10, 10' of the present invention is not limited to controlling the switching of the gear position. In fact, the electronic control device 10, 10' of the present invention can also use two different signals to control the actuation of mechanisms such as the dropper seat tube, the suspension front fork, the buzzer, the hydraulic brake, etc. Since the operation method is roughly the same as the above embodiment, it is not necessary to repeat it here.

[0088] The above description is merely the content described in the above embodiments of the present application, and it cannot be used to limit the patent protection scope of the present application. Any simple changes or equivalent implementations made according to the contents of the book and patent specification of the present application should be covered by the patent scope of the present application.

Claims

1. An electronic control device for transmitting two different electronic signals, characterized in that: The electronic control device comprises: A base having a chamber and an opening communicating with the chamber; An operating rod having a pivoting portion, the pivoting portion is pivoted to the base and is located in the receiving chamber, the operating rod further having a rod portion, a first operating portion and a second operating portion, the rod portion is connected to one end of the pivoting portion and protrudes out of the base through the opening, the first operating portion is connected to an end of the rod portion, and the second operating portion is connected to a side of the rod portion; as well as a control unit, disposed in the housing of the base, for sending a first signal or a second signal; When the first operating part of the operating rod is acted upon by an external force, the operating rod rotates in a first direction and triggers the control unit, causing the control unit to send the first signal; when the second operating part of the operating rod is acted upon by another external force, the operating rod rotates in a second direction and triggers the control unit, causing the control unit to send the second signal, wherein the second direction is different from the first direction, and the second signal is different from the first signal.

2. The electronic control device according to claim 1, characterized in that The operating rod further has an arm and an action portion, the arm is connected to the other end of the pivot portion and is located in the housing chamber of the base, and the action portion is connected to the arm; the control unit includes a circuit board, a first reed switch, a second reed switch and a magnet, the first reed switch and the second reed switch are both electrically connected to the circuit board and are located on two opposite sides of the operating rod, the magnet is embedded in the action portion of the operating rod and is located between the first reed switch and the second reed switch; when the operating rod rotates in the first direction, the magnet approaches the first reed switch to turn it on, thereby causing the circuit board to send the first signal, and when the operating rod rotates in the second direction, the magnet approaches the second reed switch to turn it on, thereby causing the circuit board to send the second signal.

3. The electronic control device according to claim 2, characterized in that: The invention further comprises a first reset mechanism and a second reset mechanism, wherein the first reset mechanism and the second reset mechanism are both arranged in the accommodation chamber of the base and located at two opposite sides of the operating rod; the action portion of the operating rod has a first action end and a second action end, and when the operating rod is rotated to a first position in the first direction, the operating rod pushes a button of the first reset mechanism with the first action end of the action portion, and when the operating rod is rotated to a second position in the second direction, the operating rod pushes a button of the second reset mechanism with the second action end of the action portion.

4. The electronic control device according to claim 3, characterized in that: When the external force applied to the first operating portion of the operating lever is eliminated, the button of the first reset mechanism applies a reset force to the first acting end of the acting portion of the operating lever, so that the operating lever returns to an initial position from the first position in the second direction; when the external force applied to the second operating portion of the operating lever is eliminated, the button of the second reset mechanism applies a reset force to the second acting end of the acting portion of the operating lever, so that the operating lever returns to the initial position from the second position in the first direction.

5. The electronic control device according to claim 1, characterized in that: The operating rod further has an arm and an action portion, the arm is connected to the other end of the pivot portion and is located in the housing chamber of the base, and the action portion is connected to an end of the arm and has a first action end and a second action end; the control unit includes a circuit board, a first touch switch and a second touch switch, the first and second touch switches are both electrically connected to the circuit board and are located on two opposite sides of the operating rod; when the operating rod is rotated to a first position in the first direction, the operating rod touches a button of the first touch switch with the first action end of the action portion, so that the first touch switch is turned on, thereby causing the circuit board to send the first signal; when the operating rod is rotated to a second position in the second direction, the operating rod touches a button of the second touch switch with the second action end of the action portion, so that the second touch switch is turned on, thereby causing the circuit board to send the second signal.

6. The electronic control device according to claim 5, characterized in that: When the external force applied to the first operating portion of the operating rod is eliminated, the button of the first touch switch applies a restoring force to the first acting end of the acting portion of the operating rod, so that the operating rod returns from the first position to an initial position in the second direction; when the external force applied to the second operating portion of the operating rod is eliminated, the button of the second touch switch applies a restoring force to the second acting end of the acting portion of the operating rod, so that the operating rod returns from the second position to the initial position in the first direction.

7. The electronic control device according to claim 1, characterized in that: The pivoting portion of the operating rod is pivotally connected to the base via a pivot shaft, a reset element is sleeved on the pivot shaft, and the reset element is connected to the base and the operating rod to provide a reset force for the operating rod.

8. The electronic control device according to claim 7, characterized in that: The reset element is a torsion spring.

9. The electronic control device according to claim 1, characterized in that: The first signal and the second signal are both speed change signals, which are used to control a motor to drive a derailleur to switch speed gears.

10. The electronic control device according to claim 1, characterized in that: The first signal and the second signal are used to control the actuation of a dropper seat tube, a suspension front fork, a buzzer or a hydraulic brake respectively.

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