Bicycle control system

Abstract

The utility model provides a bicycle control system. The bicycle control system is used on the bicycle equipped with multiple handlebars to control the action of the executing component on the bicycle. The bicycle control system comprises: a first control device configured on one of the multiple handlebars; a second control device configured on another of the multiple handlebars; wherein the first control device is in wired or wireless communication connection with the executing component to control the action of the executing component, and the second control device is in communication connection with the first control device to control the action of the executing component by the first control device. The bicycle control system provided by the utility model avoids independently arranging communication cables or configuring wireless modules between the multiple handlebars and the executing component, significantly reduces the system complexity and hardware cost, and improves the operation convenience and communication reliability.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This utility model relates to the field of bicycle technology, and in particular to a bicycle control system. Background Technology

[0002] In the field of bicycle technology, with the diversification of riding scenarios and the increasing demands of user operation, bicycles equipped with multiple handlebars are becoming increasingly common. Multiple handlebar designs can meet the needs of cyclists in different riding postures in various scenarios such as racing, climbing, and leisure, but they also place higher demands on the layout and execution efficiency of the bicycle control system.

[0003] In existing technologies, some multi-handlebar bicycle control systems employ a single handlebar integrated control device design. This means that all control operations, such as shifting and braking, are directly transmitted to the actuators via a control component fixed to the main handlebar; the auxiliary handlebar has no control device and is only used for gripping. Clearly, this design prevents riders from controlling the bicycle via the auxiliary handlebar, resulting in inconvenience and a limited range of operating methods.

[0004] In other solutions, a complete control unit is installed on each set of handlebars, and each control unit communicates independently with the actuators. While this solution enables multi-position control, it requires separate wiring or wireless communication modules for each control unit, significantly increasing system complexity, cost, and failure rate. In particular, wireless solutions are susceptible to signal interference or latency.

[0005] Therefore, it is necessary to propose a new technical solution to overcome the above-mentioned shortcomings. Utility Model Content

[0006] This invention provides a bicycle control system that improves operational convenience and communication reliability.

[0007] To achieve the above objectives, this utility model adopts the following technical solution: a bicycle control system for use on a bicycle equipped with multiple sets of handlebars, for controlling the movement of actuators on the bicycle, the bicycle control system comprising: The first control device is disposed on one of the multiple sets of handlebars; The second control device is configured on another set of the multiple sets of handlebars; The first control device is connected to the execution component via wired or wireless means to control the operation of the execution component, and the second control device is connected to the first control device to control the operation of the execution component through the first control device.

[0008] Optionally, the second control device is connected to the first control device via a cable.

[0009] Optionally, the first control device includes a first operating component for triggering the first control device to generate a control signal, and the second control device includes a second operating component for triggering the first control device to generate the same control signal.

[0010] Optionally, the first operating component includes multiple buttons, which are used to trigger and generate various control signals in a one-to-one correspondence. Each control signal is used to control the actions of different execution components, or to control the same execution component to perform different actions.

[0011] Optionally, the second operating component includes at least one button, and the number of buttons included in the second operating component is less than the number of buttons included in the first operating component, wherein the at least one button included in the second operating component is configured to be used for multiplexing to trigger the generation of different control signals.

[0012] Optionally, at least one button of the second operating component is configured to respond to short presses and long presses to trigger the generation of different control signals; or, multiple buttons of the second operating component can be combined to trigger the generation of control signals.

[0013] Optionally, the first operating component and the second operating component are shifting operating components for controlling the shifting of the front derailleur and / or the rear derailleur of the bicycle, and the second control device further includes a braking operating component for controlling the braking of the bicycle.

[0014] Optionally, the first operating component is disposed at the front end of the first control device, and the second operating component is disposed on the side of the second control device.

[0015] Optionally, the multiple handlebar sets include a set of lower handlebars and a set of upper handlebars. The set of upper handlebars is an aero handlebar and is equipped with a bracket for supporting the rider's arm. The first control device is located at the end of the set of upper handlebars, and the second control device is located at the end of the set of lower handlebars.

[0016] Optionally, both the lower handlebar and the upper handlebar include hollow handlebar tubes, and the cables connecting the first control device and the second control device pass through the hollow handlebar tubes.

[0017] The bicycle control system provided by this utility model has a first control device arranged on one set of handlebars and a second control device arranged on another set of handlebars. The first control device is connected to the actuator via wired or wireless means to control the actuator's operation. The second control device is connected to the first control device to control the actuator's operation through the first control device. This architecture design, which uses the second control device to relay communication through the first control device, avoids the need to independently lay communication cables or configure wireless modules between multiple sets of handlebars and actuators, significantly reducing system complexity and hardware costs, and improving operational convenience and communication reliability. Attached Figure Description

[0018] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions of the embodiments of this utility model, the accompanying drawings of the embodiments will be briefly introduced below. Obviously, the drawings described below only involve some embodiments of this utility model, and are not intended to limit this utility model.

[0019] Figure 1 This is a perspective view of the bicycle control system of this utility model.

[0020] Figure 2 This is another perspective view of the bicycle control system of this utility model.

[0021] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram showing the connection between the first control device and the second control device in the bicycle control system of this utility model.

[0022] Figure 4 This is a three-dimensional exploded view of the first control device in the bicycle control system of this utility model.

[0023] Figure 5 This is a system module block diagram of an embodiment of the bicycle control system of this utility model.

[0024] Explanation of reference numerals in the attached drawings: 10, upper handlebar; 11, upper handlebar tube; 12, first control device; 121, first base; 122, first operating component; 1221, operating button; 1222, button; 1223, circuit board; 123, battery; 124, indicator light; 13, bracket; 20, lower handlebar; 21, lower handlebar tube; 22, second control device; 221, second base; 222, second operating component; 223, brake operating component; 30, cable. Detailed Implementation

[0025] To make the objectives, technical solutions, and advantages of the embodiments of this utility model clearer, the utility model will be further described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings. The components of the embodiments of this utility model described and shown in the accompanying drawings can be arranged and designed in various different configurations. All other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art based on the embodiments of this utility model without inventive effort are within the scope of protection of this utility model.

[0026] It should be noted that similar labels and letters in the following figures indicate similar items. Therefore, once an item is defined in one figure, it does not need to be further defined and explained in subsequent figures.

[0027] Unless otherwise defined, the technical or scientific terms used in this patent document shall have the ordinary meaning understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this utility model pertains. The terms "first," "second," and similar terms used in this utility model patent specification and claims do not indicate any order, quantity, or importance, but are merely used to distinguish different components. Similarly, the terms "an," "a," or "the" do not indicate a quantity limitation, but rather indicate the presence of at least one. The terms "comprising" or "including" indicate that the element or object preceding "comprising" encompasses the element or object listed following "comprising" or its equivalents, and do not exclude other elements or objects. Terms such as "center," "upper," "lower," "left," "right," "vertical," "horizontal," "inner," and "outer" are used only to indicate relative positional relationships. When the absolute position of the described object changes, the relative positional relationship may also change accordingly. They are only for the convenience of describing this utility model and simplifying the description, and do not indicate or imply that the device or element referred to must have a specific orientation, or be constructed and operated in a specific orientation, and therefore should not be construed as a limitation of this utility model.

[0028] In the description of this utility model, it should be noted that, unless otherwise explicitly specified and limited, the terms "installation," "connection," and "joining" should be interpreted broadly. For example, they can refer to a fixed connection, a detachable connection, or an integral connection; they can refer to a mechanical connection or an electrical connection; they can refer to a direct connection or an indirect connection through an intermediate medium; and they can refer to the internal connection of two components. Those skilled in the art can understand the specific meaning of the above terms in this utility model based on the specific circumstances.

[0029] The following detailed description of some embodiments of the present invention is provided in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. Unless otherwise specified, the features in the following embodiments can be combined with each other.

[0030] Please see Figures 1 to 4As shown, this utility model discloses a bicycle control system for use on a bicycle equipped with multiple sets of handlebars, for controlling the operation of actuators on the bicycle. The bicycle control system includes a first control device 12 and a second control device 22. The first control device 12 is disposed on one set of the multiple sets of handlebars, and the second control device 22 is disposed on the other set of the multiple sets of handlebars. The first control device 12 is communicatively connected to the actuators via a wired or wireless means to control the operation of the actuators. The second control device 22 is communicatively connected to the first control device 12 to control the operation of the actuators via the first control device 12.

[0031] The bicycle control system provided by this utility model, through the architecture design of the second control device 22 relaying communication with the first control device 12, avoids the need to independently lay communication cables 30 or configure wireless modules between multiple sets of handlebars and actuators, significantly reducing system complexity and hardware cost, and improving operational convenience and communication reliability.

[0032] like Figure 1 and Figure 2 As shown, the bicycle control system of this utility model is mainly applied to bicycles equipped with multiple handlebars. In this embodiment, it includes an upper handlebar 10 and a lower handlebar 20. The upper handlebar 10 is an aero handlebar with a bracket 13 to support the rider's arm, while the lower handlebar 20 is the main grip handlebar. Both handlebars adopt a hollow handlebar tube structure, that is, they have hollow upper handlebar tube 11 and lower handlebar tube 21. The upper handlebar tube 11 and lower handlebar tube 21 form a cable channel inside, providing a physical path for signal transmission.

[0033] In this embodiment, the second control device 22 is communicatively connected to the first control device 12 via a cable 30, which passes through the hollow handlebar tube. This wiring method avoids the impact of exposed cables on riding aesthetics, while utilizing the structural strength of the handlebar tube to protect the cables from external environmental interference such as rain and impacts. For a control system that uses wireless communication, only the first control device 12 needs to have a built-in Bluetooth module or other wireless module to communicate directly with the wireless receiver of the actuator. In this case, the second control device 22 is only connected to the first control device 12 via a cable, without the need for an additional wireless module.

[0034] The upper handlebars 10 consist of a pair, arranged approximately symmetrically on the left and right. Similarly, the lower handlebars 20 also consist of a pair, arranged approximately symmetrically on the left and right. Correspondingly, the first control device 12 consists of a pair, arranged on the left and right, and is installed at the ends of the upper handlebars 10, specifically at the free ends of the two upper handlebar tubes 11. The second control device 22 consists of a pair, arranged on the left and right, and is installed at the ends of the lower handlebars 20, specifically at the free ends of the two lower handlebar tubes 21.

[0035] In this embodiment, the first control device 12 communicates with the bicycle's actuators via wired or wireless means. The actuators include electrically driven front and rear derailleurs, etc. The specific structures of the front and rear derailleurs can refer to existing electric derailleur configurations, and this document does not impose any limitations on them. This document mainly focuses on the arrangement of the control devices. In this embodiment, for example, the first control device 12 located on the right handlebar controls the shifting of the front derailleur, and the first control device 12 located on the left handlebar controls the shifting of the rear derailleur. The first control device 12 serves as the main control unit, integrating a signal processing module, a wireless communication module (if a wireless solution is used), and a power supply module. The first control device 12 includes a first operating component 122 for triggering the generation of control signals. In this embodiment, the first operating component 122 includes multiple buttons 1222, which are used to trigger various control signals one-to-one. Each control signal controls the action of a different actuator, or controls the same actuator to perform different actions. That is, the buttons 1222 of the first operating component 122 adopt a one-to-one signal triggering mode. Each button corresponds to a unique control command. The triggering action of each button directly generates the corresponding control signal and sends it to the execution component through the wireless or wired module of the first control device 12. This control method is convenient and efficient.

[0036] Specifically, such as Figure 4 As shown, the first control device 12 includes a first base 121 on which a first operating component 122 and a battery 123 are mounted. The first operating component 122 consists of an operating button 1221 and multiple buttons 1222, which are electrically connected to a circuit board 1223. Each button 1222 corresponds to a specific control signal, such as upshifting the front derailleur, downshifting the front derailleur, upshifting the rear derailleur, downshifting the rear derailleur, etc. In this embodiment, a first control device 12 includes two buttons 1222 and an operating button 1221 pivotally connected to the front end of the first base 121, such as... Figure 4As shown, the operation button 1221 is connected to the first base 121 with a pivot axis R2 as its axis. This pivot axis R2 is approximately perpendicular to the central axis R1 of the first base 121. The operation button 1221 is approximately C-shaped and can swing around the pivot axis R2 when force is applied. It can be pressed downward to activate one of the two buttons 1222, and can be flicked upward to activate the other of the two buttons 1222. These two buttons 1222 are used to control the same actuator, such as upshifting and downshifting of the rear derailleur. Similarly, the two buttons 1222 included in the first control device 12 on the other handlebar can be used to control upshifting and downshifting of the front derailleur. The buttons 1222 and operation button 1221 of the first operating component 122 are arranged on the front end face of the first base 121, making it convenient for the rider to operate quickly with their thumb or forefinger when holding the handlebars 10. The surface of the operation button 1221 may have a raised texture to enhance tactile feedback. The first control device 12 also includes an indicator light 124, which is used to light up when the button 1222 is triggered or when the signal from the second control device 22 is transmitted to the first control device 12, so as to provide feedback on the working status.

[0037] The first control device 12 contains a battery 123. In some embodiments, the battery 123, while enabling the operation of the circuit components within the first control device 12, also serves to connect to the second control device 22 via wires inside the handlebar tube, providing it with operating power. This design avoids the need for a separate battery within the second control device 22, simplifying the system structure and reducing maintenance difficulty. The battery 123 can be a button cell battery for easy replacement; in some embodiments, the battery 123 can also be a rechargeable battery, powered via a Micro-USB or Type-C charging port on the first base 121.

[0038] The second control device 22 is electrically connected to the first control device 12. The second control device 22 includes a second operating component 222 for triggering the first control device 12 to generate the same control signal as that generated by the first operating component 122. The same control signal refers to a signal that controls the same actuator to perform the same action. That is, a certain action of a certain actuator can be controlled by either the first control device 12 or the second control device 22. In this embodiment, the second control device 22 includes a second base 221 on which the second operating component 222 and a braking operating component 223 are mounted. The second operating component 222 includes at least one button, and the number of buttons included in the second operating component 222 is less than the number of buttons 1222 included in the first operating component 122. At least one of the buttons included in the second operating component 222 is configured for multiplexing to trigger different control signals.

[0039] In this embodiment, the first operating component 122 and the second operating component 222 are shifting operating components for controlling the shifting of the front derailleur and / or rear derailleur of the bicycle. The second control device 22 also includes a braking operating component 223 for controlling the bicycle's braking. In this embodiment, the second operating component 222 is disposed on the side of the second control device 22. For a pair of left and right second control devices 22, the pair of second operating components 222 are disposed on opposite sides of the pair of second control devices 22, which makes it convenient for the rider to press and activate the second operating component 222 and avoids interference with the braking operation. The second operating component 222 includes a button and a mechanical button disposed above the button for activating the button. The braking operating component 223 adopts a lever structure, and its operating lever is pivotally connected to the front end of the second base 221. The braking operating component 223 can specifically be a cable brake, hydraulic brake, electronic brake, etc.

[0040] In this embodiment, because the second control device 22 is equipped with a braking operation component 223, it is difficult to assemble and inconvenient to operate when a large number of buttons are arranged on the second control device 22, which is prone to misoperation. Therefore, the number of buttons on the second control device 22 is set to be less than the number of buttons on the first control device 12. The second operation component 222 has fewer buttons than the first operation component 122, but the same or partial control functions are achieved through signal multiplexing technology. In this embodiment, one second control device 22 includes one button, and the two second control devices 22 on the left and right have a total of two buttons. In use, the two buttons can be operated by short pressing, long pressing, or combined pressing to trigger five different control signals, which can fully realize the upshifting and downshifting control of the front and rear derailleurs.

[0041] In this embodiment, the buttons of the second operation component 222 employ a multiplexing design to reduce the number of buttons while maintaining functional integrity. At least one button in the second operation component 222 is configured to respond to short presses and long presses to trigger different control signals; or, multiple buttons 1222 in the second operation component 222 can be combined to trigger control signals. That is, the multiplexing design includes, but is not limited to, the following two multiplexing methods.

[0042] One type is time multiplexing: the same button triggers different signals by a short press duration of <0.5 seconds and a long press duration of ≥0.5 seconds. For example, a short press of the button on the second operating component 222 triggers the rear derailleur to upshift, while a long press triggers the rear derailleur to downshift. Another type is combination multiplexing: the coordinated operation of multiple buttons generates a combined signal. For example, pressing buttons A and B simultaneously triggers the front derailleur to downshift, while pressing buttons A or B individually triggers other functions respectively.

[0043] In this embodiment, since the rear cassette has a large number of chainrings, the buttons of the second operating components 222 are defined as follows: a short press of each of the left and right second operating components 222 is applied to trigger the rear derailleur to upshift and downshift, respectively. Since the front cassette has a smaller number of chainrings, typically only two, a short press of both left and right second operating components 222 simultaneously is defined as triggering the front derailleur to perform a shifting action. For example, if the chain is on the large wheel of the front cassette when both second operating components 222 are pressed simultaneously, the chain is shifted to the small wheel; if the chain is on the small wheel of the front cassette when both second operating components 222 are pressed simultaneously, the chain is shifted to the large wheel.

[0044] It should also be noted that the above definition of the button is only an example. The control signal triggered by the button can be defined by the manufacturer or the user, and is not limited to the definition method described above.

[0045] During assembly, the first base 121 and the second base 221 of the first control device 12 and the second control device 22 are fixed to the end of the handlebar tube by means of threaded connection, expansion locking, or snap-fit ​​structure, respectively. The cable 30 extends inside the handlebar tube and is electrically connected to the first control device 12 and the second control device 22. In use, when the rider holds the top handlebar 10 with both hands, the front or rear derailleur can be shifted up or down by pressing or flicking the operation button 1221 of the first operation component 122; when the rider holds the bottom handlebar 20 with both hands, the front or rear derailleur can be shifted up or down by pressing the button of the second operation component 222 alone or in combination.

[0046] Please see Figure 5 The diagram shown is a system block diagram of a specific embodiment of this utility model. In this embodiment, the system uses wireless communication module 3 as the communication host, receiving control signals from wireless communication modules 1 and 2 via Bluetooth wireless technology. Depending on the source of the control signal, it controls actuator 1, or sends control signals to wireless communication module 4 to control actuator 2 accordingly. Auxiliary control modules 1-1 and 2-1 are subordinate to wireless communication control modules 1 and 2, respectively, and the triggered control signals are identical. The specific connection method can be selected as wired or wireless according to application requirements. Lithium battery power supply modules 1 and 2 provide power to wireless communication modules 3 and 4, respectively, and manage the charging of the lithium batteries. Battery power supply modules 1 and 2 provide power to wireless communication modules 1 and 2.

[0047] The auxiliary control section contains two control buttons, and the button functions correspond one-to-one with the control signals of the subordinate wireless communication module 1 or wireless communication module 2.

[0048] In the wireless communication section, wireless communication modules 3 and 4 remain in sleep mode and operate in low power mode when they do not receive control commands from wireless communication module 1 or wireless communication module 2. When they receive control commands from wireless communication module 1 or wireless communication module 2, the wireless communication chip wakes up from sleep mode and enters normal working mode, sending control signals to the actuator.

[0049] The actuators perform corresponding actions based on control signals. Actuators 1 and 2 remain in a sleep state and operate in low-power mode when they do not receive control commands from wireless communication module 3 or 4. When they receive control commands from the wireless communication module, the actuators wake up from their sleep state and enter normal operating mode to perform the corresponding controlled actions.

[0050] The lithium battery power supply section provides power to the wireless communication module 3 and the wireless communication module 4. The lithium battery charging management is also integrated into this section. When the lithium battery is depleted to a low voltage, it can be charged through the charging port. During charging, the indicator light is always red and turns off when charging is complete.

[0051] The battery-powered section provides power to wireless communication module 1 and wireless communication module 2.

[0052] exist Figure 5 In the illustrated embodiment, the auxiliary control module 1-1, the wireless communication module 1, and the battery power supply module 1 are components included in one of the two second control devices 22; the auxiliary control module 2-1, the wireless communication module 2, and the battery power supply module 2 are components included in the other of the two second control devices 22; the wireless communication module 3 and the lithium battery power supply module 1 are components included in one of the two first control devices 12; and the wireless communication module 4 and the lithium battery power supply module 2 are components included in the other of the two first control devices 12.

[0053] As can be seen from the above description of the specific embodiments, the present invention has the following technical effects: Multi-position control flexibility: Riders can control the function from both the upper handlebar 10 and the lower handlebar 20, meeting the operational needs of different riding postures. Reduced system complexity: The second control device 22 only needs to integrate signal triggering and transmission functions, eliminating the need for an independent communication module, significantly reducing hardware costs and failure rates. Improved signal transmission reliability: The first control device 12 and the second control device 22 use a wired connection to avoid interference and delay of wireless signals, and the required cable 30 is shorter. Optimized button multiplexing technology: Through time multiplexing or combination multiplexing, the number of buttons on the second operating component 222 is reduced while maintaining the same functional coverage as the first operating component 122.

[0054] The above description is merely a specific embodiment of this utility model, but the protection scope of this utility model is not limited thereto. Any variations or substitutions that can be easily conceived by those skilled in the art within the technical scope disclosed in this utility model should be included within the protection scope of this utility model. Therefore, the protection scope of this utility model should be determined by the scope of the claims.

Claims

1. A bicycle control system for use on a bicycle equipped with multiple sets of handlebars to control the movement of actuators on the bicycle, characterized in that, The bicycle control system includes: The first control device is disposed on one of the multiple sets of handlebars; The second control device is configured on another set of the multiple sets of handlebars; The first control device is connected to the execution component via wired or wireless means to control the operation of the execution component, and the second control device is connected to the first control device to control the operation of the execution component through the first control device.

2. The bicycle control system as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The second control device is connected to the first control device via a cable.

3. The bicycle control system as described in claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, The first control device includes a first operating component for triggering the first control device to generate a control signal, and the second control device includes a second operating component for triggering the first control device to generate the same control signal.

4. The bicycle control system as described in claim 3, characterized in that, The first operating component includes multiple buttons, which are used to trigger various control signals one by one. Each control signal is used to control the actions of different execution components, or to control the same execution component to perform different actions.

5. The bicycle control system as described in claim 4, characterized in that, The second operating component includes at least one button, and the number of buttons included in the second operating component is less than the number of buttons included in the first operating component, wherein the at least one button included in the second operating component is configured to be used for multiplexing to trigger the generation of different control signals.

6. The bicycle control system as described in claim 5, characterized in that, The second operating component includes at least one button configured to respond to short presses and long presses to trigger the generation of different control signals; or, multiple buttons included in the second operating component can be combined to trigger the generation of control signals.

7. The bicycle control system as described in any one of claims 4 to 6, characterized in that, The first operating component and the second operating component are shifting operating components for controlling the shifting of the front derailleur and / or the rear derailleur of the bicycle. The second control device also includes a braking operating component for controlling the braking of the bicycle.

8. The bicycle control system as described in claim 7, characterized in that, The first operating component is disposed at the front end of the first control device, and the second operating component is disposed on the side of the second control device.

9. The bicycle control system as described in claim 7, characterized in that, The multiple handlebar sets include a set of lower handlebars and a set of upper handlebars. The set of upper handlebars is an aero handlebar and is equipped with a bracket for supporting the rider's arm. The first control device is located at the end of the set of upper handlebars, and the second control device is located at the end of the set of lower handlebars.

10. The bicycle control system as described in claim 9, characterized in that, Both the lower handlebar and the upper handlebar include hollow handlebar tubes, and the cables connecting the first control device and the second control device pass through the hollow handlebar tubes.

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