Bicycle control system

Abstract

Bicycle control system (1), comprising: a rear derailleur (4a) with a first wireless communication unit (41), a motor (43a, 43b, 43c, 43d) and a control unit (42a) which controls the motor (43a, 43b, 43c, 43d) based on a wireless signal received from the first wireless communication unit (41); a first gear shift actuation device (3a) which actuates the rear derailleur (4a) by means of the wireless signal; and a battery (2; 5) which is connected via a power line (21) to the rear derailleur (4a) and the first gear shifting device (3a), wherein the battery (2; 5) is provided as a separate element by the rear derailleur (4a) and the first gear shifting device (3a).

Description

[0001] This application claims priority over Japanese patent application No. 2013-141967, filed on July 5, 2013, and No. 2014-011235, filed on January 24, 2014. The complete disclosures of Japanese patent applications No. 2013-141967 and No. 2014-011235 are hereby incorporated by reference.

[0002] The present invention relates to a bicycle steering system.

[0003] A control device that can electrically control a transmission device, such as a front derailleur or suspension, is well known in the conventional manner (for example, JP 2013-121834 A). Such a control device can actuate a transmission device and the like by means of a wireless signal.

[0004] Another example of a bicycle component control unit is known from US 2012 / 0 253 600 A1.

[0005] To power an electric drive unit, which includes a transmission device or a suspension device as described above, a battery is incorporated into each of the electric drive units to supply power to each unit. However, with a battery in each electric drive unit, the battery replacement intervals vary due to differences in power consumption. This makes power supply maintenance cumbersome.

[0006] The object of the present invention is to simplify the maintenance of the power supply in a bicycle control system which includes an electric drive device that is actuated in response to a wireless signal.

[0007] According to the first aspect of the present invention, a bicycle control system comprises a rear derailleur with a first wireless communication unit, a motor and a control unit that controls the motor based on a wireless signal received from the first wireless communication unit, a first gear shifting actuation device that actuates the rear derailleur by means of the wireless signal, and a battery that is connected to the rear derailleur and the first gear shifting actuation device via a power line, wherein the battery is provided as a separate element from the rear derailleur and the first gear shifting actuation device.

[0008] This configuration connects the multiple electric drive devices to a single, primary power supply section, and power is drawn from this section. Therefore, the effort and labor required for battery replacement or recharging can be reduced, even when the electric drive devices are designed to be activated in response to a wireless signal.

[0009] Preferably, power from the first power supply section is fed to the actuating device. With this configuration, the effort and work involved in replacing or recharging the battery can be further reduced, since the electrical current from the first power supply section is also supplied to the actuating device.

[0010] The bicycle control system also includes a second power supply section. This second power supply section is connected to the actuating device and supplies electrical current to it. By providing a separate power supply for the actuating device from the power supply for the various electric drive components, the flexibility of the arrangement can be improved.

[0011] Preferably, the multiple electric drive devices and the first power supply section are designed to be attachable to the main frame of a bicycle. The actuating device and the second power supply section are also designed to be attached to a movable section that is movable relative to the main frame. In this configuration, the movable section can move more smoothly relative to the main frame because there is no cable, wire, or similar component extending across the main frame and the movable section.

[0012] Preferably, the bicycle control system further includes a first wireless communication unit. This first wireless communication unit is connected to each electric drive unit and receives a wireless signal. With this configuration, costs can be reduced because the electric drive units share a single first wireless communication unit.

[0013] Preferably, the first wireless communication unit is designed to be mounted near a handlebar stem or a connecting strut of a bicycle frame's main body. In this case, where the actuating device is attached to a handlebar stem or handlebar, the wireless communication distance can be shortened to reduce communication errors by mounting the first wireless communication unit in the vicinity of the handlebar stem.

[0014] The first power supply section can be retained or held in a retaining element or holder, which is attached to the main body of the bicycle. In this case, the first wireless communication unit can be attached to the retaining element.

[0015] The first wireless communication unit can be located at the first power supply section.

[0016] The first wireless communication unit can be included in any of the electric drive devices.

[0017] Preferably, the first power supply section is connected to each electric drive device via a power line. The first wireless communication unit can be capable of communicating with each electric drive device via the power line.

[0018] Preferably, the actuating device includes a second wireless communication unit that transmits a wireless signal, capable of actuating any electrical drive device, to the first wireless communication unit. Since a wireless signal can be transmitted by the single second wireless communication unit, the power consumption can be reduced.

[0019] The actuating device can include a variety of actuators. The second wireless communication unit transmits a wireless signal to the first wireless communication unit in response to an actuation of any actuator.

[0020] The operating device can include a variety of actuators, and each actuator can have a second wireless communication unit corresponding to that actuator. The second wireless communication unit transmits a wireless signal to the first wireless communication unit.

[0021] Each of the multiple electric actuators can have a first wireless communication unit. The actuator can have a second wireless communication unit corresponding to the first for each electric actuator. Each first wireless communication unit receives a wireless signal from its corresponding second wireless communication unit. In this case, wireless signals can be transmitted to and received by the multiple electric actuators simultaneously. Therefore, a time delay between the actuation of an electric actuator and an actuation of the actuator can be controlled.

[0022] The actuating device can include a variety of actuating devices, and the corresponding second wireless communication unit can transmit a wireless signal in response to an actuation of each actuating device.

[0023] The first power supply section can consist of a primary battery or a secondary battery.

[0024] The second power supply section can consist of a primary battery or a secondary battery.

[0025] The multitude of electric drive devices can be composed of at least two components: a front transmission device, a rear transmission device, a front suspension device, a rear suspension device, and a seatpost lifting device.

[0026] The operating device may include an actuating mechanism. The actuating mechanism may consist of at least one gearshift mechanism, one suspension actuating mechanism, and one seatpost actuating mechanism.

[0027] According to the present invention, a bicycle control system can be provided which can simplify the maintenance of the power supply, even if an electric drive device is designed to be actuated in response to a wireless signal. Fig. Figure 1 is a side view of a bicycle according to a first embodiment. Figure 2 is a circuit diagram of a bicycle control system according to the first embodiment. Fig. Figure 3 is a circuit diagram of a bicycle control system according to a second embodiment. Fig. Figure 4 is a circuit diagram of a bicycle control system according to a third embodiment. Fig. Figure 5 is a side view of a bicycle according to the third embodiment. Fig. Figure 6 is a circuit diagram of a bicycle control system according to a fourth embodiment. Fig. Figure 7 is a side view of a bicycle based on a seventh modified example. Fig. Figure 8 is a circuit diagram of a bicycle control system based on an eighth modified example. Fig. Figure 9 is a circuit diagram of a bicycle control system according to a ninth modified example, a tenth modified example, and an eleventh modified example. Embodiments of the invention

[0028] Each embodiment of a bicycle steering system according to the present invention will be explained below with reference to the drawings.

[0029] As in Fig. Figure 1 shows a bicycle 100 to which a bicycle steering system 1 according to a first embodiment is applied, comprising a main frame body 101, a handlebar stem (an example of the movable section) 102, a steering rod (an example of the movable section) 103 and a seat post 104.

[0030] As in Fig. As shown in Figure 2, the bicycle control system 1 comprises a first battery (an example of the first power supply section) 2, an actuating device 3, and a plurality of electric drive devices 4a-4d. The plurality of electric drive devices 4a-4d include, for example, a rear derailleur (an example of the rear transmission device) 4a, a front derailleur (an example of the front transmission device) 4b, a rear suspension device 4c, and a seatpost lifter 4d. Each of the electric drive devices 4a-4d is attached to the main frame body 101.

[0031] The multiple electric drive devices 4a-4d each have a first wireless communication unit 41a-41d. More specifically, the rear derailleur 4a has the first wireless communication unit 41a. In addition to the first wireless communication unit 41a, the rear derailleur 4a also has a control unit 42a and a motor 43a. Gear shifting in the rear derailleur 4a is performed by controlling the motor 43a via the control unit 42a based on a wireless signal received by the first wireless communication unit 41a. The rear derailleur 4a also has a position sensor 44a. The control unit 42a can stop a chain guide plate at a position corresponding to each gear shift stage based on the detection of the position sensor 44a.The control unit 42a transmits the position corresponding to each gear shift stage, detected by the position sensor 44a, to the second wireless communication unit 31a of a first gear shift actuator 3a via the first wireless communication unit 41a, as described below. For example, if a display device is provided / connected to or on the actuator 3, the display device can receive information regarding the position corresponding to each gear shift stage from the second wireless communication unit 31a and display it. The display device can, for example, be a bicycle computer.

[0032] The front derailleur 4b includes the first wireless communication unit 41b. The front derailleur 4b also includes a control unit 42b and a motor 43b, in addition to the first wireless communication unit 41b. In the front derailleur 4b, gear shifting is performed by controlling the motor 43b via the control unit 42b, based on a wireless signal received by the first wireless communication unit 41b. The front derailleur 4b also includes a position sensor 44b. The control unit 42b can stop a chain guide plate at a position corresponding to each gear shift stage, based on the detection of the position sensor 44b. The control unit 42b transmits the position corresponding to each gear shift stage, as detected by the position sensor 44b.The first wireless communication unit 41b transmits the information received by the second wireless communication unit 31b to a second gearshift actuation device 3b, as described below. For example, in a case where a display device is provided / connected to or on the actuation device 3, the display device can receive and display information regarding the position corresponding to each gearshift stage from the second wireless communication unit 31b.

[0033] The rear suspension device 4c includes the first wireless communication unit 41c. In addition to the first wireless communication unit 41c, the rear suspension device 4c also includes a control unit 42c, a motor 43c, and a valve 45c. In the rear suspension device 4c, the control unit 42c controls the valve 45c by controlling the motor 43c, based on a wireless signal received by the first wireless communication unit 41c. The operating state of the rear suspension device 4c can be changed by controlling the valve 45c. For example, the rear suspension device 4c can be set to a free state, in which it can extend or expand, or to a locked state, in which it can neither extend nor contract.The rear suspension device 4c can neither expand nor contract as in the actuated state. For example, in the free state, the rear suspension device 4c can also be moved into a hard state or a soft state. The rear suspension device 4c expands or contracts slowly in the hard state compared to the soft state. The rear suspension device 4c can have a sensor that detects the state of the valve 45. The rear suspension device 4c can transmit information about the valve 45c, detected by the sensor, to the second wireless communication unit 31c of a suspension actuating device 3c via the first wireless communication unit 41c, as described below.For example, in a case where a display device is provided / connected to or on the actuating device 3, the display device can show information about the valve 45c, that is, information about the rear suspension device 4c, which was received by the second wireless communication unit 31c.

[0034] The seatpost lifting device 4d includes the first wireless communication unit 41d. In addition to the first wireless communication unit 41d, the seatpost lifting device 4d also includes a control unit 42d, a motor 43d, and a lifting mechanism 45d. In the seatpost lifting device 4d, the control unit 42d controls the lifting mechanism 45d by controlling the motor 43d, based on a wireless signal received by the first wireless communication unit 41d. For example, the seatpost 104 is constructed from two cylindrical sections that extend or contract. For example, the lifting mechanism 45d includes a ball screw or ball screw drive and a nut. The nut is moved by the drive rotation of the ball screw by the motor 43d.The motor 43d and the ball screw are arranged in one of the cylindrical sections, and the nut is coupled to the other cylindrical section. In this configuration, the nut is moved along the ball screw by the drive of the motor 43 to extend or retract the seatpost 104. The seatpost lifting device 4d can have a sensor that detects the height of the seatpost 104. The seatpost lifting device 4d can transmit information about the height of the seatpost 104, detected by the sensor, to a second wireless communication unit 31d of a seatpost actuating device 3d via the first wireless communication unit 41d, as described below.For example, in a case where a display device is provided / connected to or on the actuating device 3, the display device can display information about the height of the seat post 104, received by the second wireless communication unit 31d.

[0035] The actuating device 3 has actuating devices 3a - 3d, each corresponding to the electric drive devices 4. More specifically, the actuating device 3 has the first gearshift actuating device 3a, the second gearshift actuating device 3b, the suspension actuating device 3c, and the seatpost actuating device 3d. The actuating devices 3a - 3d are, for example, attached to the handlebar 103.

[0036] The first gear shifting device 3a actuates the rear derailleur 4a by means of a wireless signal. The first gear shifting device 3a includes the second wireless communication unit 31a. In addition to the second wireless communication unit 31a, the first gear shifting device 3a also includes a control unit 32a and a switch 33a. By actuating the switch 33a of the first gear shifting device 3a, the control unit 32a controls the second wireless communication unit 31a, and a wireless signal is transmitted by the second wireless communication unit 31a. The first wireless communication unit 41a of the rear derailleur 4a receives the wireless signal transmitted by the second wireless communication unit 31a of the first gear shifting device 3a.The switch 33a of the first gear-shifting actuation device 3a can be constructed by a single link or by a plurality of links. For example, the switch 33a can be made of two links, in which one gear-shifting actuation of the rear derailleur 4a is carried out by accelerating the rear derailleur 4a by actuating one of the links, and another gear-shifting actuation of the rear derailleur 4a is carried out by decelerating the rear derailleur 4a as soon as the other link is actuated.

[0037] The second gear shifting device 3b actuates the front derailleur 4b by means of a wireless signal. The second gear shifting device 3b includes the second wireless communication unit 31b. In addition to the second wireless communication unit 31b, the second gear shifting device 3b also includes a control unit 32b and a switch 33b. By actuating the switch 33b of the second gear shifting device 3b, the control unit 32b controls the second wireless communication unit 31b, and a wireless signal is transmitted by the second wireless communication unit 31b. The first wireless communication unit 41b of the front derailleur 4b receives the wireless signal transmitted by the second wireless communication unit 31b of the second gear shifting device 3b.The switch 33b of the second gear-shifting actuation device 3b can be constructed from a single link or from a plurality of links. For example, the switch 33b is made from two links, in which a gear-shifting actuation of the front derailleur 4b is carried out to accelerate the front derailleur 4b as soon as one of the links is actuated, and a gear-shifting actuation of the front derailleur 4b is carried out to decelerate the front derailleur 4b as soon as the other of the links is actuated.

[0038] The suspension actuator 3c actuates the rear suspension device 4c by means of a wireless signal. The suspension actuator 3c includes the second wireless communication unit 31c. In addition to the second wireless communication unit 31c, the suspension actuator 3c also includes a control unit 32c and a switch 33c. By actuating the switch 33c of the suspension actuator 3c, the control unit 32c controls the second wireless communication unit 31c, and a wireless signal is transmitted by the second wireless communication unit 31c. The first wireless communication unit 41c of the rear suspension device 4c receives the wireless signal transmitted by the second wireless communication unit 31c of the suspension actuator 3c. The switch 33c of the suspension actuator 3c can be composed of a single element or multiple elements.For example, in a case where the switch 33 is made of two links, the rear suspension device 4c is moved to the free state when one of the links is actuated, and the rear suspension device 4c is moved to the locked state when the other link is actuated. Similarly, in a case where the switch 33c is made of a single link, the state of the rear suspension device 4c can be switched between the free state and the locked state each time the switch is actuated.

[0039] The seatpost actuating device 3d actuates the seatpost lifting device 4d by means of a wireless signal. The seatpost actuating device 3d includes a second wireless communication unit 31d. In addition to the second wireless communication unit 31d, the seatpost actuating device 3d also includes a control unit 32d and a switch 33d. By actuating the switch 33d of the seatpost actuating device 3d, the control unit 32d controls the second wireless communication unit 31d, and a wireless signal is transmitted by the second wireless communication unit 31d. The first wireless communication unit 41d of the seatpost lifting device 4d receives the wireless signal transmitted by the second wireless communication unit 31d of the seatpost actuating device 3d.The switch 33d of the seatpost actuation device 3d can be constructed from a single link or from a plurality of links. For example, the switch 33 is made from two links, wherein the seatpost 104 extends or expands when one of the links is actuated, and the seatpost 104 contracts when the other link is actuated.

[0040] The first battery 2 is connected to the actuating devices 3a-3d and the electric drive devices 4a-4d and supplies or powers the actuating devices 3a-3d and the electric drive devices 4a-4d. The first battery 2 is provided as a separate component from the actuating devices 3a-3d and the electric drive devices 4a-4d.

[0041] The first battery 2 is connected to the actuating devices 3a-3d and the electric drive devices 4a-4d by a power line 21. For example, the power line 21 extending from the first battery 2 is split to connect to the actuating devices 3a-3d and the electric drive devices 4a-4d. Current is supplied to the actuating devices 3a-3d and the electric drive devices 4a-4d by the power line 21. For example, the current is supplied as direct current. The first battery 2 is attached to the main frame body 101. The first battery 2 can be a primary battery or a secondary battery.

[0042] Although the shared power line 21 in Fig. As illustrated in Figure 2, the actuating devices 3a-3d can be connected to the first battery 2 by separate power lines. The electric drive devices 4a-4d can be connected to the first battery 2 by separate power lines. Alternatively, the first battery 2 can be connected to each actuating device 3a-3d of the actuating device 3 only by the single power line 21, and one of the actuating devices 3a-3d to which the power line 21 is connected can be connected to the other actuating device of the actuating devices 3a-3d by the power line 21. Furthermore, power can be supplied from the first battery 2 by connecting the electric drive devices 4a-4d in series by separate power lines.

[0043] As in Fig. Figure 3 shows that a bicycle control system 10 according to a second embodiment differs from the bicycle control system 1 according to the first embodiment described above in that the bicycle control system 10 further comprises a second battery (an example of the second power supply section) 5. The configuration, except for the presence of the second battery 5, is essentially the same as that of the bicycle control system 1 according to the first embodiment described above. Therefore, the same reference numerals are given to the parts that are configured in essentially the same way, and overlapping explanations are omitted.

[0044] The second battery 5 is provided as a separate component from the actuating devices 3a-3d. The second battery 5 is connected to the actuating devices 3a-3d and supplies them with power via a wired connection. The second battery 5 is connected to the actuating devices 3a-3d by a power line 23. For example, the power line 23 extending from the second battery 5 is split to connect to the actuating devices 3a-3d. Power is supplied to the actuating devices 3a-3d through the power line 23. For example, the power is supplied as direct current. The second battery 5 is attached to the handlebar stem 102 or the handlebar 103. The first battery 2 can be a primary battery or a secondary battery.Here, the first battery 2 is connected only to the electric drive devices 4a-4d and is not connected to the actuating devices 3a-3d. The actuating devices 3a-3d can be connected to the second battery 5 via separate power lines. Power can also be supplied from the second battery 5 by connecting the actuating devices 3a-3d in series via separate power lines.

[0045] As in Fig. As shown in Figure 4, a bicycle control system 11 according to a third embodiment differs from the bicycle control system 1 according to the first embodiment in that the bicycle control system 11 further comprises the second battery 5, and the electric drive devices 4a-4d share a single, or sole, first wireless communication unit 41. Apart from these differences, the configuration is essentially the same as for the bicycle control system 1 according to the first embodiment described above. Therefore, the same reference numerals are given to the parts that are configured in essentially the same way, and overlapping explanations are omitted. The configuration of the second battery 5 is also essentially the same as in the bicycle control system 10 according to the second embodiment described above.Therefore, the same reference symbols are given to parts that are essentially designed in the same way, and overlapping explanations are omitted.

[0046] In the bicycle control system 1 according to the first embodiment described above, each of the electric drive devices has the first wireless communication unit. More specifically, the bicycle control system 1 according to the first embodiment has the same number of first wireless communication units as the number of electric drive devices. In contrast, in the bicycle control system 11 according to the third embodiment, the electric drive devices 4a-4d share the single first wireless communication unit 41. A wire or cable 46 extending from the single first wireless communication unit 41 is split to connect to the electric drive devices 4a-4d. The first wireless communication unit 41 is attached to the main frame body 101.Preferably, the first wireless communication unit 41 is located near the handlebar stem 102 of the main frame body 101 (see . Fig. 5) attached.

[0047] The first wireless communication unit 41 receives a wireless signal transmitted by the first gear shifting device 3a, and the control unit 42a of the rear derailleur 4a controls the motor 43a to perform a gear shifting operation based on the wireless signal.

[0048] The first wireless communication unit 41 receives a wireless signal transmitted by the second gear shifting device 3b, and the control unit 42b of the front derailleur 4b controls the motor 43b to perform a gear shifting operation based on the wireless signal.

[0049] The first wireless communication unit 41 receives a wireless signal transmitted by the suspension actuation device 3c, and the control unit 42c of the rear suspension device 4c controls the motor 43c based on the wireless signal. The motor 43c controls the valve 45c to change the actuation state of the rear suspension device 4c.

[0050] The first wireless communication unit 41 receives a wireless signal transmitted by the seatpost actuation device 3d, and the control unit 42d of the seatpost lifting device 4d controls the motor 43d to change the height of the seatpost 104 based on the wireless signal.

[0051] As in Fig. Figure 6 shows a bicycle control system 12 according to a fourth embodiment, differing from the bicycle control system 1 according to the first embodiment in that the bicycle control system 12 further comprises the second battery 5, the electric drive devices 4a-4d share the single or sole first wireless communication unit 41, and the actuating devices 3a-3d share a single or sole second wireless communication unit 31. The configuration, apart from these differences, is essentially the same as for the bicycle control system 1 according to the first embodiment described above. Therefore, the same reference numerals are given to the parts that are configured in essentially the same way, and overlapping explanations are omitted. The configuration of the second battery 5 is also essentially the same as for the bicycle control system 10 according to the second embodiment described above.Therefore, the same reference numerals are given to parts that are substantially configured in the same way, and overlapping explanations are omitted. Furthermore, the sharing of the first wireless communication unit 41 by the electric drive devices 4a-4d has the same configuration as the bicycle control system 11 according to the third embodiment described above. Therefore, the same reference numerals are given to parts that are substantially configured in the same way, and overlapping explanations are omitted.

[0052] In the bicycle control system 1 according to the first embodiment described above, each of the actuating devices has a second wireless communication unit. More specifically, the bicycle control system 1 according to the first embodiment has the same number of second wireless communication units as the number of actuating devices. In contrast, in the bicycle control system 12 according to the fourth embodiment, the actuating devices 3a-3d share the single second wireless communication unit 31. A wire or cable 36 extending from the single second wireless communication unit 31 is split to be connected to the respective actuating devices 3a-3d. In this case, the second wireless communication unit 31 is attached to the handlebar stem 102 or the handlebar 103.

[0053] When the first gear shift actuator 3a is actuated, a wireless signal is transmitted by the second wireless communication unit 31 and received by the first wireless communication unit 41. The control unit 42a of the rear derailleur 4a controls the motor 43a to execute a gear shift based on the received wireless signal.

[0054] When the second gear shift actuator 3d is actuated, a wireless signal is transmitted by the second wireless communication unit 31, and the wireless signal is received by the first wireless communication unit 41. The control unit 42b of the front derailleur 4b controls the motor 43b to execute a gear shift based on the received wireless signal.

[0055] As soon as the suspension actuator 3c is actuated, a wireless signal is transmitted from the second wireless communication unit 31, and the wireless signal is received by the first wireless communication unit 41. The control unit 42c of the rear suspension actuator 4c controls the motor 43c based on the received wireless signal. The motor 43c controls the valve 45c to change the actuation state of the rear suspension actuator 4c.

[0056] As soon as the seatpost actuation device 3d is actuated, a wireless signal is transmitted from the second wireless communication unit 31, and the wireless signal is received by the first wireless communication unit 41. The control unit 42d of the seatpost lifting device 4d controls the motor 43d to change the height of the seatpost 104 based on the received wireless signal.

[0057] Although the embodiments of the present invention have been presented so far, the present invention is not limited to these embodiments, and different modifications can be made without deviating from the scope of protection of the invention.

[0058] Although the first battery 2 is shown as an example of the first power supply section, the present invention is not limited thereto. For example, a dynamo is used as the first power supply section. In the same way, a dynamo can be used as the second power supply section. The dynamo can be a hub dynamo provided on a hub of a front or rear wheel of a bicycle, or a block dynamo, which generates electric current by contacting a rim of a front or rear wheel.

[0059] The third and fourth embodiments have configurations that include the first battery 2 and the second battery 5. However, in the third and fourth embodiments, current from the first battery 2 can be supplied to the actuating devices 3a - 3d of the actuating device 3 in a wired manner without the second battery 5.

[0060] In a case where the bicycle control system according to the first embodiment includes a front suspension device in addition to the electric drive device, current can be supplied from the first battery 2 to the front suspension device. In the case where the bicycle control system according to the second to fourth embodiments includes a front suspension device in addition to the electric drive device, current can be supplied from the second battery 5 to the front suspension device.

[0061] The embodiments described above include the four electric drive devices 4a-4d. However, the number of electric drive devices is not limited, provided that at least two electric drive devices are included. The embodiments described above also include the four actuating devices 3a-3d. However, one actuating device is sufficient, and the number of actuating devices is not limited.

[0062] In the first embodiment, the first battery 2 is provided as a separate component from the actuating devices 3a-3d and the electrical drive devices 4a-4d. However, the first battery 2 can be provided integrally with each of the actuating devices 3a-3d and each of the electrical drive devices 4a-4d.

[0063] In the second to fourth embodiments, the first battery 2 can be provided integrally with each of the actuating devices 3a - 3d and the electric drive devices 4a - 4d, and the second battery 5 can be provided integrally with each of the actuating devices 3a - 3d.

[0064] In the third and fourth embodiments, the first wireless communication unit 41 is attached near the handlebar stem 102 of the main frame body 101. However, the present invention is not limited to this. For example, as shown in Fig. As shown in Figure 7, the first battery 2 is held in a retaining element 106, which is attached to the main body of the bicycle. The first battery 2 can be held in the retaining element 106 in a removable or detachable manner. The first wireless communication unit 41 is attached to the retaining element 106. Alternatively, the first wireless communication unit 41 is located inside the first battery 2. In this case, the first wireless communication unit 41 can be removed or detached from the retaining element 106 together with the first battery 2. In the present embodiment, the main body of the bicycle includes the frame main body 101, the seat post 104, a saddle 105, a basket (not shown in the drawings), and similar items.

[0065] In the third and fourth embodiments, the first wireless communication unit 41 is provided as a separate component from the electrical drive devices 4a-4d. However, the present invention is not limited to these. For example, as shown in Fig. As shown in Figure 8, the first wireless communication unit 41 can be included in each of the electric drive devices 4a - 4d.

[0066] In the third and fourth embodiments, the first wireless communication unit 41 can communicate with the electric drive devices 4a-4d via the wire or cable 46. However, the present invention is not limited to this. For example, as shown in Fig. As shown in Figure 9, the first wireless communication unit 41 can communicate with the electric drive devices 4a-4d via the power line 21. This means that the first wireless communication unit 41 can communicate with the electric drive devices 4a-4d via power line communication (PLC).

[0067] In the third and fourth embodiments, the second wireless communication unit 31 can communicate with the actuating devices 3a-3d via the wire or cable 36. However, the present invention is not limited to this. For example, as shown in Fig. As shown in Figure 9, the second wireless communication unit 31 can communicate with the actuators 3a-3d via the power line 23. This means that the second wireless communication unit 31 can communicate with the actuators 3a-3d via power line communication (PLC).

[0068] In a case where a display device is connected to the actuating device 3 in the first to fourth embodiments, the display device is connected to the actuating device 3 by a wire or cable or a power line. More specifically, a display device 6 can communicate with the second wireless communication unit 31 and the actuating devices 3a - 3d by means of power line communication (PLC).

[0069] The variety of electric drive devices is not limited to the examples described above. Similarly, the actuating device is not limited to the examples described above. For example, in the case of a display device in the embodiment of Fig.2 is provided, power can be supplied from the first battery to the display device through the power line 21, and a wireless communication unit can be provided in the display device to be able to communicate wirelessly with the first communication unit 41 and the second wireless communication unit 31.

Claims

[1] Bicycle control system (1), comprising: a rear derailleur (4a) with a first wireless communication unit (41), a motor (43a, 43b, 43c, 43d) and a control unit (42a) which controls the motor (43a, 43b, 43c, 43d) based on a wireless signal received from the first wireless communication unit (41); a first gear shift actuation device (3a) which actuates the rear derailleur (4a) by means of the wireless signal; and a battery (2; 5) which is connected via a power line (21) to the rear derailleur (4a) and the first gear shifting device (3a), wherein the battery (2; 5) is provided as a separate element by the rear derailleur (4a) and the first gear shifting device (3a). [2] Bicycle control system according to claim 1, wherein the battery (2; 5) is attached to a frame main body (101) of a bicycle (100). [3] Bicycle control system according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the battery (2; 5) is a primary battery (2; 5) and a secondary battery (2; 5). [4] Bicycle control system (1) according to claim 1, wherein the rear derailleur (4a) includes a position sensor (44a, 44b) and the control unit (42a) is configured to stop a chain guide plate at a position corresponding to each gear shift stage, based on the detection of the position sensor (44a, 44b). [5] Bicycle control system (1) according to claim 1, wherein the first gear shift actuation device (3a) has a second wireless communication unit (31) configured to transmit the wireless signal. [6] Bicycle control system (1) according to claim 5, further comprising a position sensor (44a, 44b), wherein the control unit (42a) is configured to control the first wireless communication unit (41) to transmit a position to the second wireless communication unit (31) corresponding to each gear shift stage detected by the position sensor (44a, 44b). [7] Bicycle control system (1) according to claim 6, further comprising a display device (6) configured to display information about the position corresponding to each gear shift stage received from the second wireless communication unit (31).

Images