Control arrangement for a wireless electromechanical bicycle shifting system

Abstract

Control arrangement (30) for bicycles for controlling an electromechanical gearshift device, comprising: a grippable housing (32) mountable on the bicycle; a power supply (130) connected to the control arrangement (30); a first actuating component movably mounted on the housing (32); an electrical switch (120); a control unit (116) operated by the power supply (130), which communicates with the electrical switch (120) and is configured to generate a signal for changing the switching position of the switching mechanism upon signal input from the electrical switch (120); and an antenna (114) attached to the first actuating component and communicating with the control unit (116) to transmit the signal.

Description

Background of the invention

[0001] This invention relates to bicycles and mechanisms for operating gear shifting devices for bicycles and possibly also braking devices with a control arrangement.

[0002] US 2009 / 0 315 692 A1 discloses a wireless communication device for bicycles. The wireless communication device comprises a mount, a brake lever assembly, and an antenna. The wireless communication device can transmit switching signals to a controller. US 2004 / 0 207 520 A1 discloses a transmitting unit mounted on a bicycle handlebar and capable of wirelessly transmitting signals to a receiving unit mounted on a strut of a rear bicycle fork. Summary of the invention

[0003] In one aspect, the invention provides a control assembly for bicycles for actuating an electromechanical gear shifting device. The assembly comprises a tangible housing mountable on the bicycle. A first actuating component is movably mounted on the housing. The assembly includes an electrical switch. A control unit communicates with the electrical switch and is configured to generate a signal for changing the shift position of the gear shifting device upon signal input from the electrical switch. An antenna is attached to the first actuating component and communicates with the control unit to transmit a signal.

[0004] Other aspects of the invention provide a power supply that may be attached to the housing. The power supply may be a battery housed within the housing. The battery may be oriented substantially parallel to the central axis of the housing. The shift lever assembly may include a shift lever having a distal and a proximal portion, the proximal portion being movably mounted to the housing. The antenna may be disposed at a distal portion of the shift lever. The distal portion may include an interior space, and the antenna may be housed within the interior space. The control unit may be housed within the interior space. The bicycle control assembly may further include a communications module that communicates with the control unit and the antenna and is housed within the interior space. The electrical switch may be located at a distal end of the shift lever.The bicycle control assembly may further comprise a second electrical switch communicating with the control unit to change at least one non-shifting function of the control unit and a non-shifting function of the electromechanical gear shifting device. The non-shifting functions may comprise at least one or more pairing functions of the control assembly to the gear shifting device and at least one alignment function of the gear shifting device. The bicycle control assembly may further comprise a second actuating component, wherein the second actuating component may be a brake lever. The shift lever assembly may be pivotally mounted to the housing for relative movement to the brake lever. The brake lever may be pivotally mounted to the housing by a brake lever pivot joint.The shift lever assembly may be movably mounted on a shift lever pivot that is arranged substantially orthogonally to the brake lever pivot. The bicycle control assembly may further comprise a shift lever pivot mount that includes the shift lever pivot, the shift lever pivot mount having an opening through which the brake lever pivot passes. The shift lever pivot may be arranged above the brake lever pivot. The first actuating component may be connected to the second actuating component.

[0005] These and other features and advantages of the present invention will be more fully understood from the following description of one or more embodiments of the invention together with the accompanying drawings. Short description of the drawings

[0006] The drawings show: Fig. 1 is a rear perspective view of a control assembly mounted on a handlebar; Fig. Figure 2 is an external side view of a control assembly mounted on a handlebar; Fig. 3 is a front view of a control assembly mounted on a handlebar; Fig. 4 is a plan view of a control arrangement mounted on a handlebar; Fig. 5 the control arrangement of the Fig. 2 with the cover removed; Fig. 6 an inside view of the control arrangement of the Fig. 5; Fig. 7 an overview of the brake pivot and gear lever pivot (with parts removed for clarity); Fig. 8 a sectional view along AA of Fig. 2, which shows the brake pivot joint; Fig. 9 a sectional view along BB of Fig. 4, which shows the gear lever pivot joint; Fig. 10 is a cutaway view of a reach adjustment mechanism (with parts removed for clarity); Fig. 11 a sectional view along CC of Fig. 2 a range adjustment mechanism; Fig. 12 a sectional view along DD of Fig. 4 a range adjustment cam; Fig. 13 an exploded view of the shift lever assembly; Fig. 14 a sectional view along EE of Fig. 6 of the electrical switch (dome switch) and the electrical modifier knob or switch; Fig. 15 a sectional view along EE of Fig. 6 of the electric shift switch (dome switch) and the electric modifier knob or switch, but the shift lever is shown in an activated position (i.e., the dome is actuated); Fig. 16 a sectional view of Fig. 2, which shows the communication chip, antenna and microcontroller chip on the circuit board; Fig. 17 is an exploded view showing the battery holder assembly and associated parts (cover removed); Fig. 18 a sectional view along FF of Fig. 6 of the shift lever assembly, held by the battery bracket assembly mounting screws (handlebar not shown); Fig. 19 a sectional view along GG of Fig. 4 of the additional connections and the blind plugs; Fig. 20 a sectional view along GG of Fig. 4 of the additional connections and the additional terminals; Fig. Figure 21 is a perspective view of the control assembly with the cover removed and the auxiliary terminals installed in the shift lever; Fig. 22A, Fig. 22B illustrates embodiments illustrating distributions of components aligned with the circuit structures of the invention; Fig. 23 a side view of a bicycle with a control arrangement according to the invention; and Fig. 24 shows another embodiment of a control arrangement for a bicycle. Detailed description of the preferred embodiments

[0007] Embodiments of the invention are described herein with reference to the drawings. It is to be understood that the drawings and descriptions presented herein are for illustrative purposes only and not for limiting the invention as defined by the claims appended hereto and all their equivalents. For example, the terms "first" and "second," "front" and "rear," "left" and "right" are used for convenience and not as terms of limitation. Furthermore, the terms refer to a bicycle mechanism commonly mounted and aligned on a bicycle and used in a conventional manner, unless otherwise specified.

[0008] Fig. 1-4 are various external views of a control assembly 30 for a bicycle according to the invention. The control assembly 30 is mountable on a handlebar 40 with a known type of clamp 42, for example, with a strap arranged around the handlebar. Typically, a bicycle provides a pair of control assemblies 30, known to be one for each side of the handlebar. It will also be understood that the pair of control assemblies may be configured together to control a pair of electromechanical derailleurs. Similarly, the control assemblies 30 may also be configured to control braking devices.

[0009] The control assembly 30 includes a housing 32, which may be covered with a cover 34. The housing 32 is shaped and sized to be grasped by a user's hand. The housing 32 and cover 34 serve as a handle or graspable portion. The housing 32 may be made of any suitable material, for example, metal, plastic, and / or composite materials. The housing 32 should be constructed to carry, house, and / or support various mechanisms that will be explained in detail herein. The cover 34 may be made of any suitable material, such as natural and / or synthetic elastomeric materials, and may be designed to present a comfortable interface for the user and reduce the tendency to be dislodged or moved from its position on the housing 32. One such material is a thermoplastic elastomer (TPE) such as Santoprene™.The cover 34 may be configured to be removably attached and retained in position on the housing 32 using known methods, one of which will be described in more detail below.

[0010] A brake lever 36 is pivotally or movably mounted on the housing 32, for example, at or near the leading or forward portion of the housing, such that the brake lever is spaced from the handlebar 40 and can pivot generally forward and backward. The brake lever 36 may be made of any suitable material, such as metal, plastic, or composite materials. The brake lever 36 may be attached to the housing 32 by means of a pivot joint 44, which may, for example, be in the form of a pivot, pin, rod, or shaft. In one embodiment, the brake lever 36 is understood as a first control mechanism and may be the only control mechanism (see Fig. 24).

[0011] As will be explained in more detail below ( Fig. 6 and Fig. 7), some or all of the brake levers 36 may be generally U-shaped or channel-shaped, and the shift lever assembly 38 may be disposed entirely or partially within the interior space or channel of the U-shape. This provides some strength to the structure and may provide protection for the components disposed within the channel. The shape of the brake lever 36 may, at least in part, accommodate a shift lever assembly 38 and may provide some further features of the invention, as shown below.

[0012] A shift lever assembly 38 may also be pivotally or movably mounted on the housing 32. The shift lever assembly 38 may be disposed behind the brake lever 36, i.e., between the brake lever and the handlebar 40. The shift lever assembly 38 may be made, for example, of plastic or composite materials. In the present embodiment, the shift lever assembly is made, at least in part, of a material that does not significantly inhibit the transmission of wirelessly transmitted signals therethrough.

[0013] One of the brake levers 36 and the shift lever assembly 38 may include a first actuating component that performs relative movement to the housing, and the other brake lever 36 and the shift lever assembly 38 may include an optional second actuating component. In an alternative embodiment, the brake lever 36 and portions of the shift lever assembly 38 are combined into a first unitary actuating component.

[0014] The Fig. 5 and Fig. 6 show the housing 32 of the control assembly 30 with the cover 34 removed. The outer surface 48 of this embodiment is best seen in Fig. 5 and the inside 53 is best seen in Fig. 6. It will be appreciated that the outer side 48 has a direction pointing laterally away from a centerline of the bicycle when the control assembly 30 is mounted for use, and the inner side 53 faces the centerline.

[0015] A brake lever pivot 44 may be retained within the housing 32 by two spaced pivot holes 54 formed in a spaced configuration (only one pivot hole is shown). The brake lever 36 is pivotally mounted to the body 32 at the brake lever pivot 44. The pivot 44 may, for example, be in the form of a pin or stem. The brake lever 36 may generally have a U- or channel shape including a front or forward-facing side 76 extending between the spaced inner and outer walls 78, 80. The channel shape of the brake 36 provides rigidity to the lever, is lightweight, and provides some protection for the shift lever assembly 38 or its components stored therein.A tool holder 74 of a reach adjustment mechanism 46 is provided, which may be fabricated to be accessible from the exterior 48, the details of which are discussed below.

[0016] The housing 30 may include one or more cover detents 50 having a structure operative to retain the cover 34 to the control assembly 32. A concavity may be formed in the housing 32 at an upper or front portion thereof to define a first cover detents 50a. The first cover detents 50a may be in the form of a transverse slot. The housing 32 may include second and third cover detents 50b, 50c in the form of pockets, recesses, bores, or the like on the top or upper surface of the body. A fourth cover detents 50d may be configured as a clearance (e.g., an angled pocket) for the bolt 58 that adjusts the clamp 42. The housing 32 may include a fifth cover detents 50e in the form of a pocket, recess, bore, or the like formed in the lower portion of the body.The cover detents 50a-e are shaped and sized to interact with a mating or complementary portion of the cover 34 to assist in retaining the cover on the housing 32. The number and location of the cover detents 50 will be determined by a number of factors, including the materials used, the arrangement of the other components of the control assembly, and other design considerations.

[0017] Referring to Fig. 6, an interior space 57 of the housing 32 is sized and shaped to accommodate a battery or other type of power source 130 and other optional components, mechanisms, and the like. The power supply 130 may be a button cell. The interior space 57 may be accessed through a housing cover 52, which may be held in place with screws or other fasteners.

[0018] One embodiment of the invention contemplates the formation of a brake lever projection 68 attached to, formed on, or otherwise provided on the brake lever 36. The brake lever projection 68 may be in the form of a column, knob, cylinder, or the like, provided on an inner wall 80 of the brake lever 36 and optionally on a sidewall, strip, or extension 82 of the inner wall. The projection 68 extends toward the inner concavity of the U-shape (see Fig. 14). The projection 68 interacts with the components of the brake lever assembly 38, as will be explained further below. Alternatively, the projection 68 may include an electrical switch 120 for initiating the gear change (see Fig. 24).

[0019] Optional accessory connections or ports 55a, 55b may be formed in the interior 53 of the housing 32 and allow external accessories to electrically connect to the electrical power sources and / or electrical circuitry or the like located on or in the control assembly 30. An example of such an accessory is a remote electrical switch, such as a dome switch (not shown). The connections 55 may also be ports for connecting cable-operated or hydraulic brakes.

[0020] Fig. 7 and Fig. 8 illustrate a portion of the internal structure of the control assembly 30 as it relates to the brake lever 36. At or near the upper end 84 of the brake lever 36 is a brake cable head retainer 62. The retainer 62 may be a component oriented across the width of the brake lever 36 and pivotally connected to the inner wall 80 at one end and to the outer wall 78 at the opposite end of the retainer. The retainer 62 includes a retainer opening 86 sized and shaped to receive a brake cable (not shown) therethrough, but retaining the head or nipple of the cable (not shown) as is known.

[0021] The brake lever 36 is pivotally mounted on the transversely oriented brake lever pivot 44, and the shift lever assembly 38 is movably mounted on a shift lever pivot 60. The shift lever pivot 60 may extend in a direction substantially orthogonal to the brake lever pivot 44, i.e., within about 25 degrees orthogonal.

[0022] The orientation of the shift lever pivot 60 allows the pivot lever assembly 38 to move in a direction substantially aligned with the axis of the brake lever pivot 44. In other words, the shift lever assembly 38 is mounted to move, for example, inwardly and outwardly (i.e., inboard and outboard), toward the inner wall 80 from a rest position adjacent the outer wall 78 of the brake lever 36 and back.

[0023] The shift lever assembly 38 includes a shift lever 37 having a proximal end 37A pivotally mounted directly or indirectly on the housing 32, a distal or paddle end 37B opposite the proximal end (see Fig. 9) and an elongated arm 37C connecting the proximal and distal ends. The arm 37C may be U-shaped in a manner similar to the shape of the brake lever 36 or, for example, a hollow rectangular component (see Fig. 9).

[0024] The shift lever assembly 38 may also include an opening 88 arranged to accommodate the passage of the brake lever pivot 44 therethrough and to allow the shift lever assembly to be moved around the shift lever pivot 60 without interference from the brake lever pivot.

[0025] A pivot joint bracket 64 has a portion disposed around the brake lever pivot joint 44 (see also Fig. 8, Fig. 9 and Fig. 10) and which is partially disposed within the opening 88 of the shift lever assembly 38. The pivot bracket 64 extends away from the brake lever pivot 44 to receive the shift lever pivot 60. The pivot bracket 64 may extend from above the surface of the brake lever pivot 44 to connect with the brake cable head holder 62. The pivot bracket 64 connects the brake lever pivot 44 to the brake cable head holder 62 to cause the shift lever assembly 38 to move with the brake lever 36 in the fore-and-aft direction when the brake lever is applied, while allowing the shift lever assembly to move laterally relative to the brake lever, enabling a shifting function independent of a braking function.

[0026] A return spring 66 is directly or indirectly connected to the housing 32 to bias the brake lever 36 to a rest position. The return spring 60 may be connected to a retainer feature 90 of the pivot bracket 64 at one end and to a shaft 70 of the reach adjustment mechanism 46. The return spring 66 biases the brake lever 36 and the shift lever assembly 38 to a rest position with the brake lever in a non-actuated or home state.

[0027] A guide 94 may be provided on one of the shift levers 37 and on the shift lever bracket 64. The guide 94 is arranged, shaped, and sized to receive an electrical cable 96. The electrical cable 96 electrically connects the electrical components that may be located in a distal end or blade end 37B of the shift lever 37 and the electrical components that may be located in the housing 32. The structure and function of the various electrical components will be explained below.

[0028] Fig. Figure 8 further illustrates that the cable 96 extends along the length of the shift lever arm 37C. The Fig. 8 and Fig. 9 illustrate that the rotatable connection of the brake cable head holder 62 to the brake lever 36 may be at or near the upper end of the brake lever. The return spring 66 may pass between the brake cable head holder 62 and the proximal end 37A of the shift lever. The shift lever pivot 60 may be disposed above the brake lever pivot 44.

[0029] The Fig. 10, Fig. 11 and Fig. 12 show the reach adjustment mechanism 46. The reach adjustment mechanism 46 includes a shaft 70 which is attached to the side of the housing 32 ( Fig. 11). The shaft 70 includes a cam 72. One end of the shaft 70 includes a tool receptacle 74 for rotating the shaft and cam 72. An example of a detent mechanism 92 is shown for maintaining the cam 72 in a desired orientation. The detent mechanism 92 includes tabs 100, which in this example interact with the return spring 66 until rotated with sufficient force, exerted by a tool of the tool receptacle 74, to overcome interaction of the tabs and spring. The reach adjustment mechanism 46 may include a plurality of positions offering different cam surfaces or tabs 72, for example, four tabs, with different spacing of the brake lever 36 relative to the shaft 70, as a function determined by the particular cam surface used.The cam 72 is disposed adjacent a surface 102 of either the outer or inner wall 78, 80 of the brake lever 36 such that one of the surfaces of the cam contacts the surface. Other mechanisms to accomplish the same task may be used.

[0030] The Fig. 13-16 show an example of some of the electronic components 106 for controlling the control assembly 30. The electronic components 106 may be located at a distal end 37B of the shift lever 37. In alternative embodiments, some of the electronic components 106 may be located on and / or within the brake lever 36 or the housing 32.

[0031] The distal end 37B may be a flared portion of the shift lever 37 to provide appropriate and safe interaction with the user. The distal end 37B includes one or more interior spaces 104 for housing the electronic components 106. The interior space 104 is closed by an interior cover 108. To prevent water and other contaminants from entering the interior space 104, a seal 110 may be interposed between the interior space and the cover 108. The seal 110 may be a rubber sealing member or any suitable material that satisfactorily seals the interior space from contaminants. In one example, the seal 110 is transparent, for example, or includes a portion of the sealing material that allows light, for example, from an LED component 118 or the like of the electronic components 106, to pass therethrough.

[0032] The cable 96 is electrically connected to the electronic components 106 and extends along the interior of the brake lever arm 37C from the housing 32. The cable 96 may connect the power supply 130, for example a battery, which is arranged in the housing 32 (see Fig. 16 and Fig. 17), electrically connect and connect optional accessory connections 55 to the electronic components 106.

[0033] The electronic components 106 may be mounted on or connected to a circuit board 113 or the like. The circuit board 113 may include a communication module 112 for generating and transmitting signals for wireless transmission in the form of electromagnetic radiation (EMR), e.g., radio waves. Optionally, the communication module 112 may receive signals, which may be in the form of EMR. The communication module 112 includes or is, for example, a transmitter or a receiver.

[0034] The circuit board 113 may include an antenna 114 in operative connection with the communication module 112 for transmitting and, if appropriate, receiving EMS. The antenna 114 is a device configured to transmit and / or receive electromagnetic waves (e.g., television or radio).

[0035] According to one aspect of the invention, the antenna 114 is disposed in a position or part of the control assembly 30 where it will be able to transmit signals without significant interference from the assembly structure and / or the user's hand. Therefore, in one embodiment, the invention contemplates disposing the antenna 114, at least in part, in a portion of the control assembly 30 such that it is separate, removed, or spaced from the housing 32. The location of the antenna 114 may be, for example, the brake lever 36 or the gearshift lever 37.

[0036] The control assembly 30 includes a control unit 116, which may be arranged on the circuit board 113. The control unit 116 is operatively connected to the communication module 112 to perform electronic functions related to one or more switching, pairing, derailleur alignment functions, power management, and so forth.

[0037] An example of a control unit 116 suitable and configurable for the purposes presented here is an Atmel ATmega324PA microcontroller with internal EEPROM memory. An example of a communication module 112 suitable and configurable for the purposes presented here is an Atmel AT86RF231 2.4 GHz transceiver using AES encryption and spread spectrum technology (DSSS), supporting 16 channels and the IEEE 802.15.4 transmission protocol. Other suitable microcontrollers 116 and communication modules are contemplated. Supplementary electrical and / or electronic devices known in the art may also be used to enable the functioning of the control unit 116 and the communication module 112 and the associated components.

[0038] The control assembly 30 may include one or more LEDs 118, which may be arranged on the circuit board 113. The LED 118 communicates the status of the electrical components 106 and the one or more electrical switches 120, 122. The light emitted by the LED 118 may be visible, for example, through the seal 110 and an opening or non-opaque area 124 provided in the cover 108.

[0039] The electrical switches 120, 122, when actuated, may cause functions performed by the control unit 116. The functions performed by the control unit 116 may, for example, relate to communication, derailleur pairing, alignment, and / or shifting functions, and may generate signals to trigger or elicit an action and / or response from various mechanisms of the bicycle, such as an electromechanical derailleur (see Fig. 23).

[0040] A first electrical switch 120 includes a contact 126, which may be disposed on the circuit board 113, an electrical dome switch component 128 or the like, arranged to contact the contact when pressed, and a support 130 connected to the circuit board to maintain alignment of the electrical dome switch component with the contact. While other types of electronic switches may be used, dome switches, such as the one illustrated, are robust, reliable, and provide a desired amount of feedback to the user.

[0041] The first electrical switch 120 may be used for a function of the control arrangement 30 that is performed more frequently and possibly forcefully, such as initiating a switching operation.

[0042] A second, optional electrical switch 122 may also be a dome switch. The second electrical switch may be a smaller and self-contained switch intended to be used less frequently than the first switch 120. For example, the second electrical switch 122 could be used for functions that require the pairing of a particular control arrangement with one or more electromechanical chain circuits ( Fig. 23) or derailleur alignment functions.

[0043] In the example shown here, the electronic components 106 are arranged on the circuit board 113, which is arranged and secured in the interior space 104. The seal 110 lies over the circuit board 113 and seals the interior space 104 of the distal end 37B and the cover 108 when the cover is attached to the distal switch lever end. In this example, the first and second electrical switches 120, 122 can be actuated through the seal 110 from the outside thereof. The cover 108 includes one or more openings 132A, B, each of which seals includes a respective actuating button 134A, B disposed therein. The actuating buttons 134A, B function through the material of the seal 110. In this way, the reliability of the seal 110 is not compromised. A drive spring 136 can also be provided on an actuator 134A.The drive spring 136 may be retained on the actuator 134A by a bulge 138, which may be sized and shaped to maintain the spring in alignment and / or engagement with the actuator. When sufficiently compressed, the drive spring 136 urges the actuator 134A toward the seal 110 and the electrical dome switch component 128, causing the dome switch component to mate with the switch 126 and actuate the electrical switch 120.

[0044] The Fig. 14 and Fig. 15 show that the seal 110 may include raised and thickened portions 138A, B disposed between the respective actuators 134A, B and the electrical switches 120, 122 to promote effective transmission of the actuators' force to the switches. Also illustrated are the methods for actuating the electrical switches 120, 122. The shift lever 37, and in particular the distal end 37B thereof, may be disposed closer to the outer side 48 of the brake lever 36. The inner side 53 of the brake lever 36 may include a spring retainer 140 for the end of the drive spring 136 opposite the actuating button 134A. When the shift lever 37 is urged toward the inner side, the spring 136 is compressed between the retainer 140 and the actuator 134A.Compression of spring 136 causes actuator 134A to press against seal 110, and the thickened portion 138A thereof depresses dome switch component 128 of electrical switch 120. Actuation of electrical switch 120 is known to send a signal through the associated circuitry to be actuated by control unit 116 according to instructions provided therefor. It is believed that the provision of a separate lever for braking and shifting functions may be convenient for bicycle operators accustomed to mechanical shifting systems that have separate levers for braking and shifting functions.

[0045] The Fig. 17-21 illustrate components included in the housing 32 of the control assembly. The housing 32 may be a single-piece or multi-piece construction formed by 3D printing or injection molding from, for example, thermoplastics, composites, metals and alloys thereof, or any suitable material. As a reference frame, line BB, shown in Fig. 4, as a center line of the control arrangement 30 or parallel to the center line, the center line of which is generally also in Fig. 9 is shown as a cross-sectional view thereof. Returning to Fig. 17, various features of the control assembly 30 are shown on the housing 32 and assume a plane or orientation substantially aligned with the centerline.

[0046] For example, the power supply 130 may be generally aligned parallel or along the centerline and disposed within the interior body 57 of the housing 32. While power supplies may have any number of shapes, the "coin" shape is a universally accepted shape and fits comfortably within the housing 32. The power supply 130 is disposed on a front side of a bracket 142 that holds the power supply and electrically connects it. An optional accessory plate 144 may be connected to and in electrical communication with the bracket 142.

[0047] In another embodiment, the plate 144 may support most or all of the electronic components 106, except, for example, the electrical switch 120 and the antenna 114.

[0048] The accessory plate 144 may include one or more accessory connections 55 with the receiver connections 146 (see Fig. 20). The terminals 146 may be for connecting optional additional and / or remote electrical switches and other devices (not shown) to the control assembly 30. When the terminals 146 are not in use, the accessory connections 55 may be closed and / or sealed from contamination by plugs 148 at the accessory interfaces 150, which include bores formed in the housing 32 to allow access to the accessory connections 55. The accessory plate 144 is electrically connected to the cable 96 to electrically connect the power supply 130 to the electronic components 106. The interior body 57 is closed with a gasket 152, and the access cover 52 is attached to the housing 32 over the gasket.

[0049] Fig. Figure 22 shows one embodiment of a single control assembly 30 in schematic form. Generally, the control assembly can be understood as comprising two main assemblies; one comprising the housing 32 and the accompanying components, and the other comprising the first actuating element, in one example a shift lever assembly 38 or, in another example, the brake lever 37 and the accompanying components.

[0050] The housing 32 may include one or more auxiliary or accessory connections 55A, 55B, each of which houses an auxiliary electrical switch or the like (not shown). The housing 32 may also include a power supply 130. The power supply 130 and the accessory connections 55A, 55B are operatively connected to the control unit 116 located on the first actuating element, e.g., on the shift lever assembly 38.

[0051] The first actuating element 36 or 38 includes a control unit 116 and a communication module 112 connected to the controller 116. An antenna 114 is connected to the communication module 112. One or more electrical switching switches 120 are connected to the control unit 116. A second electrical switch 122 is optional and may be connected to the control unit 116.

[0052] Fig. Figure 22B shows an alternative embodiment of a single control assembly 30 in schematic form. Generally, the control assembly 30 can be understood as comprising two main assemblies; one comprising the housing 32 and the accompanying components, and the other comprising the first actuating element, in one example, a shift lever assembly 38, and the accompanying elements.

[0053] The housing 32 may include one or more auxiliary or accessory connections 55A, 55B, each of which accommodates an auxiliary electrical switch or the like (not shown). The housing 32 may also include a power supply 130. The power supply 130 and the accessory connections 55A, 55B are operatively connected to a control unit 116, and a communications module 112 connected to the control unit 116 is located in or on the housing.

[0054] The shift lever assembly 38 includes the antenna 114, which is connected to the communication module 112. One or more electrical shift switches 120 are connected to the control unit 116. The second electrical switch 122 could be located on the housing 32 or on the shift lever assembly 38. The first actuation component can also be a brake lever 36.

[0055] Fig. 23 is a bicycle 300 with a drop-bar-type handlebar 40, which illustrates the features of the invention. The bicycle 300 includes at least one control assembly 30 attached to the handlebar 40, which is attached to the bicycle. The bicycle 300 may include one or both of a front derailleur 302 and a rear derailleur 304 mounted on the bicycle frame 306 as part of the bicycle. The derailleurs 302, 304 may be, for example, electromechanical derailleurs. The bicycle 300 includes a multi-toothed drivetrain 308 with one or more chainrings 310 connected to a plurality of sprockets 312 by a chain 314, according to the prior art. The forward and reverse directions are indicated by the direction of arrow "A."

[0056] Fig.Figure 24 illustrates an embodiment of the invention wherein the brake and shifting functions are actuated on a single structure. The control assembly 330 is mountable to the handlebar 340 with a known clamp type, as in the above embodiment. Typically, a bicycle will utilize a pair of control assemblies 330, known to be one for each side of the handlebar. It will also be understood that the pair of control assemblies may together be configured to actuate a pair of electromechanical derailleurs. Similarly, the assemblies 330 may be configured to actuate braking devices.

[0057] The control assembly 330 includes a housing 332, which may be covered with a cover 334. The housing 332 is shaped and sized to be grasped by the user's hand. The housing 332 and the cover 334 serve as a handle or graspable portion. The housing 332 may be made of any suitable material, such as metal, plastic, and / or composite materials. The cover 334 may be made of any suitable material, such as natural and / or synthetic elastomeric materials, and shaped to present a comfortable interface to the user and reduce the tendency to be dislodged or removed from its position on the housing 332. The cover 334 is configured to be removably attached to the housing 332 and retained in position thereon by known means.

[0058] A single actuating component 336 is pivotally or movably mounted to the housing 332, for example, at or near the leading or forward portion of the housing, such that the brake lever is spaced from the handlebar 340 and pivots generally forward and backward. The actuating component 336 may be made of any suitable material, such as metal, plastic, or composite materials. The actuating member 336 may be attached to the housing 332 by a pivot joint 334, which may, for example, take the form of a pivot, pin, rod, or shaft.

[0059] Some or all of the actuators 336 may be generally U-shaped or channel-shaped, and the electronic components 406 may be disposed entirely or partially within the interior space or channel of the U-shape.

[0060] The electronic components 406 include the same elements as explained in detail in the embodiment presented above and may be mounted on the actuating component 336 in the interior space formed in the actuating element. The electronic components 406 may be connected to other components in the housing 332 by an electrical connection or cable 396. The actuating component 336 provides an electrical switch that is movable relative to the actuating component to actuate the electronic components 406.

[0061] While the invention has been described with reference to a particular embodiment, it should be understood that numerous changes may be made within the spirit and scope of the inventive concepts described. Accordingly, it is intended that the invention not be limited to the disclosed embodiment, but be accorded the full scope of the following claims.

Claims

[1] Control arrangement (30) for bicycles for controlling an electromechanical gearshift device, comprising: a grippable housing (32) mountable on the bicycle; a power supply (130) connected to the control arrangement (30); a first actuating component movably mounted on the housing (32); an electrical switch (120); a control unit (116) operated by the power supply (130), which communicates with the electrical switch (120) and is configured to generate a signal for changing the switching position of the switching mechanism upon signal input from the electrical switch (120); and an antenna (114) attached to the first actuating component and communicating with the control unit (116) to transmit the signal. [2] Control arrangement (30) according to claim 1, wherein the power supply (130) is attached to the housing (32); in particular, the power supply (130) is a battery housed in the housing (32). [3] Control arrangement (30) according to claim 2, wherein the battery is aligned substantially parallel to the central axis of the housing (32). [4] Control arrangement (30) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the first actuating component is a shift lever assembly (38), wherein in particular the shift lever assembly (38) comprises a shift lever (37) with a distal and a proximal portion, wherein the proximal portion is movably mounted on the housing (32). [5] Control arrangement (30) according to claim 4, wherein the antenna (114) is arranged on the distal portion of the shift lever (37), wherein in particular the distal portion comprises an interior space, and the antenna (114) is accommodated in the interior space. [6] Control arrangement (30) according to claim 5, wherein the control unit (116) is accommodated in the interior space. [7] Control arrangement (30) according to claim 6, further comprising a communication module (112) which communicates with the control unit (116) and the antenna (114) and which is accommodated in the interior space, wherein in particular the electrical switch (120) is located at the distal end of the shift lever (37). [8] Control arrangement (30) according to one of the preceding claims, further comprising: a second electrical switch (122) communicating with the control unit (116) to change at least one non-switching function of the control unit (116) and non-switching functions of the electromechanical switching mechanism. [9] Control arrangement (30) according to claim 8, wherein the non-switching functions comprise at least one or more pairing functions of the control arrangement (30) to the electromechanical circuit device and at least one alignment function of the electromechanical circuit device. [10] Control arrangement (30) according to one of the preceding claims, further comprising a second actuating component, wherein the second actuating component is a brake lever (36), wherein in particular the shift lever assembly (38) is pivotally mounted on the housing (32) in order to be able to carry out a relative movement to the brake lever (36). [11] Control arrangement (30) according to claim 10, wherein the brake lever (36) is pivotally mounted on the housing (32) by a brake lever pivot joint (44). [12] Control arrangement (30) according to claim 11, wherein the shift lever assembly (38) is movably arranged by a shift lever pivot joint (60) which is arranged substantially orthogonal to the brake lever pivot joint (44). [13] The control assembly (30) of claim 12, further comprising: a shift lever pivot bracket (64) enclosing the shift lever pivot (60), the shift lever pivot bracket (64) having an opening through which the brake lever pivot (44) is passed. [14] Control arrangement (30) according to claim 13, wherein the gear lever pivot joint (60) is arranged above the brake lever pivot joint (44). [15] Control arrangement (30) according to one of claims 10 to 14, wherein the first actuating component is connected to the second actuating component.

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