COMPONENT FOR A HUMAN-POWERED VEHICLE

Abstract

A component 10 for a human-powered vehicle B is provided. Component 10 essentially comprises a connection area 44 for a power source, an actuator 20, and a control unit 24. The connection area for the power source 44 is configured to be electrically connected to a power source PS. The actuator 20 is electrically connected to the connection area for the power source 44. The control unit 24 controls the actuator 20 with a supply current C1 provided by the power source PS. The supply current C1 is limited based on a comparison of the current PC1 of the power source PS with a threshold current At. The control unit 24 controls the actuator 20 in a first state S1, in which the supply current C1 is a first current C11 that is higher than the threshold current At.The control unit 24 controls the actuator 20 in a second state S2, in which the supply current C1 is a second current C12 that is lower than the threshold current At, after the control unit 24 controls the actuator 20 in the first state S1 such that the supply current C1 is not limited by the current source PS.

Description

[0001] The present invention generally relates to a component for a human-powered vehicle. More specifically, the present invention relates to a component for a human-powered vehicle that includes a rechargeable power source.

[0002] In recent years, some human-powered vehicles have been equipped with electrical components or devices to facilitate vehicle operation. Examples of such components include suspension, gear shifting devices (e.g., derailleur gears, hub gears, etc.), and seatposts. Some of these components use power from an on-board power source, such as one or more batteries. The power source for the component must either be replaced or regularly charged. If the power source for the component requires regular charging, the power source is either plugged into an external charging device or removed from the component and placed on an external charging device.

[0003] For proper operation of these electrical components, it is advantageous to accurately detect the operating status of the power source to protect the power source from abnormalities such as overcharging, overdischarging, overcurrent, short circuit, etc. Furthermore, it is also desirable to avoid interrupting the operation of these components by falsely detecting such power source abnormalities while these components are operating as intended.

[0004] In general, the present invention is directed to various features of a component for a human-powered vehicle. The term "human-powered vehicle" as used herein refers to a vehicle that can be driven at least using human motive power to generate propulsion, but does not include a vehicle that solely uses motive power other than human power. In particular, a vehicle that solely uses an internal combustion engine as motive power is not considered a human-powered vehicle. Generally, the human-powered vehicle is considered to be a compact, lightweight vehicle that, in some cases, does not require a driver's license to drive on public roads. The number of wheels of the human-powered vehicle is not limited.Human-powered vehicles include, for example, a unicycle and a vehicle with three or more wheels. Human-powered vehicles include, for example, various types of bicycles such as mountain bikes, racing bikes, city bikes, cargo bikes, recumbent bikes, and electric-assisted bicycles (e-bikes).

[0005] In view of the prior art and according to a first aspect of the present invention, a component for a human-powered vehicle is provided. The component essentially comprises a connection area for a power source, an actuator, and a control unit. The connection area for a power source is configured to be electrically connected to a power source. The actuator is electrically connected to the connection area for the power source. The control unit is configured to control the actuator with a supply current supplied by the power source. The supply current is configured to be limited based on a comparison of the current of the power source with a threshold current. The control unit is configured to control the actuator in a first state in which the current of the power source is higher than the threshold current.The control unit is configured to control the actuator in a second state in which the current of the power source is lower than the threshold current after the control unit controls the actuator in the first state such that the supply current from the power source is not limited.

[0006] With the component according to the first aspect, it is possible to suitably control the actuator by the control unit and at the same time to suitably limit the supply current provided by the power source by the control unit.

[0007] According to a second aspect of the present invention, the component according to the first aspect is configured such that the control unit is configured to control the actuator with a first current for a first duration in the first state. The control unit is configured to control the actuator with a second current for a second duration in the second state. The first current is higher than the second current. The first duration is longer than the second duration. With the component according to the second aspect, it is possible to limit a duration of continuous control of the actuator with a higher supply current to the first duration.

[0008] According to a third aspect of the present invention, the component according to the second aspect is configured such that the first duration is at least ten times longer than the second duration. With the component according to the third aspect, it is possible to appropriately control the actuator with a higher supply current while minimizing the effects of controlling the actuator with a lower supply current.

[0009] According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, the component according to the second aspect or the third aspect is configured such that the first duration is shorter than a first predetermined duration, and the supply current is limited in a limiting state in which the control unit controls the actuator for the first predetermined duration. With the component according to the fourth aspect, it is possible to appropriately limit the supply current in the limiting state.

[0010] According to a fifth aspect of the present invention, the component according to the fourth aspect is configured such that the supply current is configured to be cut off in a state in which the current of the current source is higher than the threshold current for the first predetermined period. With the component according to the fifth aspect, it is possible to appropriately cut off a higher supply current.

[0011] According to a sixth aspect of the present invention, the component according to any one of the second to fifth aspects is configured such that the control unit is configured to control the actuator in a third state in which the control unit controls the actuator with the first current after the control unit has controlled the actuator in the second state. With the component according to the sixth aspect, it is possible to repeatedly control the actuator with a higher supply current.

[0012] According to a seventh aspect of the present invention, the component according to the sixth aspect is configured such that the control unit is configured to control the actuator with the first current for a third duration in the third state, wherein the first duration is equal to the third duration. With the component according to the seventh aspect, it is possible to limit a duration of continuous control of the actuator with a higher supply current to the first duration and the third duration, which is equal to the first duration.

[0013] According to an eighth aspect of the present invention, the component according to the sixth aspect is configured such that the control unit is configured to control the actuator with the first current for a third duration in the third state, wherein the first duration differs from the third duration. With the component according to the eighth aspect, it is possible to limit a duration of continuous control of the actuator with a higher supply current to the first duration and the third duration different from the first duration.

[0014] According to a ninth aspect of the present invention, the component according to any one of the first to eighth aspects is configured such that the controller is configured to stop the drive of the actuator in the second state. With the component according to the ninth aspect, it is possible to reduce the current of the power source by stopping the drive of the actuator.

[0015] According to a tenth aspect of the present invention, the component according to any one of the first to ninth aspects is configured such that the controller is configured to actuate an electrical part other than the actuator with a second supply current in the first state. With the component according to the tenth aspect, it is possible to provide sufficient current to actuate the electrical part in the first state.

[0016] According to an eleventh aspect of the present invention, the component according to any one of the first to tenth aspects is configured such that the control unit is configured to actuate an electrical part other than the actuator with a second supply current in the second state. With the component according to the eleventh aspect, it is possible to provide sufficient current to actuate the electrical part in the second state.

[0017] According to a twelfth aspect of the present invention, the component according to the tenth aspect or the eleventh aspect is configured such that the electrical part includes a wireless communicator, and the wireless communicator is configured to wirelessly communicate with an operating device for operating the component. With the component according to the twelfth aspect, it is possible to appropriately supply power to the wireless communicator to operate it.

[0018] According to a thirteenth aspect of the present invention, the component according to any one of the first to twelfth aspects is configured such that the control unit is further configured to drive the actuator intermittently. With the component according to the thirteenth aspect, it is possible to appropriately limit continuous control of the actuator.

[0019] According to a fourteenth aspect of the present invention, the component according to any one of the first to thirteenth aspects further comprises a power source receiving portion configured to receive the power source, and a first prevention portion configured to restrict the mounting of the power source to the power source receiving portion to a single mounting orientation. With the component according to the fourteenth aspect, it is possible to easily mount the power source to the power source receiving portion in a desired orientation.

[0020] According to a fifteenth aspect of the present invention, the component according to any one of the first to thirteenth aspects further comprises a first terminal configured to be electrically connected to a first power source terminal of the power source, and a power source connection portion configured to be coupled to the power source without being electrically connected to a second power source terminal of the power source. The second power source terminal is configured to be used to monitor information related to a temperature of the power source in a state where the power source is being charged by a charging device. With the component according to the fifteenth aspect, it is possible to simplify the configuration of the component while implementing measures for ensuring an operating state of the power source to the power source.

[0021] According to a sixteenth aspect of the present invention, a component for a human-powered vehicle is provided. The component essentially comprises a power source connection portion, an actuator, and a control unit. The power source connection portion is configured to be electrically connected to a power source. The power source connection portion includes a first terminal. The actuator is electrically connected to the power source connection portion. The control unit is configured to control the actuator. The first terminal is configured to be electrically connected to a first power source terminal of the power source. The power source connection portion is configured to be coupled to the power source without being electrically connected to a second power source terminal of the power source.The second power source terminal is configured to be used to monitor information related to a temperature of the power source in a state where the power source is being charged by a charging device.

[0022] With the component according to the sixteenth aspect, it is possible to simplify the configuration of the component and at the same time to implement measures for ensuring an operating state of the power source at the power source.

[0023] According to a seventeenth aspect of the present invention, the component according to the sixteenth aspect is configured such that the first power source terminal is configured to be electrically connected to a power supply terminal of the charging device, and the second power source terminal is configured to be electrically connected to a monitoring terminal of the charging device, so that the charging device monitors information related to a temperature of the power source. With the component according to the seventeenth aspect, it is possible to establish electrical connections between the power source and the charging device for charging the power source and ensuring the operating state of the power source.

[0024] According to an eighteenth aspect of the present invention, the component according to the sixteenth aspect or the seventeenth aspect is configured such that the first power source terminal and the second power source terminal are exposed from a first surface of a power source housing. With the component according to the eighteenth aspect, it is possible to easily establish electrical connections via the first power source terminal and the second power source terminal.

[0025] According to a nineteenth aspect of the present invention, the component according to any one of the sixteenth to eighteenth aspects is configured such that the power source is configured to be attached to the power source connection portion. In the component according to the nineteenth aspect, it is possible to attach the power source to the component via the power source connection portion.

[0026] According to a twentieth aspect of the present invention, the component according to any one of the sixteenth to nineteenth aspects further comprises a power source receiving portion configured to receive the power source, and a first prevention portion configured to restrict the mounting of the power source to the power source receiving portion to a single mounting orientation. With the component according to the twentieth aspect, it is possible to easily mount the power source to the power source receiving portion in a desired orientation.

[0027] Other objects, features, aspects and advantages of the disclosed component will also be apparent to those skilled in the art from the following detailed description, which, taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, discloses preferred embodiments of the component.

[0028] Selected embodiments of the present invention will now be explained with reference to the drawings which form a part of this original disclosure, wherein Fig. 1 is a side view of a human-powered vehicle or bicycle according to one embodiment; Fig. 2 a side view of a bicycle derailleur of the Fig. 1 shown bicycle; Fig. 3 a side view of the Fig. 2, with an outer cover removed from an outer link body of the bicycle derailleur; Fig. 4 a side view of the Fig. 2, further comprising a power source remote from the outer link body of the bicycle derailleur; Fig. Figure 5 is a simplified block diagram of a bicycle derailleur operating system; Fig. 6A is a timing chart showing the operation of a protection circuit of the power source in a state where a protection operation is activated by the protection circuit; Fig. 6B is a timing chart showing the operation of the protection circuit of the power source in a state where the protection operation by the protection circuit is not activated; Fig. 7 is a diagram showing timing of a bicycle derailleur actuator; Fig. Figure 8 is a perspective view of the power source; Fig. 9 is a normal bottom view of a bicycle derailleur power source receiving portion, showing a bicycle derailleur power source connecting portion; Fig. 10 is a side view of the outer link body with the power source disposed within a hollow interior of the outer link body; Fig. 11 is a side view of the outer link body with the power source removed from the hollow interior of the outer link body; Fig. Figure 12 is a simplified block diagram of the power source showing an electrical connection to the bicycle derailleur; Fig. Figure 13 is a simplified block diagram of the power source showing an electrical connection to a charging device; Fig. 14 is a simplified block diagram of the charging device showing an electrical connection to an external power source and an electrical connection to the power source; Fig. Figure 15 is a front perspective view of the loading device; Fig. Figure 16 is a rear perspective view of the loading device; Fig. Figure 17 is a perspective view of the loading device from below; Fig. Figure 18 is a front view of the loading device, with a partial cross-sectional view showing the locking pawls of the loading device; Fig. 19 is a front perspective view of the charging device, showing a state in which the power source is removed from the charging device; Fig. 20 is a front perspective view of the charging device, showing a state in which the power source is attached to the charging device; and Fig. 21 is an exploded view of the loading device.

[0029] Those skilled in the art of human-powered vehicles (e.g., bicycles) will appreciate from this disclosure that the following descriptions of the embodiments are for illustrative purposes only and are not intended to limit the invention as defined by the appended claims and their equivalents.

[0030] In Fig. 1, a human-powered vehicle B is first illustrated according to an exemplary embodiment. In the illustrated embodiment, a bicycle is illustrated as an example of the human-powered vehicle B, and therefore, a bicycle is also referred to as bicycle B. In the illustrated embodiment, a component 10 is provided for the human-powered vehicle B. In the illustrated embodiment, a bicycle derailleur is illustrated as an example of the component 10, and therefore, a bicycle derailleur is also referred to as a bicycle derailleur 10. The bicycle B is illustrated here as an electric-assisted bicycle. However, the bicycle derailleur 10 can also be used for any other type of bicycle, for example, a mountain bike, a cyclocross bike, a racing bike, a city bike, a cargo bike, and a recumbent bike.

[0031] As in Fig. As shown in Figure 1, the bicycle B includes a bicycle frame F supported by a rear wheel RW and a front wheel FW. The bicycle frame F essentially includes a front frame body FB and a rear frame body RB (a swing arm). The bicycle frame F is further provided with a front fork FF and a handlebar H for steering the bicycle B. The bicycle B also includes an adjustable seat post SP connected to the seat tube of the bicycle frame F to support a bicycle seat S at the upper end.

[0032] Bicycle B also includes a drivetrain DT. Here, the drivetrain DT is a chain drive, for example, including a crank C, a front sprocket FS, several rear sprockets RS, and a chain CN. Crank C includes a crank axle CA1 and a pair of crank arms CA2. Crank axle CA1 is rotatably supported on the front frame body FB. Crank arms CA2 are provided at opposite ends of crank axle CA1. A pedal PD is rotatably connected to the distal end of each of the crank arms CA2. Front sprocket FS is provided on crank C to rotate together with crank axle CA1. Rear sprockets RS are attached to a hub of rear wheel RW. Chain CN runs around front sprocket FS and one of the rear sprockets RS.A human driving force is applied by a rider of bicycle B to the pedals PD, so that the driving force is transmitted to the rear wheel RW via the front sprocket FS, the chain CN, and the rear sprockets RS. Although the drivetrain DT is depicted as a chain drive, the drivetrain DT can be selected from any type of drivetrain and can be a belt drive or a shaft drive. Here, bicycle B also includes a drive unit DU configured to apply a driving force to the crank axle CA1 of bicycle B.

[0033] In the illustrated embodiment, the bicycle derailleur 10 is an electric rear derailleur. The bicycle derailleur 10 is configured to shift the chain CN between the rear sprockets RS either in response to automatic shifting signals or commands from a bicycle computer CC ( Fig. 5) or in response to shifting signals or commands input by a user via an operating device OD, such as an electric shift lever. The bicycle frame F is equipped with a power supply BT that supplies various bicycle components with electrical energy. The power supply BT can, for example, be connected to these bicycle components via an electrical cable W in order to supply them with electrical energy. Here, the power supply BT is located in a down tube of the bicycle frame F. Alternatively, the power supply BT can also be attached to another part of the bicycle frame F.

[0034] In the illustrated embodiment, the following directional terms "front", "rear", "forward", "backward", "left", "right", "lateral", "longitudinal", "upward" and "downward" and all other similar directional terms refer to the directions determined based on a rider sitting upright on the seat S of the bicycle B and looking at the handlebars H of the bicycle B.

[0035] With reference to the Fig. 2 to 4, the bicycle derailleur 10 is explained in more detail. The bicycle derailleur 10 essentially comprises a base element 12, a movable element 14, and a chain guide 16. The bicycle derailleur 10 further comprises a connecting element 18. The connecting element 18 movably couples the movable element 14 to the base element 12. The base element 12 is configured to be fastened to the frame F of the bicycle B with a fastening element, for example a fastening screw. The movable element 14 is movably connected to the base element 12 via the connecting element 18. The chain guide 16 is pivotally connected to the movable element 14.

[0036] As mentioned above, the connecting member 18 movably connects the movable member 14 to the base member 12. More specifically, the connecting member 18 is a linkage including an inner link 18A and an outer link 18B. The inner link 18A and the outer link 18B enable relative movement of the movable member 14 with respect to the base member 12 when the bicycle derailleur 10 shifts the chain CN in a lateral direction of the bicycle B. Here, the inner link 18A and the outer link 18B are pivotally connected to the base member 12 and the movable member 14 to form a four-bar linkage. The four-bar linkage preferably also includes a biasing member (e.g., a torsion spring) interposed between the inner link 18A and the outer link 18B to accommodate any play.

[0037] As already mentioned, the illustrated embodiment of the bicycle derailleur 10 is an electric derailleur. In this case, the bicycle derailleur 10 also includes an actuator 20. In this case, the bicycle derailleur 10 is further equipped with a power source or power supply PS for supplying electrical power to various electrical components, including the actuator 20. In the illustrated embodiment, the power source PS is a rechargeable battery, for example, a lithium-ion battery. Of course, the power source PS can be selected from any type of rechargeable battery. The power source PS is detachably and reattachably attached to the bicycle derailleur 10. In the illustrated embodiment, the power source PS is provided on the outer link 18B, as described in detail later.The actuator 20 is configured to move the movable member 14 relative to the base member 12 in response to a shifting operation. The shifting operation may be a manual shifting operation in which the actuating device OD or another actuating device is actuated to generate the shifting signals that are transmitted to the actuator 20 to actuate the bicycle derailleur 10. The shifting operation may also be an automatic shifting operation in which the shifting signals are transmitted by the bicycle computer CC (. Fig. 5) based on one or more operating conditions of bicycle B.

[0038] The actuator 20 can be any type of actuator that is needed and / or desired. The actuator 20 is therefore not limited to the actuator 20 shown here. In the embodiment shown, the actuator 20 is an electric actuator that drives according to the switching signals transmitted either by wireless signals from the operating device OD or by the electrical cable W. The electrical cable W can use either power line communication (PLC) or a dedicated signal line to transmit the switching signals to the actuator 20. In the case of the actuator 20 of the illustrated embodiments, an example is shown in which the actuator 20 drives according to the switching signals transmitted by wireless signals from the operating device OD. In the illustrated embodiment, the actuator 20 includes a reversible electric motor and a switching reduction unit.

[0039] In this case, the actuator 20 is connected to the base member 12. The electric motor of the actuator 20 is connected via the gear reduction unit to one of the inner link 18A and the outer link 18B of the link member 18 to move the movable member 14 relative to the base member 12. In other words, the electric motor of the actuator 20 is configured to exert a torque between the link member 18 and the base member 12, causing the link member 18 to pivot relative to the base member 12.

[0040] In the illustrated embodiment, the bicycle derailleur 10 further comprises an electrical control or circuit board 22. The control 22 is attached to the base member 12. As shown in Fig. As shown in Figure 5, the controller 22 includes an electrical control unit 24. The control unit 24 includes a microcomputer or central processing unit (CPU). The term "control unit" as used herein refers to hardware executing a software program and does not include a human. The control unit 24 is configured to control the actuator 20 with a supply current C3 provided by the power source PS, as described later in Fig. 7. In the illustrated embodiment, the control unit 24 receives the switching signals transmitted from the operating device OD or the bicycle computer CC and generates control signals for controlling various electrical components, including the actuator 20.

[0041] The controller 22 also includes at least one computer storage device or memory 26. The memory 26 is configured to store settings, programs, data, calculations, and / or results of the control unit 24. The memory 26 is any computer storage device or any non-transitory computer-readable medium, with the sole exception of a transitory propagating signal. For example, the memory 26 may include non-volatile memory and volatile memory, and may include a ROM (Read Only Memory) device, a RAM (Random Access Memory) device, a hard drive, a flash drive, etc.

[0042] The controller 22 also includes at least one electrical part or element that is not the actuator 20. In the illustrated embodiment, the electrical part includes a wireless communicator 28. In the illustrated embodiment, the electrical part alternatively or additionally comprises a detector 29. The wireless communicator 28 is configured to communicate wirelessly with the operating device OD for operating the bicycle derailleur 10. In particular, in the illustrated embodiment, the control unit 24 receives the switching signals transmitted from the operating device OD or the bicycle computer CC via the wireless communicator 28 to generate the control signals for controlling the actuator 20. The wireless communicator 28 is a hardware device capable of wirelessly transmitting and / or receiving an analog or digital signal via an antenna.The term "wireless communicator," as used herein, includes a receiver, a transmitter, a transceiver, a transceiver, and refers to any device or devices, separately or in combination, capable of transmitting and / or receiving wireless communication signals, including command or other signals related to a function of the bicycle derailleur 10 to be controlled. The wireless communication signals may be radio frequency signals operating in the 2.4 GHz or 5.0 GHz bands, ultra-wideband communication signals, Bluetooth® communication, or any other type of signal suitable for short-range wireless communication as understood in the field of human-powered vehicles. In the illustrated embodiment, the detector 29 includes at least one position sensor 29a and one motion sensor 29b.The position sensor 29a serves to detect an operating position of the actuator 20. In the illustrated embodiment, the position sensor 29a includes a magnetic sensor. However, the position sensor 29a can be any type of sensor for detecting the operating position of the actuator 20. In the illustrated embodiment, the operating position of the actuator 20 detected by the position sensor 29a can be used, for example, to control the actuator 20. The motion sensor 29b serves to detect motion states of the bicycle B. In the illustrated embodiment, the motion sensor 29b includes an acceleration sensor. However, the motion sensor 29b can be any type of sensor for detecting motion states of the bicycle B. In the illustrated embodiment, the motion states of the bicycle B detected by the motion sensor 29b can be used, for example, to monitor the status of the wireless communicator 28.

[0043] The controller 22 also includes a driver circuit 30. In the illustrated embodiment, the driver circuit 30 may include one or more integrated circuits. The driver circuit 30 receives the control signals from the control unit 24 and drives the actuator 20 according to the control signals from the control unit 24. In particular, the actuator 20 is electrically connected to the power source PS via the driver circuit 30 and is driven by switching the power supply on and off via the driver circuit 30 according to the control signals from the control unit 24.

[0044] In the illustrated embodiment, the controller 22 comprises one or more printed circuit boards PCB on which the control unit 24, the memory 26, the wireless communicator 28, the detector 29 and the driver circuit 30 are mounted, and the one or more printed circuit boards PCB are arranged inside the base part 12.

[0045] In the embodiment shown, the power source PS contains, as described in detail later, one or more protection circuits 62 ( Fig. 12 and Fig. 13). Each of the protection circuits 62 may include one or more ICs. Each of the protection circuits 62 (referred to herein as "protection circuit") monitors the operating state of the power source PS, such as the voltage and current of the power source PC1 ( Fig. 6A, Fig. 6B) of the power source PS while the power source PS is attached to the bicycle derailleur 10. If the protection circuit detects abnormalities such as over-discharge, short circuit, or current leakage, etc., the protection circuit interrupts the power supply to the electrical components of the bicycle derailleur 10 to correct the abnormalities.

[0046] For example, the protection circuit of the power source PS stops or reduces the supply current C3 ( Fig. 7) to the bicycle derailleur 10 when the protection circuit detects the leakage current. In the illustrated embodiment, as shown in the Fig. 6A and Fig. As can be seen in Figure 6B, the protection circuit detects the presence of the leakage current when the current PC1 of the power source PS is above a threshold current At for a first predetermined duration Pt. In the illustrated embodiment, the threshold current At is a predetermined threshold for detecting overcurrent. In the illustrated embodiment, the threshold current At is set to 0.4 ± 0.12 (amperes), while the first predetermined duration Pt is set to, for example, 2 ± 0.5 (seconds).

[0047] More precisely, as in Fig. As shown in Figure 6A, a counter of the protection circuit begins counting as soon as the current PC1 of the power source PS exceeds the threshold current At (at time t1). When the counter count reaches the first predetermined time Pt, the protection circuit stops the current PC1 of the power source and the counter count is reset to zero (at time t2). In this case, the protection circuit has been activated to protect the power source PS.

[0048] On the other hand, as in Fig. 6B, the counter of the protection circuit also starts counting up the time as soon as the current PC1 of the power source PS exceeds the threshold current At (at time t3). However, the protection circuit is not activated if the current PC1 of the power source PS drops below the threshold current At for a predetermined counter reset threshold period Pr before the counter count reaches the first predetermined duration Pt (between times t4 and t5). Specifically, the counter of the protection circuit starts counting down the time (or stops the counter count) as soon as the current PC1 of the power source PS drops below the threshold current At (at time t4), and after the counter reset threshold period Pr has elapsed, the counter count is reset to zero (at time t5). This reduction in the current PC1 of the Fig. 6B occurs when an electrical load of the bicycle derailleur 10 is reduced by stopping the operation of the electrical components of the bicycle derailleur 10, such as the actuator 20, the wireless communicator 28, the detector 29, etc. In the illustrated embodiment, the counter reset threshold period Pr is set to 50 µs (microseconds).

[0049] In the illustrated embodiment, the current or rated current consumed by the actuator 20 in its operating state, or the total current or total rated current consumed by both the actuator 20 and the electrical part other than the actuator 20 (i.e., the wireless communicator 28, the detector 29, etc.) in their operating states, is higher than the threshold current Δt. In this case, even if the actuator 20 (or both the actuator 20 and the electrical part other than the actuator 20) must be driven continuously for a period of time (e.g., 1.5 seconds) longer than the first predetermined duration Pt (e.g., 1.0 seconds), the protection circuit of the power source PS stops the current PC1 when the count of the counter reaches the first predetermined duration Pt (e.g., 1.0 seconds), as if the protection circuit detects a leakage current, as in Fig. 6A. As shown in Fig. As shown in Figure 6A, the protection circuit of the power source PS stops the current PC1 to protect the power source PS when the count of the counter reaches the first predetermined period Pt (for example, 1.0 second), thereby limiting the supply current C3 supplied from the power source PS to the bicycle derailleur 10. As a result, the operation of the actuator 20 (or both the actuator 20 and the electrical part other than the actuator 20) is stopped, and the actuator 20 (or both the actuator 20 and the electrical part other than the actuator 20) is prevented from operating in a desired manner. Therefore, the supply current C3 is configured to be limited based on the comparison of the current PC1 of the power source PS with the threshold current Δt. Specifically, the supply current C3 is limited so that it does not continuously have a current exceeding the threshold current Δt for more than the first predetermined period Pt.Thus, the supply current C3 is configured to be limited in a limiting state in which the control unit 24 controls the actuator 20 for the first predetermined period Pt. Furthermore, the supply current C3 is configured to be turned off in a state in which the current PC1 of the power source is higher than the threshold current At for the first predetermined period Pt, as also indicated by a dashed line in FIG. Fig. 7 shown.

[0050] As in Fig. As can be seen in Figure 7, the control unit 24 is configured to intermittently control the actuator 20. Specifically, in response to receiving the switching signals for a desired switching operation from the operating device OD or the bicycle computer CC via the wireless communicator 28, the control unit 24 intermittently outputs the control signals to the drive circuit 30 to intermittently drive or control the actuator 20 to perform the desired switching operation. Specifically, the control unit 24 repeats this intermittent output of the control signals (i.e., the intermittent control of the actuator 20) for a control period Dt1 until the desired switching operation is completed. Thereafter, the actuator 20 intermittently drives and intermittently draws current according to the control signals. More specifically, as shown in Fig. As shown in Fig. 7, the actuator 20 drives by consuming current for intermittent operation periods D1, D3, ... (hereinafter also referred to as a first duration D1, a third duration D3, ...). The intermittent operation times D1, D3, ... respectively correspond to the intermittent outputs of the control signals from the control unit 24. Furthermore, the actuator 20 stops by stopping current consumption for intermittent non-operation times D2, ... (hereinafter also referred to as a second duration D2, ...) between the intermittent operation times D1, D3, .... At this time, each of the intermittent outputs of the control signals (i.e., each of the intermittent operation periods D1, D3, ...) lasts only for a continuous period shorter than the first predetermined duration Pt. In other words, each of the intermittent operation periods D1, D3, ... is shorter than the first predetermined duration Pt.Thus, even if the control duration Dt1 required to complete the desired switching operation is longer than the first predetermined duration Pt, the protection provided by the protection circuit of the power source PS is not activated. This prevents the operation of the actuator 20 from stopping before the desired switching operation is completed. Hereinafter, in the illustrated embodiment, a state in which the control unit 24 outputs the control signals to the drive circuit 30 to drive the actuator 20 is also simply referred to as a state in which the control unit 24 controls or drives the actuator 20 (according to the control signals).

[0051] In Fig. 7 describes the operation of the bicycle derailleur 10 in more detail. In the illustrated embodiment, the current that the actuator 20 draws from the power source PS is referred to as the actuator supply current C1. The actuator supply current C1 has a current A1 in its operating state and a "zero" current (i.e., 0 amperes) in its non-operating state. Similarly, the current drawn from the power source PS by at least one electrical part or element of the bicycle derailleur 10 other than the actuator 20, for example, the wireless communicator 28, the detector 29, etc., is referred to as the second supply current C2. The second supply current C2 may also be referred to as the element supply current C2 and has a current A2 in its operating state and a "zero" current (i.e., 0 amperes) in its non-operating state.

[0052] Fig. 7 shows a case where the current A2 of the second supply current C2 is lower than the threshold current At, and the supply current C3 supplied by the power source PS to the bicycle derailleur 10 has approximately the same current as the current PC1 of the power source PS and has a total current (i.e., A1+A2) of the actuator supply current C1 and the second supply current C2 in their operating states that is greater than the threshold current At. Thus, in the embodiment shown, the control unit 24 is configured to control the actuator 20 with the supply current C3 supplied by the power source PS.

[0053] As already mentioned, in the illustrated embodiment, the control unit 24 drives the actuator 20 intermittently. Specifically, the phrase "the control unit 24 drives the actuator 20 intermittently" in the illustrated embodiment means that the control unit 24 repeatedly drives the actuator 20 with the actuator supply current C1 of current A1 and then stops the actuator 20 by driving the actuator 20 with the actuator supply current C1 of "zero" current. In the illustrated embodiment, the actuator supply current C1 of current A1 is also referred to as the first current C11, while the actuator supply current C1 of current "zero" is also referred to as the second current C12. However, between two consecutive activations of the actuator 20 with the actuator supply current C1 of current A1 (i.e. the first current C11), the actuator 20 does not have to come to a complete standstill.The control unit 24 can be configured to drive the actuator 20 with a lower power (i.e., the actuator supply current C1 with a current lower than the current A1), so that the current PC1 of the power source between two consecutive drives of the actuator 20 with the actuator supply current C1 of the current A1 (i.e., the first current C11) becomes lower than the threshold current At. In the illustrated embodiment, the actuator supply current C1 with the current lower than the current A1 can also be referred to as the second current C12.

[0054] As in Fig. As can be seen in Figure 7, the supply current C3 is limited while the control unit 24 intermittently controls the actuator 20. In particular, the supply current C3 is limited such that it does not continuously have a current intensity above the threshold current Δt for longer than the first predetermined period Pt. In particular, a continuous control period of the actuator 20 by the control unit 24 with the first current C11 (i.e., the actuator supply current C1 of current intensity A1) is limited during the control period Dt1. In addition, the actuator supply current C1 is also limited such that it intermittently has a current intensity of "zero" (or a current intensity less than the current intensity A1).

[0055] As in Fig. As can be seen in Figure 7, the control unit 24 is configured to control the actuator 20 in a first state S1 in which the current PC1 of the power source is higher than the threshold current Δt. In particular, the control unit 24 is configured to control the actuator 20 with the first current C11 for the first duration D1 in the first state S1. Furthermore, the control unit 24 is configured to actuate the electrical part other than the actuator 20 with the second supply current C2 in the first state S1. Thus, the supply current C3 in the first state S1 is approximately equal to the total current intensity (i.e., A1+A2) of the actuator supply current C1 and the second supply current C2 in their operating states and is greater than the threshold current Δt.

[0056] As in Fig. As can be seen in Figure 7, the control unit 24 is configured to control the actuator 20 in a second state S2 in which the current PC1 of the power source is lower than the threshold current Δt, after the control unit 24 controls the actuator 20 in the first state S1 such that the supply current C3 from the power source PS is not limited. In particular, the control unit 24 is configured to control the actuator 20 in the second state S2 with the second current C12 for the second duration D2. In the illustrated embodiment, the control unit 24 is therefore configured to terminate the control of the actuator 20 in the second state S2. Furthermore, the control unit 24 is configured to actuate the electrical part, which is not the actuator 20, with the second supply current C2 in the second state S2.Thus, the supply current C3 in the second state S2 is approximately equal to the current A2 of the second supply current C2 in its operating state and is smaller than the threshold current At.

[0057] In the illustrated embodiment, the first current C11 is higher than the second current C12. In addition, as shown in Fig. 7, the first duration D1 is longer than the second duration D2. Preferably, the first duration D1 is at least ten times longer than the second duration D2. In particular, the first duration D1 is in the range from 50 msec to 500 msec. Preferably, the first duration D1 is in the range from 100 msec to 250 msec. On the other hand, the second duration D2 is in the range from 1 msec to 10 msec. Preferably, the second duration D2 is 5 msec. In particular, the second duration D2 is preferably set to be longer than the counter reset threshold period Pr in order to reset the counter of the protection circuit during the second duration D2, which still allows the protection circuit to operate in a desired manner. In the illustrated embodiment, the first duration D1 is shorter than the first predetermined duration Pt. Furthermore, the first predetermined duration Pt may be shorter than the control duration Dt1.

[0058] Similar to the first state S1, the control unit 24 is configured to control the actuator 20 in a third state S3, in which the control unit 24 controls the actuator 20 with the first current C11 after the control unit 24 has controlled the actuator 20 in the second state S2. As in Fig. 7, the control unit 24 is specifically configured to control the actuator 20 with the first current C11 for a third duration D3 in the third state S3. In the illustrated embodiment, the first duration D1 is equal to the third duration D3. For example, the sum of the first duration D1 (i.e., the third duration D3) and the second duration D2 is set to 1.0 second, so that the control unit 24 repeatedly outputs the control signal to the drive circuit 30 to drive the actuator 20 every second (1.0 second). In this case, even if the first predetermined duration Pt is set to 1.0 second as described above, the control unit 24 does not continuously drive the actuator 20 for more than the first predetermined duration Pt. Thus, the protection circuit of the power source PS can be prevented from stopping the current of the power source PC1 and stopping the operation of the actuator 20.Of course, alternatively, the first duration D1 may be different from the third duration D3. Furthermore, in the third state S3, the control unit 24 is configured to operate the electrical part other than the actuator 20 (i.e., the wireless communicator 28, the detector 29, etc.) with the second supply current C2 of current intensity A2. Thus, the supply current C3 in the third state S3 is approximately equal to the total current intensity (i.e., A1+A2) of the actuator supply current C1 and the second supply current C2 in their operating states and is greater than the threshold current Δt. In the embodiment shown, in . Fig. 7 shows an example in which the control period Dt1 is longer than the first predetermined period Pt. If the control period Dt1 is shorter than the first predetermined period Pt, the control unit 24 obviously does not need to control the actuator 20 intermittently. Rather, in this case, the control unit 24 controls the actuator 20 continuously for the control period Dt1 (i.e., the control period Dt1 is formed only by the first period D1, excluding the second period D2, the third period D3, etc.).

[0059] In the illustrated embodiment, the control unit 24 controls the actuator 20, and as a result of controlling the actuator 20, the current PC1 from the power source PS is controlled. In other words, in the illustrated embodiment, the control unit 24 does not directly control the power source PS to control the current of the power source PC1. However, the control unit 24 can be configured to directly control the power source PS or the current of the power source PC1, as needed and / or desired.

[0060] In the illustrated embodiment, the bicycle derailleur 10 is shown as an example of a "component" of the present disclosure, and the control of the actuator 20 by the control unit 24 of the bicycle derailleur 10 is explained. However, the control of the actuator 20 by the control unit 24 can be similarly applied to the control of an actuator of any other component of the bicycle B, such as suspensions, shifting devices (e.g., front derailleurs, internally geared hubs, etc.), seatposts, etc.

[0061] With reference to the Fig. 2 to 4, the configurations of the bicycle derailleur 10 are described in detail. As in Fig. 2, the outer link 18A includes an outer link body 32 and an outer cover 34. As shown in the Fig. 3 and Fig. 4, the outer link body 32 has a power source receiving portion 36. The power source receiving portion 36 is configured to receive the power source PS. More specifically, the power source receiving portion 36 serves as a battery holder or housing. The power source receiving portion 36 has a hollow interior 38 with an opening at the bottom end 40. In the illustrated embodiment, the power source PS is inserted into the hollow interior 38 through the opening at the bottom end 40 and is located within the power source receiving portion 36 when the power source PS is installed on the bicycle derailleur 10.

[0062] The outer cover 34 is removably and reattachably attached to the outer link body 32. The outer cover 34 covers a lower portion of the outer link body 32 to close the opening at the lower end 40. The outer cover 34 pushes the power source PS upward via a biasing or spring mechanism 42 when the outer cover 34 is attached to the outer link body 32 to ensure an electrical connection between the power source PS and the bicycle derailleur 10.

[0063] As in Fig. As can be seen in Figure 8, the bicycle derailleur 10 includes a connection area 44 for the power source. In the illustrated embodiment, the bicycle derailleur 10 (for example, the component) essentially comprises the connection area 44 for the power source, the actuator 20, and the control unit 24. The connection area 44 for the power source is configured to be electrically connected to the power source PS. The connection area 44 for the power source can be connected directly or indirectly to the power source PS. Furthermore, the power source PS is configured to be attached to the connection area 44 for the power source.Specifically, the power source connecting portion 44 is provided at a closed upper end of the hollow interior 38 of the power source receiving portion 36 so that the power source connecting portion 44 comes into contact with the power source PS and is electrically connected to the power source PS when the power source PS is installed on the bicycle derailleur 10.

[0064] In the illustrated embodiment, various electrical parts of the bicycle derailleur 10 are internally and electrically connected to the power source connection area 44 to receive power from the power source PS. Specifically, in the illustrated embodiment, the controller 22 is electrically connected to the power source connection area 44. Thus, the control unit 24 is configured to control the actuator 20. Furthermore, the actuator 20 is electrically connected to the power source connection area 44.

[0065] As in Fig. 8, the power source connection portion 44 includes a first terminal 46. Therefore, in the illustrated embodiment, the component 10 further includes the first terminal 46. Specifically, in the illustrated embodiment, the bicycle derailleur 10 (e.g., the component 10) includes a pair of power terminals as the first terminal 46. Therefore, in the illustrated embodiment, the power terminals of the bicycle derailleur 10 are also referred to as power terminals 46. In the illustrated embodiment, the power terminals 46 are electrodes electrically connected to the power source PS to receive power from the power source PS when the power source PS is installed on the bicycle derailleur 10.

[0066] As in Fig. 9, the power source PS more specifically includes a first power source terminal 48 and a second power source terminal 50. More specifically, in the illustrated embodiment, the power source PS includes a pair of positive and negative power terminals as the first power source terminal 48 and a thermal terminal as the second power source terminal 50. Therefore, in the illustrated embodiment, the power source terminals of the power source PS are also referred to as power source terminals 48, while the thermal terminal of the power source PS is also referred to as thermal terminal 50. The power source terminals 48 are configured to be used for discharging power from the power source PS and for charging power into the power source PS. In the illustrated embodiment, the first terminal 46 is configured to be electrically connected to the first power source terminal 48.In other words, the power terminals 46 of the connection area 44 for the power source are configured to be electrically connected to the power terminals 48 of the power source PS, respectively.

[0067] On the other hand, the second power source terminal 50 is configured to be used for monitoring information related to a temperature of the power source PS in a state where the power source PS is charged by a charging device CG ( Fig. 15 to 21). In the illustrated embodiment, as shown in Fig. As can be seen in Figure 8, the power source connection area 44 does not include a terminal corresponding to the thermal terminal 50 of the power source PS. Thus, the power source connection area 44 is configured to be coupled to the power source PS without being electrically connected to the second power source terminal 50 of the power source PS.

[0068] As in Fig. As can be seen in Figure 9, the power source PS includes a power source housing 52. The first power source terminal 48 and the second power source terminal 50 are accessible from a first surface 52a of a power source housing 52 of the power source PS. In particular, the power source terminals 48 and the heat source terminal 50 are accessible from a top surface of the power source housing 52 of the power source PS. Therefore, in the illustrated embodiment, the top surface of the power source housing 52 is also referred to as the top surface 52a. The power source housing 52 has a substantially rectangular overall shape and includes the top surface 52a, a bottom surface 52b opposite the top surface 52a, and side surfaces 52c extending between the top surface 52a and the bottom surface 52b. In the illustrated embodiment, the power source PS includes a protrusion 54.The projection 54 projects outwardly from one of the side surfaces 52c of the power source case 52, which faces mainly outward in the lateral direction of the bicycle B, when the power source PS is installed on the bicycle derailleur 10 (. Fig. 3). Specifically, the protrusion 54 is located at a lower corner portion of the side surface 52c. The protrusion 54 is an indicator of a correct mounting orientation of the power source PS to the bicycle derailleur 10 and is used to restrict the mounting of the power source PS to the bicycle derailleur 10 to the correct mounting orientation of the power source PS.

[0069] As in the Fig. 10 and Fig. 11, the receiving area for the power source 36 of the outer link body 32 has a lower portion 56. The lower portion 56 extends axially in an insertion direction of the power source PS along a longitudinal center axis of the hollow interior 38. The lower portion 56 defines a lower part of the hollow interior 38 in which a lower portion of the power source PS is located when the power source PS is installed on the bicycle derailleur 10, as shown in Fig. 10. In the illustrated embodiment, the lower portion 56 does not completely or continuously surround the lower portion of the hollow interior 38 and includes a recess or notch 58 that receives the protrusion 54 of the power source PS when the power source PS is installed on the bicycle derailleur 10. In other words, the lower portion 56 extends continuously and circumferentially around the lower portion of the power source PS, except for the recess 58, when the power source PS is attached to the bicycle derailleur 10.

[0070] If the power source PS is inserted in the correct installation position of the power source PS in the receiving area for the power source 36, as shown in the Fig. 10 and Fig. 11, the lower portion 56 therefore does not contact the protrusion 54 and can receive the protrusion 54 in the recess 58. Thus, the lower portion 56 enables the power source PS to be installed in the correct installation position of the power source PS. However, if the power source PS is inserted into the power source receiving portion 36 in an incorrect installation position of the power source PS, the lower portion 56 contacts the protrusion 54 and prevents the power source PS from being installed on the bicycle derailleur 10. Accordingly, in the illustrated embodiment, the lower portion 56 serves as a first prevention portion of the bicycle derailleur 10, while the protrusion 54 of the power source serves as a second prevention portion that cooperates with the first prevention portion to prevent the power source PS from being improperly installed on the bicycle derailleur 10.Therefore, in the illustrated embodiment, the first prevention region is also referred to as the first prevention region 56 and the second prevention region is also referred to as the second prevention region 54. Therefore, the component 10 further includes the power source receiving region 36 and the first prevention region 56. The first prevention region 56 is configured to restrict the mounting of the power source PS to the power source receiving region 36 to a single mounting orientation. In the illustrated embodiment, the lower portion 56 and the protrusion 54 together form a prevention structure or mechanism of the bicycle B to prevent the power source PS from being improperly attached to the bicycle derailleur 10.

[0071] In the illustrated embodiment, an example is shown in which the protrusion 54 protrudes outward from one of the side surfaces 52c of the power source housing 52, which faces outward in the lateral direction of the bicycle B when the power source PS is attached to the bicycle derailleur 10. However, the protrusion 54 is not limited to this location. The protrusion 54 may be located on one of the side surfaces 52c of the power source housing 52, which faces mainly inward in the lateral direction or mainly forward (or rearward) in a longitudinal direction of the bicycle B. In this case, the recess 58 may also be provided on the receiving area for the power source 36 at the location corresponding to the location of the protrusion 54. Furthermore, the recess 58 is not limited to the Fig. 10 and Fig. 11 and may vary as long as the recess 58 can receive the projection 54 therein when the power source PS is inserted into the power source receiving area 36 in the correct mounting orientation of the power source PS.

[0072] In the Fig. 12 and Fig. 13, the electrical configurations of the power source PS are explained in more detail. As shown in the Fig. 12 and Fig. As can be seen in Figure 13, the power source PS includes one or more battery cells 60, the protection circuits 62, one or more switching circuits 64, a current detector 66, a circuit breaker 68 and a thermometer 70.

[0073] In the illustrated embodiment, the battery cells 60 include two battery cells (i.e., a first and a second battery cell). However, the battery cells 60 are not limited to this number and may include only a single battery cell or more than two battery cells. The battery cells 60 are positively housed in the housing of the power source 52 so that they cannot be removed from the housing of the power source 52. The protection circuits 62 include two protection ICs (i.e., first and second protection ICs). The first and second protection circuits 62 are functionally identical to each other and are duplicated as a backup in case one of them fails. Similarly, the switching circuits 64 include two circuits (i.e., first and second circuits 64). The first and second circuits 64 are functionally identical and are duplicated as a backup in case one of them fails.The first and second circuits 64 typically include charge / discharge FETs, each comprising a pair of power MOSFETs connected in series (back to back) for charging and discharging, respectively. In the illustrated embodiment, the power MOSFETs are arranged at the negative end of the power source PS. Alternatively, however, the power MOSFETs may also be arranged at the positive end of the power source PS. Of course, the circuits 64 may include any type of electrical elements functionally corresponding to the charge / discharge FETs. The first and second protection circuits 62 are provided corresponding to the first and second circuits 64, respectively, to control the switching on and off of the power MOSFETs of the first and second circuits 64, respectively, to manage the charging and discharging of the power source PS. The current detector 66 is provided to measure the current flowing through the first and second battery cells 60.In the illustrated embodiment, the current detector 66 includes, for example, a shunt register. Of course, the current detector 66 may include any type of electrical element that functionally corresponds to the shunt register.

[0074] The first and second protection circuits 62 are electrically arranged relative to the first and second battery cells 60 to monitor the voltage of each of the first and second battery cells 60. The first and second protection circuits 62 are electrically arranged relative to the current detector 66 to monitor the voltage across the current detector 66 and measure the current flowing through the first and second battery cells 60. In this configuration, the first and second protection circuits 62 detect the operating state of the power source PS, and when the first and second protection circuits 62 detect abnormalities such as overcharging, overdischarging, overcurrent, short-circuiting, etc., the first and second protection circuits 62 control the turning on and off of the power MOSFETs of the first and second switching circuits 64, respectively, to correct the abnormalities.

[0075] In the illustrated embodiment, each of the first and second protection circuits 62 has two threshold values ​​for detecting abnormalities. One is for detecting the leakage current (for example, the threshold current At in the Fig. 6A, Fig. 6B and Fig. 7), while the other stops the current when the current flows above a permissible current of the first and second battery cells 60. The current above the permissible current flows, for example, when the power source terminals 48 of the power source PS touch the metal or when an actuator with a different rated or operating current is connected to the power source PS. The first and second protection circuits 62 automatically switch off the first and second circuits 64 when the measured current exceeds the permissible current for a predetermined time (for example, the first predetermined duration Pt in the Fig. 6A, Fig. 6B and Fig. 7) is above the threshold values. Therefore, no microcomputer is required because the first and second protection circuits 62 can operate automatically based on the threshold values ​​and the predetermined time.

[0076] In the illustrated embodiment, the positive electrode of the first battery cell 60 is electrically connected to the positive power source terminal 48 via the circuit breaker 68. In the illustrated embodiment, the circuit breaker 68 comprises a PCT device including a resistor with a positive temperature coefficient. The PCT device has a low resistance during the normal operating state of the power source PS. If the temperature of the power source PS rises excessively, the resistance of the PCT device increases accordingly to disconnect the positive power source terminal 48 from the first and second battery cells 60. Of course, the circuit breaker 68 may include any type of electrical elements functionally equivalent to the PCT device.The negative electrode of the second battery cell 60 is electrically connected to the negative power source terminal 48 via the current detector 66 and the first and second circuits 64.

[0077] In the illustrated embodiment, the thermometer 70 is also electrically connected between the negative power source terminal 48 and the thermal terminal 50. In the illustrated embodiment, the thermometer 70 includes a thermistor having a resistance whose resistance increases as a function of the temperature of the power source PS. Of course, the thermometer 70 may include any type of electrical elements that are functionally equivalent to the thermistor. In the illustrated Fig. In the embodiment shown in Figure 12, the power source connection area 44 does not include a terminal corresponding to the thermal terminal 50 of the power source PS. Thus, the thermal terminal 50 is not electrically connected to the bicycle derailleur 10 when the power source PS is installed on the bicycle derailleur 10.

[0078] On the other hand, the charging device CG contains, as shown in Fig. 13, a power supply terminal having a pair of power terminals 72 and a monitoring terminal 74 that are electrically connected to a charging controller 76 of the charging device CG. In the illustrated embodiment, the power source PS is electrically connected to the charging device CG when connected to the charging device CG for charging. In particular, the first power source terminal 48 is configured to be electrically connected to the power supply terminal of the charging device CG. Furthermore, the second power source terminal 50 is configured to be electrically connected to the monitoring terminal 74 of the charging device CG so that the charging device CG monitors information related to the temperature of the power source PS.In the illustrated embodiment, during a charging process, the charging controller 76 monitors the resistance of the thermometer 70 via the monitoring terminal 74 connected to the thermal terminal 50 of the power source PS, and stops the charging process of the power source PS if the resistance of the thermometer 70 exceeds a predetermined threshold, which means that the temperature of the power source PS has risen excessively. In the illustrated embodiment, the charging controller 76 of the charging device CG monitors the resistance of the thermometer 70 as information about the temperature of the power source PS. Of course, the charging controller 76 can use the resistance of the thermometer 70 to calculate the temperature of the power source PS. Furthermore, the charging controller 76 can retrieve any other information related to the temperature of the power source PS from the power source PS.

[0079] In the illustrated embodiment, which is also in Fig. As can be seen in Figure 14, the charging device CG also includes a Type-C socket 78, a USB control circuit 80, a converter 82, a control unit 84, and LEDs 86. These electrical components of the charging device CG can be selected from conventional components, so a detailed description of these electrical components is omitted for the sake of brevity. The Type-C socket 78 is a physical connector on the charging device CG into which a USB Type-C cable can be plugged to receive electrical energy from an external power source. Of course, the charging device CG can include any type of connector for receiving electrical energy. The USB control circuit 80 establishes the connection between the external power source and the charging device CG and detects the connection of the USB Type-C cable to the Type-C socket 78. The USB control circuit 80 can include one or more ICs.The converter 82 is a component that regulates the voltage of the electrical power supply from the external power source to deliver a desired voltage to the control unit 84. The converter 82 contains an LDO (Low Dropout) but can be any type of converter, for example, a DC / DC converter. The control unit 84 contains an electrical controller, a processor, or a programmable computer that controls and manages various functions of the charging device CG. The control unit 84 monitors the connection between the external power source and the charging device CG, as well as the connection between the power supply PS and the charging device CG, and controls the charging controller 76 to start or stop the charging process or to control the LEDs 86 to indicate the charging status.

[0080] In the illustrated embodiment, the charging controller 76 includes a booster or boost converter 88 and a charging circuit 90. The booster 88 is a DC / DC converter electrically connected between the Type-C socket 78 and the power terminals 72. The booster 88 increases the voltage level of the electrical power supply from the external power source to a charging voltage level for charging the power source PS. However, the booster 88 can be any type of converter that is needed and / or desired. The charging circuit 90 can include one or more ICs. The charging circuit 90 monitors a charging voltage and a charging current of the booster 88 to detect the operating state of the charging device CG. The charging circuit 90 is also electrically connected to the monitoring terminal 74 to monitor the resistance of the thermometer 70 of the power source PS to detect the temperature of the power source PS.While the booster 88 and the charging circuit 90 are shown separately, the booster 88 and the charging circuit 90 may be configured as a single chip.

[0081] As in the Fig. 15 to 21, the charging device CG is configured to receive the power source PS for charging the power source PS. The charging device CG includes an outer housing 92 and an electrical unit 94 disposed inside the outer housing 92. The outer housing 92 has a hollow interior 96 accessible through an open end 98 of the outer housing 92. The power source PS is inserted into the hollow interior 96 through the open end 98 to charge the power source PS. The outer housing 92 has a main body 100 and an end piece 102 fixedly connected to the main body 100 and forming a closed end 104 of the outer housing 92. The outer housing 92 also has a closed interior 106 between the main body 100 and the end piece 102 when the end piece 102 is attached to the main body 100. The electrical unit 94 is arranged within the closed interior space 106.

[0082] The main body 100 has an upper portion 100a, a lower portion 100b, and an inner wall 100c. The upper portion 100a substantially defines the hollow interior 96, while the lower portion 100b substantially defines the closed interior 106. The inner wall 100c is provided within the outer casing 92 between the upper portion 100a and the lower portion 100b to separate the hollow interior 96 and the closed interior 106.

[0083] The upper portion 100a at least partially surrounds the power source housing 52 of the power source PS when the power source PS is attached to the charging device CG. The upper portion 100a has opposing side walls 108 with side slots 110 so that the power source PS can be held or clamped by the user's fingers to remove the power source PS from the charging device GC or to insert the power source PS into the charging device GC. Only one of the side walls 108 also has a recess or notch 112 that receives the projection 54 of the power source PS when the power source PS is attached to the charging device CG. Therefore, the upper portion 100a of the main body 100 does not contact the projection 54 and can receive the projection 54 within the recess 112 when the power source PS is inserted into the upper portion 100a of the main body 100 in a correct mounting orientation of the power source PS, as shown in the Fig. 19 and Fig. 20. On the other hand, if the power source PS is inserted into the upper portion 100a of the main body 100 in an improper mounting orientation of the power source PS, the upper portion 100a contacts the protrusion 54 and prevents the power source PS from being installed in the charging device CG. Thus, the charging device CG allows the power source PS to be installed in a single mounting orientation of the power source PS.

[0084] The upper portion 100a further has opposing side walls 114 extending between the side walls 108 and at least partially defining the open end 98 of the outer housing 92. As shown in the Fig. 15 to 18, the side walls 114 include latches 116 that form snap connections for holding the power source PS when the power source PS is attached to the charging device CG. Specifically, the latches 116 engage the power source housing 52 of the power source PS near the bottom 52b of the power source PS when the power source PS is attached to the charging device CG and hold the power source PS downward toward the inner wall 100c to ensure electrical contact between the power source terminals 48 of the power source PS and the power terminals 72 of the charging device CG, and between the thermal terminal 50 of the power source PS and the monitoring terminal 74 of the charging device CG. In the illustrated embodiment, the distal end portions of the latches 116 are chamfered to allow the power source PS to be smoothly received in the charging device CG via the latches 116.Furthermore, in the illustrated embodiment, a peripheral edge portion of the power source housing 52 of the power source PS near the top surface 52a of the power source PS may also be chamfered to allow the power source PS to be smoothly inserted into the charging device CG via the engaging pawls 116.

[0085] As in Fig. As can be seen in Figure 21, the electrical unit 94 includes one or more printed circuit boards or substrates on which the electrical components, such as the power terminals 72, the monitoring terminal 74, the charging controller 76, the Type-C socket 78, the USB control circuit 80, the converter 82, the control unit 84, and the LEDs 86, are arranged. Specifically, in the illustrated embodiment, the electrical unit 94 includes a first substrate 94a on which the charging controller 76, the Type-C socket 78, the USB control circuit 80, the converter 82, and the control unit 84 are mounted, a second substrate 94b on which the power terminals 72 and the monitoring terminal 74 are provided, and a third substrate 94c on which the LEDs 86 are provided. Of course, the number of substrates and the arrangement of the electrical components are not limited to this, but can vary depending on needs and / or wishes.

[0086] As in Fig.As seen in Figure 21, the end piece 102 of the outer housing 92 has an access opening 102a through which the Type-C receptacle 78 is accessible for plugging the USB Type-C cable therein. In the illustrated embodiment, the inner wall 100c has openings through which the power connector 72 and the monitor connector 74 of the charging device CG are exposed, such that the power connector 72 and the monitor connector 74 of the charging device CG can contact the power source connector 48 and the thermal connector 50 of the power source PS, respectively, when the power source PS is attached to the charging device CG. In addition, the lower portion 100b has windows at locations corresponding to the LEDs 86 disposed within the enclosed interior space 106, such that lights from the LEDs 86 can be seen from outside the outer housing 92 of the charging device CG.

[0087] In the illustrated embodiment, the bicycle derailleur 10 is shown as an example of a "component" of the present disclosure, and the power source PS is shown attached to the bicycle derailleur 10. However, the electrical or mechanical configurations of the power source PS can be similarly applied to a power source attached to other components of the bicycle B, such as suspensions, transmission devices (e.g., derailleurs, internal gear hubs, etc.), seatposts, etc. For example, the arrangements of the thermal connector 50 of the power source PS can be similarly applied to the power source attached to other components of the bicycle B. The separation of the thermal connector 50 from the bicycle derailleur 10 can also be similarly applied between other components of the bicycle B and a power source attached thereto.Furthermore, the mechanical configurations of the prevention structure of the bicycle B (i.e., the first prevention portion 56 and the second prevention portion 54) between the bicycle derailleur 10 and the power source PS can be similarly applied between any other components of the bicycle B and a power source connected thereto.

[0088] For the purpose of understanding the scope of the present invention, the term "comprising" and its derivatives, as used herein, are to be understood as open-ended terms that specify the presence of the stated features, elements, components, groups, integers, and / or steps, but do not preclude the presence of other unspecified features, elements, components, groups, integers, and / or steps. The foregoing also applies to words similar in meaning to the terms "including," "comprising," and their derivatives. Also, the terms "part," "portion," "region," "component," or "element," when used in the singular, can have the dual meaning of a single part or a plurality of parts, unless otherwise noted.

[0089] The directional terms "side facing the frame," "side not facing the frame," "forward," "backward," "front," "rear," "top," "bottom," "upward," "downward," "above," "below," "side," "vertical," "horizontal," "perpendicular," and "transverse," as well as any other similar directional terms, refer to the directions of a human-powered vehicle (e.g., a bicycle) in an upright riding position equipped with the component. Accordingly, these directional terms used to describe the component should be interpreted with respect to a human-powered vehicle (e.g., a bicycle) in an upright riding position on a horizontal surface equipped with the component.The terms "left" and "right" are used to mean "right" when speaking from the right side, looking at the rear of the human-powered vehicle (for example, a bicycle), and "left" when speaking from the left side, looking at the rear of the human-powered vehicle (for example, a bicycle).

[0090] The phrase "at least one of" as used in this disclosure means "one or more" of a desired selection. For example, the phrase "at least one of" as used in this disclosure means "only a single selection" or "both of two selections" when the number of selections is two. As another example, the phrase "at least one of" as used in this disclosure means "only a single selection" or "any combination of at least two selections" when the number of selections is at least three. Also, the term "and / or" as used in this disclosure means "either one or both." For example, the phrase "at least one of A and B" includes (1) A alone, (2) B alone, and (3) both A and B.The phrase "at least one of A, B, and C" includes (1) A alone, (2) B alone, (3) C alone, (4) both A and B, (5) both B and C, (6) both A and C, and (7) all of A, B, and C. In other words, the phrase "at least one of A and B" in this disclosure does not mean "at least one of A and at least one of B."

[0091] It should be understood that while the terms "first" and "second" may be used herein to describe various components, these components should not be limited by these terms. These terms are used only to distinguish one component from another. For example, a first component described above could be referred to as a second component, and vice versa, without departing from the teachings of the present invention.

[0092] The term "attached" or "attach," as used herein, includes configurations in which one element is directly attached to another element by holding the element directly to the other element; configurations in which the element is indirectly attached to the other element by holding the element to intermediate element(s) that are in turn attached to the other element; and configurations in which one element is integral with another element, that is, one element is substantially part of the other element. This definition also applies to terms of similar meaning, for example, "joined," "connected," "coupled," "mounted," "bonded," "attached," and their derivatives. Finally, terms such as "substantially," "about," and "approximately," as used herein, imply a variation of the modified term such that the end result is not substantially changed.

[0093] Although only selected embodiments have been chosen to illustrate the present invention, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art from this disclosure that various changes and modifications can be made without departing from the scope of the invention as defined in the appended claims. For example, unless expressly stated otherwise, the size, shape, location, or orientation of the various components may be changed as needed and / or desired, as long as the changes do not materially affect their intended function. Unless expressly stated otherwise, components that are directly connected or in contact with one another may have intermediate structures, as long as the changes do not materially affect their intended function. The functions of one element may be performed by two elements and vice versa, unless expressly stated otherwise.The structures and functions of one embodiment may be incorporated into another embodiment. It is not necessary that all advantages be present in a particular embodiment. Any feature that, alone or in combination with other features, stands out from the prior art should also be considered a separate description of applicant's other inventions, including the structural and / or functional concepts embodied by such feature(s). The foregoing descriptions of the embodiments according to the present invention are therefore only illustrative and not limitative of the invention as defined in the appended claims and their equivalents. REFERENCE SYMBOL 10 Component / Bicycle Derailleur 12 Basic element 14 Movable element 16 Chain guide 18 Connecting element 18A inner connecting link 18B outer connecting link 20 Actuator 22 Control / Circuit board 24 electrical control unit 26 Computer storage device / memory 28 Wireless Communicator 29 Detector 29a Position sensor 29b Motion sensor 30 driver circuit 32 outer connecting link body 34 Outer cover 36 Power source mounting area 38 Hollow interior 40 Opening at the bottom 42 Preload / spring mechanism 44 Power source connection area 46 first connection / power source connection 48 First power source connection 50 Second power source connection / thermal connection 52 power source housings 52a first surface / top 52b bottom 52c side surface 54 Lead (second prevention area) 56 Lower section (first prevention area) 58 Recess / Notch 60 battery cells / first and second battery cells 62 Protection circuit / first and second protection circuit 64 circuit / first and second circuit 66 Current detector 68 circuit breakers 70 thermometers 72 Power connection 74 Monitoring connection 76 Charging control 78 Type-C socket 80 USB control circuit 82 converters 84 Control unit 86 LED 88 Booster / Boost Converter 90 charging circuit 92 outer casing 94 Electrical Unit 94a first substrate 94b second substrate 94c third substrate 96 Hollow interior 98 open ending 100 main bodies 100a upper section 100b lower section 100c interior wall 102 end piece 102a Access opening 104 closed end 106 closed interior 108 opposite side walls 110 side slit 112 Recess / Notch 114 opposite side walls 116 locking latch At threshold current A1 current A2 current B human-powered vehicle / bicycle BT power supply C crank C1 Actuator supply current C11 first current C12 Second current C2 second supply current / element supply current C3 supply current CA1 crank axle CA2 crank arms CC bike computer CG loading device CN chain D1 first duration (intermittent operating time) D2 second duration (intermittent non-operational time) D3 third duration (intermittent operating time) DT drivetrain Dt1 control duration DU drive unit F bicycle frame FB Front frame body FF front fork FS front pinion FW front wheel H Handlebar OD control device PCB circuit board PC1 Current of the power source PD Pedal Pr Counter reset threshold period PS power source / power supply Pt First predetermined duration RB Rear frame body / swing arm RS rear sprocket RW rear wheel S bicycle seat S1 first state S2 second state S3 Third state SP adjustable seat post W Electrical cable

Claims

[1] Component (B) for a human-powered vehicle (B), the component (10) comprising: a power source connection portion (44) configured to be electrically connected to a power source (PS); an actuator (20) electrically connected to the connection area (44) of the power source; and a control unit (24) configured to control the actuator (20) with a supply current (C1) supplied by the power source (PS), wherein the supply current (C1) is configured to be limited based on a comparison of a current of the power source (PC1) with a threshold current (At), the control unit (24) is configured to control the actuator (20) in a first state (S1) in which the current of the current source (PS) is higher than the threshold current (At), wherein the control unit (24) is configured to control the actuator (20) in a second state (S2) in which the current of the current source (PC1) is lower than the threshold current (At), after the control unit (24) controls the actuator (20) in the first state (S1) such that the supply current (C1) from the current source (PS) is not limited. [2] Component (10) according to claim 1, wherein the control unit (24) is configured to control the actuator (20) with a first current (C11) for a first duration (D1) in the first state (S1), the control unit (24) is configured to control the actuator (20) with a second current (C12) for a second duration (D2) in the second state (S2), the first current (C11) is higher than the second current (C12), and the first duration (D1) is longer than the second duration (D2). [3] Component (10) according to claim 2, wherein the first duration (D1) is at least ten times longer than the second duration (D2). [4] Component (10) according to claim 2 or 3, wherein the first duration (D1) is shorter than a first predetermined duration (Pt) and the supply current (C1) is configured to be limited in a limiting state in which the control unit (24) controls the actuator (20) for the first predetermined duration (Pt). [5] Component (10) according to claim 4, wherein the supply current (C1) is configured to be switched off in a state in which the current of the current source (PC1) is higher than the threshold current (At) for the first predetermined duration (Pt). [6] Component (10) according to one of claims 2 to 5, wherein the control unit (24) is configured to control the actuator (20) in a third state (S3) in which the control unit (24) controls the actuator (20) with the first current (C11) after the control unit (24) has controlled the actuator (20) in the second state (S2). [7] Component (10) according to claim 6, wherein the control unit (24) is configured to control the actuator (20) with the first current (C11) for a third duration (D3) in the third state (S3), and the first duration (D1) is equal to the third duration (D3). [8] Component (10) according to claim 6, wherein the control unit (24) is configured to control the actuator (20) with the first current (C11) for a third duration (D3) in the third state (S3), and the first duration (D1) differs from the third duration (D3). [9] Component (10) according to one of claims 1 to 8, wherein the control unit (24) is configured to stop the drive of the actuator (20) in the second state (S2). [10] Component (10) according to one of claims 1 to 9, wherein the control unit (24) is configured to actuate an electrical part other than the actuator (20) with a second supply current (C2) in the first state (S1). [11] Component (10) according to one of claims 1 to 10, wherein the control unit (24) is configured to actuate an electrical part other than the actuator (20) with a second supply current (C1) in the second state (S2). [12] Component (10) according to claim 10 or 11, wherein the electrical part contains a wireless communicator (28), and the wireless communicator (28) is configured to communicate wirelessly with an operating device (OD) for operating the component (10). [13] Component (10) according to one of claims 1 to 12, wherein the control unit (24) is further configured to drive the actuator (20) intermittently. [14] Component (10) according to one of claims 1 to 13, further comprising a power source receiving area (36) configured to receive the power source (PS); and a first prevention region (56) configured to restrict mounting of the power source (PS) to the power source receiving region (36) to a single mounting orientation. [15] Component (10) according to one of claims 1 to 13, further comprising a first terminal (46) configured to be electrically connected to a first power source terminal (48); and wherein the connection region (44) of the power source is configured to be coupled to the power source (PS) without being electrically connected to a second power source terminal (50) of the power source, the second power source terminal (50) is configured to be used for monitoring information related to a temperature of the power source (PS) in a state in which the power source (PS) is charged by a charging device (CG). [16] Component (10) for a human-powered vehicle (B), the component (10) comprising: a power source connection area (44) configured to be electrically connected to a power source (PS), the power source connection area (44) comprising a first terminal (46); an actuator (20) electrically connected to the connection area (44) of the power source; and a control unit (24) configured to control the actuator (20), wherein the first terminal (46) is configured to be electrically connected to a first power source terminal (48) of the power source, the connection region (44) of the power source is configured to be coupled to the power source (PS) without being electrically connected to a second power source terminal (50) of the power source (PS), and the second power source terminal (50) is configured to be used for monitoring information relating to a temperature of the power source (PS) in a state in which the power source (PS) is charged by a charging device (CG). [17] Component (10) according to claim 16, wherein the first power source terminal (48) is configured to be electrically connected to a power supply terminal (72) of the charging device (CG), and the second power source terminal (50) is configured to be electrically connected to a monitoring terminal (74) of the charging device (CG) so that the charging device (CG) monitors the information relating to the temperature of the power source (PS). [18] Component (10) according to claim 16 or 17, wherein the first power source terminal (48) and the second power source terminal (50) are exposed from a first surface (52a) of a power source housing (52). [19] Component (10) according to one of claims 16 to 18, wherein the power source (PS) is configured to be attached to the connection area (44) for the power source. [20] Component (10) according to one of claims 16 to 19, further comprising a power source receiving area (36) configured to receive the power source (PS); and a first prevention region (56) configured to restrict mounting of the power source (PS) to the power source receiving region (36) to a single mounting orientation.

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