Method for coupling bicycle components

Abstract

A method for pairing bicycle components comprises determining the actuation states of several control buttons (11, 12) and a function button (13) of an electronic control module (10) and, when the function button and one of the control buttons of the electronic control module are actuated, initiating a first pairing operation on the electronic control module. The first pairing operation comprises pairing the electronic control module with a bicycle component (20) and assigning the actuated control buttons of the electronic control module to control the bicycle component.

Description

Technical application area

[0001] The disclosure relates to a method for coupling bicycle components. background

[0002] In a modern bicycle, a control unit wirelessly controls a controlled unit. For the control unit to wirelessly control the controlled unit, they must first be paired. During the pairing process, the pairing buttons on both units must be pressed to enter pairing mode.

[0003] Generally, the control unit includes several control buttons. However, the control button used to control the controlled unit is pre-assigned before the control unit and the controlled unit are paired. After pairing, users cannot select a different control button to suit their needs. Consequently, the control button used to control the controlled unit cannot be flexibly changed. Therefore, researchers in this field are working to solve the aforementioned problem. SUMMARY

[0004] The disclosure provides a method for coupling bicycle components that makes it possible to flexibly change the control button for controlling the controlled unit.

[0005] One embodiment of the disclosure provides a method for coupling bicycle components. The method for coupling bicycle components comprises determining the actuation states of several control buttons and a function button of an electronic control module and, when the function button and one of the control buttons of the electronic control module are actuated, instructing the electronic control module to perform a first coupling operation. The first coupling operation comprises coupling the electronic control module with a bicycle component and assigning the actuated control button of the electronic control module to control the bicycle component.

[0006] Another embodiment of the disclosure provides a method for pairing bicycle components. The method for pairing bicycle components is designed for an electronic control module. The electronic control module has several control buttons, a function button, a wireless communication unit, and a memory unit, wherein the memory unit stores a control command for generating a control signal, and the control signal is configured to control a bicycle component. The method for pairing bicycle components includes pressing the function button and one of the control buttons to trigger the electronic control module to perform a first pairing operation. The first pairing operation includes binding the pressed control button to the control command in order to assign the pressed control button of the electronic control module to control the bicycle component.

[0007] Another embodiment provides a method for pairing bicycle components. This method is designed for an electronic control module and a bicycle component, the electronic control module comprising several control buttons, a function button, and a wireless communication unit. The method includes pressing the function button and one of the control buttons to trigger the electronic control module to perform a first pairing operation. The first pairing operation includes triggering the wireless communication unit to send a pairing signal, containing information from the pressed control buttons, to the bicycle component.

[0008] Yet another embodiment of the disclosure provides a method for coupling bicycle components. This method is designed for an electronic control module and a bicycle component, the bicycle component having a wireless communication unit. The method comprises receiving a coupling signal transmitted by the electronic control module via the wireless communication unit of the bicycle component, the coupling signal including information from one of several control buttons of the electronic control module that is pressed, and assigning the bicycle component to be controlled by the pressed control button based on the coupling signal.

[0009] A further embodiment of the disclosure provides a method for coupling a bicycle component. The method for coupling a bicycle component is designed for an electronic control module and a bicycle component, and the electronic control module has several control buttons and a function button. The method for coupling a bicycle component comprises pressing the function button of the electronic control module to instruct the electronic control module to establish a coupling with the bicycle component after the electronic control module has been coupled with the bicycle component, determining whether one of the control buttons is pressed within a predetermined time period after pressing the function button, and, if one of the control buttons is pressed within the predetermined time period after pressing the function button, assigning the pressed control button to control the bicycle component.

[0010] According to the method for pairing bicycle components described in the embodiments above, when the function key and one of the control keys are pressed, the electronic control module performs the initial pairing process. During this process, the pressed control key is assigned to the electronic control module to control the bicycle component. This configuration allows the user to select the desired control key for operating the bicycle component. By pressing the function key and the selected control key, the electronic control module performs the initial pairing process, enabling the selected control key to operate the bicycle component. Therefore, the key controlling the bicycle component can be flexibly changed according to the user's needs. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0011] The present disclosure will be better understood with reference to the detailed description below and the accompanying drawings, which are for illustrative purposes only and are therefore not intended to limit the present disclosure, whereby Fig. 1 is a block diagram of a bicycle system that interacts with a method for coupling bicycle components according to an embodiment of the disclosure; Fig. 2 a flowchart of a method for coupling bicycle components according to an embodiment of the disclosure; Fig. 3. A flowchart of a first coupling process of the method for coupling bicycle components in Fig. 2 is; Fig. 4. A flowchart of a second coupling process of the method for coupling bicycle components in Fig. 2 is; and Fig. 5 is a flowchart of a method for coupling bicycle components according to a further embodiment of the disclosure. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0012] The following detailed description provides numerous specific details for explanatory purposes, in order to provide a thorough understanding of the disclosed embodiments. However, it will be evident that one or more embodiments can be implemented without these specific details. In other cases, known structures and devices are represented schematically to simplify the drawing.

[0013] Furthermore, the terms used in this disclosure, such as technical and scientific terms, have their own meanings and are understandable to those skilled in the art, unless they are additionally defined in this disclosure. That is to say, the terms used in the following paragraphs are to be understood in their usual sense in the related fields and will not be further explained unless the terms have a specific meaning in this disclosure.

[0014] It should be noted that in the block diagrams referenced below, a solid thin line connecting two components indicates that the two components are electrically connected and / or communicating via a physical cable. The term "electrically connected via a physical wire" refers to energy being transmitted between the two components through a physical cable, while "signal communication via a physical cable" refers to a signal being transmitted between the two components through a physical cable. Furthermore, a dashed line connecting two components indicates that the two components are communicating wirelessly, i.e., that a signal is being transmitted between the two components wirelessly.

[0015] With reference to Fig. 1 is Fig. 1 a block diagram of a bicycle system interacting with a method for coupling bicycle components according to an embodiment of the disclosure.

[0016] In this embodiment, the bicycle system 1 comprises an electronic control module 10 and a bicycle component 20.

[0017] The electronic control module 10 has several control keys 11 and 12, a function key 13, a wireless communication unit 14, a storage unit 15 and a control unit 16.

[0018] Control buttons 11 and 12 and function button 13 are, for example, but not limited to, pushbuttons, and function button 13 is distinct from control buttons 11 and 12. That is, function button 13 and control buttons 11 and 12 are separate buttons. Control buttons 11 and 12 are, for example, but not limited to, located on a bicycle brake lever. Function button 13, wireless communication unit 14, memory unit 15, and control unit 16 are, for example, but not limited to, integrated into a handlebar end plug attached to one end of a bicycle handlebar. Control buttons 11 and 12, function button 13, wireless communication unit 14, and memory unit 15 are electrically connected to, or in signal communication with, the control unit 16.

[0019] The bicycle component 20 is, for example, but not limited to, a height-adjustable seatpost assembly of the bicycle. The bicycle component 20 comprises an electronic air valve 21 arranged in an air cylinder, a function button 22, a wireless communication unit 23, and a control unit 24. The electronic air valve 21 is designed to control whether air can enter or exit the air cylinder. The electronic air valve 21 remains in a closed state when it is not actuated, so that air cannot enter or exit the air cylinder. The function button 22 is, for example, a pressure switch. The electronic air valve 21, the function button 22, and the wireless communication unit 23 are electrically connected to, or in signal communication with, the control unit 24.

[0020] In this embodiment, the bicycle component 20 is designed such that it can be coupled to the electronic control module 10, enabling the electronic control module 10 to control the bicycle component 20. A method for coupling a bicycle component, which interacts with the bicycle component 20 and the electronic control module 10, is described below. With reference to the Fig. 2 to 4 is in Fig. 2 a flowchart of a method for coupling a bicycle component according to an embodiment of the disclosure is shown, Fig. Figure 3 is a flowchart of a first coupling process of the procedure for coupling a bicycle component in Fig. 2 and Fig. 4 is a flowchart of a second coupling process of the procedure for coupling a bicycle component in Fig. 2.

[0021] First, step S01 is performed to determine the actuation states of control keys 11, 12, and function key 13 of the electronic control module 10. If function key 13 and one of control keys 11 and 12 of the electronic control module 10 are actuated, step S02 is performed to instruct the electronic control module 10 to perform an initial coupling operation. For example, the control unit 16 of the electronic control module 10 determines whether control keys 11 and 12 and function key 13 of the electronic control module 10 are actuated. The actuation of function key 13 and one of control keys 11 and 12 of the electronic control module 10 refers to the simultaneous pressing of function key 13 and one of control keys 11 and 12.More precisely, the simultaneous pressing of the function key 13 and the control key 11 or 12 of the electronic control module 10 refers to the fact that one of the function key 13 and the control key 11 or 12 is pressed first and held in a pressed state, and the other is pressed within a predetermined time period thereafter, so that the function key 13 and the control key 11 or 12 are both in the pressed state simultaneously.

[0022] In one embodiment, the simultaneous pressing of the so-called control key 11 or 12 and the function key 13 of the electronic control module 10 can refer to the fact that the function key 13 and the control key 11 or 12 are simultaneously switched from an unpressed state to a pressed state.

[0023] Furthermore, in another embodiment, the control unit 16 of the electronic control module 10 can determine that the control button 11 or 12 and the function button 13 are actuated when the control button 11 or 12 and the function button 13 are actuated simultaneously for a duration that exceeds a predetermined time period.

[0024] On the other hand, in a further embodiment, the activation of function key 13 and one of the control keys 11 and 12 of the electronic control module 10 can refer to one of the function key 13 and the control key 11 or 12 being pressed and released first, followed by the pressing and releasing of the other. The control unit 16 of the electronic control module 10 can determine that the function key 13 and the control key 11 or 12 are activated when one of the function key 13 and the control key 11 or 12 is pressed and released first, and the other is pressed and released within a predetermined time interval thereafter.

[0025] The initial pairing process comprises steps S11 and S12. Step S11 is performed to pair the electronic control module 10 with the bicycle component 20. For example, before or during step S11, the function key 22 of the bicycle component 20 must be pressed to put the bicycle component 20 into pairing mode. Step S12 is performed to assign the pressed control keys 11 and 12 of the electronic control module 10 to control the bicycle component 20.

[0026] For example, the memory unit 15 of the electronic control module 10 can pre-store a control command for generating a control signal, where the control signal is configured to control the bicycle component 20. The step of assigning the pressed control buttons 11 and 12 of the electronic control module 10 to control the bicycle component 20 includes binding the pressed control buttons 11 and 12 to the control command. Assuming that control button 11 is pressed in step S01, the control unit 16 of the electronic control module 10 binds control button 11 to the control command. Assuming that control button 12 is pressed in step S01, the control unit 16 of the electronic control module 10 binds control button 12 to the control command.This means that the control unit 16 of the electronic control module 10 assigns the control button 11 or 12 pressed in step S01 as the button that controls the bicycle component 20.

[0027] Accordingly, after pairing the electronic control module 10 with the bicycle component 20, pressing the control button 11 or 12 generates a control signal. This control signal is transmitted from the wireless communication unit 14 of the electronic control module 10 to the wireless communication unit 23 of the bicycle component 20. Based on this control signal, the control unit 24 of the bicycle component 20 then controls the electronic air valve 21 to open, thus adjusting the height of the seat post. For example, if the user wants to lower the seat post, they can remain seated and press the control button 11 or 12 to open the electronic air valve 21. The weight exerted by the user on the seat post then compresses the air in the cylinder, which is expelled when the seat post is lowered.If the user wishes to raise the seatpost, they can reduce the weight applied to the seatpost and then press control button 11 or 12 to open the electronic air valve 21, allowing outside air to enter the cylinder and raise the seatpost.

[0028] It should be noted that in the first coupling process, the step of assigning the actuated control buttons 11 and 12 of the electronic control module 10 to control the bicycle component 20 is not limited to connecting the actuated control buttons 11 and 12 with the control command to assign the actuated control buttons 11 and 12 to control the bicycle component 20.In other embodiments, assigning the actuated control buttons 11 and 12 to control the bicycle component 20 can include controlling the wireless communication unit 14 of the electronic control module 10 to wirelessly transmit a coupling signal, containing information about the actuated control buttons 11 and 12, to the wireless communication unit 23 of the bicycle component 20, so that the control unit 24 of the bicycle component 20 assigns the actuated control buttons 11 and 12 to the control of the bicycle component 20 on the basis of a coupling code in such information. In other words, the control unit 16 of the electronic control module 10 does not assign the control button 11 or 12 pressed in step S01 as the button that controls the bicycle component 20, but the control unit 24 of the bicycle component 20 assigns the control button 11 or 12 pressed in step S01 as the button that controls the bicycle component 20.

[0029] In this embodiment, when the function key 13 and one of the control keys 11 or 12 are pressed, the electronic control module 10 performs the initial pairing process. During this process, the pressed control key 11 or 12 of the electronic control module 10 is assigned to control the bicycle component 20. This configuration allows the user to select the desired control key 11 or 12 to control the bicycle component 20. By pressing the function key 13 and the selected control key 11 or 12, the electronic control module 10 performs the initial pairing process, enabling the selected control key 11 or 12 to control the bicycle component 20. Therefore, the key controlling the bicycle component 20 can be flexibly changed according to the user's needs.

[0030] In step S01, if function key 13 of the electronic control module 10 is pressed while neither control key 11 nor 12 is pressed, step S03 is executed to instruct the electronic control module 10 to perform a second pairing operation. This second pairing operation comprises steps S21 and S22. Step S21 is performed to pair the electronic control module 10 with the bicycle component 20. For example, function key 22 of the bicycle component 20 must be pressed before or during step S21 for the bicycle component 20 to enter pairing mode. Step S22 is performed to assign a default key from control keys 11 and 12 of the electronic control module 10 (e.g., control key 11) to control the bicycle component 20.For example, if only the function key 13 of the electronic control module 10 is pressed and neither of the control keys 11 and 12 is pressed within a predetermined time period, the electronic control module 10 performs the second pairing process, and during the second pairing process the standard key 11 is directly assigned to the control of the bicycle component 20.

[0031] It should be noted that in step S01, if the function key 13 of the electronic control module 10 is pressed while control keys 11 and 12 are not pressed, the process is not limited to controlling the electronic control module 10 to perform the second coupling operation. In other embodiments, the process can return directly to step S01.

[0032] In step S01, the process returns to step S01 if neither the function key 13 nor the control keys 11 and 12 of the electronic control module 10 are pressed.

[0033] In another embodiment (not shown), in step S01, when all function keys 13 and control keys 11 and 12 of the electronic control module 10 are pressed, the process can proceed to step S03, in which the electronic control module 10 is activated to enter the second pairing process. That is, when all function keys 13 and control keys 11 and 12 of the electronic control module 10 are pressed, the electronic control module 10 performs the second pairing process, and during the second pairing process, a default key from control keys 11 and 12 (e.g., control key 11) is assigned to control the bicycle component 20.

[0034] It should be noted that the bicycle component is not limited to the seatpost assembly. In other embodiments, it could be a component such as bicycle lighting or a suspension assembly.

[0035] Then, with reference to Fig. 5, is Fig. 5 A flowchart of a method for coupling bicycle components according to a further embodiment of the disclosure. In this embodiment, the method for coupling bicycle components is shown, for example, with the bicycle component 20 and the electronic control module 10, which are described in Fig. 1 are shown, carried out in cooperation.

[0036] In the method for coupling bicycle components of this embodiment, step S31 is first performed to determine whether the function button 13 of the electronic control module 10 is actuated. In step S31, if the function button 13 of the electronic control module 10 is actuated, step S32 is performed to couple the electronic control module 10 with the bicycle component 20. The actuation of the function button 13 refers to a transition from an unpressed state to a pressed state, followed by a release. In step S31, if the function button 13 of the electronic control module 10 is not actuated, step S31 is performed again.

[0037] After step S32, a step S33 is performed to determine whether one of the control keys 11 and 12 of the electronic control module 10 is pressed within a predetermined time period after the function key 13 is pressed, the predetermined time period being, for example, but not limited to, 10 seconds.

[0038] In step S33, if one of the control buttons 11 and 12 is pressed within the predetermined time period after the function button 13 is pressed, step S34 is executed to assign the pressed control button 11 or 12 to control the bicycle component 20. For example, if the control buttons 11 and 12 are pressed sequentially within the predetermined time period after the function button 13 is pressed, the first control button 11 or 12 pressed will be assigned as the button to control the bicycle component 20.

[0039] In step S33, if none of the control buttons 11 and 12 are pressed within the predetermined time period after the function button 13 has been pressed, i.e., if all control buttons 11 and 12 are not pressed within the predetermined time period after the function button 13 has been pressed, a step S35 is performed to assign a default button of the control buttons 11 and 12 to control the bicycle component 20.

[0040] It should be noted that in step S33, if neither of the control buttons 11 and 12 is pressed within the predetermined time interval after the function button 13 is pressed, the process is not limited to assigning a default function to either control button 11 or 12 to control the bicycle component 20. In other embodiments, if neither of the control buttons 11 and 12 is pressed within the predetermined time interval after the function button 13 is pressed, other steps can be performed, such as disconnecting the electronic control module 10 from the bicycle component 20.

[0041] According to the method for pairing bicycle components discussed in the embodiments above, when the function key and one of the control keys are pressed, the electronic control module performs the initial pairing process. During this process, the pressed control key of the electronic control module is assigned to control the bicycle component. This configuration allows the user to select the desired control key for operating the bicycle component. By pressing the function key and the selected control key, the electronic control module performs the initial pairing process, enabling the selected control key to operate the bicycle component. Therefore, the key controlling the bicycle component can be flexibly changed according to the user's needs.

[0042] Those skilled in the art will recognize that various modifications and variations of the present disclosure are possible. The description and examples are to be regarded only as exemplary embodiments, the scope of which is defined by the following claims and their equivalents.

Claims

[1] Method for coupling bicycle components, comprising: Determining the actuation states of several control keys (11, 12) and one function key (13) of an electronic control module (10); When the function key and one of the several control keys of the electronic control module are pressed, the electronic control module is activated to perform an initial coupling process; the first coupling process includes: Pairing the electronic control module with a bicycle component (20); and assigning the actuated of the multiple control buttons of the electronic control module to control the bicycle component. [2] Method for coupling bicycle components according to claim 1, wherein the electronic control module stores a control command for generating a control signal and the control signal is configured to control the bicycle component; wherein the step of assigning the actuated one of the several control buttons of the electronic control module to control the bicycle component comprises: Binding the pressed of the multiple control buttons to the control command in order to assign the pressed of the multiple control buttons of the electronic control module to control the bicycle component. [3] Method for coupling bicycle components according to claim 1, wherein the step of assigning the actuated of the multiple control buttons of the electronic control module to control the bicycle component comprises: Controlling the electronic control module to wirelessly send a coupling signal, which includes information about which of the several control buttons has been pressed, to the bicycle component in order to assign the pressed of the several control buttons of the electronic control module to control the bicycle component. [4] Method for coupling bicycle components according to claim 1, wherein the actuation of the function key and one of the several control keys of the electronic control module refers to the fact that the function key and one of the several control keys of the electronic control module are pressed simultaneously. [5] Method for coupling bicycle components according to claim 4, wherein the simultaneous pressing of the function key and one of the several control keys of the electronic control module denotes a state in which either (i) one of the several control keys of the electronic control module is first pressed and held in a pressed state, followed by pressing the function key, or (ii) the function key of the electronic control module is first pressed and held in a pressed state, followed by pressing one of the several control keys. [6] Method for coupling bicycle components according to claim 1, wherein the actuation of the function button and of one of the several control buttons of the electronic control module denotes a state in which either (i) one of the several control buttons of the electronic control module is first pressed and released, followed by the function button being pressed and released, or (ii) the function button of the electronic control module is first pressed and released, followed by one of the several control buttons being pressed and released. [7] Method for coupling bicycle components according to claim 1, further comprising that, when the function button of the electronic control module is pressed and the multiple control buttons are not pressed, the electronic control module is activated to perform a second coupling operation; wherein the second coupling operation comprises: Pairing the electronic control module with the bicycle component; and assigning a default button from the multiple control buttons of the electronic control module to control the bicycle component. [8] Method for coupling bicycle components designed for an electronic control module (10), wherein the electronic control module comprises several control buttons (11, 12), a function button (13), a wireless communication unit (14) and a memory unit (15), wherein the memory unit stores a control command for generating a control signal and the control signal is designed to control a bicycle component (20), wherein the method for coupling bicycle components comprises: Pressing the function key and one of the several control keys to activate the electronic control module initiates a first pairing process; the first coupling process includes: Binding the pressed of the multiple control buttons to the control command in order to assign the pressed of the multiple control buttons of the electronic control module to control the bicycle component. [9] Method for coupling bicycle components according to claim 8, wherein the actuation of the function key and one of the several control keys refers to a simultaneous pressing of the function key and one of the several control keys of the electronic control module. [10] Method for coupling bicycle components according to claim 9, wherein the simultaneous actuation of the function button and one of the multiple control buttons of the electronic control module refers to a state in which either (i) one of the multiple control buttons of the electronic control module is first pressed and held in a pressed state, followed by pressing the function button, or (ii) the function button of the electronic control module is first pressed and held in a pressed state, followed by pressing one of the multiple control buttons. [11] Method for coupling bicycle components according to claim 8, wherein the actuation of the function button and one of the multiple control buttons refers to a state in which either (i) one of the multiple control buttons of the electronic control module is first pressed and released, followed by the function button being pressed and released, or (ii) the function button of the electronic control module is first pressed and released, followed by one of the multiple control buttons being pressed and released. [12] Method for pairing a bicycle component designed for an electronic control module (10) and a bicycle component (20), wherein the electronic control module has several control buttons (11, 12), a function button (13) and a wireless communication unit (14), the method for pairing a bicycle component comprising: Pressing the function key and one of the several control keys to activate the electronic control module initiates a first pairing process; the first coupling process includes: Controlling the wireless communication unit to send a coupling signal, which includes information about which of the several control buttons has been pressed, to the bicycle component. [13] Method for coupling bicycle components according to claim 12, wherein the actuation of the function key and one of the several control keys refers to a simultaneous pressing of the function key and one of the several control keys of the electronic control module. [14] Method for coupling bicycle components according to claim 13, wherein the simultaneous pressing of the function button and one of the several control buttons of the electronic control module denotes a state in which either (i) one of the several control buttons of the electronic control module is first pressed and held in a pressed state, followed by pressing the function button, or (ii) the function button of the electronic control module is first pressed and held in a pressed state, followed by pressing one of the several control buttons. [15] Method for coupling bicycle components according to claim 12, wherein the actuation of the function button and one of the multiple control buttons refers to a state in which either (i) one of the multiple control buttons of the electronic control module is first pressed and released, followed by the function button being pressed and released, or (ii) the function button of the electronic control module is first pressed and released, followed by one of the multiple control buttons being pressed and released. [16] Method for coupling bicycle components designed for an electronic control module (10) and a bicycle component (20), wherein the bicycle component has a wireless communication unit (23), the method for coupling bicycle components comprising: Receiving a coupling signal sent by the electronic control module via the wireless communication unit of the bicycle component, wherein the coupling signal includes information from one of several control buttons (11, 12) of the electronic control module that is pressed; and Assigning the bicycle component to be controlled by the activated of the multiple control buttons, based on the coupling signal. [17] Method for coupling a bicycle component designed for an electronic control module (10) and a bicycle component (20), wherein the electronic control module has several control buttons (11, 12) and a function button (13), the method for coupling a bicycle component comprising: Pressing the function key of the electronic control module to activate the electronic control module to pair with the bicycle component; After the electronic control module is paired with the bicycle component, determine whether one of the several control buttons is pressed within a predetermined time period after the function button is pressed; and If one of the multiple control buttons is pressed within the predetermined time period after pressing the function button, the pressed button is assigned to control the bicycle component. [18] Method for coupling bicycle components according to claim 17, wherein, if none of the multiple control buttons is pressed within the predetermined time period after pressing the function button, assigning a standard button of the multiple control buttons to control the bicycle component. [19] Method for coupling bicycle components according to claim 17, wherein the function key of the electronic control module differs from the multiple control keys.

Images