Wireless control system for controlling electromechanical components for a bicycle

Abstract

Wireless control system for a bicycle, comprising: - at least one actuator having at least one pressed state and one released state; - a first control unit; - a second control unit; and - an electromechanical component, wherein the first control unit is configured to - to generate a first control signal that responds to the pressed state and a second control signal that responds to the released state, and - transmitting the first control signal and the second control signal to at least one bicycle component; wherein the second control unit is configured to operate an electric motor that operates the electromechanical component, wherein the second control unit comprises a wireless receiver configured to receive the first control signal and the second control signal; wherein the electromechanical component is connected to the second control unit, the electromechanical component comprising: - a base part that can be attached to a bicycle, - a moving part, - an electric motor; wherein the wireless control system further comprises: - a wake-up sensor configured to make the second control unit and the wireless receiver operational in response to detected vibrations of the bicycle, and - a wake-up unit connected to the second control unit, the wake-up unit configured to communicate a wake-up signal to the second control unit, the second control unit configured to enter a sleep mode if the wake-up signal is not received for a certain period of time exceeding the predetermined sleep mode timeout value.

Description

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0001] The invention relates to a wireless control system for a bicycle for controlling electromechanical components of a bicycle. In particular, the invention relates to systems with wirelessly operated electromechanical bicycle components. The systems comprise electromechanical bicycle components controlled by a wireless control signal, wherein the wireless control signal is generated by a bicycle control component.

[0002] State-of-the-art electromechanical bicycle components, such as shifting systems, required a wireless transmitter and receiver to be constantly switched on. To conserve energy, a very low-power, short-range transceiver was used. However, the low-power transceiver suffered from poor wireless transmission performance. A newer system requires a periodic bearing signal, which also constantly consumes battery power.

[0003] There is a need for a highly reliable and secure wireless control system for bicycles. The invention fulfills this need. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0004] The invention uses a relatively high-power transmitter and receiver, conserving power by turning off the transmitter and receiver when not in use and by switching the transmitter and receiver between a radio-listening mode and a radio-off mode when the bicycle is active. Once a predetermined noise threshold is reached, which defines a noisy environment, the system according to the invention provides an extended radio-listening mode to avoid transmission losses.

[0005] One aspect of the invention provides a wireless control system for a bicycle, comprising a first shift control unit for a component of a bicycle, the first control unit comprising a radio configured to receive control signals wirelessly transmitted from a second control unit of the bicycle. This aspect further provides that the radio is operable to receive the control signal only when the radio is operating in a listening mode; and comprises a processor configured to: activate the listening mode of the radio for a first period of time; detect with the radio a noise level during the first period of time; and extend the activation of the listening mode for a first extended period of time when the noise level reaches a noise level threshold.

[0006] Another aspect of the invention provides a system for transmitting and receiving wireless control signals on a bicycle, the system comprising means for performing the steps of: transmitting wireless control signals to a radio; periodically listening, with the radio, for a first period of time, for control signals transmitted by a control unit of a bicycle on a communications frequency channel; determining, with a processor, a noise level on the frequency channel during the first period of time; and listening, with the radio, for control signals for an extended period of time when the noise level reaches a noise level threshold.

[0007] Another aspect of the invention provides a bicycle control system configured to include a first shift control unit, the first shift control unit comprising: a radio configured to receive a control signal wirelessly transmitted from a second control unit of the bicycle, the radio operable to receive the control signal only when the radio is operated in a listening mode.The first switching control unit further comprises a processor configured to periodically activate the listening mode of the radio for a plurality of listening time periods; periodically detect a noise level with the radio during the listening time periods; deactivate the listening mode of the radio if the detected noise level has not reached a noise level threshold during the listening time periods; extend the activation of the listening mode for an extended time period if the radio detects that the noise level has reached the noise level threshold during one of the plurality of listening time periods; and deactivate the listening mode of the radio if the detected noise level has not reached the noise level threshold during the extended time periods.

[0008] Another aspect of the invention provides a wireless control system for a bicycle. The wireless control system comprises a first control unit for a component of a bicycle, the first control unit. The first control unit comprises at least one noise radio configured to detect a noise level of a wireless environment comprising signals wirelessly transmitted from a second control unit of the bicycle, and at least one receive radio configured to receive control signals wirelessly transmitted from the second control unit of the bicycle, wherein the at least one receive radio is operable to receive the control signal only when the radio is operating in a listening mode, and a processor.The processor is configured to activate the listening mode of the at least one receiving radio for a first period of time, detect the noise level with the at least one noise radio, and extend the activation of the listening mode for a first extended period of time when the noise level reaches a noise level threshold. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DIFFERENT VIEWS OF THE DRAWINGS Fig. 1 is a side view of a bicycle with a drop handlebar and wireless components installed thereon; Fig. 2 is a view of a shift / brake lever assembly with an integrated master control unit (MCU); Fig. 3 is a straight handlebar with shift lever units wired to a discrete control unit; Fig. 4 is a rear shifting device according to an embodiment of the present invention; Fig. 5 is a front shifting device according to an embodiment of the present invention; Fig. 6-9 are schematic diagrams of a wireless communication / control system; Fig. 10 is a wake / sleep time line of a switching device control unit (SCU); Fig. 11A is a timeline of the SCU transmitter and receiver and the MCU transmitter and receiver; Fig. 11B is a timeline of the SCU transceiver and the MCU transceiver according to an embodiment of the present invention; Fig. 11C is a timeline of the SCU transmitter and receiver according to an embodiment of the invention; Fig. 12 is a wake / sleep / TX timeline of the MCUs; and Fig. 13 is a flowchart illustrating wireless transmission and reception according to an embodiment of the present invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0009] Embodiments of the invention are described herein with reference to the drawings. It should be understood that the drawings and descriptions set forth herein are for illustrative purposes only and are not limiting of the invention as defined by the appended claims and their equivalents. For example, the terms "first" and "second," "front" and "rear," "left" and "right" are used for clarity only and are not limiting. Furthermore, the terms refer to bicycle mechanisms commonly mounted on a bicycle and where the bicycle is used in a standard orientation, unless otherwise specified.

[0010] As in Fig. 1, a bicycle 20 is shown with a drop handlebar and a wireless communication / control system 22 according to an embodiment of the invention. The wireless control system 22 includes at least one shifting unit 24 (shift lever), which may be mounted to a bicycle handlebar 26 attached to the bicycle. The wireless control system 22 of the bicycle 20 may also include one or both of a front electromechanical shifting device 28 and a rear electromechanical shifting device 30 mounted to the bicycle frame 32 of the bicycle 20. The shifting devices 28, 30 may be, for example, front derailleurs or internal gear hubs. The control system 22 may be usable in addition to shifting devices or alternatively with other systems and / or components of the bicycle 20, such as suspension components and systems, adjustable seatposts, power meters, cadence meters, lighting, cycle computers, etc.The bicycle 20 typically includes a drive assembly 33 having one or more front chainrings 35 connected by a chain 39 to a plurality of rear sprockets 37, as known in the art.

[0011] Fig. Figure 2 shows a drop-bar shifter assembly 24 in more detail. The shifter assembly 24 may include a handlebar-mountable brake lever bracket 34, a brake lever 36, a shift lever 38 (having some form of shift actuator such as a knob or the like) operably coupled to a shift switch 40, a front shifter toggle button 42, a master control unit 44, and a power source such as a battery 46. The shift switch 40 may be actuated by any suitable actuating actuator / device, such as a contact button.

[0012] The design of Fig. 6, the master control unit 44 can receive input signals from the switch 40 and the front switch (FD) toggle button 42, and also includes a processor, the central processing unit 48, in communication with the switch to process the input signals, a memory component 50 in communication with the central processing unit, an optional display such as an LED 52 for displaying status signals generated by the central processing unit, and a wireless transmitter and receiver 54.It should be noted that the terms "transmitter and receiver" as used herein may include a transceiver, a transceiver, or at least one radio device, and includes any device or devices that are capable, individually or in combination, of measuring, transmitting, and / or receiving wireless signals, including switching signals or control signals, commands, or other signals relating to a function of the component to be controlled. Functions of the at least one radio device may, for example, be described with reference to specific radio devices (e.g., a noise radio device and / or a receiving radio device). Therefore, several separate radio devices may be described herein that perform the respective function (e.g.,a separate noise radio to "listen" to the noise and / or a separate receive radio to listen for communication signals from a control unit), or a single radio operable or configured for multiple operating modes and / or the performance of multiple functions may be described. It is contemplated that the transmitter and receiver 54, the master control unit 44, and the central processing unit 48 may each be integral components of a switching control unit 24.

[0013] Shift lever units 24 may be provided in pairs 24a, 24b and are typically arranged on the handlebar 26 or a similar component, with one shift lever unit arranged to be operated by the right hand and the other to be operated by the left hand. When two separate shift lever units are used, a pair of master control units (MCU) 44 may be present in the system 22, one in each of the two units 24a, 24b. Shift lever units 24 may be positioned anywhere within reach of the user, and multiple units and / or shift switches 40 or the like may be arranged thereon, as in the type of bicycle known as a time trial bicycle, which may have shift lever units both on the handlebar and on extensions thereof.

[0014] In one embodiment, the central processing unit 48 used may be, for example, an Atmel® ATmega324PA microcontroller with internal EEPROM memory, and the transmitter and receiver 54 used may be an Atmel® AT86RF231 2.4 GHz transmitter and receiver using AES encryption and DSS spread spectrum technology, supporting 16 frequency channels and the IEEE 802.15.4 communication protocol. Other suitable central processing units and wireless transmitters and receivers are contemplated.

[0015] In one embodiment of the wireless control system 22, the shift lever 38 on the right shift lever unit 24a, when actuated, causes the generation of a shift signal corresponding to an upshift, which is executable by the rear shifting device 30. The shift lever on the right shift lever unit 24a, when actuated, causes the generation of a shift signal corresponding to a downshift, which is executable by the rear shifting device 30. An upshift corresponds to a shift to a higher gear (e.g., to a smaller rear sprocket 37), and a downshift corresponds to a shift to a lower gear (e.g., to a larger rear sprocket 37). A front shift actuator 42, which may be in the form of a button and is an optional element, may be provided on both shift lever units 24 and transmits a signal to shift the front shifting device 28 when actuated.Therefore, each MCU 44 of each shift lever unit 24 can wirelessly transmit switching signals that can be received and executed by each switching device.

[0016] It may also be desirable to add a modifier 56 to the shift lever unit 24. A modifier actuator 56, which may be in the form of a button, does nothing when actuated alone, but causes a different type of signal (i.e., no shift signal) to be generated when actuated in combination with another actuator. When the shift lever 38 of the unit 24a is pressed in combination with the modifier actuator 56, for example, instead of an "upshift" command, a "align in" command or an adjust command or the like may be issued. The modifier 56 may be located on the shift lever 38 and communicate with the MCU 44.

[0017] Fig. Figure 3 shows another embodiment of the system 22 adapted for a straight handlebar application. In this embodiment, a right and a left shift lever unit 124a, 124b are provided. A shift junction box 58 may be connected to the right and left shift lever units 124a, 124b by signal lines 60. A single master control unit 144 may be located in the shift junction box 58, which receives signals from the left and right control units 124a, 124b ( Fig. 8). The single master control unit 144 includes components similar to those of the MCU 44 in the shift lever units 24. That is, the MCU 144 includes a central processing unit 148 communicating with the left and right control units 124a, 124b, a memory component 150 communicating with the central processing unit, a transmitter and receiver component 154, and an LED 152 for indicating operating states of the MCU 144. A battery 146 supplies power to the MCU 144, and a modifier 156 is provided for modifying the operation of the MCU.

[0018] Although this straight-handlebar embodiment is shown with a single shared master control unit 144, two master control units could be used. Alternatively, the junction box 58 and shared master control unit 144 could be used in the drop-bar version described above. Each of the shift lever units 124a, 124b may include a shift switch 140 that responds to the shift levers 38 of the shift lever unit 24 described above.

[0019] An embodiment of a rear electromagnetic switching device 30 (RD) is shown in Fig. 4. In general, electromagnetic switching devices are known in the art. The present rear switching device comprises a power source 62 (battery), a motor unit 64, and a switching device control unit 66 (SCU or "slave control unit"). The switching device control unit 66 ( Fig. 7) may include a central processing unit 68 for processing signals / commands and the like, a wake-up sensor 70 operably connected thereto, a memory component 72, a function key 74, a display such as an LED 76, an output 78 for sending control signals to the motor unit 64, and a transmitter and receiver 80 for sending and receiving wireless signals. The motor unit 64 receives and executes position adjustment commands and / or gear change commands from the shift device control unit 66.

[0020] An embodiment of a front electromagnetic switching device 28 (FD) is shown in Fig. 5. Like the rear switching device described above, the front switching device has a power source 82 (battery), a motor unit 84, and a switching device control unit 86 (SCU). The switching device control unit 86 ( Fig. 7) may include a central processing unit 88 for processing signals / commands and the like, a wake-up sensor 90 operatively connected thereto, a memory component 92, a function button 94, a display such as an LED 96, an output 98 for sending control signals to the motor unit 84, and a transmitter and receiver 100 for sending and receiving wireless signals, which may also be referred to as a shifter transmitter and receiver. The motor unit 84 receives and executes position and / or gear change commands from the shifter control unit 86. In the illustrated embodiment, the front shifter shifts between two chainrings. Alternatively, more than two chainrings may be contemplated. The central processing unit 88 may also be configured to shift the front shifter 28 between two chainrings when the function button 94 is pressed and then released.

[0021] Although the rear shifting device 30 and the front shifting device 28 are described with a respective shifting device control unit, a shared single shifting device control unit 102 may also be used, as in Fig. 9. The shared switch control unit 102 is located in a switch junction box 104, but may also be located in the rear switch 30 or the front switch 28. The shared switch control unit 102 may include a power source 184 (battery). The switch control unit 102 may include a central processing unit 188 for processing signals from the MCU 144, a wake-up sensor 190, a memory component 192 connected to the central processing unit, a function switch 194, an LED 196, and a transmitter and receiver 200 configured to transmit and receive wireless signals.

[0022] In one embodiment, the central processing unit 88 or 188 may be an Atmel® ATmega324PA 8-bit RISC microcontroller with internal EEPROM memory. The transmitter and receiver 100, 200 may be an Atmel® AT86RF231 2.4GHz transceiver using AES encryption and DSS spread spectrum technology, supporting 16 frequency channels and the IEEE 802.15.4 communication protocol. CHANNEL SELECTION

[0023] It is possible to set the system 22 to one of several different selectable transmitter and receiver frequency channels to avoid crosstalk with other nearby systems. One device in the system 22 may be designated as the channel master. The channel master device may be the rear switching device 30. Prior to coupling devices (i.e., the shift lever assembly(s) with the switching device(s)), the rear switching device 30 would then be set to a particular transmitter and receiver frequency channel. This may be accomplished by pressing the function button 74 in a specific sequence, or with a selector switch, or by wireless communication with a device dedicated for this task. It is believed that one of ordinary skill in the art would be able to accomplish this task. COUPLING

[0024] The components of the wireless control system 22 are coupled to enable wireless communication between them. Referring to Fig. 2 and Fig. 4-7, each master control unit 44 has a unique device identification value ("Device ID" value) and a "Device Type" value, which are permanently stored in the MCU memory component 50. The "Device Type" value indicates the type of device, for example, "right shift lever unit" or "left shift lever unit."

[0025] To illustrate one embodiment of a pairing process, an example using a front shifter is shown. It should be understood that the basic steps are the same for a rear shifter. The front shifter 28, which includes a shifter control unit (SCU) 86, is coupled to a shift lever 24, which includes an MCU 44, as follows. When a mode change mechanism, which may take the form of a function button 94 on the shifter, is pressed for a predetermined period of time, the SCU 86 of the shifter enters or is converted to a pairing mode. The SCU 86 may slowly flash the LED 96 on the rear shifter 28 to indicate that it is in pairing mode and turn on the SCU transmitter and receiver 100.The receiver portion of the transmitter and receiver 100 in the SCU 86 scans transmit and receive channels, listening for transmitted signals; this listening may also be referred to as monitoring. Next, a switch lever / button 38 on the switch lever unit 24, which includes an MCU 44, is pressed and held, causing the MCU to transmit a repeating switch signal that includes the "device ID" and "device type" as part of the signal. If the SCU 86 in the switching device 28 detects the repeating switch signal from an MCU 44, the SCU may leave the LED 96 continuously illuminated. The SCU receiver portion of the transmitter and receiver 100 continues to listen for a repeating switch signal from an MCU 44 of the switch lever unit for a predetermined period of time, which may be approximately two seconds.Once the SCU 86 of the switching device 28 determines that it has received a switching signal from the MCU 44 for the required time, the SCU exits pairing mode and stores the "device ID" in the SCU memory component 92 in a location reserved for that "device type." If the SCU 86 is the channel master in the system 22, it also sends a signal to instruct the MCU 44 in the paired shift lever unit 24 to operate on a specific channel. The shift lever 24 and the switching device 28 are now paired, and the switching device's SCU 86 will now respond to commands from the MCU 44 of the paired shift lever.

[0026] The memory 92 of the SCU 86 of the shifting device 28 stores only one device ID for each device type. If a shift lever 24 with a device ID of "234" has been paired with a rear shifting device 30 and later another shift lever 24 with the device ID of "154" is paired with the rear shifting device, the SCU 72 memory value of "234" in the "Device Type" memory location will be overwritten with the new value of "154," and the rear shifting device 30 will no longer respond to the shift lever 24 with the device ID of "234."

[0027] One embodiment of the wireless system 22 includes right and left shift levers 24a, 24b, each with an MCU 44, and a front shift device 28 and a rear shift device 30, each with an SCU 86, 66 ( Fig. 6 and Fig. 7). Therefore, it should be understood that the pairing process for this embodiment must be repeated four (4) times. The rear switching device 30 is paired with each of the right and left shift levers 24a, 24b, and the front switching device 28 is paired with each of the right and left shift levers. This results in a very secure system, as pairing the devices requires physical access to press the buttons of the components. Furthermore, each switching device 28, 30 only responds to the shift lever to which it has been paired. By verifying that each shift lever 24a, 24b controls each of the switching devices 28, 30, it can be ensured that no unauthorized shift levers have been paired.In an alternative embodiment in which a pair of shift levers 124a, 124b share an MCU 144 or the front and rear shift devices 28, 30 share an SCU, the number of coupling steps can be reduced. ALARM SENSOR

[0028] Conserving power in battery-operated wireless devices is a design requirement addressed by embodiments of the invention. When electronic devices are left on continuously, batteries tend to drain quickly. Therefore, various strategies can be implemented to conserve battery power. The MCU 44 connected to the shift lever unit(s) 24 can be configured to enter a sleep mode, i.e., a relatively low-power state, when the bicycle / system is inactive. During this time, the central processing unit 48 is in a power-saving mode (sometimes referred to as standby or sleep mode), and the transmitter and receiver 54 are turned off. The MCU 44 only powers up (fully powered and operational) and sends signals when a switch or button is activated; otherwise, it is in sleep mode.

[0029] For example, the SCU 66 in the switching device 30 may receive control signals from the MCU 44 or, in some cases, from other SCUs. If the transmitter and receiver 80 were left on continuously, the battery 62 would quickly drain. The SCU 66 may include a wake-up unit 70 to determine and signal when the bicycle is in use. In one embodiment, for example, a SignalQuest™ SQ-MIN-200 or a Freescale™ Semiconductor MMA8451Q vibration sensor may be used as the sensor for the wake-up unit. When a bicycle is operated, uneven road surfaces or drivetrain movement generate vibrations that are easily detected by sensors (not shown). Other sensors may be used for the wake-up unit 70, such as accelerometers or magnetic reed switches configured to detect magnets attached to moving elements of the bicycle 20.When the bicycle 20 is in operation, the vibration or movement is detected, and the alarm unit 70 sends an alarm signal to activate the SCU 66 (. Fig. 10). After being fully powered and enabled by a wake-up signal from the vibration sensor, the SCU 66 remains active as long as it receives wake-up signals from the wake-up unit 70. If no wake-up signals are received for a period exceeding a predetermined sleep mode timeout value, the SCU 66 returns to sleep mode. The sleep mode timeout duration may be approximately 30 seconds. TIME CONTROL OF THE TRANSMITTER AND THE RECEIVER

[0030] Power consumption can be further reduced by frequently turning the transmitter and receiver 80, 100 on and off according to a predetermined or given period or cycle when the SCU 66, 86 is active. When the SCU 66, 86 receives a signal from the wake-up sensor 70, 90, it enters a wake-up mode, becoming fully powered and operational. During the wake-up mode, the SCU 66, 86 turns the transmitter and receiver 80, 100 "on" to monitor switching signals for a listening time A, which may be referred to as the listening mode, and then turns it "off" for a waiting time B, which may be referred to as the non-listening mode, to conserve power, as shown on the SCU timeline in the diagram. The total of one cycle of time A and B defines a wake-up mode cycle period or wake-up mode cycle time. Typically, the listening mode time A may be about 5 ms, and the waiting time or non-listening mode B may be about 45 ms.In this state, the SCU transmitter and receiver 80, 100 is only switched on (in listening mode) for approximately 10% of the wake-up mode cycle time.

[0031] Fig. Figure 11A shows the transmit and receive timing when control signals are transmitted from the MCU 44 to the SCU 66, 86. The control signals can be any type of signal used to facilitate the control of a bicycle and / or bicycle component. For example, the control signals can be seatpost adjustment signals, suspension adjustment signals, or shift signals. After a shift button 38 on the shift lever unit 24 is pressed, the MCU 44 enters a wake mode or state, waits until the channel is idle, and transmits a series of duplicated control / shift signals if no other signals or noise are detected. Each of the duplicated shift signals has a time period C (about 1 ms), followed by a rest time period D (about 2 ms), and is repeated for a time period, i.e., a transmission time period F (about 100 ms).The transmission time period F is selected such that the switching signal from the MCU 44 coincides at least once with the transmitter and receiver 80, 100 actively monitoring or listening to the SCU 66, 86, ie, being in a listening mode. In the example shown in . Fig. 11A, four control signals coincide with the time during which the SCU transmitter and receiver 80, 100 are in the listening mode, as shown by the dashed lines. In other words, the transmitter and receiver of the switching device actively listen for switching signals from the transceiver of the shift lever unit during a portion, i.e., a listening period, of a wake-up mode cycle time, and the transmitter and receiver of the shift lever unit are configured to transmit the switching signals for a period of time longer than the wake-up mode cycle time to ensure that the transmitter and receiver of the switching device are in an active listening state when a switching signal is transmitted, which listening may also be referred to as monitoring.

[0032] Fig. Figure 11B shows the transmitter and receiver timing when control signals 11 are transmitted in a noisy environment. In this embodiment, the receiver 80, 100 of the SCU 66, 86 detects and / or otherwise measures a noise level N. The noise level N is an environmental variable that depends on the presence of nearby electrical transmissions. These local electrical transmissions generate background noise, which may be denoted by a proportional value. The value may, for example, represent a spectral power density measurement. In this embodiment, the SCU transmitter and receiver 80, 100 may monitor and measure the noise level N whenever the SCU transmitter and receiver 80, 100 are in listening mode to make a noise level threshold determination.The SCU transmitter and receiver 80, 100 may be configured to detect noise only on a single frequency channel, so that only the noise affecting the frequency channel selected for transmission and reception is measured.

[0033] The noise level threshold can be determined by comparing a measured noise level value with a noise level threshold. A noise level threshold can be a value selected as appropriate to determine a probability of reliably receiving a control signal. For example, a noise level threshold I can be a value selected from a range between -70 decibels, with the reference value 1 milliwatt or "dBm," to -40 dBm. In one embodiment, the noise level threshold I can be -50 dBm, -55 dBm, -60 dBm, or -65 dBm. When the SCU transmitter and receiver 80, 100 determine that the detected noise level has reached the noise level threshold I, the SCU remains in listening mode for a first extended time period H1. The first extended time period H1 can be any length of time. For example, the time period can be less than one (“1”) second, such as 250, 500, or 750 milliseconds.The device may also be configured to extend the activation of the listening mode for a second extended time period if the SCU transmitter and receiver 80, 100 determine that the noise level threshold I has been reached during the first extended time period H1. The second extended time period H2 may also be any length of time. For example, the second extended time period may be less than one ("1") second, such as 250, 500, or 750 milliseconds. The first extended time period H1 and the second extended time period H2 may be the same or different lengths of time. In one embodiment, the first extended time period H and the second extended time period are the same.

[0034] In one embodiment, each time the SCU transmitter and receiver 80, 100 periodically measures the noise level and determines that the noise level threshold I has been reached, an extended time period H begins from the determination time. Since the extended time period H in this embodiment is greater than the time between detection and the sampling rate of the SCU transmitter and receiver 80, 100, the activation of the listening mode effectively continues until the SCU transmitter and receiver 80, 100 determine that the noise level has no longer reached the noise level threshold I, and then continues for another extended time period H before deactivating the listening mode.According to this embodiment, the SCU transmitter and receiver 80, 100 begins the listening mode at the time the SCU transmitter and receiver 80, 100 determine that the noise level has reached the noise level threshold I; remains in the listening mode until the noise level threshold I is reached in the extended time period H; and ends the listening mode one extended time period H after the time the SCU transmitter and receiver 80, 100 determine that the noise level has not reached the noise level threshold I.

[0035] The noise level threshold I can be configured to be a noise level at which control signals 11 are no longer reliably received. If a control signal 11 is transmitted during the listening mode time A, the probability that the signal will be received by the SCU transmitter and receiver 80, 100 depends on the noise level N. Generally, the concentration of transmissions is increased in high-noise environments. The lower probability of receiving control signals in high-noise environments is due to the fact that transmissions tend to interfere with other transmissions. When a high concentration of transmissions exists, which is generally the case in high-noise environments, the probability that control signals will be received is relatively low.The probability that the SCU transmitter and receiver 80, 100 will receive one of several control signals in a given time period when the noise level N reaches the noise level threshold I is lower. By extending the listening period by an extended time period H when the noise level N reaches the noise level threshold I, the length of the listening period is increased, and thereby the probability that the SCU transmitter and receiver 80, 100 will receive control signals 11 increases. When the SCU transmitter and receiver 80, 100 hear a switching or control signal, the SCU 66, 86 keeps the transmitter and receiver in listening mode, even if the detected signals are intended for another device.

[0036] The SCU transmitter and receiver 80, 100 remain in listening mode for a listening time period G after receiving the last signal before returning to sleep mode, i.e., non-listening mode, to conserve power. The listening time period G can be any desired length of time. For example, the listening time period G in one embodiment can be less than one (1) second, such as 20 milliseconds, 40 milliseconds, or 80 milliseconds. It is understood that the various timings presented herein are exemplary.

[0037] Fig. 11C shows a timeline of the possible extended time period for which the radio listens in one embodiment. The beginning of the extended time period H1 corresponds to the initial detection of a noise level that has reached the noise level threshold I. If the radio detects a noise level that reaches the noise level threshold I during the extended time period H1, the radio begins listening for an extended time period H2 from the detection time. The radio may perform a plurality of noise level detections during the extended time period H1. In one embodiment, the radio begins listening for an extended time period H2 even if only a limited number, e.g., only one ("1") of the plurality of noise level detections reaches the noise level threshold I.Since interfering signals are generally transmitted intermittently in packets, in a noisy environment where signals are easily lost, only some of the multitude of noise level detections may reach the noise level threshold I.

[0038] Fig. Figure 11C illustrates a cascade of such noise level detections, each triggering an extended time period. The cascade has transitions in Fig. 11C by arrows, at which a new extended time period begins. As above, from the detection time, the radio listens for an extended time period H3 if the radio detects a noise level that reaches the noise level threshold I during the extended time period H2. If during the extended time period H3 a noise level detection reaches the noise level threshold I, the radio listens for an extended time H4. This cascade continues until the end of an extended time after the last noise level detection that reached the noise level threshold I, represented by H(x).

[0039] During races or rides in large groups, it is inevitable that cyclists will use a number of systems in close proximity. Both the MCU 44 and the SCU 66 or 86 can have special features that enable coexistence and ensure high reliability in mass use. The MCU transmitter and receiver 54 are capable of both transmitting and receiving signals. Before transmitting a wireless signal, the MCU 44 listens to determine if other transceivers or transmitting devices are transmitting. These other transceivers may or may not belong to the system in question. If the MCU 44 hears other transceivers, it will observe the device ID(s) of the other signal(s) before transmitting and count these devices until it detects a repeating device. If the MCU 44 hears other transmissions (i.e.If the SCU 66, 86 determines that the channel is clear (each transmission that is not from a master control unit to which one of the SCUs 66, 86 is coupled, the other transmissions being considered noise), it begins transmitting a signal, but may adjust the repetition interval by increasing the time between transmitting the duplicated signals to avoid collisions with other transmissions / noise.

[0040] Fig. Figure 13 is a flowchart illustrating the steps for sending and receiving wireless control signals on a bicycle. As shown in the following sections, the steps can be performed with any combination of the components described in Fig. 6-9. For example, the following steps may be performed by a radio 80, 100, 200 and / or a CPU 68, 88, 192, as well as additional or different components. Additional, different, or fewer steps may be provided. For example, step 301 may be omitted. The steps are performed in the order shown or in a different order. The steps may also be repeated.

[0041] The system may include means for transmitting wireless control signals (step 301). The transmission may be performed by one or more shift lever units 24A, 24B. The transmission may be directed to a radio device, such as the radio device 100, 80 of the front and / or rear derailleur 28, 30.

[0042] The system also includes means for listening for control signals for a first period of time (step 302). The control signals may be transmitted from a control unit of a bicycle on a communications frequency channel. The listening may be performed by a radio device, such as the radio device 100, 80 of the front and / or rear derailleur 28, 30.

[0043] The system determines a noise level during the first time period (step 303). The noise level may be the same as the noise level N measured on a frequency channel. In one embodiment, the determination of the noise level is performed by a radio device, such as the radio device 100, 80 of the front and / or rear derailleur 28, 30. The radio device 100, 80 may be configured to use a processor, such as the CPU 88, 68, to perform the determination of the noise level N. The determination of the noise level provides the processor with information useful in balancing the successful transmission of signals with low power consumption.

[0044] In step 304, it is determined whether the noise level reaches a noise level threshold (304). The determination of the noise level N from the previous step is then applied to further determine whether the noise level N has reached a noise level threshold I.

[0045] Once the threshold has been reached, the system continues to listen for control signals for an extended period of time (305). Like listening for control signals for a first period of time, listening for control signals for an extended period of time may be performed by a radio device, such as the radio device 100, 80 of the front and / or rear derailleur 28, 30. The noise level threshold may be reached when a relative measurement of the detected noise level corresponds to an environment that is noisier than the noise level threshold. For example, the noise level threshold may be set to -50 dBm, such that a detected noise level less than -50 dBm, such as -55 dBm, meets the noise level threshold. Alternatively, the noise level may be measured in absolute units, such that a detected noise level greater than the noise level threshold meets the noise level threshold.In other words, a noise level with a greater absolute magnitude than the noise level threshold reaches the noise level threshold. In one embodiment, the system returns to the start (301) if the noise level does not reach the noise level threshold.

[0046] Although the transmission of wireless control signals to a radio (301) is listed only once, it should be understood that this transmission may occur at any time during the various steps performed by the system. For example, a second transmission of wireless control signals to a radio may occur simultaneously with or after a first transmission of wireless control signals to the radio.

[0047] The system may further include means for determining the noise level with the processor during the extended period of time (306). In such an embodiment, the system may continue to listen for control signals with a radio for an extended period of time (305) if the noise level reaches the noise level threshold (307). Accordingly, step 301 of transmitting wireless control signals to a radio may be repeated if the noise level threshold has not been reached (307).

[0048] The system that Fig. 13 illustrates a specific way to adapt wireless transmission behavior in response to noise levels. Listening for an initial period of time (step 302) in a quiet environment and listening for an extended period of time (step 305) in a noisy environment can strike a balance between effective wireless communication and battery consumption. The noise level thresholds can be adjustable quantities that can be changed manually or in response to other measurements of the probability of successful or unsuccessful communication. One such reactive change can be the comparison of control signal counts, as discussed further below in the discussion of handling multiple switching commands.For example, if the noise level does not reach the noise threshold at a given moment, but a control signal has a count more than one count away from the last received control signal, the noise threshold can be adjusted to a level corresponding to the current noise level. Such an adjustment would result in listening for a longer period of time, thereby increasing the reception time of a control signal. Optionally, the noise threshold can be adjusted if the noise level reaches the noise threshold at a given moment, but consecutive control signals are received.

[0049] Fig.Figure 12 shows the interaction of three MCUs attempting to transmit simultaneously. The MCU1 timeline shows the sleep (low-power mode), awake (fully powered and with monitor mode active), and transmit (TX) state of the first MCU. When a switch actuator is operated, the MCU is activated and waits to listen for an undisturbed period (J) before transmitting signals (S11–S14). Since no other signals or noise were heard during the undisturbed period (J) in this example, S11–S14 are repeated at a minimum repetition rate E (approximately 3 milliseconds). When the MCU is awake, it listens for signals from other transmitters between transmitting signals.

[0050] MCU2 wakes up in response to a TX command request and begins listening at time T2. MCU2 then receives signals S13 and S14, both from a shared MCU, determines that two devices are transmitting, and begins transmitting signals S21-S25 at a repetition rate E2 of approximately 6 milliseconds at time T3. MCU2 transmits signal S21 before MCU1's S15 at time T3, causing it to "collide" with S15. MCU1 has listened to signal S21 from MCU2 between S14 and the scheduled signal S15. MCU1 then cancels S15 and begins transmitting a new signal S15'-S18 at a repetition rate E2 starting at time T4. MCU1 decides to send the signal S15' from T3 for about 3 milliseconds, maintaining an interval between duplicated signals to a first interval or an environmental signal repetition rate of about 3 milliseconds.

[0051] MCU3 is activated in response to a TX command (switching signal) and begins listening at time T5. MCU3 then receives signals S24, S18, and S25, where S24 and S25 both originate from a common MCU, determines that three devices are transmitting, and begins transmitting signals S31-S35 at a repetition rate E3 of approximately 9 milliseconds at time T6. Signal S31 was transmitted before the scheduled signal S19 from MCU1. MCU1 listened to S25 from MCU2 and S31 from MCU3 between signal S18 and the scheduled signal S19. MCU1 then cancels S19 and begins transmitting a new signal S19'-S1B at a repetition rate E3 starting at time T7. MCU1 decides to transmit signal S19' from T6 at approximately 3 milliseconds, maintaining an environmental signal repetition rate of approximately 3 milliseconds. Signal S19' was transmitted before the scheduled signal S26 from MCU2, causing it to collide with that signal.MCU2 has listened between signal S25 and the scheduled signal S26 and has received S31 from MCU3 and S19' from MCU1. MCU2 then cancels S26 and begins transmitting a new signal S26'-S2A at a repetition rate of E3 starting at time T8. MCU2 decides to transmit signal S26' from T7 at approximately 3 milliseconds, maintaining an ambient signal repetition rate of approximately 3 milliseconds.

[0052] Between S28 and S29, MCU2 observed that only S34 was received from MCU3 and determined that only two devices are now communicating. After S29, MCU2 sends signals S2A-S2B at the increased repetition rate E2. Between S34 and S35, MCU3 observed that only S29 was received from MCU2 and determined that only two devices are now communicating. After S35, MCU3 sends signals S35-S38 at the increased repetition rate E2. Between S37 and S38, MCU3 observed that no signals were received and it is communicating alone. After S38, MCU3 sends signals S38-S3A at the increased repetition rate E.

[0053] Although the above example describes that senders adjust their repetition intervals in the next transmission cycle, it may be desirable to wait more than one cycle before adjusting the repetition rate. This gives senders more chances to notice other senders that were not included in their initial tally.

[0054] There's a risk that two devices might attempt to send signals at exactly the same time. To reduce the possibility of collisions, the signal repetition rate E can be randomly varied by plus / minus 1 millisecond, for example.

[0055] The invention may also include a system for maximizing its reliability by maximizing the number of duplicated switching signals transmitted corresponding to the input signal in a given transmission period. If the repetition interval of the plurality of duplicated switching signals creates a situation where only a small number of duplicated switching signals can be transmitted, the system may increase the length of the transmission period to transmit a sufficient number of duplicated signals at the increased interval rate. HANDLING DUPLICATE SWITCHING COMMANDS

[0056] Because the MCU 44 of the shift lever unit 24 transmits the shift signal multiple times, the SCU 66, 86 of the switching devices 30, 28 requires a system that performs steps to distinguish duplicate received shift signals from new shift signals. When the MCU 44 generates a shift signal, it also generates a "count" that is transmitted along with the device ID and device type. The count can be used to identify duplicate, consecutive, or non-consecutive shift signals. Each time a subsequent shift signal is generated by the MCU 44, a new count is generated by retrieving the previous count from memory and incrementing the value by one (1) or otherwise continuously incrementing the count to yield a new count.When the SCU 66, 86 receives a shift signal, it compares the received count with the previously received count stored in the SCU memory 72, 92 for that signal type (e.g., upshift / downshift) and device type (right shift lever, left shift lever). If the count, signal type, and device type match the values ​​stored in memory, the command is ignored because it is a duplicate signal that has already been processed. If the count is different from the value stored in memory, the SCU 66, 86 calculates a "pending" value by subtracting the count in memory from the received count. If the user presses the upshift lever once and no wireless transmissions have been lost, the SCU 66 calculates a pending value of 1 and executes a command to the motor unit 64 to perform an upshift once. The SCU 66 then records the new count value for this signal and device type in memory.However, if the user quickly presses the upshift lever 38 and the system 22 is in a noisy wireless environment where wireless signals are often interrupted, the SCU 66 may calculate a pending value greater than one. In this case, a shift signal has been lost, or the user has pressed the lever 38 more than once before the SCU 66 turns on its transmitter and receiver. If the SCU 66 receives a shift signal corresponding to an "upshift" input signal and calculates a pending value of 3, it knows that the upshift lever 38 has been operated three (3) times since receiving the last shift signal corresponding to an "upshift" input signal, and it sends a command to the motor unit 64 to upshift three (3) times. The SCU 66 then records the new count for that signal and device type in memory.The SCU 66 will also ignore signals corresponding to "upshift" or "downshift" inputs when the shift device 30 has reached the limit of its shift range. For this purpose, the SCU 66 will track its position.

[0057] The noise level threshold I is preferably tunable to account for changing noise environments. Appropriate tuning of the noise level threshold I can be used to maximize battery power conservation while maintaining good wireless performance in noisy environments. Optionally, the SCU 66 can be configured to reduce the noise level threshold I when it receives a number of control signals with non-consecutive or particularly widely separated counts, indicating that non-consecutive or particularly widely separated control signals were received, and that the SCU 66 did not receive the intervening control signals due to noise.

[0058] In one embodiment, the SCU 66 may be configured to increase the noise level threshold I if the threshold has already been reached, but the SCU 66 has nevertheless received control signals with substantially continuous counts, indicating that the current noise level does not substantially interfere with the transmission and reception of control signals. A similar metric with non-continuous counts received by the SCU 66 may be used to extend the activation of the listen mode of the SCU transceiver 80, 100 for an extended period of time. This metric may act as an indirect noise sensor by measuring successful transmission instead of noise, or in conjunction with another type of noise sensor and / or noise measurement. OTHER SWITCHING STEPS OPTIONALLY PERFORMED BY THE SYSTEM

[0059] The MCU 44 can also generate control signals regarding the state of the shift buttons 38 (upshift & downshift). For example, when an upshift button 38 of a unit 24a is pressed, the MCU sends an "upshift button pressed" signal, and when the upshift button is released, it sends an "upshift button released" signal. This function is useful in a system 22 in which no dedicated front shift button 42 is provided on the shift lever units, and the front shift device 28 is shifted by simultaneously pressing the upshift and upshift buttons 38 of both units 24a, 24b. In the case of a front shift, the SCUs 66, 86 will both first receive an "upshift & downshift button pressed" signal before receiving an "upshift or downshift button released" signal, indicating that both buttons were pressed before they are both released.When the SCU 86 of the front switching device 28 receives this signal sequence, the front switching device performs a switching operation. When the rear switching device 30 receives this signal sequence, it ignores it.

[0060] If the rear shifting device SCU 66 receives an "upshift or downshift button released" signal without first receiving an "upshift or downshift button pressed" signal, it may conclude that the "button pressed" signal was lost or not sent by the MCU 44 because the button 38 was pressed and released quickly. In this case, the rear shifting device SCU 66 will proceed and perform the upshift or downshift.

[0061] Although only signals sent by the MCU 44 have been described, the SCUs 86, 66 in the front shifter 28 and rear shifter 30 may also send signals to other devices. For example, the rear shifter 30 may send a message to the front shifter 28 indicating the current gear position of the rear shifter. This would allow the front shifter 28 to optimize the trim position of the front shifter based on the position of the rear shifter 30. Other data types that could be sent from a device's SCU 66, 86 include battery level, number of shifts, device ID, temperature, error codes, firmware version, etc. ANT / BTLE BRIDGE

[0062] The present system 22 can also communicate with other third-party devices using standard protocols such as ANT or Bluetooth® Smart (BTLE). One of the devices in the system can collect data from the other devices, such as battery level, gear position, firmware version, etc., and share the data with a third-party device using a different communication protocol, effectively serving as an information bridge.

[0063] Although this invention has been described with reference to specific embodiments, it should be understood that numerous changes may be made within the spirit and scope of the inventive concepts described. Therefore, it is intended that the invention not be limited to the disclosed embodiment, but have the full scope encompassed by the language of the following claims. ASPECTS OF THE INVENTION Aspect 1. A wireless control system for a bicycle, comprising: a first control unit for a component of a bicycle, the first control unit comprising: a radio configured to receive control signals wirelessly transmitted from a second control unit of the bicycle, the radio operable to receive the control signal only when the radio is operated in a listening mode; and a processor configured to: to activate the radio's listening mode for an initial period of time; to detect a noise level with the radio during the first period; and to extend the activation of the listening mode for an initial extended period of time when the noise level reaches a noise level threshold. Aspect 2. The wireless control system of aspect 1, wherein the first extended time period is at least one of 250, 500, or 750 milliseconds. Aspect 3. The wireless control system of aspect 1 or 2, wherein the processor is further configured to periodically activate the listening mode of the radio for the first period of time. Aspect 4. The wireless control system of aspect 3, wherein the processor is further configured to deactivate the listening mode after the first time period if the detected noise level has not reached the threshold during the first time period. Aspect 5. The wireless control system of any preceding aspect, wherein the processor is further configured to: detect the noise level with the radio periodically during the first extended time period, and to deactivate listening mode if the detected noise level does not reach the noise level threshold during the first extended time period. Aspect 6. The wireless control system of aspect 5, wherein the processor is further configured to: detect the noise level with the radio during the first extended time period; and to extend the activation of the listening mode for a second extended time period if the noise level reaches the noise level threshold during the first extended time period. Aspect 7. A wireless control system according to any preceding aspect, wherein the noise level is detected as a measurement of spectral power density. Aspect 8. The wireless control system of aspect 7, wherein the noise level threshold is set as a value in a range of about -70 dB to -40 dBm. Aspect 9. The wireless control system of any preceding aspect, wherein the processor is further configured to detect the noise level only on a single frequency channel. Aspect 10. The wireless control system of any preceding aspect, wherein the control signals include a device identification associated with a transmitting device. Aspect 11. The wireless control system of aspect 10, wherein the control signals associated with the transmitting device have a count value, the count value being continuously incremented upon each successive control signal transmission from the same transmitting device. Aspect 12. The wireless control system of aspect 11, wherein the processor is further configured to: to extend the activation of the listening mode for a second extended period of time, when the radio receives consecutive control signals with the same device identifier and non-consecutive counts. Aspect 13. The wireless control system of aspect 11 or 12, wherein the processor is further configured to: adjust the noise level threshold value if the noise level threshold has not been reached when the radio receives consecutive control signals with the same device identifier and non-consecutive counts. Aspect 14. The wireless control system of any one of aspects 11 to 13, wherein the processor is further configured to: adjust the noise level threshold value if the radio does not receive consecutive control signals with the same device identifier and non-consecutive counts during the extended time. Aspect 15. A system for transmitting and receiving wireless control signals on a bicycle, the system performing the following steps: Sending wireless control signals to a radio; periodically listening, with the radio for a first period of time, for control signals sent by a control unit of a bicycle on a communication frequency channel; Determining, with a processor, a noise level on the frequency channel during the first time period; and Listening, with the radio, for control signals for an extended period of time when the noise level reaches a noise level threshold. Aspect 16. The system of aspect 15, wherein the determination of the noise level is performed by the processor based on values ​​measured by the radio during the first time period. Aspect 17. The system of claim 15 or 16, the wireless control signals comprising: a shift command corresponding to an upshift that can be executed by an electromechanical switching device; or a shift command corresponding to a downshift that can be executed by the electromechanical switching device. Aspect 18. The system of any one of aspects 15 to 17, wherein the processor and the radio are integral components of a shift control unit for a bicycle. Aspect 19. The system of any one of aspects 15 to 18, further comprising the step of: Detecting noise using a noise sensor to determine the noise level with the processor during the first period. Aspect 20. A bicycle control system configured to include a first control unit, the first control unit comprising: a radio configured to receive a control signal wirelessly transmitted from a second control unit of the bicycle, the radio operable to receive the control signal only when the radio is operated in a listening mode, and a processor configured to: to activate the radio's listening mode periodically for a plurality of listening time periods; to use the radio to periodically detect a noise level during listening periods; to deactivate the radio's listening mode if the noise level has not reached a noise level threshold during the listening periods; extend the activation of the listening mode for an extended period of time if the radio detects that the noise level has reached the noise level threshold during one of the plurality of listening time periods; and to deactivate the radio's listening mode if the noise level has not reached the noise level threshold during the extended time periods. Aspect 21. A wireless control system for a bicycle, comprising: a first control unit for a component of a bicycle, the first control unit comprising: at least one noise radio configured to detect a noise level of a wireless environment including signals wirelessly transmitted from a second control unit of the bicycle, and at least one receive radio configured to receive control signals wirelessly transmitted from the second control unit of the bicycle, wherein the at least one receive radio is operable to receive the control signal only when the radio is operated in a listening mode; and a processor configured to: to activate the listening mode of the at least one receiving radio device for a first period of time; to detect the noise level with at least one noise radio; and to extend the activation of listening mode for an extended period of time when the noise level reaches a noise level threshold.

Claims

[1] Wireless control system for a bicycle, comprising: - at least one actuator having at least one pressed state and one released state; - a first control unit; - a second control unit; and - an electromechanical component, wherein the first control unit is configured to - to generate a first control signal that responds to the pressed state and a second control signal that responds to the released state, and - transmitting the first control signal and the second control signal to at least one bicycle component; wherein the second control unit is configured to operate an electric motor that operates the electromechanical component, wherein the second control unit comprises a wireless receiver configured to receive the first control signal and the second control signal; wherein the electromechanical component is connected to the second control unit, the electromechanical component comprising: - a base part that can be attached to a bicycle, - a moving part, - an electric motor; wherein the wireless control system further comprises: - a wake-up sensor configured to make the second control unit and the wireless receiver operational in response to detected vibrations of the bicycle, and - a wake-up unit connected to the second control unit, the wake-up unit configured to communicate a wake-up signal to the second control unit, the second control unit configured to enter a sleep mode if the wake-up signal is not received for a certain period of time exceeding the predetermined sleep mode timeout value. [2] The wireless control system of claim 1, wherein the wake-up sensor is disposed on the electromechanical component. [3] The wireless control system of claim 1 or 2, further comprising a power source. [4] The wireless control system of claim 3, wherein the power source is disposed on the electromechanical component. [5] A wireless control system according to claim 4, wherein the power source is arranged on the base part. [6] A wireless control system according to any one of claims 3 to 5, wherein the control unit is powered by power from the power source when it is ready for operation. [7] A wireless control system according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the wireless receiver enters a wake-up mode in response to vibrations detected by the wake-up sensor, the wake-up mode comprising a listening mode. [8] The wireless control system of claim 7, wherein the wake mode further comprises a non-listen mode. [9] A wireless control system according to claim 7 or 8, wherein the listening mode is ten percent (“10%”) or less of a wake mode cycle time. [10] A wireless control system according to any one of claims 7 to 9, wherein the wireless receiver is configured to receive a wireless command signal transmitted from a master control unit. [11] The wireless control system of claim 10, wherein the second control unit is configured to maintain the wireless receiver in listening mode when the wireless command signal is received by the receiver. [12] A wireless control system according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the wake-up sensor is configured to generate a wake-up signal in response to the detected vibrations. [13] A wireless control system according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the wake-up sensor is configured to communicate the wake-up signal to the control unit. [14] A wireless control system according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the second control unit is configured to enter a sleep mode if a wake-up signal is not received within a predetermined sleep mode timeout value. [15] A wireless control system according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the wireless receiver is configured to receive a wireless command signal transmitted by a coupled master control unit. [16] A wireless control system according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the electric motor is configured to cause the movable part to move. [17] A wireless control system according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the electromechanical component is a suspension component. [18] A wireless control system according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the electromechanical component is an adjustable seat post. [19] A wireless control system according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the electromechanical component is a switching device. [20] An electromechanical component for a wireless control system according to any one of the preceding claims. [21] The electromechanical component of claim 20, wherein the electromechanical component comprises a wake-up sensor. [22] An electromechanical component according to claim 20 or 21, wherein the electromechanical component comprises a power source. [23] An electromechanical component according to any one of claims 20 to 22, wherein the electromechanical component is a suspension component. [24] Electromechanical component according to one of claims 20 to 22, wherein the electromechanical component is an adjustable seat post. [25] An electromechanical component according to any one of claims 20 to 22, wherein the electromechanical component is a switching device.

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