Bicycle component controller, bicycle component control system and bicycle component control method

Abstract

This invention discloses a bicycle component controller, which essentially comprises a data storage device and a processor. The data storage device contains sprocket assembly information for at least one sprocket assembly. The processor is configured to perform gear shifting control based on the sprocket assembly information. The sprocket assembly information for the at least one sprocket assembly includes at least a total number of sprockets and shift brake information. The single shift distance of the sprocket assembly information corresponds to an axial distance between adjacent sprockets in the at least one sprocket assembly.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention generally relates to a bicycle component controller, a bicycle component control system, and a bicycle component control method for performing a gear shifting control based at least on sprocket assembly information. Prior Technology

[0002] In recent years, some bicycles have incorporated electric bicycle components or devices to make the bicycle easier for riders to operate. For example, some bicycles have an electrically operated transmission for smoother gear shifting. The electrically operated transmission can be manually controlled by a rider or automatically controlled by a controller. In the case of manual control, a button or lever on a shift control device is operated to output a gear shift command to operate a motor to correspondingly upshift or downshift the bicycle transmission. In the case of automatic control, the gear shift command is automatically generated based on various bicycle conditions such as forward speed. Some of these electrically operated transmissions use a rear multi-stage sprocket assembly with a motorized rear derailleur and a front multi-stage sprocket assembly with a motorized front derailleur. These motorized derailleurs are electrically operated by a bicycle computer to operate a motor to perform a gear shifting operation. U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2007 / 0207885A1 discloses an example of a controller for performing a gear shifting operation. Summary of the Invention

[0003] Generally speaking, the present invention relates to various features of a bicycle component controller, a bicycle component control system, and a bicycle component control method for controlling a bicycle derailleur based on the sprocket assembly used. More specifically, the bicycle component controller, bicycle component control system, and bicycle component control method are essentially based on information from the sprocket assembly to control the amount of operation of the actuator for each shift distance and the movement of the actuator.

[0004] In view of state-of-the-art technology and according to a first aspect of the present invention, a bicycle component controller is provided, which essentially includes a data storage device and a processor. The data storage device contains sprocket assembly information for at least one sprocket assembly. The processor is configured to perform gear shifting control based on the sprocket assembly information. The sprocket assembly information for the at least one sprocket assembly includes at least a total number of sprockets and shift brake information. The single shift distance of the sprocket assembly information corresponds to an axial distance between adjacent sprockets in the at least one sprocket assembly.

[0005] Regarding the bicycle component controller in the first state, a gear shifting control can be performed based on the sprocket assembly information, allowing a user to select a sprocket assembly according to their purpose.

[0006] According to a second aspect of the present invention, the bicycle component controller according to the first aspect is configured to respond to receiving a dual downshift command. If the shift brake information indicates that each sprocket of the at least one sprocket assembly, excluding the smallest sprocket of the at least one sprocket assembly, includes a single downshift brake, then the processor is configured to execute the gear shift control. The gear shift control includes performing a first downshift operation corresponding to one of the single shift distances, waiting for a first predetermined period of time after completing the first downshift operation, and performing a second downshift operation corresponding to one of the single shift distances.

[0007] According to the second-state bicycle component controller, a double downshift operation can be easily and smoothly executed in response to a double downshift command.

[0008] According to a third state of the present invention, the bicycle component controller according to the second state is configured such that the first predetermined time period is set based on at least one of a time, a rear sprocket rotation angle and a bicycle running distance.

[0009] Regarding the bicycle component controller according to the third state, the second downshift operation can be performed at an appropriate time after the first downshift operation is performed.

[0010] According to a fourth state of the present invention, the bicycle component controller of the third state is configured such that the rotation angle of the rear sprocket is calculated from a crank pedal frequency and a transmission gear ratio.

[0011] Regarding the bicycle component controller of the fourth state, the rear sprocket rotation angle can be easily calculated from the crank cadence and the transmission gear ratio.

[0012] According to a fifth state of the present invention, a bicycle component controller according to any one of the first to fourth states is configured to respond to receiving a double upshift command, if the shift brake information indicates that the larger sprocket of the at least one sprocket assembly does not have an upshift brake, then the processor is configured to perform the gear shift control, which includes performing an upshift operation corresponding to a double shift distance.

[0013] According to the fifth-state bicycle component controller, the gear shifting control can be performed in the absence of an upshift brake.

[0014] According to a sixth embodiment of the present invention, a bicycle component controller according to any one of the first to fifth embodiments is configured to respond to receiving a dual upshift command, if the shift brake information indicates that each sprocket of the at least one sprocket assembly, excluding the smallest sprocket of the at least one sprocket assembly, contains a single upshift brake, then the processor is configured to execute the gear shift control. In this case, the gear shift control includes performing a first upshift operation corresponding to one of the single shift distances, waiting for a second predetermined period of time after completing the first upshift operation, and performing a second upshift operation corresponding to one of the single shift distances.

[0015] Regarding the bicycle component controller according to the sixth state, the second upshift operation can be performed at an appropriate time after the first upshift operation is performed.

[0016] According to a seventh state of the present invention, the bicycle component controller according to the sixth state is configured such that the first predetermined time period is longer than the second predetermined time period.

[0017] According to the bicycle component controller of the seventh state, the second upshift operation can be performed faster than the first downshift operation.

[0018] According to an eighth embodiment of the present invention, the bicycle component controller according to the first embodiment is configured to respond to receiving a dual downshift command. If the shift brake information indicates that each sprocket of the at least one sprocket assembly, excluding the smallest sprocket of the at least one sprocket assembly, contains at least two downshift brakes, then the processor is configured to execute the gear shift control. In this case, the gear shift control includes performing a first downshift operation corresponding to one of the single shift distances, waiting for a first predetermined period of time after completing the first downshift operation, and performing a second downshift operation corresponding to one of the single shift distances.

[0019] According to the bicycle component controller of the eighth state, a double downshift operation can be easily and smoothly executed in response to a double downshift command.

[0020] According to a ninth embodiment of the present invention, the bicycle component controller according to the eighth embodiment is configured to respond to receiving a dual upshift command if the shift brake information indicates that each sprocket of the at least one sprocket assembly, excluding the smallest sprocket of the at least one sprocket assembly, contains a single upshift brake. In this case, the gear shift control includes performing a first upshift operation corresponding to the single shift distance, waiting for a second predetermined period after completing the first upshift operation, and performing a second upshift operation corresponding to the single shift distance.

[0021] According to the bicycle component controller of the ninth state, a double upshift operation can be easily and smoothly executed in response to a double upshift command.

[0022] According to a tenth state of the present invention, the bicycle component controller according to the ninth state is configured such that the first predetermined time period is longer than the second predetermined time period.

[0023] According to the bicycle component controller of the tenth state, the second upshift operation can be performed faster than the first downshift operation.

[0024] According to an eleventh aspect of the present invention, the bicycle component controller according to the eighth aspect is configured to respond to receiving a dual upshift command if the shift brake information indicates that each sprocket of the at least one sprocket assembly, excluding the smallest sprocket of the at least one sprocket, contains at least two upshift brakes. In this case, the gear shift control includes performing a first upshift operation corresponding to one of the single shift distances, waiting for a second predetermined period after completing the first upshift operation, and performing a second upshift operation corresponding to one of the single shift distances.

[0025] According to the bicycle component controller of the eleventh state, a double upshift operation can be easily and smoothly executed in response to a double upshift command.

[0026] According to a twelfth state of the present invention, the bicycle component controller according to the eleventh state is configured such that the first predetermined time period is equal to the second predetermined time period, wherein the total number of upshifting brakes is equal to the total number of downshifting brakes.

[0027] According to the bicycle component controller of the twelfth state, the downshift operation and the upshift operation can be performed at the appropriate time.

[0028] According to a thirteenth state of the present invention, the bicycle component controller according to any one of the first to twelfth states is configured such that the processor is configured to automatically perform the gear shifting control based on at least one of a pedal frequency, a bicycle running speed, a bicycle tilt angle and a gear ratio.

[0029] Regarding the bicycle component controller according to the thirteenth state, the processor can automatically execute the gear shifting control based on a bicycle riding condition without requiring a user to input a command.

[0030] According to one of the fourteenth states of the present invention, the bicycle component controller according to any one of the first to thirteenth states is configured such that the processor is configured to perform the gear shifting control in response to a manual input to a gear shifter.

[0031] Regarding the bicycle component controller in the fourteenth state, a user can selectively determine when to execute the gear shift control.

[0032] According to a fifteenth embodiment of the present invention, a bicycle component control system is provided, which includes a bicycle component controller according to any one of the first to fourteenth embodiments and further includes a bicycle derailleur.

[0033] Regarding the bicycle component control system according to the fifteenth type, the bicycle component controller can be used to control a bicycle gearbox to perform the gear shifting control.

[0034] According to a sixteenth embodiment of the present invention, the bicycle component control system according to the fifteenth embodiment is configured such that the bicycle derailleur includes at least one of a rear derailleur and a front derailleur.

[0035] Regarding the bicycle component control system according to the sixteenth state, the bicycle component controller can be used to control at least one of a rear derailleur and a front derailleur to perform the gear shifting control.

[0036] According to one of the seventeenth states of the present invention, the bicycle component control system according to the sixteenth state is configured such that the bicycle derailleur is a rear derailleur.

[0037] Regarding the bicycle component control system according to the seventeenth state, the bicycle component controller can be used to control a rear derailleur to perform the gear shifting control.

[0038] According to one eighteenth embodiment of the present invention, the bicycle component control system according to any one of the fifteenth to seventeenth embodiments is configured such that the bicycle derailleur includes a base member configured to be mounted to a bicycle frame, a movable member movable relative to the base member, a linkage mechanism configured to connect the base member to the movable member, and a pulley assembly rotatably connected to the movable member about a pulley assembly pivot axis.

[0039] Regarding the bicycle component control system according to the eighteenth type, the bicycle derailleur can be mounted to a bicycle frame to move a movable member relative to the base member to perform the gear shifting control.

[0040] According to a nineteenth embodiment of the present invention, the bicycle component control system according to the eighteenth embodiment is configured such that the bicycle derailleur further includes an actuator operably connected to the linkage mechanism.

[0041] In the case of the bicycle component control system according to the nineteenth state, the actuator can be used to move the movable member relative to the base member to perform the gear shifting control.

[0042] According to one of the twentieth aspects of the present invention, the bicycle component control system according to the nineteenth aspect is configured such that the actuator is placed on one of the base member, the movable member, and the linkage mechanism.

[0043] Regarding the bicycle component control system according to the twentieth state, the bicycle derailleur can be configured as an integrated unit by providing the actuator to one of the base component, the movable component, and the linkage mechanism.

[0044] According to a twenty-first embodiment of the present invention, the bicycle component control system according to the nineteenth embodiment is configured such that the actuator is configured to be mounted on a bicycle frame, and the actuator is operatively connected to a cable of the bicycle derailleur to operate the bicycle derailleur.

[0045] Regarding the bicycle component control system according to the twenty-first state, a conventional bicycle derailleur can be operated by cable by providing the actuator to a bicycle frame and connecting the actuator to the bicycle derailleur via a cable.

[0046] According to one of the twenty-second states of the present invention, the bicycle component control system according to any one of the eighteenth to twenty-first states is configured such that, further, an angle sensor is placed between the movable member and the pulley assembly to detect one of the rotation angles of the pulley assembly relative to the movable member.

[0047] According to the bicycle component control system of the twenty-second state, the gear of the bicycle gearbox can be determined by detecting the rotation angle of the pulley assembly relative to the movable component.

[0048] According to one twenty-third aspect of the present invention, the bicycle component control system according to any one of the eighteenth to twenty-second aspects is configured such that the bicycle derailleur further includes a battery disposed on one of the base member, the movable member and the linkage mechanism.

[0049] Regarding the bicycle component control system according to the twenty-third type, the bicycle derailleur can be configured as an integrated unit by providing the battery to one of the base component, the movable component, and the linkage mechanism.

[0050] According to one of the twenty-fourth embodiments of the present invention, the bicycle component control system according to any one of the fifteenth to twenty-second embodiments further includes a battery configured to be mounted to a bicycle frame and electrically connected to the bicycle derailleur.

[0051] Regarding the bicycle component control system according to the twenty-fourth state, a larger battery that can be used for one of several bicycle components can be used.

[0052] According to one of the twenty-fifth embodiments of the present invention, the bicycle component control system according to the twenty-third or twenty-fourth embodiment is configured such that the bicycle component controller is disposed at at least one of the battery and the derailleur.

[0053] Regarding the bicycle component control system according to the twenty-fifth state, the bicycle component controller can be conveniently positioned in a location suitable for the bicycle component control system.

[0054] According to a twenty-sixth embodiment of the present invention, the bicycle component control system according to one of the fifteenth to twenty-fifth embodiments further includes a non-shift input device configured to select one of the sprocket assembly information of the at least one sprocket assembly for determining the gear shift control.

[0055] Regarding the bicycle component control system according to the twenty-sixth state, the information of the sprocket assembly can be easily stored or changed by using a non-shift input device.

[0056] According to a twenty-seventh embodiment of the present invention, the bicycle component control system according to the twenty-sixth embodiment is configured such that the non-shift input device includes at least one of a bicycle computer, a smartphone, a personal computer, and a switch provided to a bicycle.

[0057] Regarding the bicycle component control system according to the twenty-seventh type, the sprocket assembly information can be stored or changed using at least one of a bicycle computer, a smartphone, a personal computer, and a switch provided to a bicycle.

[0058] According to one of the twenty-eighth states of the present invention, the bicycle component control system according to the twenty-sixth state is configured such that the bicycle component controller is configured to communicate wirelessly with the non-shift input device.

[0059] Regarding the bicycle component control system according to the twenty-eighth state, the bicycle component controller can communicate conveniently with the non-shift input device without the need for a wire.

[0060] According to one of the twenty-ninth states of the present invention, the bicycle component control system according to the twenty-sixth state is configured such that the bicycle component controller is configured to communicate with the non-shift input device via a wire.

[0061] Regarding the bicycle component control system according to the twenty-ninth state, the bicycle component controller can reliably communicate with the non-shift input device using a wire.

[0062] According to a thirtieth embodiment of the present invention, a bicycle component control method is performed, comprising: providing a bicycle with a bicycle component control system according to any one of the twenty-sixth to twenty-ninth embodiments. The bicycle component control method further comprises: selecting at least one sprocket assembly using a non-shift input device; and transmitting sprocket assembly information of the at least one sprocket assembly selected by the non-shift input device to the bicycle component controller to set the bicycle component.

[0063] Regarding the bicycle component control method according to the thirtieth state, the bicycle component can be set by using the non-shift input device.

[0064] According to one of the thirty-first states of the present invention, the bicycle component control method according to the thirty-tenth state is configured such that the selection of the at least one sprocket assembly is performed by selecting one model of the at least one sprocket assembly using the non-shift input device.

[0065] Regarding the bicycle component control method according to the thirty-first state, the sprocket assembly can be easily selected by using a model of the non-shift input device.

[0066] According to a thirty-second embodiment of the present invention, the bicycle component control system according to the thirtieth embodiment is configured such that the selection of the at least one sprocket assembly is performed by scanning or capturing an indication image representing a model of the at least one sprocket assembly using the non-shift input device.

[0067] Regarding the bicycle component control system according to the thirty-second state, the sprocket assembly can be easily selected by scanning or capturing an image using the non-shift input device.

[0068] Furthermore, those skilled in the art of bicycles will understand from the following [Implementation] other objects, features, forms and advantages of the disclosed bicycle component controller, bicycle component control system and bicycle component control method. [Implementation] Preferred embodiments of the bicycle component controller, bicycle component control system and bicycle component control method are disclosed in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. Simple Explanation of the Diagram

[0069] Reference is now made to the accompanying drawings, which form part of this invention.

[0070] Figure 1 is a side view of a bicycle equipped with a bicycle element control system having a bicycle element controller, according to an illustrative embodiment of the present invention.

[0071] Figure 2 is a general schematic block diagram showing one of the electrical configurations of the bicycle component control system depicted in Figure 1.

[0072] Figure 3 is a side view of one of the rear derailleurs of the bicycle shown in Figure 1.

[0073] Figure 4 is a side view of one of the front derailleurs of the bicycle shown in Figure 1.

[0074] Figure 5 is a side view of one of the first sprocket assemblies of the bicycle shown in Figure 1.

[0075] Figure 6 is a top view of the first sprocket assembly shown in Figure 5, in which the chain is shown by dashed lines.

[0076] Figure 7 is a side view of one of the second sprocket assemblies of the bicycle shown in Figure 1.

[0077] Figure 8 is a side view of one of the third sprocket assemblies of the bicycle shown in Figure 1.

[0078] Figure 9 is a magnified top view of one of the LCD display units of the bicycle computer in normal operation mode, showing one of the "Information" display screens.

[0079] Figure 10 is a magnified top view of one of the LCD display units of the bicycle computer in the rear cassette setting mode, showing one of the "Rear cassette selection" display screens.

[0080] Figure 11 is an enlarged top view of one of the LCD display units of the bicycle computer in the front crankset setting mode of one of the "Front Crankset Selection" display screens.

[0081] Figure 12 is an illustration of an external moving device (such as a smartphone) captured in an image of a rear transmission.

[0082] Figure 13 is an illustration of one of the QR codes on an external mobile device (such as a smartphone) after scanning the transmission.

[0083] Figure 14 is a flowchart of a gear shifting control program executed by a bicycle component controller to perform a gear shifting operation.

[0084] Figure 15 is a general schematic diagram of one of the bicycle component control systems according to one of the alternative embodiments.

[0085] Figure 16 is a side view of a rear derailleur and an actuator mounted on a bicycle frame, such that the actuator is operatively connected to a cable of the rear derailleur to operate the rear derailleur. Implementation

[0086] Selected embodiments will now be explained with reference to the accompanying drawings. Those skilled in the art of bicycles will understand from this invention that the following description of the embodiments is for illustration only and is not intended to limit the invention as defined by the appended claims and their equivalents.

[0087] Referring first to Figure 1, a bicycle B equipped with a bicycle component control system 10 according to one illustrated embodiment is shown. Bicycle B is illustrated as a road bicycle. However, the bicycle component control system 10 can be applied to any other type of bicycle, such as (for example) a mountain bike, a cross-country bike, a gravel bike, a city bike, a cargo bike, and a recumbent bike. As shown in Figure 1, bicycle B includes a bicycle frame F supported by a rear wheel RW and a front wheel FW. A front suspension fork FF is pivotally coupled at its upper end to the bicycle frame F and rotatably supports the front wheel FW at its lower end. Bicycle B further includes a handlebar H mounted on the upper end of the front fork FF to operate the front wheel FW. The rear wheel RW is rotatably mounted to the rear end of the bicycle frame F. A seatpost SP is mounted to a seatpost of the bicycle frame F in a conventional manner and supports a bicycle saddle or seat pad S in any suitable manner.

[0088] Bicycle B further includes a drivetrain DT. Here, for example, the drivetrain DT is a chain drive type comprising a crank C, a front sprocket assembly FS, a rear sprocket assembly CS, and a chain CN. Crank C includes a crankshaft CA1 and a pair of crank arms CA2. The crankshaft CA1 is rotatably supported to the bicycle frame F in a conventional manner. The crank arms CA2 are disposed on opposite ends of the crankshaft CA1. A pedal PD is rotatably coupled to the distal ends of each of the crank arms CA2. In the case of bicycle B, the front sprocket assembly FS includes a first chainring CR1 and a second chainring CR2. The first chainring CR1 and the second chainring CR2 are disposed on the crank C to rotate integrally with the crankshaft CA1. The rear sprocket assembly CS is disposed on the hub of the rear wheel RW. The rear sprocket assembly CS includes a first sprocket S1, a second sprocket S2, a third sprocket S3, a fourth sprocket S4, a fifth sprocket S5, a sixth sprocket S6, a seventh sprocket S7, an eighth sprocket S8, and a ninth sprocket S9. The chain CN runs around the front sprocket assembly FS and the rear sprocket assembly CS. A rider applies human driving force to the pedal PD, causing the driving force to be transmitted to the rear wheel RW via the front sprocket assembly FS, the chain CN, and the rear sprocket assembly CS.

[0089] As shown in Figure 2, the bicycle component control system 10 basically includes a bicycle component controller 12 and a bicycle derailleur 14. Here, the bicycle component control system 10 further includes at least one operating device 16. The bicycle derailleur 14 and the operating device 16 are two examples of bicycle components of the bicycle component control system 10. Here, the operating device 16 is configured to communicate wirelessly with the bicycle derailleur 14. Alternatively, the operating device 16 may be configured to communicate with the bicycle derailleur 14 via a dedicated signal line or via a power line using power line communication (PLC). As explained later, the bicycle derailleur 14 and / or the operating device 16 may include the bicycle component controller 12.

[0090] Preferably, the bicycle derailleur 14 includes at least one of a rear derailleur 14A and a front derailleur 14B. Here, in the basic embodiment, the bicycle derailleur 14 is the rear derailleur 14A. However, the bicycle derailleur 14 may include only the front derailleur 14B, or it may include both the rear derailleur 14A and the front derailleur 14B. As shown in FIG2, the operating device 16 is configured to communicate wirelessly with the rear derailleur 14A and the front derailleur 14B. However, the operating device 16 may communicate with the bicycle derailleur via a cable.

[0091] As shown in Figure 2, the bicycle component controller 12 includes at least one of a bicycle component controller 12A provided to the rear derailleur 14A, a bicycle component controller 12B provided to the front derailleur 14B, and a bicycle component controller 12C provided to the operating device 16. Therefore, as used herein, the term "controller" refers to hardware executing a software program and does not include a human. The bicycle component controller 12 may also refer to an electronic bicycle component controller 12 or simply an electronic controller 12. The bicycle component controller 12 may include one or more processors and one or more data storage devices.

[0092] The bicycle component controller 12 essentially includes a data storage device 20 and a processor 22. Therefore, the bicycle component controller 12A includes a data storage device 20A and a processor 22A. Here, the storage device 20A and the processor 22A are disposed on a circuit board 24A. Similarly, the bicycle component controller 12B includes a data storage device 20B and a processor 22B, and the bicycle component controller 12C includes a data storage device 20C and a processor 22C. Here, the storage device 20B and the processor 22B are disposed on a circuit board 24B, while the storage device 20C and the processor 22C are disposed on a circuit board 24C.

[0093] Data storage device 20A is a memory device that stores a program used by processor 22A. Data storage device 20A contains sprocket assembly information for at least one sprocket assembly. Here, data storage device 20A includes sprocket assembly information corresponding to a plurality of different rear sprocket assemblies. Data storage device 20B is a memory device that stores a program used by processor 22B. Data storage device 20B contains sprocket assembly information for at least one sprocket assembly. Here, data storage device 20B includes sprocket assembly information corresponding to a plurality of different front sprocket assemblies. Data storage device 20C is a memory device that stores a program used by processor 22C. Data storage device 20C contains sprocket assembly information for at least one sprocket assembly. Here, data storage device 20C includes sprocket assembly information corresponding to a plurality of different rear sprocket assemblies and a plurality of different front sprocket assemblies. Each of the data storage devices 20A, 20B, and 20C can be any computer storage device or any computer-readable medium, with the sole exception of a transient propagation signal. For example, each of the data storage devices 20A, 20B, and 20C can be non-volatile memory and volatile memory, and can include a ROM (Read-Only Memory) device, a RAM (Random Access Memory) device, a hard disk, a flash disk, etc.

[0094] For each of the data storage devices 20A, 20B, and 20C, the sprocket assembly information of at least one sprocket assembly includes at least a total number of sprockets and shift brake information. As used herein, the term "shift brake information" refers to one or more teeth of a current sprocket configured to form a shift path from a current sprocket to an adjacent sprocket. As used herein, the term "upshift brake" refers to one or more teeth of a current sprocket configured to form an upshift path from a current sprocket to an adjacent smaller sprocket. As used herein, the term "downshift brake" refers to one or more teeth of a current sprocket configured to form a downshift path from a current sprocket to an adjacent larger sprocket. Therefore, the shift brake information of a sprocket assembly includes the number of upshift brakes for each sprocket and the number of downshift brakes for each sprocket.

[0095] For example, as seen in Figures 5 and 6, the rear sprocket assembly CS has 9 sprockets. In other words, the total number of sprockets in the rear sprocket assembly CS is 9. However, the rear sprocket assembly CS may contain 10 or more sprockets. The rear sprocket assembly CS may contain more than 11 sprockets. Here, the shift brake information of the rear sprocket assembly CS includes each of sprockets S2 to S9, which have an upshift brake G-up and a downshift brake G-down.

[0096] Processor 22A may be a central processing unit (CPU) or a microprocessor unit (MPU) of the rear transmission 14A. Processor 22A is configured to access sprocket assembly information and a rear transmission control program stored in data storage device 20A. Processor 22B may be a central processing unit (CPU) or a microprocessor unit (MPU) of the front transmission 14B. Processor 22B is configured to access sprocket assembly information and a front transmission control program stored in data storage device 20B. Processor 22C may be a central processing unit (CPU) or a microprocessor unit (MPU) of the operating device 16. Processor 22C is configured to access sprocket assembly information, a rear transmission control program, and a front transmission control program stored in data storage device 20C.

[0097] As shown in Figure 3, a bicycle derailleur basically includes a base member, a movable member, a linkage mechanism, and a pulley assembly. Therefore, the rear derailleur 14A includes a base member 30, a movable member 32, a linkage mechanism 34, and a pulley assembly 36. The base member 30 is configured to be mounted to the bicycle frame F. The movable member 32 is movable relative to the base member 30. The linkage mechanism 34 is configured to connect the base member 30 to the movable member 32. The pulley assembly 36 is rotatably connected to the movable member 32 about a pulley assembly pivot PA. The base member 30 includes a frame mount 30a for mounting the rear derailleur 14A to the bicycle frame F. The bicycle derailleur may further include an actuator operably connected to the linkage mechanism. Therefore, the rear derailleur 14A further includes an actuator 38 operably connected to the linkage mechanism. Preferably, the actuator 38 is mounted on one of the base member 30, the movable member 32, and the linkage mechanism 34. Here, the actuator 38 includes a reversible electric motor unit 38a disposed on the base member 30. The actuator 38 also includes an actuator driver 38b and an encoder 38c. The electric motor unit 38a is operatively coupled to the linkage 34 to move the pulley assembly 36 between a plurality of sprocket positions. The linkage mechanism 34 includes a first link 34a and a second link 34b. Each of the first link 34a and the second link 34b has a first end pivotally attached to one of the base member 30 and a second end pivotally attached to one of the movable member 32. The base member 30, the movable member 32, the first link 34a, and the second link 34b form a four-bar linkage. The pulley assembly 36 includes a chain guide 36a, a guide pulley 36b, and a tensioner 36c. An encoder 38c is configured to detect the absolute rotational position of a rotating shaft of a motor or a gear reducer of a motor unit 38a. In this manner, the position of the guide pulley 36b relative to the base member 30 can be determined. Therefore, the gear position of the rear derailleur 14A and which of the rear sprockets S1 to S9 is engaged with the chain CN can be easily determined.

[0098] As shown in Figure 4, the front derailleur 14B includes a base member 40, a movable member 42, and a linkage mechanism 44. The base member 40 is configured to be mounted to a bicycle frame F. The base member 40 includes a frame mount 40a for mounting the front derailleur 14B to the bicycle frame F. The movable member 42 is movable relative to the base member 40. The front derailleur 14B further includes an actuator 48 operatively connected to the linkage mechanism 44. Preferably, the actuator 48 is disposed at one of the base member 40, the movable member 42, and the linkage mechanism 44. Here, the actuator 48 includes a reversible electric motor unit 48a disposed on the base member 40. The actuator 48 also includes an actuator driver 48b and an encoder 48c. The actuator 48 is operatively coupled to the linkage 44 to move the movable member 42 between a plurality of sprocket positions. Here, the movable member 42 is a chain guide. A linkage mechanism 44 is configured to connect the base member 40 to the movable member 42. The linkage mechanism 44 includes a first link 44a and a second link 44b. Each of the first link 44a and the second link 44b has a first end pivotally attached to a first end of the base member 40 and a second end pivotally attached to a second end of the movable member 42. The base member 40, the movable member 42, the first link 44a, and the second link 44b form a four-bar linkage. An encoder 48c is configured to detect the absolute rotational position of a rotating shaft of a motor or a gear reducer of a motor unit 48a. In this way, the position of the movable member 42 relative to the base member 40 can be determined. Therefore, the position of the chain guide of the movable member 42 relative to the base member 40 can be determined. Therefore, it is easy to determine the gear position of the front derailleur 14B and which of the front chain links CR1 and CR2 is engaged with the chain CN.

[0099] As shown in Figure 1, the operating device 16 includes a shifter. The shifter includes a first operating member 26 and a second operating member 28. A user selectively operates the first operating member 26 and the second operating member 28 to output a shift signal to at least one of the rear derailleur 14A and the front derailleur 14B. With respect to the rear derailleur 14A, the actuator 38 is actuated in response to receiving a shift signal from the operating device 16. The shift signal may be an upshift signal and / or a downshift signal. The actuator 38 then moves the linkage mechanism 34 based on the shift signal from the operating device 16. This movement of the linkage mechanism 34 causes the movable member 32 and the pulley assembly 36 to move inward toward or outward away from a vertical center plane of the bicycle B. Similarly, with respect to the front derailleur 14B, the actuator 48 is actuated in response to receiving a shift signal from the operating device 16. Actuator 48 then moves linkage mechanism 44 based on the shift signal from operating device 16. This movement of linkage mechanism 44 causes movable member 42 to move inward toward or away from the vertical center plane of bicycle B. Therefore, this movement of linkage mechanism 44 causes the chain guide of movable member 42 to move inward toward or away from the vertical center plane of bicycle B.

[0100] Referring to Figures 2 and 3, the bicycle derailleur may further include an angle sensor disposed between the movable member and the pulley assembly to detect an angle of rotation of the pulley assembly relative to the movable member. Therefore, the rear derailleur 14A further includes an angle sensor 50 disposed between the movable member 32 and the pulley assembly 36 to detect an angle of rotation of the pulley assembly 36 relative to the movable member 32. For example, the angle sensor 50 is a position sensor, such as a potentiometer, a rotary encoder, a resistive position sensor, an intermittent optical sensor, a photointerruptor, a contact switch, etc. In any case, as used herein, the term "sensor" means a hardware device or instrument designed to detect the presence or absence of a particular event, object, substance, or change in its environment and to emit a response signal. As used herein, the term "sensor" does not include a person.

[0101] Furthermore, the bicycle derailleur may further include a battery disposed on one of the base member, the movable member, and the linkage mechanism. Therefore, the bicycle rear derailleur 14A further includes a battery 52 disposed on one of the base member 30, the movable member 32, and the linkage mechanism 34. Here, the battery 52 is disposed on the base member 30. However, the battery 52 may be disposed on the linkage mechanism 34. Preferably, the battery 52 is a rechargeable battery. Alternatively, the battery 52 may be replaced or used in conjunction with a power supply such as a capacitor, a fuel cell, a solar cell, or any other power supply. The battery 52 is electrically connected to the bicycle component controller 12A and the actuator 38 to provide power to the bicycle component controller 12A and the actuator 38. The bicycle component controller 12A is disposed on at least one of the battery 52 and the rear derailleur 14A. Here, the bicycle component controller 12A is disposed on the base member 30 of the rear derailleur 14A. However, the bicycle component controller 12A can be mounted on at least one of the linkage mechanism and the movable component.

[0102] Similarly, the front derailleur 14B further includes a battery 54 disposed on one of the base member 40, the movable member 42, and the linkage mechanism 44. Here, the battery 54 is disposed on the base member 40. However, the battery 54 is disposed on the linkage mechanism 44. Preferably, the battery 54 is a rechargeable battery. Alternatively, the battery 54 may be replaced or used in conjunction with a power supply such as a capacitor, a fuel cell, a solar cell, or any other power supply. The battery 54 is electrically connected to the bicycle component controller 12B and the actuator 48 to provide power to the bicycle component controller 12B and the actuator 48. The bicycle component controller 12B is disposed on at least one of the battery 54 and the front derailleur 14B. Here, the bicycle component controller 12B is disposed on the base member 40 of the front derailleur 14B.

[0103] The operating device 16 further includes a battery 56. Preferably, the battery 56 is a rechargeable battery. Alternatively, the battery 56 may be replaced or used in conjunction with a power supply such as a capacitor, a fuel cell, a solar cell, or any other power supply. The battery 56 is electrically connected to the bicycle component controller 12C to provide power to the bicycle component controller 12C.

[0104] As shown in Figure 2, the operating device 16 is configured to communicate wirelessly with the rear derailleur 14A and the front derailleur 14B. Specifically, the rear derailleur 14A has a wireless communication device 58A, the front derailleur 14B has a wireless communication device 58B, and the operating device 16 has a wireless communication device 58C. As used herein, the term "wireless communication device" includes a receiver, a transmitter, a transceiver, a transmitter-receiver, and may be considered as any one or more individual or combined devices capable of transmitting and / or receiving wireless communication signals (including shift signals or control, command, or other signals related to some function of the controlled element). The wireless communication signal may be a radio frequency (RF) signal, an ultra-wideband communication signal, a radio frequency identification (RFID), ANT+ communication, or Bluetooth® communication, or any other type of signal suitable for short-range wireless communication, as understood in the bicycle industry. Here, each of the wireless communication devices 58A and 58B may be a receiver for receiving signals from the operating device 16, such as a one-way wireless communication device. Alternatively, each of wireless communication devices 58A and 58B can be a transceiver that enables wireless communication devices 58A and 58B to transmit signals to operating device 16 and / or other devices, such as a two-way wireless communication device. Operating device 16 can be a transmitter that enables wireless communication device 58C to transmit signals to wireless communication devices 58A and 58B, such as a one-way wireless communication device. Alternatively, wireless communication device 58C can be a transceiver that enables wireless communication device 58C to receive signals from rear derailleur 14A, front derailleur 14B and / or other devices, such as a two-way wireless communication device. However, operating device 16 and bicycle derailleurs can be configured to communicate via a cable.

[0105] Here, the bicycle component control system 10 further includes a non-shift input device 60, configured to select one of the sprocket assembly information of at least one sprocket assembly for determining gear shift control. For example, the non-shift input device 60 includes at least one of a bicycle computer 60A, a smartphone 60B, a switch 60C provided to a bicycle, and a personal computer 60D. The bicycle computer 60A, smartphone 60B, switch 60C, and personal computer 60D are conventional devices including a data storage device and a processor. The data storage devices of the bicycle computer 60A, smartphone 60B, switch 60C, and / or personal computer 60D may pre-store sprocket assembly information of the sprocket assembly used for determining gear shift control. Alternatively, the bicycle computer 60A, smartphone 60B, switch 60C, and / or personal computer 60D can access sprocket assembly information of the sprocket assembly pre-stored in at least one of the data storage devices 20A, 20B, and 20C. In any case, the user can set the sprocket assembly information used to determine gear shift control by using one of the following input devices: bicycle computer 60A, smartphone 60B, switch 60C, and / or personal computer 60D. The input device may be, for example, at least one of a touch screen, a button, a switch, a keyboard, a mouse, a joystick, etc.

[0106] In the embodiment of Figure 2, the bicycle component controller 12 is configured to communicate wirelessly with the non-shift input device 60. In other words, one or more of the bicycle component controllers 12A, 12B, and 12C are configured to communicate wirelessly with one or more of the bicycle computer 60A, smartphone 60B, switch 60C, and / or personal computer 60D. For example, a user determines the model of the sprocket assembly CS mounted on bicycle B and then selects the model of the sprocket assembly CS using one of the bicycle computer 60A, smartphone 60B, switch 60C, or personal computer 60D. The bicycle computer 60A, smartphone 60B, switch 60C, or personal computer 60D then wirelessly transmits the selected model of the sprocket assembly CS mounted on bicycle B to the wireless communication device 58A of the rear derailleur 14A. The processor 22A of the rear derailleur 14A then stores the selected model of the sprocket assembly CS in the data storage device 20A of the rear derailleur 14A. At this time, when the wireless communication unit 58A of the rear transmission 14A receives a shift command from the wireless communication unit 58C of the operating device 16, the processor 22A controls the actuator 38 based on the sprocket assembly information of the selected model of the sprocket assembly CS. It will be understood from this invention that the same procedure can be used to control the front transmission 14B based on the selected model of the sprocket assembly FS.

[0107] Shift commands for the rear derailleur 14A and front derailleur 14B can be generated manually using the operating device 16 or automatically based on one or more bicycle conditions. Preferably, at least one of the data storage devices 20A, 20B, and 20C has an automatic shift control program that automatically shifts one of the rear derailleur 14A and / or the front derailleur 14B when an automatic mode is selected. Alternatively, the automatic shift control program can be stored in the data storage device of the bicycle computer 60A or some other component of the bicycle B. An example of an automatic shift control is disclosed in U.S. Patent No. 6,073,061 to Shimano Corporation. This automatic shifting can be adapted for use with the bicycle component control system 10 of the present invention. In automatic mode, shifting of each of the rear derailleur 14A and / or the front derailleur 14B is preferably at least partially based on at least one of a cadence, a bicycle running speed, a bicycle lean angle, and a gear ratio. Therefore, the bicycle component control system 10 preferably includes at least one of a speed sensor 62, a cadence sensor 64, and a tilt sensor 66.

[0108] Speed ​​sensor 62 is configured to detect information corresponding to the rotational speed of the front wheel FW of bicycle B. Preferably, speed sensor 62 is configured to detect a magnet M disposed on one spoke of the front wheel FW of bicycle B. Speed ​​sensor 62 is configured to output a detection signal a predetermined number of times, for example, during one revolution of the front wheel FW. The predetermined number of times is, for example, once. Speed ​​sensor 62 outputs a signal corresponding to the rotational speed of the front wheel FW. Bicycle component controller 12 calculates a speed or forward speed of bicycle B based on the rotational speed of the front wheel FW. The forward speed is calculated based on the rotational speed of the front wheel FW and information related to the circumference of the front wheel FW. Information related to the circumference of the front wheel FW is stored in data storage device 20.

[0109] Speed ​​sensor 62 includes, for example, a reed forming a reed switch or a Hall effect sensor. Speed ​​sensor 62 may be attached to the front fork FF and configured to detect a magnet M attached to a spoke of the front wheel FW, or it may be mounted on a chainstay of the rear frame body RB of the bicycle B and configured to detect a magnet attached to the rear wheel RW. In this embodiment, speed sensor 62 is configured such that the reed switch detects magnet M once per revolution of the rear wheel RW. Speed ​​sensor 62 may have any configuration to detect information corresponding to the rotational speed of the rear wheel RW of the bicycle B, and may include, for example, an optical sensor or an accelerometer. Speed ​​sensor 62 is connected to bicycle component controller 12 via a wireless communication device or via a cable.

[0110] The cadence sensor 64 is configured to detect information corresponding to the rotational speed of the crankshaft CA1 of bicycle B. The cadence sensor 64 is (for example) mounted on the bicycle frame F of bicycle B. The cadence sensor 64 is configured to include a magnetic sensor that outputs a signal corresponding to the magnetic field strength. A ring magnet having a magnetic field (whose strength changes in the circumferential direction) is disposed on the crankshaft CA1, a component rotating with the crankshaft CA1, or the power transmission path between the crankshaft CA1 and the front sprocket assembly FS. The cadence sensor 64 outputs a signal corresponding to the rotational speed of the crankshaft CA1.

[0111] The magnet can be disposed on a component that rotates integrally with the crankshaft CA1 in the power transmission path of the human-driven drive between the crankshaft CA1 and the front sprocket assembly FS. For example, in the case where no first one-way clutch is disposed between the crankshaft CA1 and the front sprocket assembly FS, the magnet can be disposed on the front sprocket assembly FS. The cadence sensor 64 can have any configuration for detecting information corresponding to the rotational speed of the crankshaft CA1 of the bicycle B, and can include, for example, an optical sensor, an acceleration sensor, or a torque sensor instead of a magnetic sensor. The cadence sensor 64 is connected to the bicycle component controller 12 via a wireless communication device or via a cable.

[0112] Tilt sensor 66 is configured to detect information corresponding to the lateral tilt of bicycle B relative to vertical. Preferably, tilt sensor 66 includes at least one of a gyroscope sensor and an accelerometer sensor disposed on the bicycle frame F. Alternatively, tilt sensor 66 may include a GPS receiver and map information containing road slope-related information stored in data storage device 20.

[0113] The shifting procedure will now be discussed in more detail. For simplicity, the following description of the bicycle component control system 10 will focus on the bicycle component controller 12A controlling the rear derailleur 14A in manual or automatic control mode. As mentioned above, in manual control mode, the processor 22A is configured to perform gear shifting control in response to a manual input using the operating device 16. In other words, the processor 22A is configured to perform gear shifting control in response to a manual input to a shifter. Therefore, here, the processor 22A is configured to perform gear shifting control in response to a manual input from the operating device 16. On the other hand, therefore, in automatic control mode, the processor 22A is configured to automatically perform gear shifting control based on at least one of a cadence, a bicycle running speed, a bicycle lean angle, and a gear ratio.

[0114] In both manual and automatic control modes, the processor 22A is configured to perform gear shift control based on sprocket assembly information. The sprocket assembly information is stored in the data storage device 20A. The sprocket assembly information for at least one sprocket assembly CS includes at least a total number of sprockets and shift brake information. A single shift distance in the sprocket assembly information corresponds to an axial distance between adjacent sprockets in at least one sprocket assembly CS.

[0115] For the sprocket assembly CS following Figures 5 and 6, the sprocket assembly information includes a total number of sprockets 9, a single downshift brake G-down for each of the rear sprockets S2 to S9, a single upshift brake G-up for each of the rear sprockets S2 to S9, and single shift distances D1 to D8.

[0116] For the sprocket assembly CS1 following Figure 7, the sprocket assembly information includes a total number of sprockets (9), information on one of the two downshift brakes (G-down) and two upshift brakes (G-up) for each of the rear sprockets S2 to S9, and the single shift distance between the rear sprockets S2 to S9. The single shift distance of the rear sprocket assembly CS1 can be the same as that of the rear sprocket assembly CS, but it can also be different.

[0117] For the sprocket assembly CS2 following Figure 8, the sprocket assembly information includes a total number of sprockets (9), information on the two downshift brakes (G-down) and one upshift brake (G-up) for each of the rear sprockets S2 to S9, and the single shift distance between the rear sprockets S2 to S9. The single shift distance of the rear sprocket assembly CS2 can be the same as that of the rear sprocket assembly CS, but it can also be different.

[0118] The following discusses a first scenario where a double downshift command is received by the bicycle component controller 12A to control one of the rear derailleurs 14A. The double downshift command can be manually input or automatically generated based on at least one bicycle condition. A downshift occurs when the rear derailleur 14A shifts the chain CN from a smaller sprocket to an adjacent larger sprocket. In response to receiving a double downshift command, if shift brake information indicates that each sprocket of at least one sprocket assembly, excluding the smallest sprocket of at least one sprocket assembly, contains a single downshift brake G-down, then the processor 22A is configured to perform gear shift control. In the illustrated embodiment, the processor 22A is configured to perform gear shift control based on the shift brake information of the rear sprocket assembly CS. In this case, the gear shift control includes performing a first downshift operation corresponding to one of the single shift distances. For example, the single shift distance corresponds to one of the single shift distances D1 to D8. After completing the first downshift operation, processor 22A waits for a first predetermined time period P1, and then executes a second downshift operation corresponding to one of the single shift distances. For example, the single shift distance corresponds to one of the single shift distances D1 to D8. Here, the first predetermined time period P1 is set based on at least one of a time T1, a rear sprocket rotation angle RA1, and a bicycle travel distance RD1. For example, the time T1 of the first predetermined time period P1 can be set to 1 second, the sprocket rotation angle RA1 after the first predetermined time period P1 can be set to 1 revolution of the rear sprocket assembly CS, and the bicycle travel distance RD1 of the first predetermined time period P1 can be set to 2 meters. In any case, the first predetermined time period P1 is preferably set based on the shift brake information of the sprocket assembly used. In the illustrated embodiment, the first predetermined time period P1 is based on the shift brake information of the rear sprocket assembly CS. Preferably, the rear sprocket rotation angle RA1 is calculated from a crank cadence and a gear ratio. The crank cadence is determined by the cadence sensor 64, while the gear ratio can be determined using encoders 38c and 48c based on the gear positions of the rear derailleur 14A and the front derailleur 14B.

[0119] The following discusses a second scenario where a double upshift command is received by the bicycle component controller 12A to control one of the rear derailleurs 14A. The double upshift command can be manually input or automatically generated based on at least one bicycle condition. An upshift occurs when the rear derailleur 14A shifts the chain CN from a larger sprocket to an adjacent smaller sprocket. In response to receiving a double upshift command, if shift brake information indicates that the larger sprocket of at least one sprocket assembly does not have an upshift brake, the processor 22A is configured to perform gear shift control, including performing an upshift operation corresponding to a double shift distance. For example, the double shift distance corresponds to the sum of two adjacent single shift distances D1 to D8. In this case, when the larger sprocket of the current sprocket does not have an upshift brake, the double upshift operation does not include a waiting operation between the first and second upshift operations.

[0120] The following discussion focuses on a third scenario where a double upshift command is received by the bicycle component controller 12A to control one of the rear derailleurs 14A. In response to receiving a double upshift command, if shift brake information indicates that each sprocket of at least one sprocket assembly, excluding the smallest sprocket of at least one sprocket assembly, contains a single upshift brake G-up, then the processor FIG22A is configured to perform gear shift control. In the illustrated embodiment, at least one sprocket assembly corresponds to the rear sprocket assembly CS. As used herein, the term "single upshift brake" means that the sprocket does not have two or more upshift brakes, but only one upshift brake. In this case, the gear shift control includes performing a first upshift operation corresponding to one of the single shift distances. As mentioned above, the single shift distance corresponds to one of the single shift distances D1 to D8. The processor 22A then waits for a second predetermined time period P2 after completing the first upshift operation, and then performs a second upshift operation corresponding to one of the single shift distances. Furthermore, the single shift distance corresponds to one of the single shift distances D1 to D8. Here, the second predetermined time period P2 is set based on at least one of a time T2, a rear sprocket rotation angle RA2, and a bicycle running distance RD. For example, the time T2 of the second predetermined time period P2 can be set to 0.5 seconds, the sprocket rotation angle RA2 after the second predetermined time period P2 can be set to half a rotation of the rear sprocket assembly CS, and the bicycle running distance RD2 of the second predetermined time period P2 can be set to 1 meter. Preferably, when the sprocket corresponds to the second and third situations, the first predetermined time period P1 is longer than the second predetermined time period P2. In any case, the second predetermined time period P2 is preferably set based on the shift brake information of the sprocket assembly used. In the illustrated embodiment, the second predetermined time period P2 is set based on the shift brake information of the rear sprocket assembly CS.

[0121] The following discusses a fourth scenario where a double downshift command is received by the bicycle component controller 12A to control one of the rear derailleurs 14A. In response to receiving a double downshift command, if the shift brake information indicates that each sprocket of at least one sprocket assembly, excluding the smallest sprocket of at least one sprocket assembly, contains at least two downshift brakes (G-down), then the processor 22A is configured to perform gear shift control. In the illustrated embodiment, the processor 22A is configured to perform gear shift control based on the shift brake information of the rear sprocket assembly CS. In this case, the gear shift control includes performing a first downshift operation corresponding to one of the single shift distances. Furthermore, the single shift distance corresponds to one of the single shift distances D1 to D8. The processor 22A then waits for a first predetermined time period P1 after completing the first downshift operation, and then performs a second downshift operation corresponding to one of the single shift distances. Furthermore, the single shift distance corresponds to one of the single shift distances D1 to D8. In the fourth scenario, the first predetermined time period P1 may be the same as the first predetermined time period P1 in the second scenario. Alternatively, the first predetermined time period P1 in the fourth scenario can be set to a value different from the first predetermined time period P1 in the second scenario.

[0122] The following discusses a fourth scenario where a double upshift command is received by the bicycle component controller 12A to control one of the rear derailleurs 14A. In response to receiving a double upshift command, if the shift brake information indicates that each sprocket of at least one sprocket assembly, excluding the smallest sprocket of at least one sprocket assembly, contains at least two upshift brakes G-up, then the processor 22A is configured to perform gear shift control. In the illustrated embodiment, the processor 22A is configured to perform gear shift control based on the shift brake information of the rear sprocket assembly CS. In this case, the gear shift control includes performing a first upshift operation corresponding to one of the single shift distances. Furthermore, the single shift distance corresponds to one of the single shift distances D1 to D8. The processor 22A then waits for a second predetermined time period P2 after completing the first upshift operation, and then performs a second upshift operation corresponding to one of the single shift distances. Furthermore, the single shift distance corresponds to one of the single shift distances D1 to D8. Preferably, the sprocket corresponds to the third and fourth scenarios, the first predetermined time period P1 is equal to the second predetermined time period P2, wherein the total number of upshifting gates G-up is equal to the total number of downshifting gates G-down.

[0123] Therefore, a bicycle component control method can be executed using a bicycle component control system 10. The bicycle component control method includes: providing the bicycle component control system 10 to the bicycle, then selecting at least one sprocket assembly using a non-shift input device 60, and transmitting sprocket assembly information of the at least one sprocket assembly selected by the non-shift input device 60 to a bicycle component controller 12 to set the bicycle component. In the illustrated embodiment, the bicycle component control method uses the bicycle component controller 12A to control the rear derailleur 14A based on sprocket assembly information of the rear sprocket assembly CS. Therefore, in the illustrated embodiment, at least one sprocket assembly corresponds to the rear sprocket assembly CS, and the non-shift input device 60 corresponds to one of a bicycle computer 60A, a smartphone 60B, a switch 60C, and a personal computer 60D.

[0124] In the illustrated embodiment, the selection of at least one sprocket assembly is performed by selecting one model of at least one sprocket assembly using a non-shift input device. For example, a user can select the sprocket assembly to use by searching a database stored in memory and then selecting the model to use. In other words, the selection of at least one sprocket assembly is performed by selecting one model of at least one sprocket assembly using a non-shift input device 60. Bicycle computer 60A, smartphone 60B, switch 60C, and personal computer 60D are examples of input device 60. For example, as seen in Figures 10 and 11, bicycle computer 60A may have a pre-stored list of sprocket assemblies that the user can select as one of the models of the sprocket assembly to use.

[0125] As seen in Figures 12 and 13, alternatively, the selection of at least one sprocket assembly is performed by scanning or capturing an indicative image representing a model of at least one sprocket assembly using a non-shift input device. Figure 12 shows an example of capturing an image of the rear transmission 14A by a smartphone 60B. The image of the rear transmission 14A can then be compared with other images stored in the smartphone 60B or at a remote location such as a cloud server. Although the image includes the entire image of the rear transmission 14A, an image of the rear transmission 14A or only a portion of the enclosure in which the rear transmission 14A is located can be captured. Figure 13 shows the smartphone 60B scanning a QR code set on the rear transmission 14A. However, the smartphone 60B can scan other types of markings, such as barcodes, serial numbers, model numbers, etc. All these selection methods can be provided to a user, who then selects which method to use.

[0126] Referring now to Figure 14, a flowchart illustrates a gear shift control procedure executed by performing a gear shift operation. This gear shift control procedure begins automatically or manually by a user operating device 16 after receiving a shift command. In Figure 14, the gear shift control procedure is executed by processor 22A of the rear transmission 14A. However, the gear shift control procedure can be executed by a processor located remotely relative to the rear transmission 14A. Furthermore, the gear shift control procedure is executed by processor 22B to control the front transmission 14B. For simplicity, the gear shift control procedure will only be discussed with respect to controlling the rear transmission 14A.

[0127] In step ST1, after receiving a shift command, processor 22A reads the sprocket assembly information of the rear sprocket assembly CS. Then, the program proceeds to step ST2.

[0128] In step ST2, processor 22A receives detected running conditions of bicycle B from various sensors such as speed sensor 62, cadence sensor 64, and tilt sensor 66. The program then proceeds to step ST3.

[0129] In step ST3, processor 22A determines whether the shift command is a downshift command or an upshift command. If it is a downshift command, the program proceeds to step ST4. If it is an upshift command, the program proceeds to step ST5.

[0130] In step ST4, processor 22A operates actuator 38 to perform a single downshift. The program then proceeds to step ST6.

[0131] In step ST5, processor 22A operates actuator 38 to perform a single upshift. The program then proceeds to step ST9.

[0132] In step ST6, processor 22A determines whether the shift command is a double downshift command. If it is a single downshift command, the program ends. If it is a double downshift command, the program proceeds to step ST7.

[0133] In step ST7, processor 22A determines whether the first predetermined time period P1 has elapsed. The first predetermined time period P1 is set based on sprocket assembly information and / or detected running conditions. The first predetermined time period P1 for each sprocket may be different or the same, depending on the configuration of the sprocket assembly CS. When the sprocket assembly information indicates that there is no downshift brake for shifting to the next larger sprocket, the first predetermined time period P1 can be set to zero. In other words, the current sprocket does not have a downshift brake. Therefore, when the current sprocket does not have a downshift brake, there is no waiting time for double downshifting. However, if the sprocket assembly information indicates that there is at least one downshift brake for shifting to the next larger sprocket, then the first predetermined time period P1 is greater than zero. After the first predetermined time period P1 has elapsed, the program proceeds to step ST8.

[0134] In step ST8, processor 22A operates actuator 38 to perform a single downshift. Then, the program terminates.

[0135] In step ST9, processor 22A determines whether the shift command is a double upshift command. If it is a single upshift command, the program ends. If it is a double upshift command, the program proceeds to step ST10.

[0136] In step ST10, processor 22A determines whether the second predetermined time period P2 has elapsed. The second predetermined time period P2 is set based on sprocket assembly information and / or detected running conditions. The second predetermined time period P2 for each sprocket may be different or the same, depending on the configuration of the sprocket assembly CS. When the sprocket assembly information indicates that there is no upshift brake for shifting to the next smaller sprocket, the second predetermined time period P2 is set to zero. In other words, the current sprocket does not have an upshift brake. Therefore, when the current sprocket does not have a downshift brake, there is no waiting time for double upshifts. However, if the sprocket assembly information indicates that there is at least one upshift brake for shifting to the next larger sprocket, then the second predetermined time period P2 is greater than zero. After the second predetermined time period P2 has elapsed, the program proceeds to step ST11.

[0137] In step ST11, processor 22A operates actuator 38 to perform a single upshift. Then, the program ends.

[0138] Referring now to Figure 15, a bicycle component control system 110 is illustrated. The bicycle component control system 110 essentially includes a rear derailleur 114A, a front derailleur 114B, and an operating device 116. Here, the bicycle component control system 110 uses wired communication to communicate between the various components. For example, each component of the bicycle component control system 110 includes a power line communication (PLC) circuit, enabling the components of the bicycle component control system 110 to communicate via a power line. Given the similarity between the bicycle component control system 110 and the bicycle component control system 10, for the sake of brevity, the description of components of the second embodiment that are identical to those of the first embodiment can be omitted.

[0139] Therefore, except that the wireless communication device has been replaced with a power-line communication (PLC) circuit, the rear derailleur 114A, front derailleur 114B, and operating device 116 are identical to the rear derailleur 14A, front derailleur 14B, and operating device 16, respectively. Thus, from an electrical component viewpoint, the rear derailleur 114A includes a bicycle component controller 112A, an actuator 138, an angle sensor 150, and a PLC circuit 158A. Similarly, from an electrical component viewpoint, the front derailleur 114B includes a bicycle component controller 112B, a first operating member 126, a second operating member 128, and a PLC circuit 158B. Furthermore, from an electrical component viewpoint, the operating device 116 includes a bicycle component controller 112C, an actuator 148, and a PLC circuit 158C. The rear derailleur 114A, front derailleur 114B, and operating device 116 are structurally identical to the rear derailleur 14A, front derailleur 14B, and operating device 16.

[0140] Furthermore, the bicycle component control system 110 further includes a battery 152 configured to be mounted to the bicycle frame F. The battery 152 is electrically connected to the bicycle derailleur. In the illustrated embodiment, the battery 152 is electrically connected to the rear derailleur 114A and the front derailleur 114B. Here, the battery 152 is electrically connected to all components to supply power to all components, as seen in FIG15. The battery 152 includes a bicycle component controller 112D and a PLC circuit 158D. Similar to the previous embodiment, the bicycle component control system 110 further includes a bicycle computer 160 configured to select one of the sprocket assembly information of at least one sprocket assembly for determining gear shift control. The bicycle computer 160 is an example of a non-shift input device. Therefore, the bicycle component controller 112A is configured to communicate with the non-shift input device via a wire. Specifically, the bicycle computer 160 is configured to communicate with the non-shift input device via a wire. Similarly, bicycle component controllers 112B and 112C are configured to communicate with the non-shift input device via a wire. Therefore, bicycle component controllers 112B and 112C are configured to communicate with the bicycle computer 160 via a wire.

[0141] Referring now to Figure 16, a portion of a bicycle component control system 210 including a rear derailleur 214A according to another embodiment is illustrated. The bicycle component control system 210 is identical to the bicycle component control system 110, except that the rear derailleur 114A has been replaced by a rear derailleur 214A and an actuator 215.

[0142] The rear derailleur 214A includes a base member 230, a movable member 232, a linkage mechanism 234, and a pulley assembly 236. The base member 230 is configured to be mounted to a bicycle frame F. The movable member 232 is movable relative to the base member 230. The linkage mechanism 234 is configured to connect the base member 230 to the movable member 232. The pulley assembly 236 is rotatably connected to the movable member 232. Here, a cable 237 is coupled between the linkage mechanism 234 and an actuator 215. The actuator 215 is configured to be mounted to the bicycle frame F and is operatively connected to the cable 237 of the bicycle derailleur 214A to operate the bicycle derailleur 214A. Here, the actuator 215 is a reversible electric motor unit that pivots a control linkage 215A to pull and release the cable 237.

[0143] The bicycle component control system 210 further includes a battery 252 configured to be mounted on a bicycle frame F. The battery 252 is electrically connected to an actuator 215 to control the rear derailleur 214A via a control linkage 215A. The battery 252 is communicatively connected via a power line to other components shown in FIG. 16. Therefore, the actuator 215 can be controlled by any of the bicycle component controllers of other bicycle components to perform the gear shifting control discussed above. Alternatively, the actuator 215 itself can have a bicycle component controller to perform the gear shifting control discussed above.

[0144] In understanding the scope of this invention, as used herein, the term "comprising" and its derivatives are intended to be open-ended terms, specifically referring to the presence of the stated features, parts, elements, groups, integers, and / or steps, but not excluding the presence of other unstated features, parts, elements, groups, integers, and / or steps. The foregoing also applies to terms with similar meanings, such as the terms "comprising," "having," and their derivatives. Furthermore, unless otherwise stated, the terms "component," "segment," "part," "member," or "part" used in the singular may have a dual meaning of a single component or a plurality of components.

[0145] As used herein, the following directional terms "facing the frame," "not facing the frame," "forward," "backward," "front," "rear," "up," "down," "above," "below," "upward," "downward," "top," "bottom," "side," "vertical," "horizontal," "perpendicular," and "lateral," as well as any other similar directional terms, refer to the orientation of a bicycle in an upright riding position with its bicycle components. Therefore, these directional terms used to describe bicycle components should be interpreted relative to a bicycle in an upright riding position on a horizontal surface with its bicycle components. The terms "left" and "right" are used to indicate "right" when viewed from the rear of the bicycle with a right-side reference and "left" when viewed from the rear of the bicycle with a left-side reference.

[0146] As used in this invention, the phrase "at least one of..." means "one or more of..." to be selected. For example, as used in this invention, the phrase "at least one of..." means "only one single choice" or "all two choices" if the number of choices is 2. As another example, as used in this invention, the phrase "at least one of..." means "only one single choice" or "any combination equal to or greater than two choices" if the number of choices is equal to or greater than 3. Furthermore, as used in this invention, the term "and / or" means "either one or both of...".

[0147] Furthermore, it should be understood that although the terms "first" and "second" may be used herein to describe various elements, such elements should not be limited to these terms. These terms are used only to distinguish elements from one another. Thus, for example, without departing from the teachings of the invention, one of the first elements discussed above may be referred to as a second element, and vice versa.

[0148] As used herein, the terms "attached" or "attached" encompass a configuration in which one part is directly fixed to another part by directly attaching the part to the other part; a configuration in which one part is indirectly fixed to another part by attaching the part to (some) intermediate members, which in turn are attached to another part; and a configuration in which one part is integrated with another part (i.e., one part is essentially part of another part). This definition also applies to terms with similar meanings, such as "joint," "connect," "coupled," "mounted," "engaged," "fixed," and their derivatives. Finally, as used herein, degree terms such as "substantially," "approximately," and "nearly" mean a deviation of a modified term that does not significantly alter the final result.

[0149] Although only selected embodiments are chosen to illustrate the invention, those skilled in the art will understand from the invention that various changes and modifications can be made herein without departing from the scope of the invention as defined by the appended claims. For example, unless explicitly stated otherwise, the size, shape, position, or orientation of various elements may be changed as needed and / or desired, provided that the changes do not materially affect their intended function. Unless explicitly stated otherwise, elements shown as being directly connected or in contact with each other may have intermediate structures disposed between them, provided that the changes do not materially affect their intended function. Unless explicitly stated otherwise, the function of one part may be performed by two, and vice versa. The structure and function of one embodiment may be used in another embodiment. All advantages may not be present simultaneously in a particular embodiment. Each unique feature relative to the prior art, alone or in combination with other features, should also be considered as a separate description by the applicant of a further invention, including the structural and / or functional concepts embodied by such features(e.g.). Therefore, the foregoing description of embodiments of the invention is for illustrative purposes only and is not intended to limit the invention as defined by the appended claims and their equivalents.

[0150] 10: Bicycle component control system 12: Bicycle component controller 12A: Bicycle Component Controller 12B: Bicycle Component Controller 12C: Bicycle Component Controller 14: Bicycle derailleur 14A: Rear transmission 14B: Front transmission 16: Operating device 20: Data storage device 20A: Data storage device 20B: Data storage device 20C: Data storage device 22: Processor 22A: Processor 22B: Processor 22C: Processor 24A: Circuit Board 24B: Circuit Board 24C: Circuit board 26: First operating component 28: Second operating component 30: Base components 30a: Chassis mount 32: Movable components 34: Linkage Mechanism 34a: First Link 34b: Second Link 36: Pulley Assembly 36a: Chain guide 36b: Guide pulley 36c: Tensioner 38: Actuator 38a: Reversible electric motor unit 38b: Actuator Driver 38c: Encoder 40: Base components 40a: Chassis mount 42: Movable components 44: Linkage Mechanism 44a: First Link 44b: Second Link 48: Actuator 48a: Reversible electric motor unit 48b: Actuator Driver 48c: Encoder 50: Angle sensor 52: Battery 54: Battery 56: Battery 58A: Wireless Communication Device 58B: Wireless Communication Device 58C: Wireless Communication Device 60: Non-shift input device 60A: Bicycle Computer 60B: Smartphone 60C: Switch 60D: Personal Computer 62: Speed ​​sensor 64: Chronometry Sensor 66: Tilt sensor 110: Bicycle component control system 112A: Bicycle Component Controller 112B: Bicycle Component Controller 112C: Bicycle Component Controller 112D: Bicycle Component Controller 114A: Rear transmission 114B: Front transmission 116: Operating device 126: First operating component 128: Second operating component 138: Actuator 148: Actuator 150: Angle sensor 152: Battery 158A: Power Line Communication (PLC) Circuit 158B: PLC circuit 158C: PLC circuit 158D: PLC circuit 160: Bicycle computer 210: Bicycle component control system 214A: Rear transmission 215: Actuator 215A: Control Link 230: Base components 232: Movable component 234: Linkage Mechanism 236: Pulley Assembly 237: Cable 252: Battery B: Bicycle C: Crankshaft CA1: Crankshaft CA2: Crank arm CN: Chain CR1: First link CR2: Second link CS: Rear sprocket assembly CS1: Rear sprocket assembly CS2: Rear Sprocket Assembly D1 to D8: Single shift distance DT: Drivetrain F: Bicycle frame FF: Front Fork FS: Front sprocket assembly FW: Front wheel G-down: Gear downshifting gate G-up: Upshift gate H: Handle M: Magnet PA: Pulley assembly pivot axis PD: Pedal RW: Rear wheel S: Seat cushion S1: First sprocket S2: Second sprocket S3: Third sprocket S4: Fourth sprocket S5: Fifth sprocket S6: Sixth Sprocket S7: Seventh Sprocket S8: Eighth Sprocket S9: Ninth Sprocket SP: Seat Post ST1: Steps ST2: Steps ST3: Steps ST4: Steps ST5: Steps ST6: Steps ST7: Steps ST8: Steps ST9: Steps ST10: Steps ST11: Steps

Claims

1. A bicycle component controller, comprising: A data storage device containing sprocket assembly information of at least one sprocket assembly; and a processor configured to perform a gear shift control based on the sprocket assembly information, wherein the sprocket assembly information of the at least one sprocket assembly includes at least a total number of sprockets and shift brake information, and wherein a single shift distance of the sprocket assembly information corresponds to an axial distance between adjacent sprockets of the at least one sprocket assembly.

2. The bicycle component controller of claim 1, wherein in response to receiving a dual downshift command, if the shift brake information indicates that each of the sprockets of the at least one sprocket assembly, excluding the smallest sprocket of the at least one sprocket assembly, includes a single downshift brake, the processor is configured to perform the gear shift control including: performing a first downshift operation corresponding to the single shift distance, waiting for a first predetermined period of time after completing the first downshift operation, and performing a second downshift operation corresponding to the single shift distance.

3. The bicycle component controller as claimed in claim 2, wherein the first predetermined time period is set based on at least one of a time, a rear sprocket rotation angle, and a bicycle running distance.

4. The bicycle component controller as claimed in claim 3, wherein the rear sprocket rotation angle is calculated from a crank cadence and a transmission gear ratio.

5. The bicycle component controller of claim 1, wherein in response to receiving a double upshift command, if the shift brake information indicates that the larger sprocket of one of the adjacent sprockets of the at least one sprocket assembly does not have an upshift brake, the processor is configured to perform the gear shift control, including performing an upshift operation corresponding to a double shift distance.

6. The bicycle component controller of claim 2, wherein in response to receiving a dual upshift command, if the shift brake information indicates that each of the sprockets of the at least one sprocket assembly, excluding the smallest sprocket of the at least one sprocket assembly, includes a single upshift brake, the processor is configured to perform the gear shifting operation comprising: performing a first upshift operation corresponding to the single shift distance, waiting for a second predetermined period of time after completing the first upshift operation, and performing a second upshift operation corresponding to the single shift distance.

7. The bicycle component controller as requested in item 6, wherein the first predetermined time period is longer than the second predetermined time period.

8. The bicycle component controller of claim 1, wherein in response to receiving a dual downshift command, if the shift brake information indicates that each of the sprockets of the at least one sprocket assembly, excluding the smallest sprocket of the at least one sprocket assembly, includes at least two downshift brakes, the processor is configured to perform the gear shift control including: performing a first downshift operation corresponding to one of the single shift distances, waiting for a first predetermined period of time after completing the first downshift operation, and performing a second downshift operation corresponding to one of the single shift distances.

9. The bicycle component controller of claim 8, wherein in response to receiving a dual upshift command, if the shift brake information indicates that each of the sprockets of the at least one sprocket assembly, other than the smallest sprocket of the at least one sprocket assembly, includes a single upshift brake, the processor is configured to perform the gear shift control including: performing a first upshift operation corresponding to the single shift distance, waiting for a second predetermined period of time after completing the first upshift operation, and performing a second upshift operation corresponding to the single shift distance.

10. The bicycle component controller as claimed in claim 9, wherein the first predetermined time period is longer than the second predetermined time period.

11. The bicycle component controller of claim 8, wherein in response to receiving a dual upshift command, if the shift brake information indicates that each of the sprockets of the at least one sprocket assembly, excluding the smallest sprocket of the at least one sprocket assembly, includes at least two upshift brakes, the processor is configured to perform the gear shift control including: performing a first upshift operation corresponding to one of the single shift distances, waiting for a second predetermined period of time after completing the first upshift operation, and performing a second upshift operation corresponding to one of the single shift distances.

12. The bicycle component controller of claim 11, wherein the first predetermined time period is equal to the second predetermined time period, and wherein the total number of the upshifting brakes is equal to the total number of the downshifting brakes.

13. The bicycle component controller of claim 1, wherein the processor is configured to automatically perform the gear shifting control based on at least one of a cadence, a bicycle running speed, a bicycle tilt angle, and a gear ratio.

14. The bicycle component controller of claim 1, wherein the processor is configured to perform the gear shifting control in response to a manual input to a gearshift.

15. A bicycle component control system comprising the bicycle component controller as claimed in claim 1 and further comprising: A bicycle derailleur.

16. The bicycle component control system of claim 15, wherein the bicycle derailleur includes at least one of a rear derailleur and a front derailleur.

17. The bicycle component control system of claim 16, wherein the bicycle derailleur is a rear derailleur.

18. The bicycle component control system of claim 15, wherein the bicycle derailleur includes a base member configured to be mounted to a bicycle frame, a movable member movable relative to the base member, a linkage mechanism configured to connect the base member to the movable member, and a pulley assembly rotatably connected to the movable member about a pulley assembly pivot axis.

19. The bicycle component control system of claim 18, wherein the bicycle derailleur further includes an actuator operably connected to the linkage mechanism.

20. The bicycle component control system of claim 19, wherein the actuator is disposed on one of the base member, the movable member and the linkage mechanism.

21. The bicycle component control system of claim 19, wherein the actuator is configured to be mounted to a bicycle frame and the actuator is operatively connected to a cable of the bicycle derailleur to operate the bicycle derailleur.

22. The bicycle component control system of claim 18, wherein the bicycle derailleur further includes an angle sensor disposed between the movable member and the pulley assembly to detect an angle of rotation of the pulley assembly relative to one of the movable members.

23. The bicycle component control system of claim 18, wherein the bicycle derailleur further includes a battery disposed on one of the base member, the movable member and the linkage mechanism.

24. The bicycle component control system of claim 15, further comprising a battery configured to be mounted to a bicycle frame and electrically connected to the bicycle derailleur.

25. The bicycle component control system of claim 23, wherein the bicycle component controller is disposed at least one of the battery and the derailleur.

26. The bicycle component control system of claim 15, further comprising a non-shift input device configured to select one of the sprocket assembly information of the at least one sprocket assembly for determining the gear shift control.

27. The bicycle component control system of claim 26, wherein the non-shift input device includes at least one of a bicycle computer, a smartphone, a personal computer, and a switch provided to a bicycle.

28. The bicycle component control system of claim 26, wherein the bicycle component controller is configured to communicate wirelessly with the non-shift input device.

29. The bicycle component control system of claim 26, wherein the bicycle component controller is configured to communicate with the non-shift input device via a wire.

30. A method for controlling bicycle components, comprising: Provide a bicycle component control system as requested in item 26; The at least one sprocket assembly is selected by using a non-shift input device; and the sprocket assembly information of the at least one sprocket assembly selected by the non-shift input device is transmitted to the bicycle component controller to set the bicycle component.

31. The bicycle component control method of claim 30, wherein the selection of the at least one sprocket assembly is performed by selecting one model of the at least one sprocket assembly using the non-shift input device.

32. The bicycle component control method of claim 30, wherein the selection of the at least one sprocket assembly is performed by scanning or capturing an indication image representing a model of the at least one sprocket assembly using the non-shift input device.

Images