Wireless gear shift system for a bicycle

Abstract

System and method for, in a wireless gear shift system for a bicycle, in which an external wireless communications device is paired with a wireless transceiver associated with a gear shift device, pairing a wireless gear control device with the wireless transceiver. The method comprises the external wireless communications device transmitting information representative of a group identifier for wireless gear control devices to the wireless transceiver; the wireless transceiver scanning for wireless gear control devices in pairing mode and having a group identifier corresponding to the information representative of the group identifier for wireless gear control devices received from the external wireless communications device; and pairing the wireless transceiver with the wireless gear control device if the group identifier of the wireless gear control device corresponds to the information representative of the group identifier for wireless gear control devices received from the external wireless communications device.

Description

[0001] Title: Wireless gear shift system for a bicycle

[0002] FIELD

[0003] The disclosure concerns a wireless gear shift system for light human powered vehicles, such as bicycles.

[0004] BACKGROUND

[0005] Wireless gear changing systems for bicycles are known as such for changing gears on a bicycle without use of a wired connection between a gear control device, usually arranged on a handle bar, and a gear changing device, usually arranged at a transmission such as a derailleur. Usually, pairing is required between the gear control device and the gear changing device to allow wireless communication.

[0006] EP1475302A1 discloses a bicycle gear shift system comprising a rear derailleur and a front derailleur having a motor to displace a chain in axial direction for shifting gears. The system also includes an electronic control unit for generating a signal requesting displacement of the chain. The information transfer between the various components can be carried out wirelessly, for example with the Bluetooth® protocol. Pairing methods for the Bluetooth® protocol, such as using a pairing button on one or either of the devices to be paired, are known per se.

[0007] US9,540,071B2 discloses a wireless control system for a bicycle, including at least one shift unit generating an input signal when actuated and a master control unit transmitting a shift signal responsive to the input signal. A rear derailleur and front derailleur are provided and include a gear changer control unit. The gear changer control unit receives the shift signal from the master control unit and controls the derailleur corresponding to the received shift signal. The derailleur includes a button which when actuated causes the derailleur to enter a pairing mode. However, current pairing methods of electronic gear-shifting systems of bicycles are not convenient and friendly enough for general consumers. For example, the consumer needs to read the instruction guides of the electronic gear-shifting system before they can correctly press a specific button on a bicycle component in a specific manner to complete the pairing operation between the bicycle components.

[0008] SUMMARY

[0009] An object is to improve usability of wireless gear changing systems for bicycles, in particular with respect to pairing of wireless devices thereof. A further object is to provide an alternative pairing method.

[0010] To that end, an aspect provides a method of mutually pairing a wireless gear control device and a wireless gear changing device for a bicycle.

[0011] According to an aspect is provided a method for, in a wireless gear shift system for a bicycle, in which an external wireless communications device is paired with a wireless transceiver associated with a gear shift device, pairing a wireless gear control device with the wireless transceiver. The wireless gear control device can e.g. be a shifter, e.g. mounted on a handlebar, or a wireless derailleur. The gear shift device can be an internally geared transmission hub. In particular, the wireless transceiver can be part of an electronic thru axle for use with the internally geared transmission hub. The thru axle can be configured for receiving wireless gear shift commands and controlling an electric actuator of the internally geared transmission hub. The external wireless communications device can e.g. be a smartphone, tablet computer or personal computer. The external wireless communications device can play the role of an intermediary in the pairing of the wireless transceiver with the wireless gear control device. The method comprises the external wireless communications device transmitting information representative of a group identifier for wireless gear control devices to the wireless transceiver.

[0012] The external wireless communications device may e.g. prompt a user to select a group identifier, e.g. from a list of group identifiers, e.g. shown in a user interface of the communications device.

[0013] The method comprises bringing the wireless gear control device into pairing mode, e.g. by pressing a pairing button of the wireless gear control device. The method comprises bringing the wireless transceiver into pairing mode, e.g. by the external wireless communications device transmitting an instruction thereto to the wireless transceiver.

[0014] The method comprises the wireless transceiver scanning for wireless gear control devices in pairing mode and having a group identifier corresponding to the information representative of the group identifier for wireless gear control devices received from the external wireless communications device. The method comprises pairing the wireless transceiver with the wireless gear control device if the group identifier of the wireless gear control device corresponds to the information representative of the group identifier for wireless gear control devices received from the external wireless communications device.

[0015] Optionally, the wireless transceiver has one or more group identifiers pre-stored in a memory.

[0016] Optionally, the wireless transceiver selects a pre-stored group identifier from memory on the basis of the received information representative of the group identifier for wireless gear control devices received from the external wireless communications device.

[0017] Optionally, the external wireless communications device refrains from transmitting a unique identifier of the wireless gear control device to the wireless transceiver.

[0018] Optionally, the external wireless communications device detects the group identifier of the wireless gear control device. Optionally, the external wireless communications device transmits the detected group identifier of the wireless gear control device to the wireless transceiver. Optionally, the wireless transceiver stores the received group identifier in a memory associated with, e.g. of, the wireless transceiver.

[0019] Optionally, the external wireless communications device transmits an instruction to the wireless transceiver to go to pairing mode.

[0020] According to an aspect is provided a wireless gear shift system for a bicycle, comprising a wireless transceiver associated with a gear shift device; a wireless gear control device; and an external wireless communications device. The gear shift device can be an internally geared transmission hub. In particular, the wireless transceiver can be part of an electronic thru axle for use with the internally geared transmission hub. The thru axle can be configured for receiving wireless gear shift commands and controlling an electric actuator of the internally geared transmission hub. The external wireless communications device is paired with the wireless transceiver. The external wireless communications device is configured to transmit information representative of a group identifier for wireless gear control devices to the wireless transceiver. The system is configured to bring the wireless gear control device into pairing mode. The system is configured to bring the wireless transceiver into pairing mode. The wireless transceiver is configured to scan for wireless gear control devices in pairing mode and having a group identifier corresponding to the information representative of the group identifier for wireless gear control devices received from the external wireless communications device. The system is configured to pair the wireless transceiver with the wireless gear control device if the group identifier of the wireless gear control device corresponds to the information representative of the group identifier for wireless gear control devices received from the external wireless communications device. Optionally, the wireless transceiver has one or more group identifiers pre-stored in a memory. Optionally the wireless transceiver is configured to select a pre-stored group identifier from memory on the basis of the received information representative of the group identifier for wireless gear control devices received from the external wireless communications device.

[0021] Optionally, the external wireless communications device is configured to refrain from transmitting a unique identifier of the wireless gear control device to the wireless transceiver.

[0022] Optionally, the external wireless communications device is configured to detect the group identifier of the wireless gear control device. Optionally, the external wireless communications device is configured to transmit the detected group identifier of the wireless gear control device to the wireless transceiver.

[0023] Optionally, the wireless transceiver is configured to store the received group identifier in a memory.

[0024] Optionally, the external wireless communications device is configured to transmit an instruction to the wireless transceiver to go to pairing mode.

[0025] Optionally, the wireless gear control device is a shifter and / or a wireless derailleur.

[0026] It shall be appreciated that aspects and options disclosed herein may be variously combined. For example, features described as relating to a method may be correspondingly applied to a device and / or a system, and vice versa.

[0027] BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0028] In the following, the invention will be explained further using examples of embodiments and drawings. The drawings are schematic and merely show examples. In the drawings, corresponding elements have been provided with corresponding reference signs. In the drawings:

[0029] Fig. 1 shows an exemplary flow chart of a method;

[0030] Fig. 2 shows an example of a system; and Fig. 3 shows an example of a bicycle

[0031] DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0032] Figure 1 shows an exemplary flow chart of a method 100 for, in a wireless system 1 for a bicycle 1000 (see figure 3), pairing a wireless gear control device 2 with a wireless transceiver 4 associated with a wireless gear shift system. The wireless gear control device 2 can be a shifter 1024, e.g. mounted to a handlebar 1003. Alternatively, or additionally, the wireless gear control device can e.g. be integrated with an electric derailleur, such as an electric rear derailleur 1031. In this example, a thru axle 6 is configured to receive shift commands from a gear control device and to control an actuator 8 of a transmission 10 comprising a plurality of selectable transmission ratios. The wireless transceiver 4 is in this example mounted in or on the thru axle 6. Hence, the thru axle 6, and thereby the transmission 10, can be controlled wirelessly. In this example, transmission 10 is part of a wireless gear change device, such as a wirelessly actuatable internally geared hub transmission 1022.

[0033] For the wireless gear control device 2 to be able to wirelessly control the thru axle 6, it can be required that the wireless gear control device 2 and the wireless transceiver 4 are paired.

[0034] In this method 100 in a first step 102 an external wireless communications device 18 is paired with the wireless transceiver 4. The external wireless communications device 18 can e.g. be a (mobile) communications device, such as a smartphone, tablet computer or personal computer. The external wireless communications device and the wireless transceiver can have been paired for a long duration before the execution of the remainder of the method 100. The remainder of the method 100 is aimed at pairing the wireless gear control device 2 with the wireless transceiver 4. Pairing of the external wireless communications device 18 and the wireless transceiver 4 can include the wireless transceiver 4 transmitting a pairing request, or the external wireless communications device 18 transmitting a pairing request.

[0035] The wireless gear control device has group identifier associated therewith. The group identifier may identify e.g. a brand of wireless gear control devices and / or a type of wireless gear control devices. The group identifier is not a unique identifier. Hence, multiple gear control devices forming a group will have the same group identifier.

[0036] The external wireless communications device 18 may present one or more groups of wireless gear control devices to the user, e.g. in a user interface of the app. Each group may correspond to a different group identifier. In step 404, the user may be prompted to select a group, e.g. from a list of groups, such as in the app. The external wireless communications device 18 may transmit information representative of the selected group, which corresponds to information representative of a specific group identifier to the wireless transceiver 4. The wireless transceiver 4 may have one or more group identifiers pre-stored in a memory. Upon receiving the information representative of the group identifier from the external wireless communications device 18, the wireless transceiver 4 may retrieve the corresponding group identifier from memory. Alternatively, or additionally, the external wireless communications device 18 may transmit the selected group identifier to the wireless transceiver 4. It is possible that the external wireless communications device detects the group identifier from the wireless gear control device to be paired. The external wireless communications device may transmit the detected group identifier, or information representative of the detected group identifier, to the wireless transceiver 4. In step 106, the external wireless communications device 18, in response to a third sensor 20 of the external wireless communications device 18 detecting a predetermined third signal, instructs the wireless transceiver 4 to go into pairing mode. The external wireless communications device 18 may e.g. transmit to the wireless transceiver 4 an instruction to transmit a pairing request to the wireless device 2. The third sensor 20 can e.g. be one or more of a button, switch, velocity sensor, acceleration sensor, gyroscope, inclination sensor, or the like. Hence, e.g. actuating a button on a (touch)screen of the external wireless communications device 18, such as in an app, can cause the external wireless communications device 18 to transmit to the wireless transceiver 4 an instruction to go to pairing mode. Hence, pairing of the wireless transceiver with the wireless gear control device 2 can be initiated from the external wireless communications device 18.

[0037] In step 108, the method 100 can include instructing the user to bring the wireless gear control device 2 into pairing mode. The user can e.g. bring the wireless gear control device 2 into pairing mode by actuating pairing button of the wireless gear control device 2. The method 100 can e.g. include presenting the instruction to the user in the app. The step 106 may optionally be performed prior to performing the step 104.

[0038] In step 110, the wireless transceiver 4 and the wireless gear control device 2 are paired. Thereto, the wireless transceiver 4 can transmit the pairing request to the wireless gear control device 2. The wireless gear control device 2 can transmit a pairing response to the wireless transceiver 4. Then, the pairing process, pairing the wireless transceiver 4 with the wireless ger control device 2 can be completed. The method may include notifying a successful pairing of the wireless transceiver 4 with the wireless gear control device 2 to the user, e.g. via the external wireless communications device 18, e.g. in the app. The wireless transceiver 4 may use the received or retrieved group identifier, or the information representative of the group identifier, to scan for wireless devices in pairing mode and having a group identifier corresponding to the information representative of the group identifier received from the external wireless communications device 18. In case more than one wireless devices in pairing mode and having a group identifier corresponding to the information representative of the group identifier received from the external wireless communications device 18 is detected, the wireless transceiver 4 may notify the user thereof, e.g. via the external wireless communications device 18. The wireless transceiver 4 may use the received or retrieved group identifier, or the information representative of the group identifier, to only accept a pairing response from the wireless gear control device 2 if a group identifier of the wireless gear control device 2 corresponds to the information representative of the group identifier received from the external wireless communications device 18.

[0039] Figure 2 shows a schematic representation of the wireless system discussed in view of figure 1.

[0040] Figure 3 shows an example of a bicycle 1000. The bicycle includes a frame 1002 and a front fork 1005. The bicycle includes a handlebar 1003. A front wheel 1011 is mounted to the front form 1005. The frame 1002 includes a rear fork 1007 having a rear wheel 1013 mounted thereto. A crank axle 1004 is mounted to the frame 1002. Pedals 1017 are connected to the crank axle 1004. A front sprocket 1009 is also connected to the crank axle 1004. The rear wheel is provided with a hub 1022. A rear sprocket 1021 is connected to the hub. In this example, the rear sprocket 1021 is connected to the hub 1022 via a transmission system 1030. Alternatively, or additionally, the crank axle 1004 can be connected to the front sprocket 1009 via a transmission system 1032. The front sprocket 1009 drives the rear sprocket 1021 via an endless member, such as a chain or belt, e.g. via a rear derailleur 1031. The bicycle 1 in this example includes a shifter 1024 configured for transmitting a shift control signal to a receiver of the control electronics 150 of the transmission system 100.

[0041] Although the invention has been explained further herein using examples of embodiments and drawings, these do not limit the scope of the invention as defined by the claims. Within said scope, many variations, combinations and extensions are possible, as will be appreciated by the skilled person.

Claims

Claims1. A method for, in a wireless gear shift system for a bicycle, in which an external wireless communications device is paired with a wireless transceiver associated with a gear shift device, pairing a wireless gear control device with the wireless transceiver, the method comprising: the external wireless communications device transmitting information representative of a group identifier for wireless gear control devices to the wireless transceiver; bringing the wireless gear control device into pairing mode; bringing the wireless transceiver into pairing mode; the wireless transceiver scanning for wireless gear control devices in pairing mode and having a group identifier corresponding to the information representative of the group identifier for wireless gear control devices received from the external wireless communications device; and pairing the wireless transceiver with the wireless gear control device if the group identifier of the wireless gear control device corresponds to the information representative of the group identifier for wireless gear control devices received from the external wireless communications device.

2. The method of claim 1, wherein the wireless transceiver has one or more group identifiers pre-stored in a memory.

3. The method of claim 2, wherein the wireless transceiver selects a pre-stored group identifier from memory on the basis of the received information representative of the group identifier for wireless gear control devices received from the external wireless communications device.

4. The method of claim 1, 2 or 3, wherein the external wireless communications device refrains from transmitting a unique identifier of the wireless gear control device to the wireless transceiver.

5. The method of any of claims 1-4, wherein the external wireless communications device detects the group identifier of the wireless gear control device.

6. The method of claim 5, wherein the external wireless communications device transmits the detected group identifier of the wireless gear control device to the wireless transceiver.

7. The method of claim 6, wherein the wireless transceiver stores the received group identifier in a memory.

8. The method of any of claims 1-7, wherein the external wireless communications device transmits an instruction to the wireless transceiver to go to pairing mode.

9. A wireless gear shift system for a bicycle, comprising: a wireless transceiver associated with a gear shift device; a wireless gear control device; and an external wireless communications device; wherein the external wireless communications device is paired with the wireless transceiver: wherein the external wireless communications device is configured to transmit information representative of a group identifier for wireless gear control devices to the wireless transceiver; wherein the system is configured to bring the wireless gear control device into pairing mode;wherein the system is configured to bring the wireless transceiver into pairing mode; wherein the wireless transceiver is configured to scan for wireless gear control devices in pairing mode and having a group identifier corresponding to the information representative of the group identifier for wireless gear control devices received from the external wireless communications device; and wherein the system is configured to pair the wireless transceiver with the wireless gear control device if the group identifier of the wireless gear control device corresponds to the information representative of the group identifier for wireless gear control devices received from the external wireless communications device.

10. The system of claim 9, wherein the wireless transceiver has one or more group identifiers pre-stored in a memory, and wherein optionally the wireless transceiver is configured to select a pre-stored group identifier from memory on the basis of the received information representative of the group identifier for wireless gear control devices received from the external wireless communications device.

11. The system of claim 9 or 10, wherein the external wireless communications device is configured to refrain from transmitting a unique identifier of the wireless gear control device to the wireless transceiver.

12. The system of claim 9, 10 or 11, wherein the external wireless communications device is configured to detect the group identifier of the wireless gear control device, and optionally transmit the detected group identifier of the wireless gear control device to the wireless transceiver, wherein further optionally the wireless transceiver is configured to store the received group identifier in a memory.

13. The system of any of claims 9-12, wherein the external wireless communications device is configured to transmit an instruction to the wireless transceiver to go to pairing mode.

14. The system of any of claims 9-13, wherein the wireless gear control device is a shifter and / or a wireless derailleur.

15. The system of any of claims 9-14, wherein the wireless transceiver is associated with an electronic thru axle of the gear shift device.

Images