TWI899052B - Component for human powered vehicle and wireless control system for human powered vehicle - Google Patents

Abstract

A component for a human powered vehicle is provided that comprises: a first antenna configured to receive a radio wave from outside of the human powered vehicle; and a converter configured to convert the radio wave received by the first antenna into electric power.

Description

Components for human-powered vehicles and wireless control systems for human-powered vehicles

This invention relates to components for human-powered vehicles, and more specifically, to electronic components for human-powered vehicles.

Human-powered vehicles, such as bicycles, are becoming increasingly popular as a form of recreation and transportation. Specifically, cycling has become a very popular competitive sport for both amateurs and professionals. Whether a human-powered vehicle is used for recreation, transportation, or competition, the industry is constantly improving the various components of human-powered vehicles.

According to a first aspect of the present invention, a component for a human-powered vehicle is provided, comprising: a first antenna configured to receive a radio wave from outside the human-powered vehicle; and a converter configured to convert the radio wave received by the first antenna into electrical power.

By using the device according to the first aspect, it is possible to obtain power for the device from externally transmitted radio waves.

According to a second aspect of the present invention, the components according to the first aspect are configured so that the first antenna is configured to receive radio waves according to at least one of the following: a wireless communication system based on the IEEE 802 series of standards, a television system, and a cellular telephone system.

By using the device according to the second aspect, it is possible to obtain power for the device from externally transmitted radio waves.

According to a third aspect of the present invention, the device according to one of the first and second aspects is configured so that the converter includes a filter circuit configured to block high-frequency components in the alternating current of radio waves.

By using components based on the third aspect, the alternating current from radio waves becomes more suitable for converting electricity.

According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, the device according to any one of the first to third aspects is configured so that the converter includes a rectifier circuit configured to rectify the alternating current in the radio wave.

By using a device according to the fourth aspect, the direction of the current will be constant.

According to a fifth aspect of the present invention, the device according to the fourth aspect is configured so that the converter includes a smoothing circuit configured to remove ripples from the current rectified by the rectifying circuit.

By using the device according to the fifth aspect, it is possible to provide a smooth voltage.

According to a sixth aspect of the present invention, the device according to any one of the first to fifth aspects further includes: an operating device; and a controller configured to generate a control signal based on an input to the operating device.

By using the device according to the sixth aspect, it is possible to obtain power for the device from externally transmitted radio waves.

According to a seventh aspect of the present invention, the components according to the sixth aspect are configured so that the operating device includes at least one shift operating member.

By using the device according to the seventh aspect, it is possible to obtain power for the device from radio waves.

According to an eighth aspect of the present invention, the device according to the sixth aspect or the seventh aspect further comprises a generator configured to generate electricity in response to an input to an operating device.

By using the device according to the eighth aspect, it is possible to increase available power.

According to a ninth aspect of the present invention, the component according to the eighth aspect is configured so that the generator includes a piezoelectric device.

By using the device according to the ninth aspect, it is possible to increase available power.

According to a tenth aspect of the present invention, the device according to any one of the sixth to ninth aspects further includes a second antenna configured to wirelessly transmit a control signal generated by the controller.

By using the device according to the tenth aspect, there is no need to install cables between the device and the controlled device, thus reducing costs.

According to the eleventh aspect of the present invention, the device according to the tenth aspect is configured so that the frequency of the radio waves transmitted by the second antenna is different from that of the first antenna.

By using the component according to the eleventh aspect, there is no need to install cables between the component and the controlled device, thus reducing costs.

According to a twelfth aspect of the present invention, the device according to any one of the sixth to eleventh aspects further includes a first power storage device configured to store power generated in the device and supply the power to the controller.

Using the device according to the twelfth aspect can increase energy efficiency because the power not used by the device is stored in the power storage unit.

According to a thirteenth aspect of the present invention, the device according to the twelfth aspect is configured so that the controller is configured to generate a plurality of control signals using the power of the first power storage device in response to a single input from the operating device.

By using the device according to the thirteenth aspect, it is possible to increase the reliability of communication.

According to a fourteenth aspect of the present invention, the element according to any one of the first to fifth aspects further includes an actuator configured to be controlled by a control signal for actuating the movable member.

By using the device according to the fourteenth aspect, it is possible to obtain power for the device from externally transmitted radio waves.

According to a fifteenth aspect of the present invention, the element according to the fourteenth aspect is configured such that the actuator includes a motor and a driver for controlling the motor based on a control signal.

By using the device according to the fifteenth aspect, it is possible to obtain power for the device from radio waves transmitted from the outside.

According to the sixteenth aspect of the present invention, the element according to the fourteenth aspect or the fifteenth aspect is configured so that the movable member includes a chain guide.

By using the device according to the sixteenth aspect, it is possible to obtain power for the device from externally transmitted radio waves.

According to a seventeenth aspect of the present invention, the device according to any one of the fourteenth to sixteenth aspects further includes a third antenna configured to wirelessly transmit a control signal.

By using the component according to the seventeenth aspect, there is no need to install cables between the component and the controlled device, thus reducing costs.

According to the eighteenth aspect of the present invention, the device according to the seventeenth aspect is configured so that the frequency of the radio waves transmitted by the third antenna is different from that of the first antenna.

By using the component according to the eighteenth aspect, there is no need to install cables between the component and the controlled device, thus reducing costs.

According to a nineteenth aspect of the present invention, the device according to any one of aspects fourteen to eighteen further includes a second power storage device configured to store power generated in the device and supply power to the actuator.

By using the device according to the nineteenth aspect, energy efficiency is increased because the power not used by the device is stored in the power storage unit.

According to a twentieth aspect of the present invention, a wireless control system for a human-powered vehicle is provided, comprising: a component according to any one of the sixth to thirteenth aspects of the present invention; and a component according to any one of the fourteenth to nineteenth aspects of the present invention.

By using the device according to the twentieth aspect, it is possible to obtain power for the device from radio waves transmitted from the outside.

10: Bicycle

12: Framework

12A: Head tube

12B: Top tube

12C: Bottom end tube

12D: Seat tube

12E: Seat support

12F: Chain support

12G: Backend

12H: Speed Shifter Hook

14: Front wheel fork

16:Front wheel

18:Rear wheel

20: Handle

20A: Right handle

22: Crank

24:Front sprocket assembly

26: Rear sprocket assembly

28: Chain

30: Components

32: Gear shift operating device

34: Front gearshift

36: Rear derailleur

42: First operating device

43: Bracket

44: Operating device

45: Brake lever

46: Gear shift operating component

52: First Antenna

54: Converter

54A: Filter circuit

54B: Rectifier circuit

54C: Smoothing circuit

56: Generator

56A: Piezoelectric device

58: First power storage

60: Controller

62: Second Antenna

64: Base component

66: Linking components

68: Movable components

70: Actuator

72: Second power storage device

74: The third line

76: Actuator

76A:Driver

76B: Motor

152: First Antenna

154: Converter

154A: Filter circuit

154B: Rectifier Circuit

154C: Smoothing Circuit

A more complete appreciation of the present invention and its many attendant advantages will be readily obtained, as will become better understood, by reference to the following detailed description when considered in conjunction with the accompanying drawings.

FIG1 illustrates a side view of a human-powered vehicle according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention; FIG2 illustrates an enlarged view of the left handlebar of the human-powered vehicle of FIG1 .

Figure 3 illustrates an enlarged view of the rear transmission of the human-powered vehicle in Figure 1.

Figure 4 illustrates a block diagram of the first control element.

Figure 5 illustrates a block diagram of the second control element.

Selected embodiments of the present invention will now be explained with reference to the drawings. It will be apparent to those skilled in the art from this disclosure that the following description of the embodiments of the present invention is provided for illustration only and not for the purpose of limiting the invention as defined by the appended claims and their equivalents.

First, referring to FIG. 1 , a bicycle 10 is illustrated as an example of a human-powered vehicle. A human-powered vehicle is a vehicle that utilizes a motive force, at least the human power of the rider. A human-powered vehicle has any number of wheels. For example, a human-powered vehicle has one, two, three, four, or more wheels. In this embodiment, the human-powered vehicle is smaller than a four-wheeled vehicle, but other embodiments may have any size. For example, the human-powered vehicle may be larger than a four-wheeled vehicle. The human-powered vehicle may be a bicycle 10 (herein illustrated as a road bicycle), a tricycle, or a scooter. As shown in FIG. 1 , bicycle 10 includes a frame 12, a front wheel fork 14, a front wheel 16, a rear wheel 18, and handlebars 20. Frame 12 includes a head tube 12A, a top tube 12B, a bottom tube 12C, a seat tube 12D, a bottom bracket support portion (not shown), a seat stay 12E, chain stays 12F, a rear end 12G, and a shifter hook 12H. Handlebars 20 are coupled to head tube 12A. Handlebars 20 include a right handlebar 20A and a left handlebar (not shown).

Bicycle 10 further includes a crank 22, a front sprocket assembly 24, a rear sprocket assembly 26, and a chain 28. Front sprocket assembly 24 includes one or more front sprockets. Rear sprocket assembly 26 includes one or more rear sprockets. Rear sprocket assembly 26 is coupled to the hub assembly of rear wheel 18. Chain 28 runs around one of the front sprockets of front sprocket assembly 24 and one of the rear sprockets of rear sprocket assembly 26.

As shown in Figures 1 and 2, the human-powered vehicle 10 includes a plurality of components 30. Components 30 include a shift operating device 32, a front derailleur 34, and a rear derailleur 36. The shift operating devices 32 are disposed on the left and right handlebars 20. Each shift operating device 32 includes a first operating device 42 (component 30) and a second operating device (not shown). The front derailleur 34 is disposed on the seat tube 12D and shifts the front sprocket around which the chain 28 operates. The rear derailleur 36 is disposed on the rear end 12G of the frame 12, defined by the junction of the seat stay 12E and the chain stay 12F, and shifts the rear sprocket around which the chain 28 operates.

As shown in FIG2 , the first operating device 42 (element 30) includes a bracket 43 coupled to the right handlebar 20A and an operating device 44. The operating device 44 includes a brake lever 45 movably coupled to the bracket 43. The brake lever 45 is configured to operate a brake device to apply braking force to the rear wheel 18. The operating device 44 further includes at least one shift operating member 46. In this embodiment, there is one shift operating member 46. The shift operating member 46 is movably coupled to the brake lever 45. The shift operating member 46 is a lever, a button, or a switch. The first operating device 42 is configured to transmit a control signal to the rear derailleur 36 in response to input from the rider to the shift operating member 46.

The second operating device has substantially the same structure as the first operating device 42. Therefore, a detailed description of the structure of the second operating device is omitted.

FIG3 shows a block diagram of the first operating device 42. The first operating device 42 (element 30) includes a first antenna 52 configured to receive externally transmitted radio waves, and a converter 54 configured to convert the radio waves received by the first antenna 52 into electric power.

The first antenna 52 is configured to receive radio waves according to at least one of: a wireless communication system based on the IEEE 802 series of standards, a television system, and a cellular telephone system.

Converter 54 includes a filter circuit 54A configured to block high-frequency components in the AC power of radio waves. Converter 54 includes a rectifier circuit 54B configured to rectify the AC power in the radio waves. Converter 54 includes a smoothing circuit 54C configured to remove ripples from the current rectified by rectifier circuit 54B. Converter 54 outputs DC power.

The first operating device 42 (element 30) further includes a generator 56 configured to generate electricity in response to input to the shift operating member 46. The generator 56 includes a piezoelectric device 56A. The first operating device 42 (element 30) includes a first power storage device 58 configured to store the electricity generated by the first operating device 42. Specifically, the first power storage device 58 is configured to be charged by electricity from the converter 54. The first power storage device 58 includes at least one of a battery and a capacitor. In this embodiment, the first power storage device 58 includes a capacitor. The first operating device 42 (element 30) further includes a controller 60 configured to generate a control signal based on the input to the shift operating member 46. The controller 60 is configured to generate a plurality of control signals using power from the first power storage 58 in response to a single input from the shift operating member 46. Furthermore, the first operating device 42 (element 30) includes a second antenna 62 configured to wirelessly transmit the control signals generated by the controller 60. Preferably, the frequency of the radio waves transmitted by the second antenna 62 is different from that of the first antenna 52 to avoid interference.

In operation, when a rider desires to shift the rear derailleur 36, they operate the shift operating member 46. Input to the shift operating member 46 causes the generator 58 to generate electricity and supply the electricity to the controller 60. The controller 60 then generates a plurality of control signals commanding shifting using electricity supplied from the generator 56 or the first power storage 58. The second antenna 62 wirelessly outputs the control signals to the rear derailleur 36.

FIG4 shows the rear derailleur 36 . The rear derailleur 36 includes a base member 64 , a link member 66 , and a movable member 68 . The base member 64 is configured to be attached to the frame 12 of the human-powered vehicle. The movable member 68 is configured to be movably connected to the base member 64 by the link member 68 . The movable member 68 includes a chain guide 70 .

FIG5 shows a block diagram of the rear transmission 36. As can be seen from FIG5 , the rear transmission 36 (element 30) includes a first antenna 152 and a converter 154. The first antenna 152 and converter 154 are substantially identical to the first antenna 52 and converter 54 of the first shift operating device 42. Therefore, a detailed description of the first antenna 152 and converter 54 is omitted. The rear transmission 36 (element 30) includes a second power storage device 72 configured to store power generated by the rear transmission 36 (element 30). Specifically, the second power storage device 72 is configured to be charged by power from the converter 154. The second power storage device 72 includes at least one of a battery and a capacitor. In this embodiment, the second power storage device 72 includes a battery.

The rear derailleur 36 (element 30) includes a third antenna 74 configured to wirelessly transmit control signals. Specifically, the third antenna is configured to receive control signals from the second antenna 62. Preferably, the frequency of the radio waves transmitted by the third antenna 74 is different from that of the first antenna 152 to avoid interference. The frequency of the radio waves transmitted by the third antenna 74 of the rear derailleur 36 is different from that of the first antenna 52 and can be the same as the frequency of the radio waves transmitted by the second antenna 62 of the first operating device 42. The rear derailleur 36 (element 30) includes an actuator 70 configured to be controlled by the control signals for actuating the movable member 68 of the rear derailleur 36 in this embodiment of the present invention. The actuator 76 includes a driver 76A and a motor 76B, and the driver 76A is capable of controlling the motor 76B based on a control signal.

The first antenna 154 of the rear transmission 36 is configured to receive radio waves emitted from the environment, such as, but not limited to, one of the following: a wireless communication system based on the IEEE 802 series of standards, a television system, or a cellular telephone system, to harvest electromagnetic energy. The converter 154 of the rear transmission 36 also includes a filter circuit 154A configured to block high-frequency components in the alternating current of the radio waves; a rectifier circuit 154B configured to rectify the alternating current in the radio waves; and a smoothing circuit 154C configured to remove ripples from the current rectified by the rectifier circuit 154B, allowing direct current to be output from the converter 154 to the second power storage 72 or the actuator 76.

In operation, when the third antenna 74 receives a control signal from the second antenna 62 indicating a shift command, the control signal instructs the driver 76A of the actuator 76 to actuate the motor 76B to move the movable member 68 of the rear transmission 36. The second power storage 72 or the converter 154 also supplies power to the actuator 76. Of course, after the movement of the movable member 68 is completed, a confirmation signal is wirelessly output from the third antenna 74 to the second antenna 62 of the first operating device 42, notifying the controller 60 of the completion of the shift of the rear transmission 36.

Based on the foregoing, the present invention provides a wireless control system for a human-powered vehicle, such as a bicycle. The wireless control system includes a first operating device 42 (element 30) and a rear derailleur 36 (element 30). Because element 30 is capable of converting ambient radio waves into electrical power for use, the reliability of the wireless control system is significantly improved.

Generally speaking, the present invention applies in the same manner to both the wireless control between the first operating device 42 and the rear derailleur 36 and the wireless control between the second operating device and the front derailleur 34. For simplicity and convenience, the structure and operation of the first element of the second operating device and the second element of the front derailleur 34 are omitted.

As used herein, the term "wireless communicator" includes receivers, transmitters, transceivers, and transmitter-receivers, and encompasses any device or any devices, alone or in combination, capable of transmitting and/or receiving wireless communication signals. The wireless communication signals may be radio frequency (RF) signals, ultra-wideband communication signals, Bluetooth communications, or any other type of signal suitable for wireless communication, as understood in the automotive field. A one-way "wireless communicator" is configured to only receive or transmit wireless communication signals. A two-way "wireless communicator" is configured to both receive and transmit wireless communication signals.

It will be apparent to those skilled in the art of bicycle technology from the present invention that the structures of the above embodiments can be at least partially combined with each other.

In this application, the term "comprise" and its derivatives as used herein are intended to be open-ended terms that specify the presence of stated features, components, elements, groups, integers, and/or steps but do not preclude the presence of other unstated features, components, elements, groups, integers, and/or steps. This concept also applies to words of similar meanings, such as the terms "have," "include," and their derivatives.

As used herein, the term "attached" or "attached" encompasses configurations in which a component is directly attached to another component by directly attaching the component to the other component; configurations in which a component is indirectly attached to another component via one or more intermediate components; and configurations in which one component is integral with the other component (i.e., one component is substantially a part of the other component). This concept also applies to words of similar meanings such as "bond," "connect," "couple," "mount," "join," "secure," and their derivatives.

The terms "component", "section", "portion", "part" and "part" when used in the singular may have the dual meaning of a single part or a plurality of parts.

The ordinal numbers "first" and "second" listed in this application are merely identifiers and do not carry any other meaning, such as a particular order or the like. For example, the term "first component" by itself does not imply the existence of a "second component," and the term "second component" by itself does not imply the existence of a "first component."

In addition to configurations where the paired components have the same shape or structure, the term "pair of" as used herein may also encompass configurations where the paired components have shapes or structures that are different from each other.

Finally, as used herein, terms of degree such as "substantially," "approximately," and "substantially" mean a reasonable amount of deviation from the modified term such that the end result is not significantly changed.

Obviously, numerous modifications and variations of the present invention are possible in light of the above teachings. It should therefore be understood that, within the scope of the appended claims, the present invention may be practiced otherwise than as specifically described herein.

30: Components

42: First operating device

46: Gear shift operating component

52: First Antenna

54: Converter

54A: Filter circuit

54B: Rectifier circuit

54C: Smoothing circuit

56: Generator

56A: Piezoelectric device

58: First power storage

60: Controller

62: Second Antenna

Claims (19)

A component for a human-powered vehicle comprises: a first antenna configured to receive radio waves from an externally transmitted environment; and a converter configured to convert the radio waves received by the first antenna into electrical power; and a second antenna configured to wirelessly transmit a control signal to another component, wherein a frequency of the control signal is different from a frequency of the radio waves in the environment. The first antenna is configured to receive the radio waves in the environment to harvest electromagnetic energy, and the radio waves in the environment include at least one of radio waves transmitted by a wireless communication system based on one of the IEEE 802 series standards, a television system, and a cellular telephone system. The device of claim 1, wherein the converter includes a filter circuit configured to block high-frequency components of an alternating current of radio waves in the environment. The element of claim 1, wherein the converter comprises a rectifier circuit configured to rectify an alternating current from a radio wave in the environment. The device of claim 3, wherein the converter includes a smoothing circuit configured to remove ripples from the current rectified by the rectifying circuit. The element of claim 1, further comprising: an operating device comprising a bracket coupled to a handle; and a controller configured to generate the control signal based on an input to the operating device. The element of claim 5, wherein the operating device includes at least one shift operating component. The element of claim 5, further comprising a generator configured to generate electricity in response to the input to the operating device. The element of claim 7, wherein the generator comprises a piezoelectric device. The element of claim 5, further comprising the second antenna being configured to wirelessly transmit the control signal generated by the controller. The device of claim 9, wherein the frequency of a radio wave transmitted by the second antenna is different from the frequency of the radio wave in the environment received by the first antenna. The device of claim 5 further comprises a first power storage device configured to store the power generated by the device and supply the power to the controller. The element of claim 11, wherein the controller is configured to generate a plurality of control signals using the power of the first power storage in response to a single input of the operating device. The element of claim 1, further comprising an actuator configured to be controlled by a control signal for actuating a movable member. The element of claim 13, wherein the actuator comprises a motor and a driver for controlling the motor based on the control signal. The element of claim 13, wherein the movable member comprises a chain guide. The element of claim 13, further comprising a third antenna configured to wirelessly transmit the control signal. The element of claim 16, wherein the frequency of a radio wave transmitted by the third antenna is different from that of the first antenna. The device of claim 13 further comprises a second power storage device configured to store the power generated in the device and supply the power to the actuator. A wireless control system for a human-powered vehicle, comprising: a component according to any one of claims 5 to 12; and a component according to any one of claims 13 to 18.