TWI902581B - Shift control device - Google Patents

Abstract

A shift control device is configured to be mounted on a handlebar and includes a brake unit and an electronic unit. The electronic unit includes a fastening ring, a circuit board and a battery. The fastening ring includes a connection arm, and a pivotable arm and a fastener. The connection arm is connected to the brake unit, and one end of the pivotable arm is pivotably disposed on the connection arm. The fastener fixes the pivotable arm and the connection arm for forcing the connection arm and the pivotable arm together clamp the handlebar. The circuit board and the battery are disposed on the pivotable arm and are electrically connected to each other.

Description

Speed control device

This invention relates to a speed control device.

To enable smoother operation of bicycle components, electrical signals can now be used to drive electronic bicycle components. For example, the electronic shifting control unit can generate electrical signals to drive the electronic shifter. Currently, the electronic shifting control unit is located on the bicycle's handlebars, but since two brake levers are already installed on the handlebars, the appearance of the bicycle handlebars is cluttered and not clean. Therefore, researchers in this field are working to solve the aforementioned problems.

The present invention provides a gear control device that enhances the aesthetics of a bicycle.

An embodiment of the present invention discloses a gear shifting control device for mounting on a bicycle handlebar, comprising a brake unit and an electronic unit. The electronic unit includes an electronic unit loop, a circuit board, and a battery. The electronic unit loop includes a connecting arm, a rotating arm, and a locking fastener. The connecting arm is connected to the brake unit. One end of the rotating arm is rotatably mounted on the connecting arm. The locking fastener secures the rotating arm and the connecting arm so that the connecting arm and the rotating arm together clamp the handlebar. The circuit board and the battery are mounted on the rotating arm of the electronic unit loop and are electrically connected to each other.

Another embodiment of the present invention discloses a gear shifting control device for mounting on a bicycle handlebar, comprising a brake unit and an electronic unit. The brake unit includes a brake lever and a brake unit retainer connected together. The brake unit retainer has a first mounting hole for mounting to the handlebar. The electronic unit includes a housing, a circuit board, a battery, and an electronic unit retainer. The circuit board and battery are located within the housing and electrically connected to each other. The electronic unit retainer is connected to the housing and has a second mounting hole for mounting to the handlebar. The centerline of the first mounting hole of the brake unit retainer passes through the second mounting hole of the electronic unit retainer.

According to the gear shift control device disclosed in the above embodiments, the electronic unit is connected to the brake unit by the connecting arm of the electronic unit loop, the connecting arm and the swing arm of the electronic unit loop together hold the handlebar, and the circuit board and battery are disposed on the swing arm of the electronic unit loop and electrically connected to each other. This configuration allows the electronic unit and the brake unit to be integrated together, and the brake unit is mounted on the handlebar through the electronic unit loop. Therefore, the number of components directly mounted on the handlebar can be reduced, making the appearance of the bicycle handlebar simple and aesthetically pleasing.

The above description of the contents of this invention and the following description of the embodiments are used to demonstrate and explain the principles of this invention, and to provide a further explanation of the scope of the patent application of this invention.

Please refer to Figures 1 to 3. Figure 1 is a perspective view of the gear control device and handlebar disclosed in the first embodiment of the present invention. Figure 2 is a partial exploded view of the gear control device and handlebar of Figure 1. Figure 3 is an exploded view of the gear control device of Figure 2 exploded onto the handlebar.

In this embodiment, the transmission control device 1 includes a braking unit 10 and an electronic unit 20.

The brake unit 10 includes a brake lever 11 and a shift control switch assembly 12. The brake lever 11 is, for example, a brake lever for a road bike, and is, for example, a hydraulic brake lever. The shift control switch assembly 12 is a switch assembly that controls the shifter, and the shift control switch assembly 12 is, for example, but not limited to, a brake lever 111 disposed on the brake lever 11, and can be triggered to generate a shift signal.

Electronic unit 20 includes an electronic unit retaining ring 21, a circuit board 22, and a battery 23. The electronic unit retaining ring 21 includes a connecting arm 211, a rotating arm 212, and a locking fastener 213. The connecting arm 211 is connected to the brake unit 10. For example, the connecting arm 211 is integrally connected to the hydraulic cylinder 112 of the brake lever 11. One end of the rotating arm 212 is rotatably mounted on the connecting arm 211, and the locking fastener 213 passes through the other end of the rotating arm 212 and locks onto the connecting arm 211, so that the connecting arm 211 and the rotating arm 212 together clamp the handlebar H. The circuit board 22 and the battery 23 are mounted on the rotating arm 212 of the electronic unit retaining ring 21 and are electrically connected to each other.

In this embodiment, the rotating arm 212 may have, for example, a circuit board slot 2121 and a battery slot 2122, which partially overlap. For example, when viewed from the bottom surface of the circuit board slot 2121 (e.g., along the direction of hairline parallel to the bottom surface of the slot), the circuit board slot 2121 and the battery slot 2122 partially overlap. The circuit board 22 and the battery 23 are respectively disposed in the circuit board slot 2121 and the battery slot 2122.

In this embodiment, circuit board 22 is electrically connected to transmission control switch assembly 12, for example, via wires (not shown). Furthermore, electronic unit 20 includes a wireless signal transmitter 24. The wireless signal transmitter 24 is, for example, a Bluetooth signal transmitter. The wireless signal transmitter 24 is disposed on circuit board 22. Thus, after the shift signal generated by the transmission control switch assembly 12 is triggered and transmitted to circuit board 22 via wires, the wireless signal transmitter 24 can wirelessly transmit the shift signal to the transmission, causing the transmission to shift gears.

In this embodiment, the electronic unit 20 is connected to the brake unit 10 by the connecting arm 211 of the electronic unit 21 of the electronic unit 20. The connecting arm 211 and the rotating arm 212 of the electronic unit 21 together hold the handlebar H. The circuit board 22 and the battery 23 are disposed on the rotating arm 212 of the electronic unit 21 and electrically connected to each other. This configuration allows the electronic unit 20 and the brake unit 10 to be integrated together. The brake unit 10 is mounted on the handlebar H through the electronic unit 21, thus reducing the number of components directly mounted on the handlebar H and making the appearance of the bicycle handlebar H simple and aesthetically pleasing.

In this embodiment, battery 23 is, for example, a button battery. Viewed along direction A parallel to the axis of battery 23, battery 23 and wireless signal transmitter 24 at least partially overlap, but are not limited thereto. For example, refer to Figures 4 and 5, which are schematic diagrams of a battery, circuit board, and wireless signal transmitter disclosed in another embodiment of the present invention. In this embodiment, circuit board 22', battery 23', and wireless signal transmitter 24' can replace circuit board 22, battery 23, and wireless signal transmitter 24 of the aforementioned embodiments, and are disposed on the rotating arm of the electronic unit loop (as shown in Figure 2), wherein wireless signal transmitter 24' is separate from circuit board 22' and electrically connected to each other, for example, by wires (not shown). As shown in Figure 4, viewed along direction A parallel to the axis of the battery 23', the wireless signal transmitter 24' is positioned to one side of the battery 23', so that the battery 23' and the wireless signal transmitter 24' do not overlap. Furthermore, as shown in Figure 5, viewed along direction B parallel to the radial direction of the battery 23', the wireless signal transmitter 24' is positioned below the battery 23', so that the battery 23' and the wireless signal transmitter 24' do not overlap.

It should be noted that the wireless signal transmitter in the above embodiment is an optional component. It may be omitted in other embodiments. In this configuration, the circuit board can be electrically connected to the transmission via wires, so that the shift signal can be transmitted from the circuit board to the transmission via wires.

Next, please refer to Figure 6, which is a partial exploded view of the gear control device and handlebars of another embodiment of the present invention.

The transmission control device 1'' of this embodiment is similar to the transmission control device 1 of the above embodiment. The main difference between the two is the locking direction and position of the locking fastener of the electronic unit loop. Therefore, the following mainly describes the difference, while the parts that are the same can be referred to in the above paragraphs and will not be repeated.

In this embodiment, the locking fastener 213'' of the electronic unit loop 21'' passes through the connecting arm 211'' and is locked to the swivel arm 212'', so that the connecting arm 211'' and the swivel arm 212'' together clamp the handlebar H. This facilitates the installation and removal of the electronic unit loop 21'' from the handlebar H.

Next, please refer to Figures 7 and 8. Figure 7 is a perspective view of the gear control device and handlebar disclosed in another embodiment of the present invention. Figure 8 is a side view of the gear control device and handlebar of Figure 7.

In this embodiment, the transmission control device 1a includes a braking unit 10a and an electronic unit 20a.

Brake unit 10a includes a brake lever 11a and a brake unit retainer 13a connected together. The brake lever 11a is, for example, a road bike brake lever, and is, for example, a hydraulic brake lever. The brake unit retainer 13a has a first mounting hole 131a for mounting to the handlebar H. For example, the brake unit retainer 13a is mounted to the bend of the handlebar H via the first mounting hole 131a.

In this embodiment, the brake unit 10a may include, for example, a transmission control switch assembly 12a, which is a switch assembly for controlling the transmission, and is disposed on the brake lever 11a. For example, the transmission control switch assembly 12a is disposed on the brake lever 111a of the brake lever 11a. The transmission control switch assembly 12a can be triggered to generate a shift signal.

Electronic unit 20a includes a housing 25a, a circuit board 22a, a battery 23a, and an electronic unit loop 21a. The circuit board 22a and battery 23a are located within the housing 25a and are electrically connected to each other. The electronic unit loop 21a is connected to the housing 25a and has a second mounting hole 211a for mounting to the handlebar H. For example, the electronic unit loop 21a is mounted to the bend of the handlebar H via the second mounting hole 211a and is located below the brake unit loop 13a. The centerline C1 of the first mounting hole 131a of the brake unit loop 13a passes through the second mounting hole 211a of the electronic unit loop 21a. The minimum distance D1 between the brake unit loop 13a and the electronic unit loop 21a is, for example, no more than 20 mm.

In this embodiment, by having the center line C1 of the first mounting hole 131a of the brake unit loop 13a pass through the second mounting hole 211a of the electronic unit loop 21a, and by ensuring that the minimum distance D1 between the brake unit loop 13a and the electronic unit loop 21a is no more than 20mm, the electronic unit 20a can be mounted as close as possible to the position of the brake unit 10a mounted on the handlebar H, so that the electronic unit 20a and the brake unit 10a appear as a single unit in appearance. Therefore, the appearance of the bicycle handlebar H is simple and aesthetically pleasing.

In this embodiment, circuit board 22a is electrically connected to transmission control switch assembly 12a via wires (not shown). Furthermore, electronic unit 20a includes a wireless signal transmitter 24a. The wireless signal transmitter 24a is, for example, a Bluetooth signal transmitter. The wireless signal transmitter 24a is, for example, disposed on circuit board 22a. Thus, after the shift signal generated by the transmission control switch assembly 12a being triggered is transmitted to circuit board 22a via wires, the wireless signal transmitter 24a can wirelessly transmit the shift signal to the transmission, causing the transmission to shift gears.

It should be noted that the wireless signal transmitter 24a is an optional component. It may be omitted in other embodiments. In this configuration, the circuit board can be electrically connected to the transmission via wires, so that the shift signal can be transmitted from the circuit board to the transmission via wires.

In this embodiment, the transmission control device 1a may also include a coupling 30a. The coupling 30a is, for example, a bolt. The housing 25a of the electronic unit 20a is detachably assembled to the brake lever 11a via the coupling 30a. It should be noted that the coupling 30a is an optional component and can be omitted. In this configuration, the housing of the electronic unit is not connected to the brake lever.

According to the gear shift control device disclosed in the above embodiments, the electronic unit is connected to the brake unit by the connecting arm of the electronic unit loop, the connecting arm and the swing arm of the electronic unit loop together hold the handlebar, and the circuit board and battery are disposed on the swing arm of the electronic unit loop and electrically connected to each other. This configuration allows the electronic unit and the brake unit to be integrated together, and the brake unit is mounted on the handlebar through the electronic unit loop. Therefore, the number of components directly mounted on the handlebar can be reduced, making the appearance of the bicycle handlebar simple and aesthetically pleasing.

In addition, by having the center line of the first mounting hole of the brake unit loop pass through the second mounting hole of the electronic unit loop, and by ensuring that the minimum distance between the brake unit loop and the electronic unit loop is no more than 20mm, the electronic unit can be mounted as close as possible to the brake unit on the handlebars, making the electronic unit and the brake unit appear as a single unit. This results in a clean and aesthetically pleasing appearance at the bicycle handlebars.

Although the present invention has been disclosed above with reference to the preferred embodiments described above, it is not intended to limit the present invention. Anyone skilled in the art may make some modifications and refinements without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention. Therefore, the scope of patent protection of the present invention shall be determined by the scope of the patent application attached to this specification.

1,1’’,1a: Speed control device

10,10a: Brake unit

11,11a: Brake lever

111,111a: Brake lever

112: Hydraulic cylinder body

12,12a: Variable speed control switch assembly

13a: Brake unit lock ring

131a: First assembly hole

20,20a: Electronic Unit

21,21’’,21a: Electron unit loop

211,211’’: Connecting arm

211a: Second assembly hole

212,212’’: Rotary arm

2121: Circuit board slot

2122: Battery compartment

213,213’’: Locking fastener

22,22’,22a: Circuit board

23,23’,23a: Battery

24, 24’, 24a: Wireless signal transmitter

25a: Shell

30a: Connector

H: Handlebars

C1: Centerline

D1: distance

A: Direction

B: Direction

Figure 1 is a perspective view of the shift control device and handlebars disclosed in the first embodiment of the present invention. Figure 2 is a partial exploded view of the shift control device and handlebars of Figure 1. Figure 3 is an exploded view of the shift control device of Figure 2 with the handlebars visible. Figures 4 and 5 are schematic diagrams of the battery, circuit board, and wireless signal transmitter disclosed in another embodiment of the present invention. Figure 6 is a partial exploded view of the shift control device and handlebars of another embodiment of the present invention. Figure 7 is a perspective view of the shift control device and handlebars disclosed in another embodiment of the present invention. Figure 8 is a side view of the shift control device and handlebars of Figure 7.

10: Brake Unit

11: Brake lever

111: Brake lever

112: Hydraulic Cylinder

12: Gearbox control switch assembly

21: Electronic Unit Bundle

211: Connecting Arm

212: Rotary Arm

2121: Circuit board slot

2122: Battery Case

213: Locking firmware

22: Circuit Board

23: Batteries

24: Wireless Signal Transmitter

H: Handlebars

A: Direction

Claims (9)

A shift control device for mounting on a bicycle handlebar includes: a brake unit; and an electronic unit including an electronic unit loop, a circuit board, and a battery. The electronic unit loop includes a connecting arm, a swing arm, and a locking fastener. The connecting arm is connected to the brake unit. One end of the swing arm is rotatably disposed on the connecting arm. The locking fastener secures the swing arm and the connecting arm, thereby enabling the shift control device to... The connecting arm and the rotating arm together clamp the handlebar. The circuit board and the battery are disposed on the rotating arm of the electronic unit's retaining ring and are electrically connected to each other. The braking unit includes a brake lever and a gear shift control switch assembly. The electronic unit retaining ring is connected to the brake lever, and the gear shift control switch assembly is disposed on a brake lever of the brake lever and is electrically connected to the circuit board of the electronic unit. The speed control device as described in claim 1, wherein the swing arm has a circuit board slot and a battery slot, the circuit board and the battery being respectively disposed in the circuit board slot and the battery slot. The transmission control device as described in claim 2, wherein the circuit board slot and the battery slot partially overlap. The transmission control device as described in claim 1, wherein the electronic unit includes a wireless signal transmitter electrically connected to the circuit board. The transmission control device as described in claim 1, wherein the connecting arm of the electronic unit loop is integrally connected to a hydraulic cylinder body of the brake lever. A shift control device for mounting on a bicycle handlebar includes: a brake unit comprising a brake lever and a brake unit retainer connected thereto, the brake unit retainer having a first mounting hole for mounting to the handlebar; and an electronic unit comprising a housing, a circuit board, a battery, and an electronic unit retainer, the circuit board and the battery being located within the housing and electrically connected to each other, the electronic unit retainer... The electronic unit loop is connected to the housing and has a second mounting hole for mounting to the handlebar; wherein the centerline of the first mounting hole of the brake unit loop passes through the second mounting hole of the electronic unit loop; wherein the brake unit further includes a shift control switch assembly, the shift control switch assembly being disposed on a brake lever of the brake lever and electrically connected to the circuit board of the electronic unit. The transmission control device as described in claim 6, wherein the minimum distance between the brake unit loop ring and the electronic unit loop ring is not greater than 20 mm. The transmission control device as described in claim 6 further includes a coupling through which the housing is detachably assembled to the brake lever. The speed control device as described in claim 6, wherein the electronic unit includes a wireless signal transmitter electrically connected to the circuit board.