Patent Application
20230373585
This disclosure generally relates to a bicycle component, a bicycle component assembly, and a cable connector.
In recent years, some bicycles are provided with electrical bicycle components or devices to make it easier for the rider to operate the bicycle. Examples of such electrical bicycle components include suspensions, transmission devices (e.g., derailleurs, internally geared hubs, etc.) and seatposts. Such electrical bicycle components use electricity from an onboard power source, such as one or more batteries. In some electrical components, one or more of the electrical components share a power supply. On the other hand, electrical components can have its own power supply. The power source for the bicycle component either needs to be replaced or needs to be periodically recharged. In the case where the power source for the bicycle component needs to be periodically recharged, either the battery is plugged into a remote charger, or the battery is removed from the bicycle component and placed on a remote charger.
Generally, the present disclosure is directed to various features of a bicycle component having a battery holder for a battery.
In view of the state of the known technology and in accordance with a first aspect of the present disclosure, a bicycle component is provided that basically comprises a base member, a movable member, a link member, an actuator and a battery holder. The link member movably couples the movable member to the base member. The actuator is operatively coupled to the link member to move the link member. The battery holder is detachably attached to the link member. The battery holder includes a battery holding portion configured to hold a battery and a flexible element electrically connecting the battery holding portion to the actuator.
With the bicycle component according to the first aspect, a battery can be easily supported to the link member of the bicycle component and easily electrically connected to the actuator via the battery holder.
In accordance with a second aspect of the present disclosure, the bicycle component according to the first aspect is configured so that the actuator is provided to the base member.
With the bicycle component according to the second aspect, the actuator can be reliably supported and easily connected to the link member for moving the link member, which in turn moves the movable member relative to the base member.
In accordance with a third aspect of the present disclosure, the bicycle component according to the first aspect or the second aspect is configured so that the link member includes a first link and a second link, and the battery holding portion is located at least partially between the first link and the second link.
With the bicycle component according to the third aspect, the movable member can be reliably supported for movement relative to the base member by using two links.
In accordance with a fourth aspect of the present disclosure, the bicycle component according to any one of the first aspect to the third aspect is configured so that the link member includes a first link that is pivotally connected to the base member by a first link pin and pivotally connected to the movable member by a second link pin, and the battery holding portion is located between the first link pin and the second link pin.
With the bicycle component according to the fourth aspect, the links can form a four-bar linkage for controlling the movement of the movable member relative to the base member.
In accordance with a fifth aspect of the present disclosure, the bicycle component according to any one of the first aspect to the fourth aspect is configured so that the battery holding portion is configured to detachably hold the battery.
With the bicycle component according to the fifth aspect, the battery can be easily removed and reinstalled after being recharged, and/or replacement after the battery has reached its useful life.
In accordance with a sixth aspect of the present disclosure, the bicycle component according to any one of the first aspect to the fifth aspect is configured so that the actuator is configured to be connected to an additional electrical cable in a state where the actuator is disconnected from the flexible element.
With the bicycle component according to the sixth aspect, it is possible to supply electric power to the actuator from another power source (e.g., a remotely located battery).
In accordance with a seventh aspect of the present disclosure, the bicycle component according to any one of the first aspect to the sixth aspect is configured so that the flexible element includes at least one of a first electrical cable and a flexible circuit board.
With the bicycle component according to the seventh aspect, a conventional electrical cable or a conventional flexible circuit board can be used to electrically connect the battery to the actuator.
In accordance with an eighth aspect of the present disclosure, a bicycle component is provided that basically comprises an electrical part, a first battery holder, a first electrical connection and a second electrical connection. The first battery holder is configured to hold a first battery. The first electrical connection is configured to be directly connected to a first electrical terminal of the first battery. The second electrical connection is electrically connected to the electrical part and configured to be connected to a second electrical cable electrically connected to a second battery.
With the bicycle component according to the eighth aspect, it is possible to supply electric power to the actuator from either the first battery or the second battery.
In accordance with a ninth aspect of the present disclosure, the bicycle component according to the eighth aspect is configured so that the second electrical connection is configured to be electrically connected to the second battery via a second battery holder, the second battery holder remotely located from the bicycle component.
With the bicycle component according to the ninth aspect, the second battery can be mounted at a location that is remotely located from the bicycle component using the second battery holder.
In accordance with a tenth aspect of the present disclosure, the bicycle component according to the eighth aspect or the ninth aspect further comprises a base member, a movable member and a link member movably coupling to the movable member to the base member.
With the bicycle component according to the tenth aspect, the first battery holder can be conveniently located to one of the base member, the movable member and the link member.
In accordance with an eleventh aspect of the present disclosure, the bicycle component according to the tenth aspect is configured so that the first electrical connection is located at one of the base member, the movable member and the link member, and the second electrical connection is located at the one of the base member, the movable member and the link member.
With the bicycle component according to the eleventh aspect, the first electrical connection can be appropriately located at one of the base member, the movable member and the link member, and the second electrical connection can be appropriately located at the one of the base member, the movable member and the link member.
In accordance with a twelfth aspect of the present disclosure, the bicycle component according to the tenth aspect is configured so that the first electrical connection is located at one of the base member, the movable member and the link member, and the second electrical connection is located at a different one of the base member, the movable member and the link member from the first electrical connection.
With the bicycle component according to the twelfth aspect, the first electrical connection can be appropriately located at one of the base member, the movable member and the link member, and the second electrical connection can be appropriately located at a different one of the base member, the movable member and the link member.
In accordance with a thirteenth aspect of the present disclosure, the bicycle component according to the tenth aspect is configured so that the first electrical connection is located at the link member, and the second electrical connection is located at the base member.
With the bicycle component according to the thirteenth aspect, it is possible to easily electrically connect the first battery to the first electrical connection and easily electrically connect the second battery to the second electrical connection.
In accordance with a fourteenth aspect of the present disclosure, the bicycle component according to the eighth aspect or the ninth aspect further comprises a base member configured to be mounted to a bicycle frame at a mounting point, wherein the second electrical connection is at least partially located further from the mounting point than the first electrical connection.
With the bicycle component according to the fourteenth aspect, the first electrical connection and the second electrical connection can be appropriately located with respect to the mounting point of the base member to the bicycle frame.
In accordance with a fifteenth aspect of the present disclosure, the bicycle component according to the eighth aspect or the ninth aspect further comprises a base member configured to be mounted to a bicycle frame at a mounting point, wherein the first electrical connection is at least partially located further from the mounting point than the second electrical connection.
With the bicycle component according to the fifteenth aspect, the first electrical connection and the second electrical connection can be appropriately located with respect to the mounting point of the base member to the bicycle frame.
In accordance with a sixteenth aspect of the present disclosure, the bicycle component according to any one of the eighth aspect to the fifteenth aspect is configured so that the second electrical connection includes an electrical connector.
With the bicycle component according to the sixteenth aspect, an electrical cable can be easily connected to the second electrical connection.
In accordance with a seventeenth aspect of the present disclosure, the bicycle component according to any one of the eighth aspect to the sixteenth aspect further comprises an electronic controller configured to switch supply of electrical power to the electrical part from one of the first battery and the second battery to the other one the first battery and the second battery upon determining a power level of one of the first battery and the second battery is lower than the other one the first battery and the second battery while in a state where the first battery is electrically connected to the first electrical connection and the second battery is electrically connected to the second electrical connection.
With the bicycle component according to the seventeenth aspect, it is possible to switch supply of electrical power to the electrical part from one of the first battery and the second battery to the other one the first battery and the second battery to ensure that sufficient electric power is available for the electrical part.
In accordance with an eighteenth aspect of the present disclosure, the bicycle component according to any one of the eighth aspect to the seventeenth aspect is configured so that the first battery holder includes the first electrical connection and a first electrical cable that is configured to be connected to the second electrical connection.
With the bicycle component according to the eighteenth aspect, it is possible to selectively connect either the first battery or the second battery to the electrical part using the same electrical connection.
In accordance with a nineteenth aspect of the present disclosure, the bicycle component according to any one of the eighth aspect to the eighteenth aspect is configured so that the first battery has a first electric power capacity, and the second battery has a second electric power capacity larger than the first electric power capacity.
With the bicycle component according to the nineteenth aspect, it is possible to provide a smaller capacity battery on the bicycle component and provide a larger capacity battery at a remote location on the bicycle.
In accordance with a twentieth aspect of the present disclosure, the bicycle component according to any one of the eighth aspect to the nineteenth aspect further comprises a circuitry configured to reduce at least one of voltage and current, and the circuitry being disposed at one of the second electrical connection, the second battery holder, and the electrical part.
With the bicycle component according to the twentieth aspect, it is possible to control the voltage and/or the current from the second battery to an appropriate level.
In accordance with a twenty-first aspect of the present disclosure, a bicycle component is provided that basically comprises an electrical part, a first battery holder, an electrical connection and a first electrical cable. The first battery holder is configured to hold a first battery. The electrical connection is electrically connected to the electrical part. The first electrical cable is electrically connected to at least one electrical terminal of the first battery holder. The electrical connection is configured to be selectively connected to the first electrical cable and a second electrical cable electrically connected to a second battery. The electrical connection is configured to be connected to the first electrical cable in a state where the second electrical cable is electrically disconnected from the electrical connection. The electrical connection is configured to be connected to the second electrical cable of the second battery in a state where the first electrical cable is electrically disconnected from the electrical connection.
With the bicycle component according to the twenty-first aspect, it is possible to easily switch the electric power being supplied to the electrical part from the first battery to being supplied from the second battery using the same electrical connection.
In accordance with a twenty-second aspect of the present disclosure, the bicycle component according to the twenty-first aspect is configured so that the first electrical cable has a first electrical connector, and the second electrical cable has a second electrical connector having a same structure as the first electrical connector.
With the bicycle component according to the twenty-second aspect, it is possible to easily switch the electric power being supplied to the electrical part from the first battery to being supplied from the second battery using the same electrical connection.
In accordance with a twenty-third aspect of the present disclosure, a bicycle component assembly comprises the bicycle component according to the twenty-first aspect or the twenty-second aspect, and further comprises a second battery holder configured to hold a second battery. The second battery holder is remotely located from the bicycle component.
With the bicycle component assembly according to the twenty-third aspect, the second battery can be mounted at a location that is remotely located from the bicycle component using the second battery holder.
In accordance with a twenty-fourth aspect of the present disclosure, the bicycle component assembly according to the twenty-third aspect is configured so that the electrical connection is connected to the first electrical cable in a state where the first battery is attached to the first battery holder, and the second battery is attached to the second battery holder such that the first electrical cable can be disconnected from the electrical connection and the second electrical cable can be connected to the electrical connection.
With the bicycle component assembly according to the twenty-fourth aspect, it is possible to easily switch the electric power being supplied to the electrical part from the first battery to being supplied from the second battery using the same electrical connection.
In accordance with a twenty-fifth aspect of the present disclosure, the bicycle component assembly according to the twenty-third aspect is configured so that the electrical connection is connected to the second electrical cable in a state where the second battery is attached to the second battery holder, and the first battery is attached to the first battery holder such that the second electrical cable can be disconnected from the electrical connection and the first electrical cable can be connected to the electrical connection.
With the bicycle component assembly according to the twenty-fifth aspect, it is possible to easily switch the electric power being supplied to the electrical part from the first battery to being supplied from the second battery using the same electrical connection.
In accordance with a twenty-sixth aspect of the present disclosure, the bicycle component assembly according to any one of the twenty-third aspect to the twenty-fifth aspect further comprises a circuitry configured to reduce at least one of voltage and current. The circuitry is disposed at one of the electrical connection, the second battery holder, and the electrical part.
With the bicycle component assembly according to the twenty-sixth aspect, it is possible to control the voltage and/or the current from the second battery to an appropriate level.
In accordance with a twenty-seventh aspect of the present disclosure, the bicycle component according to any one of the twenty-first aspect to the twenty-sixth aspect further comprises a base member configured to be mounted to a bicycle frame at a mounting point, wherein the electrical connection is at least partially located further from the mounting point than the first battery holder.
With the bicycle component according to the twenty-seventh aspect, the first battery holder and the electrical connection can be appropriately located with respect to the mounting point of the base member to the bicycle frame.
In accordance with a twenty-eighth aspect of the present disclosure, the bicycle component according to any one of the twenty-first aspect to the twenty-sixth aspect further comprises a base member configured to be mounted to a bicycle frame at a mounting point, wherein the first battery holder is at least partially located further from the mounting point than the electrical connection.
With the bicycle component according to the twenty-eighth aspect, the first battery holder and the electrical connection can be appropriately located with respect to the mounting point of the base member to the bicycle frame.
In accordance with a twenty-ninth aspect of the present disclosure, the bicycle component according to any one of the eighth aspect to the twenty-eighth aspect is configured so that the second electrical cable is configured to be used for power line communication.
With the bicycle component according to the twenty-ninth aspect, it is possible to communicate signals to the bicycle component via the second electrical cable.
In accordance with a thirtieth aspect of the present disclosure, the bicycle component according to any one of the first aspect to the twenty-ninth aspect is configured so that the bicycle component is a bicycle component other than a drive unit.
With the bicycle component according to the thirtieth aspect, it is possible to provide the battery to a bicycle component other than a drive unit.
In accordance with a thirty-first aspect of the present disclosure, the bicycle component according to any one of the first aspect to the thirtieth aspect is configured so that the bicycle component includes one of an electric adjustable seatpost, an electric front suspension, an electric rear suspension, an electric front brake, an electric rear brake, an electric shift lever, an electric front derailleur, and an electric rear derailleur.
With the bicycle component according to the thirty-first aspect, it is possible to a battery to any one of an electric adjustable seatpost, an electric front suspension, an electric rear suspension, an electric front brake, an electric rear brake, an electric shift lever, an electric front derailleur, and an electric rear derailleur.
In accordance with a thirty-second aspect of the present disclosure, a bicycle component is provided that basically comprises an electrical part and an electrical connection. The electrical connection is electrically connected to the electrical part. The electrical connection is configured to be selectively and electrically connected to a first cable connector of a first electrical cable and a second cable connector of a second electrical cable. The first cable connector has a first shape and the second cable connector has a second shape. The second shape is different from the first shape.
With the bicycle component according to the thirty-second aspect, the bicycle component can be connected to other components using either the first electrical cable or the second electrical cable.
In accordance with a thirty-third aspect of the present disclosure, the bicycle component according to the thirty-second aspect is configured so that the first electrical cable is configured to be electrically connected to a first battery. The second electrical cable is configured to be electrically connected to a second battery, the second battery having a voltage higher than a voltage of the first battery.
With the bicycle component according to the thirty-third aspect, the bicycle component can be connected to batteries having different voltage ratings.
In accordance with a thirty-fourth aspect of the present disclosure, the bicycle component according to the thirty-third aspect is configured so that the second battery is configured to supply electrical power to a drive unit that is configured to assist in propulsion of a bicycle.
With the bicycle component according to the thirty-fourth aspect, the bicycle component can be indirectly coupled to the second battery via the drive unit such that the second battery supplies electrical power to both the bicycle component and the drive unit.
In accordance with a thirty-fifth aspect of the present disclosure, the bicycle component according to the thirty-third aspect or the thirty-fourth aspect is configured so that the first battery is configured to be attached to the bicycle component.
With the bicycle component according to the thirty-fifth aspect, the bicycle component can be a self-contained by having a built-in battery. In this way, the bicycle component can be ready to use without the battery having to be mounted separately to the bicycle.
In accordance with a thirty-sixth aspect of the present disclosure, the bicycle component according to any one of the thirty-second aspect to the thirty-fifth aspect is configured so that the electrical connection includes an electrical contact portion and a connector housing defining a connector receiving recess. The electrical contact portion is at least partly disposed in the connector receiving recess.
With the bicycle component according to the thirty-sixth aspect, the electrical contact portion is protected by being disposed in the connector receiving recess of the connector housing.
In accordance with a thirty-seventh aspect of the present disclosure, the bicycle component according to the thirty-sixth aspect is configured so that the connector receiving recess includes a first recess having a first width and a second recess having a second width. The second width is larger than the first width.
With the bicycle component according to the thirty-seventh aspect, the connector receiving recess can receive the first cable connector having the first shape and the second cable connector having the second shape.
In accordance with a thirty-eighth aspect of the present disclosure, the bicycle component according to the thirty-seventh aspect is configured so that the second recess is configured to receive a connector abutment portion of the second cable connector to allow the second cable connector to electrically connect of the electrical connection.
With the bicycle component according to the thirty-eighth aspect, the connector receiving recess can reliably receive the connector abutment portion of the second cable connector.
In accordance with a thirty-ninth aspect of the present disclosure, the bicycle component according to the thirty-seventh aspect or the thirty-eighth aspect further comprises a housing accommodating the electrical part. The connector housing is integrally formed with the housing.
With the bicycle component according to the thirty-ninth aspect, the cost of manufacturing the bicycle component can be reduced by providing a connector housing that is integrally formed with the housing as compared to providing a connector housing that is separate from the housing.
In accordance with a fortieth aspect of the present disclosure, the bicycle component according to any one of the thirty-second aspect to the thirty-ninth aspect is configured so that the bicycle component includes an electric rear derailleur having a base member configured to be mounted to a bicycle frame. The electrical part is provided at the base member.
With the bicycle component according to the fortieth aspect, the bicycle component can be used to change gears of the bicycle.
In accordance with a forty-first aspect of the present disclosure, the bicycle component according to any one of the thirty-second aspect to the fortieth aspect is configured so that the electrical part includes a reduction circuit reducing at least one of voltage and current.
With the bicycle component according to the forty-first aspect, the bicycle component can be connected to batteries having different voltage ratings.
In accordance with a forty-second aspect of the present disclosure, a cable connector is provided for an electrical cable that is configured to be connected to a first bicycle component. The cable connector comprises a connector contact portion and an abutment portion. The connector contact portion is configured to electrically contact with a first electrical contact portion of the first bicycle component in a state where the cable connector is connected to the first bicycle component. The abutment portion is configured to abut a second connector housing of a second bicycle component so as to prevent electrical contact with a second electrical contact portion of the second bicycle component.
With the cable connector according to the forty-second aspect, the cable connector is prevented from being electrically connected to the second bicycle component.
In accordance with a forty-third aspect of the present disclosure, the cable connector according to the forty-second aspect further comprises a cable connector housing covering the connector contact portion. The cable connector has a tubular shape having a center axis. The abutment portion includes at least one flange extending in a circumferential direction relative to the center axis of the cable connector housing.
With the cable connector according to the forty-third aspect, the connector contact portion is protected, and the abutment portion reliably prevents electrically connection to the second bicycle component.
In accordance with a forty-fourth aspect of the present disclosure, the cable connector according to the forty-third aspect further comprises a cable connector housing covering the connector contact portion. The cable connector has a tubular shape having a center axis. The abutment portion includes at least two flanges intermittently disposed in a circumferential direction relative to the center axis of the cable connector housing.
With the cable connector according to the forty-fourth aspect, the connector contact portion is protected, and the abutment portion reliably prevents electrically connection to the second bicycle component.
In accordance with a forty-fifth aspect of the present disclosure, the cable connector according to the forty-third aspect or the forty-fourth aspect is configured so that the cable connector housing has a shape, which is different from a second shape of another cable connector configured to be electrically connected to the second electrical contact portion of the second bicycle component.
With the cable connector according to the forty-fifth aspect, the cable connector housing prevents electrically connection to the second bicycle component that is configured to be electrically connected to another cable connector.
In accordance with a forty-sixth aspect of the present disclosure, the cable connector according to any one of the forty-third aspect to the forty-fifth aspect is configured so that the cable connector housing has a third width. The abutment portion has a fourth width. The fourth width is larger than the third width.
With the cable connector according to the forty-sixth aspect, the cable connector housing is configured to prevent electrically connection to the second bicycle component.
Also, other objects, features, aspects and advantages of the disclosed bicycle component will become apparent to those skilled in the art from the following detailed description, which, taken in conjunction with the annexed drawings, discloses preferred embodiments of the bicycle component.
Referring now to the attached drawings which form a part of this original disclosure.
Selected embodiments will now be explained with reference to the drawings. It will be apparent to those skilled in the bicycle field from this disclosure that the following descriptions of the embodiments are provided for illustration only and not for the purpose of limiting the invention as defined by the appended claims and their equivalents.
Referring initially to
As shown in
Here, the bicycle B further includes a drive unit DU that is configured to apply a propulsion force to the crank axle CA1 of the bicycle B. The drive unit DU has an electric motor provided in a housing that is mounted to the front frame body FB. The electric motor of the drive unit DU is, for example, a brushless motor. The drive unit DU can include a speed reducer connected to an output shaft of the motor. In the present embodiment, the housing of the drive unit DU rotatably supports the crank axle CA1. Preferably, a one-way clutch is provided in a power transmission path between the motor of the drive unit DU and the crank axle CA1 to restrict transmission of a rotational force of the crank C to the motor of the drive unit DU in a case where the crank axle CA1 is rotated in a direction in which the bicycle B moves forward.
In the illustrated embodiment, the bicycle components BC of the bicycle B includes an electric adjustable seatpost 12, an electric front suspension 14, an electric rear suspension 16, an electric front brake 18, an electric rear brake 20, an electric shift lever 22, an electric front derailleur 24, and an electric rear derailleur 26. Thus, the term “bicycle component BC” will be used herein to generically refer to all of the electrical bicycle components BC of the bicycle B (i.e., the electric adjustable seatpost 12, the electric front suspension 14, the electric rear suspension 16, the electric front brake 18, the electric rear brake 20, the electric shift lever 22, the electric front derailleur 24, and the electric rear derailleur 26).
Referring to
Referring now to
In any case, the bicycle component assembly 10 comprises the bicycle component BC. Basically, for each of the bicycle components BC, the bicycle component BC comprises an electrical part 28 and a first battery holder 30. For example, as diagrammatically illustrated in
The electronic controller 34 is preferably a microcomputer or central processing unit (CPU) that includes at least one processor and at least one computer storage device (i.e., computer memory devices). The electronic controller 34 formed of one or more semiconductor chips that are mounted on the circuit board 32. The term “electronic controller” as used herein refers to hardware that executes a software program, and does not include a human being. The memory device stores programs used by the electronic controller 34. The memory device is any computer storage device or any computer readable medium with the sole exception of a transitory propagating signal. For example, the memory device can be nonvolatile memory and volatile memory, and can includes a ROM (Read Only Memory) device, a RAM (Random Access Memory) device, a hard disk, a flash drive, etc.
The first battery holder 30 is electrically connected to the electrical part 28 to supply electric power to the circuit board 32, the electronic controller 34, the wireless communicator 36 and the actuator 38. In particular, the first battery holder 30 is electrically connected to the electrical part 28 by a flexible element 40 which includes at least one of a first electrical cable and a flexible circuit board. Preferably the flexible element 40 is a first electrical cable having a first electrical connector 40a.
The term “wireless communicator” as used herein includes a receiver, a transmitter, a transceiver, a transmitter-receiver, and contemplates any device or devices, separate or combined, capable of transmitting and/or receiving wireless communication signals, including shift signals or control, command or other signals related to some function of the component being controlled. Here, the wireless communicator 36 is configured to at least receive a wireless signal. Preferably, the wireless communicator 36 is a two-way wireless transceiver that conducts two-way wireless communications using the wireless receiver for wirelessly receiving shift signals and a wireless transmitter for wirelessly transmitting data. In the present embodiment, the wireless communicator 36 can wirelessly communicate with other ones of the bicycle components BC. The wireless control signals of the wireless communicator 36 can be radio frequency (RF) signals, ultra-wide band communication signals, radio frequency identification (RFID), ANT+ communications, or Bluetooth® communications or any other type of signal suitable for short range wireless communications as understood in the bicycle field. It should also be understood that the wireless communicator 36 can transmit the signals at a particular frequency and/or with an identifier such as a particular code, to distinguish the wireless control signal from other wireless control signals. In this way, the bicycle component BC can recognize which control signals are to be acted upon and which control signals are not to be acted upon. Thus, the bicycle component BC can ignore the control signals from other wireless communicators of other bicycle components BC.
The bicycle component assembly 10 further includes a user operable interface 42 for operating the bicycle component BC. In the case of the electric rear derailleur 26, the electric shift lever 22 corresponds to the user operable interface 42 in
The electric adjustable seatpost 12 is configured to adjust the height of the seat S relative to the front frame body FB. The electric adjustable seatpost 12 includes an electric actuator for extending and retracting a pair tubular members to adjust the height of the seat S relative to the front frame body FB. The electric actuator constitutes at least a part of the electrical part 28 of the electric adjustable seatpost 12.
Here, the electric front suspension 14 is pivotally coupled at its upper end to the front frame body FB, and rotatably supports the front wheel FW at its lower end. The electric front suspension 14 is a front suspension fork that is pivotally coupled to the front frame body FB at its upper end, and that rotatably supports the front wheel FW at its lower end. The electric front suspension 14 absorbs shock transmitted from the front wheel FW. The electric front suspension 14 includes an electric actuator for selectively adjusting at least one of a stiffness, including a locking out position, and a stroke length. Thus, the electric front suspension 14 is an electrically adjustable suspension in which the stiffness and/or stoke length can be adjusted. The electric actuator constitutes at least a part of the electrical part 28 of the electric front suspension 14.
The electric rear suspension 16 is operatively disposed between the front frame body FB and the rear frame body RB, which is swingably mounted to a rear section of the front frame body FB such that the rear frame body RB can pivot with respect to the front frame body FB. The rear wheel RW is mounted to a rear end of the rear frame body RB. The electric rear suspension 16 is provided between the front frame body FB and the rear frame body RB to control the movement of the rear frame body RB with respect to the front frame body FB. Namely, the electric rear suspension 16 absorbs shock transmitted from the rear wheel RW. The electric rear suspension 16 includes an electric actuator for selectively adjusting at least one of a stiffness, including a locking out position, and a stroke length. Thus, the electric rear suspension 16 is an electrically adjustable suspension in which the stiffness and/or stoke length can be adjusted. The electric actuator constitutes at least a part of the electrical part 28 of the electric rear suspension 16.
The electric front brake 18 is provided to the lower tubular member of the front suspension 14. The electric front brake 18 is configured to selectively engage a brake rotor attached of the hub of the front wheel FW. The electric front brake 18 includes an electric actuator for engaging the brake pads against the brake rotor of the front wheel FW. The electric actuator constitutes the electrical part 28 of the electric front brake 18.
The electric rear brake 20 is provided to the rear frame body RB. The electric rear brake 20 is configured to selectively engage a brake rotor attached of the hub of the rear wheel RW. The electric rear brake 20 includes an electric actuator for engaging the brake pads against the brake rotor of the rear wheel RW. The electric actuator constitutes at least a part of the electrical part 28 of the electric rear brake 20.
The electric shift lever 22 is an electric operating device that is configured with one or more operating levers that operate electrical switches for operating the electric front derailleur 24 and the electric rear derailleur 26. The electrical switches constitute electric rear derailleur 26 of the electrical part 28 of the electric shift lever 22. However, the electric shift lever 22 can be replaced with other types of user operable interfaces having one or more operating members such as levers and/or buttons that operate electrical switches for operating the electric front derailleur 24 and the electric rear derailleur 26. Preferably, the bicycle B is provided with other user operable interfaces for operating the other bicycle components BC of the bicycle B.
The electric front derailleur 24 is configured to the chain CN between the front sprockets FS in response to either an automatic shift signal from a cycle computer, or a user inputted shift signal from the electric shift lever 22. The electric front derailleur 24 includes a chain cage that is moved by an electric actuator. The electric actuator constitutes at least a part of the electrical part 28 of the electric front derailleur 24.
The electric rear derailleur 26 is configured to the chain CN between the rear sprockets RS in response to either an automatic shift signal from a cycle computer, or a user inputted shift signal from the electric shift lever 22. The electric rear derailleur 26 includes a chain cage that is moved by an electric actuator. The electric actuator constitutes at least a part of the electrical part 28 of the electric rear derailleur 26.
As diagrammatically illustrated in
As diagrammatically illustrated in
The electronic controller 54 is preferably a microcomputer or central processing unit (CPU) that includes at least one processor and at least one computer storage device (i.e., computer memory devices). The electronic controller 54 formed of one or more semiconductor chips that are mounted on the circuit board 52. The memory device stores programs used by the electronic controller 54. The memory device is any computer storage device or any computer readable medium with the sole exception of a transitory propagating signal. For example, the memory device can be nonvolatile memory and volatile memory, and can includes a ROM (Read Only Memory) device, a RAM (Random Access Memory) device, a hard disk, a flash drive, etc.
Here, as seen in
Preferably, in the illustrated embodiment, the bicycle component BC further comprises a second electrical connection 58. Here, the second electrical connection 58 is provided to a housing of the electrical part 28. As seen in
The second electrical connection 58 is electrically connected to the electrical part 28. In particular, the second electrical connection 58 is electrically connected to the circuit board 32 which in turn supplies the electric power to the electronic controller 34, the wireless communicator 36 and the actuator 38. In this way, the electrical part 28 can be supplied with electric power from another power source when the power level of the first battery 50 is below a prescribed power level. Thus, using the second electrical connection 58, as discussed below, the actuator 38 is configured to be connected to an additional electrical cable in a state where the actuator 38 is disconnected from the flexible element 40.
In the illustrated embodiment, as diagrammatically illustrated in
The second battery holder 60 is mounted to a part of the bicycle B at a remote location from the bicycle component BC having the first battery holder 30. In other words, the first battery holder 30 and the second battery holder 60 are not provided to the same bicycle component BC. In this way, the second electrical connection 58 is configured to be connected to a second electrical cable 64 that is electrically connected to the second battery 62. The second battery holder 60 can be directly connected to the second electrical connection 58 by the second electrical cable 64. Alternatively, the second battery holder 60 can be indirectly connected to the second electrical connection 58. For example, the second battery holder 60 can be electrically connected to the drive unit DU, and the second electrical cable 64 can electrically connect the drive unit DU to the second electrical connection 58. In this way, the electric power of the second battery 62 is supplied to the second electrical connection 58 via the drive unit DU.
Here, the second electrical cable 64 is an example of the additional electrical cable that is connected to the actuator 38 via the second electrical connection 58 in a state where the actuator 38 is disconnected from the flexible element 40. Here, the second electrical connection 58 is configured to be electrically connected to the second battery 62 via the second battery holder 60. As mentioned above, the second battery holder 60 is remotely located from the bicycle component BC. Of course, when the first battery 50 is electrically connected to the electrical part 28 and the power level of the first battery 50 is sufficient to operate the bicycle component BC, it is not necessary for the second electrical cable 64 to be connected to the second electrical connection 58. As diagrammatically illustrated in
However, as diagrammatically illustrated in
The second electrical connection 58 includes an electrical connector 58a. Preferably, the second electrical connection 58 is a pluggable connector that mates with an electrical connector 64a of the second electrical cable 64 by a plugging action. If the electrical connector 58a is a male connector, then the electrical connector 64a is a female connector. On the other hand, if the electrical connector 58a is a female connector, then the electrical connector 64a is a male connector.
The bicycle component BC further comprises a third electrical connection 65 electrically connected to the electrical part 28. Here, the third electrical connection 65 is connected to the circuit board 32 of the electrical part 28. The first electrical connector 40a and the third electrical connection 65 are pluggable connectors that mate with each other by a plugging action. If the third electrical connection 58 has a male connector, then the first electrical connector 40a is a female connector. On the other hand, if the electrical connection 58 has a female connector, then the first electrical connector 40a is a male connector.
Preferably, the third electrical connection 65 has an electrical connector with the same configuration as the electrical connector 58a of the second electrical connection 58. In this way, the electrical connector 64a can be connected to either the second electrical connection 58 or the third electrical connection 65. Accordingly, the third electrical connection 65 can be omitted if needed and/or desired. In other words, while the diagram in
The first battery 50 has a first electric power capacity, and the second battery 62 has a second electric power capacity larger than the first electric power capacity. Here, for example, the first battery 50 is a 7.4-volt, 300 mAh lithium-ion battery, while the second battery 62 is a 36-volt, 12.5 Ah lithium-ion battery that supplies electric power to the drive unit DU. Thus, to accommodate the different electric power capacities of the first battery 50 and the second battery 62, the bicycle component assembly 10 further comprises a circuitry configured to reduce at least one of voltage and current. In particular, the bicycle component BC further comprises a circuitry configured to reduce at least one of voltage and current. Thus, the circuitry converts current of the second battery 62 to a lower current supplied to the electrical part 28. The circuitry is disposed at one of the second electrical connection 58, the second battery holder 60, and the electrical part 28. Preferably, here, this circuitry is provided to the circuit board 32 of the electrical part 28 of the bicycle component BC.
Referring now to
In the bicycle component assembly 10, the electrical rear derailleur 26 can receive electric power from either the first battery 50 via the first electrical cable 40, or the second battery 60 via the second electrical cable 64. The first battery 50 is provided to the electrical rear derailleur 26, while the second battery 60 is located on the bicycle B at a remote location. For example, the second battery 60 can be a battery that supplies electric power to one or more electrical parts of the bicycle B.
In the case of the bicycle component BC being the electrical rear derailleur 26, as seen in
The base member 70 is configured to be mounted to the bicycle B by a fixing bolt 75, e.g., a fixing bolt. The movable member 72 is movably coupled to the base member 70 to move in a lateral direction with respect to the bicycle frame F. In the electrical rear derailleur 26, the link member 74 movably couples the movable member 72 to the base member 70. The actuator 38 is operatively coupled to the link member 74 to move the link member 74. Here, in the illustrated embodiment of the electrical rear derailleur 26, the actuator 38 is provided to the base member 70. Preferably, the actuator 38 includes a reversible electric motor and a reduction mechanism that are operably coupled to the link member 74.
The base member 70 is preferably constructed of a rigid material such as a lightweight metal (e.g., an aluminum alloy) or a fiber reinforced plastic. The base member 70 is configured to be pivotally mounted to the bicycle frame F by the fixing bolt 75 about the mounting point P1 that defines a first pivot axis. The first pivot axis is sometimes called the B-axis. The base member 70 can also include a posture adjusting bolt for adjusting the posture of the base member 70 about the B-axis in a conventional manner. Here, for example, the base member 70 is directly mounted to a hanger portion of the bicycle frame F via the fixing bolt 75 that forms a B-axle. However, the base member 70 can be indirectly mounted to the bicycle frame F as needed and/or desired.
Here, in the illustrated embodiment of the electrical rear derailleur 26, the link member 74 includes a first link 76 and a second link 78. The first link 76 is partially located further from the bicycle center plane CP than the second link 78 in a state where the base member 70 is mounted to the bicycle frame F. In other words, the second link 78 is located closer to the bicycle center plane than the first link 76 in a state where the base member 70 is mounted to the bicycle frame F. Thus, in the illustrated embodiment, the first link 76 is an outer link, and the second link 78 is an inner link. Alternatively, the first link 76 can be an inner link, and the second link 78 can be an outer link. The first link 76 (i.e., the outer link) at least partially overlying the second link 78 (i.e., the inner link) as viewed from a direction facing toward the bicycle frame F that is configured to face the base member in a state where the base member 70 is attached to the bicycle frame F of the bicycle B.
The first link 76 is pivotally connected to the base member 70 by a first link pin 80 and pivotally connected to the movable member 72 by a second link pin 82. The second link 78 is pivotally connected to the base member 70 by a third link pin 84 and pivotally connected to the movable member 72 by a fourth link pin 86.
The movable member 72 is a rigid member made of a suitable material such as a metallic material or a fiber reinforced plastic material. As mentioned above, the movable member 72 is movably coupled to the base member 70 by the link member 74. A chain guide 88 is pivotally mounted to the movable member 72 so that the chain guide 88 can pivot about a second pivot axis P2, which is sometimes called the P-axis. The chain guide 88 is constructed of a suitable rigid material such as an aluminum alloy or a fiber reinforced plastic. The chain guide 88 basically includes a first chain cage plate 88A and a second chain cage plate 88B. In the illustrated embodiment, the first chain cage plate 88A is an outer chain cage plate, and the second chain cage plate 88B is an inner chain cage plate. Alternatively, the first chain cage plate 88A may be an inner chain cage plate, and the second chain cage plate 88B may be an outer chain cage plate. Also, here, the chain guide 88 further includes a guide pulley 90 and a tension pulley 92. The guide pulley 90 and the tension pulley 92 are rotatably disposed between the first chain cage plate 88A and the second chain cage plate 88B. The first chain cage plate 88A and the second chain cage plate 88B define a chain receiving slot for receiving the bicycle chain CN.
The first electrical connection 56 is located at one of the base member 70, the movable member 72 and the link member 74. The second electrical connection 58 is located at the one of the base member 70, the movable member 72 and the link member 74. The second electrical connection 58 is located at a different one of the base member 70, the movable member 72 and the link member 74 from the first electrical connection 56. In the case of the rear derailleur 26, the first electrical connection 56 is located at the link member 74, and the second electrical connection 58 is located at the base member 70.
Now the battery holder 30 (i.e., the first battery holder) of the electrical rear derailleur 26 will be discussed in more detail with reference to
Basically, as seen in
The battery holding portion 94 is configured to hold the battery 50 (i.e., the first battery). As explained later in more detail, the battery holding portion 94 is configured to detachably hold the battery 50. In accordance with certain aspects of the present disclosure, the battery 50 can be non-detachably coupled to the battery holder 30. The battery holding portion 94 is preferably constructed of a rigid material such as a lightweight metal (e.g., an aluminum alloy) or a fiber reinforced plastic.
Preferably, the battery holding portion 94 is located at least partially between the first link 76 and the second link 78. More preferably, the battery holding portion 94 is located between the first link pin 80 and the second link pin 82. In the illustrated embodiment, the battery holding portion 94 of the battery holder 30 includes a base portion 94a and a first extending portion 94b extending from the base portion 94a. In other words, the battery holder 30 includes the base portion 94a and the first extending portion 94b. Here, the battery holding portion 94 of the battery holder 30 includes the second extending portion 94c. In other words, the battery holder 30 further includes the second extending portion 94c. The second extending portion 94c extends from the base portion 94a. Thus, the first extending portion 94b and the second extending portion 94c are not directly coupled each other. Rather, the first extending portion 94b and the second extending portion 94c are coupled via the base portion 94a. The base portion 94a, the first extending portion 94b and the second extending portion 94c are configured to define a battery holding space S1 for receiving the battery 50.
As seen in
As described below in more detail, the base portion 94a includes at least one electrical holder terminal configured to contact at least one electrical battery terminal 50a of the battery 50 upon sliding the battery 50 into the battery holding space S1. The electrical holder terminal is part of the first electrical connection 56 that electrically connects with the battery 50 upon sliding the battery 50 into the battery holding space S1. In this way, the battery 50 is electrically connected to the electrical holder terminals of the first electrical connection 56 that is provided to the circuit board 52 of the battery holder 30. In particular, the circuit board 52 is located in the base portion 94a of the battery holder 30 such that the electrical holder terminals of the first electrical connection 56 are at least partially exposed to the battery holding space S1 for contacting the electrical battery terminal 50a of the battery 50.
Here, the base portion 94a, the first extending portion 94b and the second extending portion 94c are integrally formed as a one piece member. Alternatively, one or both of the first extending portion 94b and the second extending portion 94c can be formed as a separate member that is attached to the link member 74. Preferably, the first extending portion 94b and the second extending portion 94c are parallel to each other. The first extending portion 94b is longer than the second extending portion 94c. The first extending portion 94b and the second extending portion 94c face each other across the battery holding space S1. As described below, the first extending portion 94b and the second extending portion 94c are configured to engage the battery 50 to restrict movement of the battery 50 in directions other than the battery insertion direction. The first extending portion 94b and the second extending portion 94c are cantilevered relative to the base portion 94a. While the battery holder 30 is illustrated with two extending portions (i.e., the first extending portion 94b and the second extending portion 94c in the illustrated embodiments), one of the first extending portion 94b and the second extending portion 94c can be omitted from the battery holder 30. For example, the second extending portion 94c does not have to be part of the battery holder 30 but could be integrally formed with the link member 74.
Referring now to
Referring now to
As seen in
Referring to
The battery 50 is configured to be held by the battery holder 30 of any one of the bicycle components BC of the bicycle B. Basically, as seen in
Basically, the casing 102 includes a top wall 102a, a first side wall 102b connects to the top wall 102a, and a second side wall 102c connects to the top wall 102a. The casing 102 further includes a bottom wall 102d connected to the first side wall 102b and the second side wall 102c at the end opposite to the top wall 102a. The casing 102 further includes a first connecting wall 102e and a second connecting wall 102f connecting the first side wall 102b and the second side wall 102c. The casing 102 is configured to be inserted into the battery holder 30 in a removably and reinstallable manner without damaging the battery 50 or the battery holder 30.
As seen in
Here, the battery 50 further comprises a first contacting portion 108 and a second contacting portion 110. The first contacting portion 108 and the second contacting portion 110 are configured to contact the battery holder 30 and linearly slides in the first direction D1 during a battery attachment operation of the battery 50 to the battery holder 30. More specifically, the first contacting portion 108 and the second contacting portion 110 are configured to contact the first contact part 94b2 and the second contact part 94c2 of the battery holder 30 to linearly slides in the first direction D1 during a battery attachment operation of the battery 50 to the battery holder 30. The first contacting portion 108 has at least one of a first protrusion and a first recess. The second contacting portion 110 has at least one of a second protrusion and a second recess 108b. The at least one of the first protrusion and the first recess extends an entirety of the first side wall 102b in the first direction D1, and the at least one of the second protrusion and the second recess extends an entirety of the second side wall 102c in the first direction D1. Here, the first contacting portion 108 has a first recess 108a. Also, here, the second contacting portion 110 has a second recess 110a. However, one of the first contacting portion 108 and the second contacting portion 110 could have a protrusion and the other of the first contacting portion 108 and the second contacting portion 110 could have a recess. Alternatively, both the first contacting portion 108 and the second contacting portion 110 can each have a protrusion. Of course, the battery holder 30 would need to be modified to mate with the first contacting portion 108 and the second contacting portion 110 of the battery 50.
Preferably, as seen in
As seen in
Referring now to
Referring now to
The first battery holder 230 is configured to hold a first battery 250. The electrical part 228, the first battery holder 230 and the first electrical cable 240 can have the same structure as the electrical part 28, the first battery holder 30, the first electrical cable 40 and the first battery 50, respectively. Thus, the descriptions of the electrical part 28, the first battery holder 30, the first electrical cable 40 and the first battery 50 apply to the electrical part 228, the first battery holder 230 and the first electrical cable 240, respectively.
Similar to the first embodiment, the first battery 250 of the bicycle component BC further comprises a first electrical connection 256. Here, the first electrical connection 256 includes a pair of electrical terminals 256a that are provided to a circuit board 252 of the first battery holder 230. The first electrical connection 256 is configured to be directly connected to a first electrical terminal 250a of the first battery 250. Here, the first battery 250 includes a pair of the first electrical terminals 250a. The first electrical terminals 250a of the first battery 250 directly contact the electrical terminals 256a of the first electrical connection 256.
The bicycle component BC further comprises an electrical connection 258, which can also be referred to as a second electrical connection. The electrical connection 258 is electrically connected to the electrical part 228. The electrical connection 258 is configured to receive electric power and supply that electric power to the components of the electrical part 228. The first electrical cable 240 is configured to be electrically connected to the electrical part 228 via the electrical connection 258 such that electric power can flow from the first battery holder 230 to the electrical part 228 via the first electrical cable 240 in a state where the first electrical cable 240 is electrically connected to the electrical part 228.
Similar to the electrical connection 58 and the first battery holder 30, the electrical connection 258 and the first battery holder 230 are arranged in the same positions as the electrical connection 58 and the first battery holder 30 shown in
The bicycle component assembly 10 further comprises a second battery holder 260 configured to hold a second battery 262. The bicycle component assembly 210 further comprises a second electrical cable 264 that is electrically connected to the second battery holder 260. The second battery holder 260 is electrically connected to the second battery 262. In this way, the second electrical cable 264 is electrically connected to the second battery 262. Further, the second electrical cable 264 is configured to be electrically connected to the electrical part 228 via the electrical connection 258 such that electric power can flow from the second battery holder 260 to the electrical part 228 via the second electrical cable 264 in a state where the second electrical cable 264 is electrically connected to the electrical part 228. Thus, the electrical connection 258 is configured to be selectively connected to the first electrical cable 240 and the second electrical cable 264 electrically connecting to the second battery 262. Thus, either the first battery 250 or the second battery 262 can be used for supplying electric power to the components of the electrical part 228.
Here, the second battery holder 260 is illustrated as being directly connected to the second electrical connection 258 by the second electrical cable 264. However, alternatively, the second battery holder 260 can be indirectly connected to the second electrical connection 258. For example, the second battery holder 260 can be electrically connected to the drive unit DU, and the second electrical cable 264 can electrically connect the drive unit DU to the second electrical connection 258. In this way, the electric power of the second battery 262 is supplied to the second electrical connection 258 via the drive unit DU.
Preferably, the second electrical cable 264 is configured to be used for power line communication. In other words, when the second electrical cable 264 is electrically connected to the electrical part 228, circuitry of the electrical part 228 includes a power line communication circuit and the second battery holder 260 includes a power line communication circuit. In this way, the bicycle component BC (e.g., the electrical rear derailleur 26) can communicate with other bicycle components BC that are connected to the second battery 262 via the second battery holder 260. The electrical part 228 of the bicycle component BC (e.g., the electrical rear derailleur 26) preferably includes the wireless communicator 36 of
More specifically, the electrical connection 258 is configured to be connected to the first electrical cable 240 in a state where the second electrical cable 264 is electrically disconnected from the electrical connection 258. Preferably, the electrical connection 258 is connected to the first electrical cable 240 in a state where the first battery 250 is attached to the first battery holder 230. In other words, the first battery 250 is attached to the first battery holder 230 such that the second electrical cable 264 can be disconnected from the electrical connection 258 and the first electrical cable 240 can be connected to the electrical connection 258.
Similarly, the electrical connection 258 is configured to be connected to the second electrical cable 264 of the second battery 262 in a state where the first electrical cable 240 is electrically disconnected from the electrical connection 258. Preferably, the electrical connection 258 is connected to the second electrical cable 264 in a state where the second battery 262 is attached to the second battery holder 260. In other words, the second battery 262 is attached to the second battery holder 260 such that the first electrical cable 240 can be disconnected from the electrical connection 258 and the second electrical cable 264 can be connected to the electrical connection 258. Thus, either the first battery 250 or the second battery 262 is connected to the electrical connection 258 to supply that electric power to the components of the electrical part 228.
Here, the first electrical cable 240 has a first electrical connector 240a, and the second electrical cable 264 has a second electrical connector 264a. Preferably, the second electrical connector 264a has the same structure as the first electrical connector 240a. In this way, the first electrical cable 240 and the second electrical cable 264 can be easily connected to the electrical connection 258 without any modifications, or additional connectors or adapters. Preferably, the first electrical connector 240a and the second electrical connector 264a are pluggable connectors that mate with the electrical connection 258 by a plugging action. If the electrical connection 258 has a male connector, then the first electrical connector 240a and the second electrical connector 264a are female connectors. On the other hand, if the electrical connection 258 has a female connector, then the first electrical connector 240a and the second electrical connector 264a are male connectors.
Similar to the prior embodiment, the first battery 250 has a first electric power capacity, and the second battery 262 has a second electric power capacity larger than the first electric power capacity. Here, for example, the first battery 250 is a 7.4-volt, 300 mAh lithium-ion battery, while the second battery 262 is a 36-volt, 12.5 Ah lithium-ion battery that supplies electric power to the drive unit DU. Thus, to accommodate the different electric power capacities of the first battery 250 and the second battery 262, the bicycle component assembly 210 further comprises a circuitry configured to reduce at least one of voltage and current. Thus, the circuitry converts current of the second battery 262 to a lower current supplied to the electrical part 228. Preferably, the circuitry is disposed at one of the electrical connection 258, the second battery holder 260, and the electrical part 228. Here, this circuitry is provided to the circuit board of the electrical part 228.
Referring now to
Basically, in this embodiment, the first bicycle component BC1 (e.g., the electric rear derailleur 326) is configured to selectively receive electrical power either from the first battery BT1 (i.e., a battery provided on the bicycle component), or from the second battery BT2 (i.e., a battery remotely located from the bicycle component). The electrical power from the second battery BT2 can be supplied directly to the electrical part 328 of the first bicycle component BC1 or via a junction or a another bicycle component. Here, the second battery BT2 is electrically connected to the drive unit DU, which in turn can be electrically connected to the electrical part 328 of the first bicycle component BC1 (e.g., the electric rear derailleur 326). In this way, the electrical power from the second battery BT2 is supplied to the drive unit DU and the electrical part 328 of the first bicycle component BC1 (e.g., the electric rear derailleur 326) via the drive unit DU.
As seen in
As mentioned above, the second battery BT2 is located on the bicycle B at a remote location from the first bicycle component BC1 (e.g., the electric rear derailleur 326). Preferably, the second battery BT2 is mounted to the bicycle B of
Here, as seen in
As seen in
Alternatively, the second electrical cable 337 or the third electrical cable 339 can be directly connected between the second battery BT2 and the electrical connection 329 of the actuator unit 333 to supply electrical power directly from the second battery BT2 to the electrical part 328 of the actuator unit 333. Thus, the electrical connection 329 is configured to be selectively and electrically connected to one of the first electrical cable 335, the second electrical cable 337 and the third electrical cable 339. Here, the second electrical cable 337 and the third electrical cable 339 are identical or identical except for the length and/or cable diameter.
In a case where the second electrical cable 337 is connected to the electrical connection 329 of the bicycle component BC, the first battery BT1 is not used to supply electrical power to the electrical connection 329 of the bicycle component BC. Thus, the first battery BT1 can be removed in the case where the second electrical cable 337 is connected to the electrical connection 329 of the bicycle component BC. Alternatively, in the case where the first battery BT1 is removed, a dummy (fake) battery can be provided to a battery holding space of the first battery holder 330. In a case where the second electrical cable 337 is connected to the electrical connection 329 of the bicycle component BC, the first electrical cable 335 can be removed from the drive unit DU.
Referring to
Basically, the first cable connector 341 includes a first connector contact portion 341a and a first cable connector housing 341b. The first connector contact portion 341a is electrically connected to the electrical conductors of the first electrical cable 335. The first cable connector housing 341b is formed of an electrical insulating material that partly covers the first connector contact portion 341a. Here, the first cable connector housing 341b is molded over the first connector contact portion 341a, and is integrally formed with the casing of the first electrical cable 335 as a one-piece member. Alternatively, the first cable connector 341 can be a separate member that is attached to the first electrical cable 335. The first cable connector housing 341b is configured to define a first electrical contact receiving space 341c. The first connector contact portion 341a is partly exposed in the first electrical contact receiving space 341c.
Referring to
Basically, the cable connector 343 comprises a connector contact portion 343a. The connector contact portion 343a will also be referred to as a second connector contact portion. The second connector contact portion 343a is electrically connected to the electrical conductors of the second electrical cable 337. The second connector contact portion 343a is configured to be electrically connected to the electrical connection 329 of the actuator unit 333 as described below.
The cable connector 343 further comprises a cable connector housing 343b covering the connector contact portion 343a. The cable connector 343 has a tubular shape having a center axis CA. The cable connector housing 343b will also be referred to as a second cable connector housing. The second cable connector housing 343b is formed of an electrical insulating material that surrounds the second connector contact portion 343a. Here, the second cable connector housing 343b is molded over the second connector contact portion 343a, and is integrally formed with the casing of the second electrical cable 337 as a one-piece member. Alternatively, the second cable connector 343 can be a separate member that is attached to the second electrical cable 337. The second cable connector housing 343b is configured to define a second electrical contact receiving space 343c. The second connector contact portion 343a is partly exposed in the second electrical contact receiving space 343c.
The cable connector 343 further comprises an abutment portion 343b1. Here, the second cable connector housing 343b includes the abutment portion 343b1. In particular, the second cable connector housing 343b and the abutment portion 343b1 are integrally formed together as a one-piece member. Alternatively, the abutment portion 343b1 can be attached to the second cable connector housing 343b. The abutment portion 343b1 includes at least one flange extending in a circumferential direction relative to the center axis CA of the cable connector housing 343b. Here, the abutment portion 343b1 is a continuous annular flange that extends completely around the cable connector housing 343b. Alternatively, the abutment portion 343b1 can be a discontinuous flange.
Referring to
The parts (i.e., the circuit board 332, the electronic controller 334, the wireless communicator 336 and the actuator 338) of the electrical part 328 are the same as the parts (i.e., the circuit board 32, the electronic controller 34, the wireless communicator 36 and the actuator 38) of the electrical part 28, except that the circuit board 332 has been provided with the reduction circuit 347 as mentioned above. Thus, since the electrical part 328 is identical to the electrical part 28 of the first embodiment except for the addition of the reduction circuit 347, the above descriptions of the electrical part 28 applies to the electrical part 328.
Here, the electric rear derailleur 326 has a base member 370 configured to be mounted to the bicycle frame F. The electric rear derailleur 326 (i.e., the first bicycle component BC1) further comprises a movable member 372 and a link member 374. The first battery BT1 is provided to the link member 374 using the first battery holder 330 in the same manner has in the first embodiment. The actuator unit 333 is provided to the base member 370. Thus, the electrical part 328 is provided at the base member 370. The electric rear derailleur 326 is identical to the electric rear derailleur 26, except that the first battery holder 330 to have the first electrical cable 335 instead of the first electrical cable 40, and base member 370 have been modified to include the electrical connection 329 instead of the second electrical connection 58 and the third electrical connection 65.
Referring to back to
Referring now to
The electrical contact portion 383 is at least partly disposed in the connector receiving recess 387. The electrical contact portion 383 is located in the connector receiving recess 387 such that the electrical contact portion 383 of the electrical connection 329 contacts the first connector contact portion 341a of the first cable connector 341 when the first cable connector 341 is inserted into the connector receiving recess 387 as seen in
Likewise, the electrical contact portion 383 is located in the connector receiving recess 387 such that the electrical contact portion 383 of the electrical connection 329 contacts the second connector contact portion 343a of the second cable connector 343 when the second cable connector 343 is inserted into the connector receiving recess 387 as seen in
Referring to
The bicycle component assembly 310′ is identical to the bicycle component assembly 310, discussed above, except that the reduction circuit has been omitted and the electrical connection 329′ of the housing 381′ has been changed so that the second cable connector 343 cannot be electrically connected to the electrical connection 329′. Thus, descriptions of the components that are identical to components previously described will be omitted for the sake of brevity.
Similar to the prior embodiment, the actuator unit 333′ is provided with an electrical part 228′ that includes a circuit board 332′, the electronic controller 334′, a wireless communicator 336′ and an actuator 338′. The circuit board 332′ is identical to the circuit board 32 of the first embodiment as described above. The electronic controller 334′ is identical to the electronic controller 34 of the first embodiment as described above. The wireless communicator 336′ is identical to the wireless communicator 36 of the first embodiment as described above. The actuator 338′ is identical to the actuator 38 of the first embodiment as described above. Thus, since the electrical part 328′ is identical to the electrical part 28 of the first embodiment, the above descriptions of the electrical part 28 applies to the electrical part 328′.
Referring to
The abutment portion 343b1 is configured to abut the second connector housing 385′ of the second bicycle component BC2 so as to prevent electrical contact with the second electrical contact portion 383′ of the second bicycle component BC2. On the other hand, the first cable connector 341 is shaped to fit into the connector receiving recess 387′ of the connector housing 385′ of the second bicycle component BC2.
As seen in
In understanding the scope of the present invention, the term “comprising” and its derivatives, as used herein, are intended to be open ended terms that specify the presence of the stated features, elements, components, groups, integers, and/or steps, but do not exclude the presence of other unstated features, elements, components, groups, integers and/or steps. The foregoing also applies to words having similar meanings such as the terms, “including”, “having” and their derivatives. Also, the terms “part,” “section,” “portion,” “member” or “element” when used in the singular can have the dual meaning of a single part or a plurality of parts unless otherwise stated.
As used herein, the following directional terms “frame facing side”, “non-frame facing side”, “forward”, “rearward”, “front”, “rear”, “up”, “down”, “above”, “below”, “upward”, “downward”, “top”, “bottom”, “side”, “vertical”, “horizontal”, “perpendicular” and “transverse” as well as any other similar directional terms refer to those directions of a bicycle in an upright, riding position and equipped with the bicycle component. Accordingly, these directional terms, as utilized to describe the bicycle component should be interpreted relative to a bicycle in an upright riding position on a horizontal surface and that is equipped with the bicycle component. The terms “left” and “right” are used to indicate the “right” when referencing from the right side as viewed from the rear of the bicycle, and the “left” when referencing from the left side as viewed from the rear of the bicycle.
The phrase “at least one of” as used in this disclosure means “one or more” of a desired choice. For one example, the phrase “at least one of” as used in this disclosure means “only one single choice” or “both of two choices” if the number of its choices is two. For another example, the phrase “at least one of” as used in this disclosure means “only one single choice” or “any combination of equal to or more than two choices” if the number of its choices is equal to or more than three. Also, the term “and/or” as used in this disclosure means “either one or both of”.
Also, it will be understood that although the terms “first” and “second” may be used herein to describe various components, these components should not be limited by these terms. These terms are only used to distinguish one component from another. Thus, for example, a first component discussed above could be termed a second component and vice versa without departing from the teachings of the present invention.
The term “attached” or “attaching”, as used herein, encompasses configurations in which an element is directly secured to another element by affixing the element directly to the other element; configurations in which the element is indirectly secured to the other element by affixing the element to the intermediate member(s) which in turn are affixed to the other element; and configurations in which one element is integral with another element, i.e. one element is essentially part of the other element. This definition also applies to words of similar meaning, for example, “joined”, “connected”, “coupled”, “mounted”, “bonded”, “fixed” and their derivatives. Finally, terms of degree such as “substantially”, “about” and “approximately” as used herein mean an amount of deviation of the modified term such that the end result is not significantly changed.
While only selected embodiments have been chosen to illustrate the present invention, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art from this disclosure that various changes and modifications can be made herein without departing from the scope of the invention as defined in the appended claims. For example, unless specifically stated otherwise, the size, shape, location or orientation of the various components can be changed as needed and/or desired so long as the changes do not substantially affect their intended function. Unless specifically stated otherwise, components that are shown directly connected or contacting each other can have intermediate structures disposed between them so long as the changes do not substantially affect their intended function. The functions of one element can be performed by two, and vice versa unless specifically stated otherwise. The structures and functions of one embodiment can be adopted in another embodiment. It is not necessary for all advantages to be present in a particular embodiment at the same time. Every feature which is unique from the prior art, alone or in combination with other features, also should be considered a separate description of further inventions by the applicant, including the structural and/or functional concepts embodied by such feature(s). Thus, the foregoing descriptions of the embodiments according to the present invention are provided for illustration only, and not for the purpose of limiting the invention as defined by the appended claims and their equivalents.
This application is a continuation-in-part application of U.S. application Ser. No. 17/749,626, filed May 20, 2022. The entire disclosure of U.S. application Ser. No. 17/749,626 is hereby incorporated herein by reference.
| Number | Date | Country | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Parent | 17749626 | May 2022 | US |
| Child | 18106725 | US |
