Electromechanical shifting systems and methods

• US 10,589,822 B2
• Filed: 07/10/2019
• Issued: 03/17/2020
• Est. Priority Date: 10/11/2012
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: SRAM LLC (SRAM International Corp.)
• Original Assignee: SRAM LLC (SRAM International Corp.)
• Inventors: Jordan, Brian, Squires, Todd
• Primary Examiner(s): Camby, Richard M
• Application Number:
  US16/507,815
• Publication Number:
  US 20190329843A1
• Time in Patent Office: 251 Days
• Field of Search: None
• CPC Class Codes: B62J 43/13 on rider-propelled cycles with additional electric propulsion
• CPC Class Codes: B62J 43/30 for providing power to equipment other than for propulsion
• CPC Class Codes: B62J 45/20 Cycle computers as cycle accessories
• CPC Class Codes: B62K 23/02 hand actuated arrangements of controls on handle-bars of engine-driven cycles B62K11/14
• CPC Class Codes: B62M 25/08 with electrical or fluid transmitting systems
• CPC Class Codes: B62M 9/122 electrically or fluid actuated; Controls thereof
• CPC Class Codes: B62M 9/132 electrically or fluid actuated; Controls thereof
• CPC Class Codes: F16H 59/044 consisting of electrical switches or sensors range selectors with electric switches or sensors F16H59/105
• CPC Class Codes: H04W 74/08 Non-scheduled access, e.g. ALOHA hybrid access H04W74/02
• CPC Class Codes: Y10T 74/2003 Electrical actuator

Abstract

A wireless control system for a bicycle may include a base part attachable to a bicycle and a movable part. The control system may also include an electric motor disposed on the electromechanical component and a control unit disposed on the electromechanical component for operating the electric motor to operate the electromechanical component, the control unit including a wireless receiver. The control system includes a wake sensor connected to the control unit, the wake sensor configured to communicate a wake signal to the control unit.

Claims

1. An electromechanical component for a bicycle, comprising:

a base part attachable to a bicycle;

a movable part;

an electric motor disposed on the electromechanical component, the electric motor configured to move the movable part;

a control unit disposed on the electromechanical component for operating the electric motor to operate the electromechanical component, and

a wake unit connected to the control unit, the wake unit configured to communicate a wake signal to the control unit,

wherein the control unit is configured to enter a sleep mode if the wake signal is not received for a period that exceeds a predetermined sleep timeout value.

2. The electromechanical component of claim 1, wherein the wake unit is disposed on the electromechanical component.

3. The electromechanical component of claim 1, further comprising a power source.

4. The electromechanical component of claim 3, wherein the power source is disposed on the electromechanical component.

5. The electromechanical component of claim 4, wherein the power source is disposed on the base part.

6. The electromechanical component of claim 4, control unit is powered on with power from the power source when operational.

7. The electromechanical component of claim 1, wherein the control unit includes a wireless receiver, and the wireless receiver enters an awake mode in response to vibrations detected by a vibration sensor of the wake unit, the awake mode including a listen mode.

8. The electromechanical component of claim 7, wherein the awake mode further includes a non-listen mode.

9. The electromechanical component of claim 8, wherein the listen mode is ten percent (“

10%”

) or less of an awake mode cycle time.

10. The electromechanical component of claim 8, wherein the wireless receiver is configured to receive a wireless command signal transmitted by a master control unit.

11. The electromechanical component of claim 10, wherein the control unit is configured to keep the wireless receiver in the listen mode when the wireless command signal is received by the receiver.

12. The electromechanical component of claim 11, wherein the wake unit is configured to communicate wake signals to the control unit in response to detected vibrations of the bicycle.

13. The electromechanical component of claim 1, wherein the sleep timeout value is thirty (“

30”

) seconds.

14. The electromechanical component of claim 1, further comprising a chain guide attached to the movable part.

15. The electromechanical component of claim 14, wherein the electromechanical component is a gear changer configured to move a chain between a plurality of sprockets.

16. The electromechanical component of claim 14, further comprising a linkage interconnecting the base part to the movable part to enable the movable part to move relative to the base part, wherein the electric motor is configured to cause the linkage to move.