Bicycle component controlling apparatus

• US 8,825,322 B1
• Filed: 04/15/2013
• Issued: 09/02/2014
• Est. Priority Date: 04/15/2013
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: Shimano Inc
• Original Assignee: Shimano Inc
• Inventors: Ikemoto, Hideki, Ichida, Tadashi, Hara, Nobukatsu, Shirai, Toyoto
• Primary Examiner(s): Marc, McDieunel
• Application Number:
  US13/862,889
• Time in Patent Office: 505 Days
• Field of Search: 701/60, 280/277, 280/279, 280/282, 280/288.4, 745/024, 745/026, 745/511, 745/513, 745/025, 180/24.19, 180/24.21, 340/427
• US Class Current: 701/60
• CPC Class Codes: B62K 2025/044 Suspensions with automatic adjustment
• CPC Class Codes: B62M 25/08 with electrical or fluid transmitting systems
• CPC Class Codes: F16H 61/26 Generation or transmission of movements for final actuating mechanisms
• CPC Class Codes: Y10T 74/2045 and sheath support, connector, or anchor
• CPC Class Codes: Y10T 74/20456 Specific cable or sheath structure
• CPC Class Codes: Y10T 74/20462 Specific cable connector or guide
• CPC Class Codes: Y10T 74/2078 Handle bars
• CPC Class Codes: Y10T 74/20792 Folding or adjustable

Abstract

A bicycle component controlling includes at least a first sensor and a controller. The first sensor detects a first operating condition, whether a rider is sitting on a bicycle seat. A second sensor is provided that detects a second operating condition. The sensors output signals indicative of the respective operating conditions. The controller is operatively connected to at least the first sensor and possibly the second sensor. The controller is configured to generate a component control command to control a bicycle component based on at least the first signal and the possibly the second signal. The bicycle component is a component other than an automatic transmission and a suspension when the second sensor is not provided. If the second sensor is provided, a suspension and automatic transmission is controlled, or components other than an automatic transmission and a suspension is controlled.

Claims

1. A bicycle component controlling apparatus comprising:

a first sensor configured to detect a first operating condition and to output a first signal indicative of the first operating condition, the first operating condition being whether a rider is sitting on a bicycle seat of a bicycle;

a second sensor configured to detect a second operating condition and to output a second signal indicative of the second operating condition, the second operating condition being different from the first operating condition; and

a controller operatively connected to the first sensor and the second sensor, the controller being configured to generate a component control command to control a bicycle component based on at least the first signal and the second signal.

2. The bicycle component controlling apparatus according to claim 1, wherein

the second operating condition is a height of the bicycle seat.

3. The bicycle component controlling apparatus according to claim 1, wherein

the second operating condition is rotation of a bicycle crank.

4. The bicycle component controlling apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising

a third sensor configured to detect a third operating condition and to output a third signal indicative of the third operating condition, the third operating condition being different from the first and second operating conditions,

the controller being operatively connected to the third sensor, the controller being further configured to generate the component control command based on the first, second and third signals.

5. The bicycle component controlling apparatus according to claim 4, wherein

the second operating condition is a height of the bicycle seat.

6. The bicycle component controlling apparatus according to claim 5, wherein

the third operating condition is rotation of a bicycle crank.

7. The bicycle component controlling apparatus according to claim 4, wherein

the second operating condition is rotation of a bicycle crank.

8. The bicycle component controlling apparatus according to claim 1, wherein

the component control command is a front suspension control command.

9. The bicycle component controlling apparatus according to claim 8, wherein

the front suspension control command is an amount of travel control command.

10. The bicycle component controlling apparatus according to claim 8, wherein

the front suspension control command is a lockout control command.

11. The bicycle component controlling apparatus according to claim 1, wherein

the component control command is a rear suspension control command.

12. The bicycle component controlling apparatus according to claim 11, wherein

the rear suspension control command is a pedaling damping control command.

13. The bicycle component controlling apparatus according to claim 1, wherein

the component control command is a rear derailleur chain plate rotational resistance control command.

14. The bicycle component controlling apparatus according to claim 1, wherein

the component control command is a front and rear shifting synchronization control command.

15. The bicycle component con ling apparatus according to claim 1, wherein

the component control command is an automatic shifting mode control command.

16. The bicycle component controlling apparatus according to claim 1, wherein

the component control command is a cycle computer angle control command.

17. A bicycle component controlling apparatus comprising:

a first sensor configured to detect a first operating condition and to output a first signal indicative of the first operating condition, the first operating condition being whether a rider is sitting on a bicycle seat of a bicycle; and

a controller operatively connected to the first sensor, the controller being configured to generate a component control command to control a bicycle component other than an automatic transmission and a suspension based on at least the first signal.

18. The bicycle component controlling apparatus according to claim 17, wherein

the component control command is a rear derailleur chain plate rotational resistance control command.

19. The bicycle component controlling apparatus according to claim 17, wherein

the component control command is a front and rear shifting synchronization control command.

20. The bicycle component controlling apparatus according to claim 17, wherein

the component control command is a cycle computer angle control command.