Bicycle detection device, operating device for bicycle component with detection device, and bicycle control system with operating device

• US 9,908,587 B2
• Filed: 11/19/2015
• Issued: 03/06/2018
• Est. Priority Date: 12/05/2014
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: Shimano Inc
• Original Assignee: Shimano Inc
• Inventors: Nishikawa, Yusuke, Tsuchizawa, Yasuhiro, Usui, Makoto, Shahana, Satoshi
• Primary Examiner(s): McPherson, James M
• Application Number:
  US14/945,975
• Publication Number:
  US 20160159432A1
• Time in Patent Office: 838 Days
• Field of Search: None
• CPC Class Codes: B62K 11/00 Motorcycles, engine-assisted cycles or motor scooters with one or two wheels fairings or streamlining parts not forming part of the frame B62J; transmission of drive from engines to wheels B62M
• CPC Class Codes: B62M 25/04 hand actuated
• CPC Class Codes: B62M 6/50 characterised by detectors or sensors, or arrangement thereof
• CPC Class Codes: G01D 5/145 influenced by the relative movement between the Hall device and magnetic fields see G01R33/06
• CPC Class Codes: G01D 5/34 the beams of light being detected by photocells

Abstract

A bicycle detection device is basically provided with a single sensor that is configured to output a first detection signal of a first state in response to a movement of a first operating member. The sensor is configured to output a second detection signal of a second state, which is different from the first state, in response to a movement of a second operating member.

Claims

1. A bicycle detection device comprising:

a single sensor;

a first detector configured to be attached to a first operating member that is moveable with respect to the sensor; and

a second detector configured to be attached to a second operating member that is different from the first operating member and moveable with respect to the sensor,

the sensor being configured to output a first detection signal according to a positional relationship of the first detector with respect to the sensor, and

the sensor being configured to output a second detection signal according to a positional relationship of the second detector with respect to the sensor.

2. The bicycle detection device as recited in claim 1, wherein

the sensor is configured to output the first detection signal at a first level that changes continuously or in a stepwise manner as a first distance between the sensor and the first detector changes, and the sensor is configured to output the second detection signal at a second level that changes continuously or in a stepwise manner as a second distance between the sensor and the second detector changes.

3. The bicycle detection device as recited in claim 1, wherein

the sensor is configured to output the first detection signal upon a first distance between the sensor and the first detector being less than a first prescribed distance, the sensor is configured not to output the first detection signal upon the first distance being equal to or greater than the first prescribed distance, the sensor is configured to output the second detection signal upon a second distance between the sensor and the second detector being less than a second prescribed distance, and the sensor is configured not to output the second detection signal upon the second distance being equal to or greater than the second prescribed distance.

4. The bicycle detection device as recited in claim 1, wherein

the first detector includes a first magnet and the second detector includes a second magnet, and

the sensor includes a Hall element.

5. The bicycle detection device as recited in claim 4, wherein

each of the first and second magnets has a magnetic pole that is arranged closest to the sensor, while the first operating member and the second operating member are disposed in a non-operated state, the magnetic poles arranged closest to the sensor have opposite magnetisms.

6. The bicycle detection device as recited in claim 1, wherein

the first detector and the second detector are different colors from each other, and

the sensor includes a light receiving element.

7. The bicycle detection device as recited in claim 6, wherein

the first detector and the second detector are configured to emit different color lights.

8. The bicycle detection device as recited in claim 1, wherein

the first detector includes a plurality of first color portions that are different colors from each other,

the first color portions are arranged in a direction in which the first operating member is moved,

the second detector includes a plurality of second color portions that are different colors from each other, and

the second color portions are arranged in a direction in which the second operating member is moved.

9. The bicycle detection device as recited in claim 6, further comprising

a guide portion within which a window is formed for guiding light to the sensor.