DE102020131510A1 - ELECTRICAL COMPONENT FOR MUSCLE POWERED VEHICLES - Google Patents

Abstract

An electrical component is/is provided for a human-powered vehicle. The electrical component has at least one of an electrical control unit and a power supply, a housing, and a cover. The housing has a receiving area configured to receive the at least one of the electrical control unit and the power supply. The cover is configured to be attachably and detachably connected to the housing. The cover is provided with a tool engagement structure adapted to be engaged with a tool for attaching the cover to the housing and for detaching the cover from the housing. The tool engagement structure is further configured to limit an attachment force that can be applied to attach the cover to the housing to be less than a detaching force that can be applied to detach the cover from the housing.

Description

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Technical field of the invention

This disclosure generally relates to an electrical component for a human-powered vehicle.

background information

Human-powered vehicles such as bicycles, motorcycles, all-terrain vehicles (ATVs), water sports vehicles, and snowmobiles are typically provided with one or more electrical components to facilitate the driver's operation of the human-powered vehicle. Examples of such electrical components include suspensions, switching or transmission devices (e.g. derailleur gears, hub gears, etc.), operating devices and height-adjustable saddle supports. Such electrical components use power from an on-board power source, such as a B. a battery. Typically, the power source (e.g., the battery) is connected by an electrical cable to a junction box, which is connected to two or more electrical components by electrical cables.

SUMMARY

In general, the present disclosure is directed to various features of an electrical component for a human-powered vehicle. As used herein, the term “human-powered vehicle” refers to a vehicle that can be propelled by at least human power, but does not include a vehicle that exclusively uses motive power other than human/human power. Specifically, a vehicle using only an engine as a driving force is not included in the human-powered vehicle. The human-powered vehicle is generally considered to be a compact, lightweight vehicle that sometimes does not require a driver's license to drive on public roads. The number of wheels of the human-powered vehicle is not limited. The human-powered vehicle includes, for example, a unicycle and a vehicle having three or more wheels. The muscle-powered vehicle includes z. B. various types of bicycles such as a mountain bike, a racing bike, a city bike, a cargo bike, and a recumbent bike, as well as a bicycle with electric assistance (e-bike).

In view of the prior art and in accordance with a first aspect of the present disclosure, an electrical component for a human-powered vehicle is provided. The electrical component basically includes at least one of an electrical control unit and a power supply, a housing and a cover. The housing has a receiving area configured to receive the at least one of the electrical control unit and the power supply. The cover is configured to be attachably and detachably coupled or tethered to the housing. The cover is provided with a tool engagement structure configured to be engaged with a tool for attaching the cover to the housing and for detaching the cover from the housing. The tool engagement structure is further configured to limit an attachment force that can be applied to attach the cover to the housing to be less than a detaching force that can be applied to detach the cover from the housing.

With the electrical component according to the first aspect, it is possible to avoid damaging a coupling structure between the case and the cover when the cover is attached to the case.

According to a second aspect of the present disclosure, the electrical component according to the first aspect is configured such that the cover includes an outer surface having the tool engaging structure. The tool engaging structure includes a first tool engaging surface protruding from or extending from the outer surface, a second tool engaging surface protruding from or extending from the outer surface, and a tool engaging recess defined between the first tool engaging surface and the second tool engaging surface. At least one of the first tool-engaging surface and the second tool-engaging surface includes a chamfer adjacent the outer surface and a chamfer adjacent the outer surface of the cover, respectively.

With the electrical component according to the second aspect, it is possible to easily reduce the attachment force that can be applied for attaching the cover to the housing by providing the chamfer on at least one of the first tool engagement surface and the second tool engagement surface.

In accordance with a third aspect of the present disclosure, the electrical Component according to the third aspect configured such that the first tool engaging surface includes a first planar portion and a second tool engaging surface includes a second planar portion, the first planar portion and the second planar portion are parallel.

With the electrical component according to the third aspect, it is possible to provide reliable tool engagement surfaces for attaching the cover to the housing and for detaching the cover from the housing.

In accordance with a fourth aspect of the present disclosure, the electrical component according to the third aspect is configured such that the tool engagement structure further includes a concave/curved surface disposed between the first planar portion and the second planar portion.

With the electric component according to the fourth aspect, it is possible to use a coin as a tool for rotating the cover relative to the case.

In accordance with a fifth aspect of the present disclosure, the electrical component according to any one of the second to fourth aspects is configured such that each of the first tool engaging surface and the second tool engaging surface includes the chamfer.

With the electrical component according to the fifth aspect, it is possible to easily increase the attachment force, the attachment force that can be applied for attaching the cover to the housing, by providing the chamfer on at least one of the first tool engagement surface and the second tool engagement surface to reduce.

In accordance with a sixth aspect of the present disclosure, the electrical component according to the fifth aspect is configured such that the first tool-engaging surface and the outer surface of the cover define a first edge of the tool-engaging recess, and the chamfer of the first tool-engaging surface extends along half of the first edge extends from the tool engagement recess or protrudes along half the first edge of the tool engagement recess.

With the electric component according to the sixth aspect, it is possible to easily form the first tool bite and the chamfer of the first tool bite surface.

In accordance with a seventh aspect of the present disclosure, the electrical component according to the sixth aspect is configured such that the second tool-engaging surface and the outer surface of the cover define a second edge of the tool-engaging recess, and the chamfer of the first tool-engaging surface extends along halfway the first edge extends from the tool engagement recess or protrudes along half the second edge from the tool engagement recess.

With the electric component according to the seventh aspect, it is possible to easily form the second tool bite and the chamfer of the second tool bite surface.

In accordance with an eighth aspect of the present disclosure, the electrical component according to any one of the first to seventh aspects is configured such that the housing includes a first screw thread and the cover includes a second screw thread that is threadably engaged with the first screw thread to removably attach the cover to the housing.

With the electrical component according to the eighth aspect, it is possible to easily attach and detach the cover to/from the case.

In accordance with a ninth aspect of the present disclosure, the electrical component according to any one of the first to eighth aspects is configured such that the first screw thread and the second screw thread are right-hand threads so that the cover is screwed clockwise onto the housing to tighten the Cover to be detachably attached to the housing.

With the electrical component according to the ninth aspect, it is easy for a user to attach and detach the cover to/from the case.

In accordance with a tenth aspect of the present disclosure, there is provided an electrical component for a human-powered vehicle. The electrical component includes a housing, an operating element, an electrical control unit and a light source. The housing containing a light guide. The operating element is arranged on the housing. The electrical control unit is arranged on the housing. The electric control unit is configured to control a component other than the electric component of the human-powered vehicle in accordance with a to serve users. The light source is mounted on the housing and controlled by the electrical control unit to emit light indicative of the operating condition from the electrical control unit. The light source is configured to emit light into the light guide provided in the housing to direct the light from the light source in two different directions.

With the electric component according to the tenth aspect, it is possible to manufacture a two-illuminated electric component with relatively few parts.

In accordance with an eleventh aspect of the present disclosure, the electrical component according to the tenth aspect is configured such that the light guide has reflectivity for the light emitted from the light source.

With the electrical component according to the eleventh aspect, it is possible to direct the light emitted by the light source to where it is visible to the user.

In accordance with a twelfth aspect of the present disclosure, the electrical component according to the tenth or eleventh aspect is configured such that the light guide includes at least one reflective surface that reflects the light emitted from the light source.

With the electrical component according to the twelfth aspect, it is possible to direct the light emitted from the light source to where it is visible to the user.

In accordance with a thirteenth aspect of the present disclosure, the electrical component according to any one of the tenth to twelfth aspects is configured such that the light guide includes a triangular baffle that reflects the light emitted from the light source in two different directions.

With the electrical component according to the thirteenth aspect, it is possible to easily guide the light emitted from the light source in the two different directions.

In accordance with a fourteenth aspect of the present disclosure, the electrical component according to the thirteenth aspect is configured such that the triangular reflector reflects the light emitted from the light source in opposite directions.

With the electric component according to the fourteenth aspect, it is easy to guide the light emitted from the light source in opposite directions.

In accordance with a fifteenth aspect of the present disclosure, the electrical component according to the thirteenth or fourteenth aspect is configured such that the light guide includes a transparent guide plate arranged to receive the light reflected from the triangular baffle.

With the electrical component according to the fifteenth aspect, it is possible to guide the light appropriately where it is visible to the user.

In accordance with a sixteenth aspect of the present disclosure, the electrical component according to any one of the tenth to fifteenth aspects is configured such that the light source includes a single light-emitting diode.

With the electrical component according to the sixteenth aspect, it is possible to reduce the cost by using a single light-emitting diode.

In accordance with a seventeenth aspect of the present disclosure, the electrical component according to any one of the tenth to sixteenth aspects is configured such that the light guide includes a reflective material.

With the electrical component according to the seventeenth aspect, it is possible to ensure good reflection or radiation of the light from the light guide.

In accordance with an eighteenth aspect of the present disclosure, there is provided an electrical component for a human-powered vehicle. The electrical component includes at least one of an electrical control unit and a power supply, a housing, a cover, and a magnet. The housing has a receiving area configured to receive the at least one of the electrical control unit and the power supply. The cover is removably attached to the housing to retain the at least one of the electrical control unit and the power supply in the receiving area. The magnet is provided on at least one of the housing and the cover to magnetically hold at least one of the electrical control unit and the power supply to the at least one of the housing and the cover.

With the electrical component according to the eighteenth aspect, it is easy to retain at least one of the electrical control unit and the power supply on at least one of the case and the cover.

In accordance with a nineteenth aspect of the present disclosure, the electric component according to the eighteenth aspect is configured such that the power supply is provided in the accommodating portion of the case, and the cover with the magnet is provided.

With the electrical component according to the nineteenth aspect, it is easy to retain the power supply at the cover.

In accordance with a twentieth aspect of the present disclosure, the electrical component according to the eighteenth or nineteenth aspect is configured such that the electrical control unit is arranged on the housing separate from the power supply.

With the electric component according to the twentieth aspect, it is easy/easy to replace the power supply as needed.

Also other objects, features, aspects and advantages of the disclosed electrical component will become apparent to those skilled in the art from the following detailed description which, in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, discloses preferred embodiments of the electrical component.

character list

• 1 ist eine Seitenansicht eines muskelkraftbetriebenen Fahrzeugs (z. B. eines Fahrrads), das eine elektrische Komponente in Übereinstimmung mit einer dargestellten Ausführungsform enthält;
• 2 ist eine erste perspektivische Ansicht von oben auf die in 1 dargestellte elektrische Komponente;
• 3 ist eine zweite perspektivische Ansicht von oben auf die in den 1 und 2 dargestellte elektrische Komponente;
• 4 ist eine Draufsicht auf die in den 1 bis 3 dargestellte elektrische Komponente;
• 5 ist eine Seitenansicht der in den 1 bis 4 dargestellten elektrischen Komponente;
• 6 ist eine Querschnittsansicht der in den 1 bis 5 dargestellten elektrischen Komponente, dargestellt entlang der Schnittlinie 6 - 6 der 4;
• 7 ist eine Querschnittsansicht, ähnlich wie in 6, der in den 1 bis 6 dargestellten elektrischen Komponente, bei der jedoch die Abdeckung und die Stromversorgung von dem Gehäuse abgenommen sind;
• 8 ist eine perspektivische Explosionsansicht von oben auf die in den 1 bis 7 dargestellte elektrische Komponente, bei der die Abdeckung und die Stromversorgung von dem Gehäuse gelöst sind;
• 9 ist eine perspektivische Ansicht von unten auf die Abdeckung und den Magneten der in den 1 bis 8 dargestellten elektrischen Komponente;
• 10 ist eine perspektivische Ansicht von unten auf die Abdeckung und den in 9 dargestellten Magneten in Explosionsdarstellung;
• 11 ist eine Draufsicht auf die Abdeckung der in den 1 bis 8 dargestellten elektrischen Komponente;
• 12 ist eine Querschnittsansicht der in den 1 bis 8 dargestellten elektrischen Komponente, gesehen entlang der Schnittlinie 12 - 12 der 11;
• 13 ist eine Querschnittsansicht der in den 1 bis 8 dargestellten elektrischen Komponente, gesehen entlang der Schnittlinie 13 - 13 von 12;
• 14 ist eine perspektivische Explosionsansicht von oben auf die in den 1 bis 8 dargestellte elektrische Komponente;
• 15 ist eine perspektivische Explosionsansicht von oben auf das Gehäuse der in den 1 bis 8 dargestellten elektrischen Komponente;
• 16 ist eine perspektivische Draufsicht auf ein erstes Gehäuseteil des Gehäuses und der Lichtführung für die in den 1 bis 8 dargestellte elektrische Komponente;
• 17 ist eine Draufsicht auf das erste Gehäuseteil und die in 16 dargestellte Lichtführung; und
• 18 ist eine perspektivische Explosionsansicht des ersten Gehäuseteils und der in den 16 und 17 dargestellten Lichtführung.

Referring to the accompanying drawings which form a part of this original disclosure:

• 1 12 is a side view of a human-powered vehicle (e.g., a bicycle) incorporating an electrical component in accordance with an illustrated embodiment;
• 2 12 is a first perspective view from above of FIG 1 electrical component shown;
• 3 FIG. 12 is a second top perspective view of the FIG 1 and 2 electrical component shown;
• 4 is a plan view of the in the 1 until 3 electrical component shown;
• 5 is a side view of the in the 1 until 4 illustrated electrical component;
• 6 12 is a cross-sectional view of that shown in FIGS 1 until 5 illustrated electrical component, taken along section line 6 - 6 of 4 ;
• 7 12 is a cross-sectional view similar to FIG 6 , who in the 1 until 6 electrical component shown but with the cover and power supply removed from the housing;
• 8th 12 is an exploded top perspective view of the components shown in FIGS 1 until 7 electrical component shown with cover and power supply detached from housing;
• 9 12 is a bottom perspective view of the cover and magnet of FIGS 1 until 8th illustrated electrical component;
• 10 is a perspective view from below of the cover and the in 9 illustrated magnet in exploded view;
• 11 12 is a plan view of the cover of FIGS 1 until 8th illustrated electrical component;
• 12 12 is a cross-sectional view of that shown in FIGS 1 until 8th electrical component illustrated, as viewed along section line 12-12 of FIG 11 ;
• 13 12 is a cross-sectional view of that shown in FIGS 1 until 8th the electrical component illustrated, viewed along section line 13-13 of FIG 12 ;
• 14 12 is an exploded top perspective view of the components shown in FIGS 1 until 8th electrical component shown;
• 15 12 is an exploded top perspective view of the housing of FIGS 1 until 8th illustrated electrical component;
• 16 12 is a top perspective view of a first housing part of the housing and light guide for the devices shown in FIGS 1 until 8th electrical component shown;
• 17 is a plan view of the first housing part and the in 16 illustrated lighting; and
• 18 12 is an exploded perspective view of the first housing part and the components shown in FIGS 16 and 17 illustrated lighting.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS

Selected embodiments will now be explained with reference to the drawings. It will be apparent to those skilled in the human-powered vehicle field (eg, 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 claimed is defined by the appended claims and their equivalents.

First up 1 Referring now, an electrical component 10 for a human-powered vehicle V is provided in accordance with an illustrated embodiment. The term "human-powered vehicle" as used herein refers to a vehicle that can be propelled by at least human power/human driving power, but does not include a vehicle that is propelled by a motive power other than human driving power. Specifically, a vehicle using only an engine as a driving force is not included in the human-powered vehicle. The human-powered vehicle is generally considered to be a compact, lightweight vehicle that does not require a license to drive on public roads. The number of wheels on the human-powered vehicle V is not limited. The muscle-powered vehicle V includes z. B. a unicycle and a vehicle having three or more wheels. The muscle-powered vehicle V includes z. B. various types of bicycles such as a mountain bike, a road bike, a city bike, a cargo bike, and a recumbent bike, as well as a bicycle with electric assistance (e-bike). In the embodiments described below, the human-powered vehicle V refers to a bicycle.

As in 1 As shown, the human-powered vehicle V is a racing bike, but the human-powered vehicle V is not limited to use with this type of racing bike. The human-powered vehicle V basically includes a vehicle body VB, a front fork FF, a front wheel FW, a rear wheel RW, a handlebar H, and a power train DT. Here, the electrical component 10 is mounted in the cockpit area of the human-powered vehicle V. In particular, the electrical component 10 is shown mounted to a stem of the handlebars H of a racing bicycle. However, the electrical component 10 is not limited to being mounted in the cockpit area of the human-powered vehicle V. For example, on a bicycle equipped with either flat handlebars or bullhorn style handlebars, electrical component 10 may be mounted adjacent the ends of the handlebars or on a bar end shifter, as needed and/or desired. The electrical component 10 may also be mounted directly to a handlebar or to a bar end shifter as needed and/or desired. The electrical component 10 can, for. B. can also be mounted on a triathlon handlebar.

The vehicle body VB also has a height-adjustable seat post SP. The powertrain DT mainly includes a crankshaft CS, a pair of crank arms CA, a pair of pedals PD, a plurality of front sprockets FS, a plurality of rear sprockets RS, and a chain CN. The crank arms CA are mounted at opposite ends from the crankshaft CS. Each of the pedals PD is rotatably connected to the distal end of a corresponding one of the crank arms CA. The front sprockets FS are arranged on one of the crank arms CA. The rear sprockets RS are arranged on a rear wheel hub of the rear wheel RW. In the first embodiment, the chain CN runs around the drive train DT from the front sprockets FS and one of the rear sprockets RS. A driving force applied by the driver to the pedals PD of the human-powered vehicle V is transmitted to the rear wheel RW via the front sprockets FS, the chain CN, and the rear sprockets RS. Optionally, the human-powered vehicle V may include an electric drive unit to assist the driving force from the driver. Namely, the human-powered vehicle V may be a W-bike.

Here, the human-powered vehicle V further includes an electric rear derailleur RD for switching the chain CN between the rear sprockets RS and an electric front derailleur FD for switching the chain CN between the front sprockets FS. The rear derailleur RD and the front derailleur FD are both operated by a user control device OD. While the user interface device OD is shown for controlling the rear derailleur RD and the front derailleur FD, it will be apparent from this disclosure that the rear derailleur RD and the front derailleur FD can each be controlled by a separate user interface device. In this case, the user control device OD is an electrical switching device with a hydraulic braking function. The control unit OD, the rear derailleur RD, the front derailleur FD, and the height-adjustable seat post SP are examples of vehicle components, more specifically examples of electric bicycle components.

As in 1 until 8th As shown, the electrical component 10 is electrically connected to one or more of the vehicle components by electrical cables EC1 and EC2. Electrical component 10 generally includes a housing 12. In the illustrated embodiment, electrical component 10 further includes a cover 14. Here, housing 12 and cover 14 are made of a suitable, rigid material, such as a hard plastic material. The cover 14 is configured to be attachably and detachably bonded to the housing 12 . More specifically, the cover 14 is provided with a tool-engaging structure 16 configured to be engaged with a tool for attaching the cover 14 to the housing 12 and for detaching the cover 14 from the housing 12 . Here, for example, the tool engaging structure 16 is configured to receive a coin as a tool for attaching and detaching the cover 14 from the housing 12 . As discussed below, the tool-engaging structure 16 is further configured to limit an attachment force that may be applied for attaching the cover 14 to the housing 12 to be less than a detaching force required for detaching the cover 14 from the Housing 12 can be applied.

In the illustrated embodiment, the cover 14 is used as illustrated in FIG 6 and 7 , attached/detached to the housing 12 using a screw connection. Specifically, the housing 12 includes a first screw thread 18 and the cover 14 includes a second screw thread 20 that threadably engages the first screw thread 18 to releasably secure the cover 14 to the housing 12 . The first screw thread 18 and the second screw thread 20 are right-hand threads such that the cover 14 is screwed onto the housing 12 in a clockwise direction to releasably secure the cover 14 to the housing 12 . Preferably, a gasket 22 is provided between the housing 12 and the cover 14 to provide a watertight seal therebetween. The housing 12 has an opening 24 which is closed by attaching the cover 14 to the housing 12 . Here, the first screw thread 18 is an internal thread provided on the housing 12 around the opening. On the other hand, the second screw thread 20 is a male thread provided on the cover 14 .

As in 6 and 7 As shown, the housing 12 includes a first housing portion 26 and a second housing portion 28. The first housing portion 26 is bonded to the second housing portion 28 by an adhesive or the like. The electrical component 10 further includes at least one of an electrical control unit 30 and a power supply 32. The housing 12 has a receiving area 34 configured to receive the at least one of the electrical control unit 30 and power supply 32. The cover 14 is releasably attached to the housing 12 to retain the at least one of the electrical control unit 30 and the power supply 32 in the receiving area. In the illustrated embodiment, the electrical component 10 further includes both the electrical control unit 30 and the power supply 32 . Also, both the electrical control unit 30 and the power supply 32 are disposed in the receiving area 34 . Alternatively, electrical component 10 may include electrical control unit 30 and power supply 32 may be omitted. In such a case, the electric control unit 30 can receive electric power via one of the electric wire EC1 or EC2. In any case, the electrical control unit 30 is arranged on the housing 12 .

The electrical control unit 30 can be described as a circuit that includes a substrate. The electrical control unit 30 can be defined as a controller or in communication with a controller, can receive/process/analyze/condition/interpret/transmit signals. Also, the electrical control unit 30 may include or be in communication with a wireless communication unit. Here, the electrical control unit 30 includes one or more semiconductor chips that have a processor 30A (see FIG 15 ) mounted on a circuit board 30B. As used herein, the term "electrical control unit 30" refers to hardware that executes a software program and does not imply a human. In any event, the electrical control unit 30 is preferably a microcomputer that includes at least one processor (ie, central processing unit) and at least one memory (ie, computer storage device). The processor may be one or more integrated circuits having firmware to cause the circuitry to perform the activities described herein. Memory is any computer storage device or non-transitory computer-readable medium, with the sole exception of a transitory propagated signal. For example, the memory may, and may, include non-volatile memory and volatile memory a ROM (Read Only Memory) device, a RAM (Random Access Memory) device, a hard disk, a flash drive, and so on. The electric control unit 30 is configured to operate a component other than the electric component 10 of the human-powered vehicle in accordance with a user.

As in 6 and 7 1, electrical component 10 further includes a magnet 36. Magnet 36 may be provided on at least one of housing 12 and cover 14 to magnetically attach at least one of electrical control unit 30 and power supply 32 to the at least one of Housing 12 and cover 14 to hold. In the illustrated embodiment, the power supply 32 is provided in the receiving area 34 of the housing 12 and the cover 14 is provided with the magnet 36 . The magnet 36 is z. B. adhesively attached to the cover 14. The power supply 32 is provided with a magnetically attracting part so that the power supply 32 is attracted by the magnet 36 . In this manner, magnet 36 holds power supply 32 to cover 14 when a user removes cover 14 from housing 12 .

The power supply 32 is preferably a battery, for example, which is removably installed in the accommodating portion 34 . More preferably, the power supply 32 is a coin battery as shown. However, the power supply 32 is not limited to a coin battery. However, power supply 32 is electrically connected to electrical control unit 30 through a pair of electrical contacts 38A and 38B provided on circuit board 30B. The electrical control unit 30 is preferably arranged on the housing 12 separately from the power supply 32 . Here, the power supply 32 can be removed from the electrical contacts 38A and 38B without tools.

As in the 8th and 13 shown, the electrical component 10 further comprises a control element 40. The control element 40 is arranged on the housing 12. In the illustrated embodiment, the operating element 40 is a button that activates a first electrical switch SW1 provided on the circuit board 30B. The first electrical switch SW1 outputs a control signal to the processor 30A in response to the operation of the operating element 40 . Here, the electrical component 10 further includes an operator 42. The operator 42 is a button that activates a second electrical switch SW2 provided on the circuit board 30B. The second electrical switch SW2 outputs a control signal to the processor 30A in response to the operation of the operating member 40 . Controls 40 and 42 are examples of user inputs. However, the controls 40 and 42 are not limited to the illustrated embodiment (ie, a push-type control). For example, the controls 40 and 42 can also be designed as rotary controls and/or pull controls. In certain situations, however, the operating elements 40 and 42 can also be omitted.

The cover 14 will now be described with reference to FIG 11 until 13 explained in more detail. As previously mentioned, the cover 14 is provided with the tool engaging structure 16 . The cover 14 includes an outer surface 14a having the tool engaging structure 16 . The cover 14 includes an internal recess for receiving the magnet 36. The tool-engaging structure 16 includes a first tool-engaging surface 51 extending from the outer surface 14a and a first tool-engaging surface 51 extending from the outer surface 14a, and a second tool-engaging surface 51 extending from the outer surface 14a, respectively a second tool-engaging surface 52 projecting from outer surface 14a, and a tool-engaging recess 53 defined between first tool-engaging surface 51 and second tool-engaging surface 52. At least one of first tool-engaging surface 51 and second tool-engaging surface 52 includes a chamfer 51a adjacent outer surface 14a of cover 14 , 52a or a bevel 51a, 52a adjoining the outer surface 14a of the cover 14. By including the chamfer 51a, 52a adjacent the outer surface 14a of the cover 14, the attachment force to attach the cover 14 to the housing 12 is less than the detachment force to detach the cover 14 from the housing 12.

Here, each of the first tool engaging surface 51 and the second tool engaging surface 52 includes the chamfer 51a, 52a. The first tool engaging surface 51 includes a first planar portion 51b and a second tool engaging surface 52 includes a second planar portion 52b. The first flat portion 51b and the second flat portion 52b are parallel. The first planar portion 51b and the second planar portion 52b define a slot as the tool engaging recess 53. The tool engaging structure 16 further includes a concave/curved surface 54 disposed between the first planar portion 51b and the second planar portion 52b. Therefore, the tool engaging recess 53 is special for receiving a coin for rotating the cover 14 relative to the housing 12.

The first tool-engaging surface 51 and the outer surface 14a of the cover 14 define(s) a first edge 55 of the tool-engaging recess 53. The chamfer 51a of the first tool-engaging surface 51 extends along half the first edge 55 of the tool-engaging recess 53. The second Tool engagement surface 52 and the outer surface 14a of the cover 14 define(s) a second edge 56 of the tool engagement recess 53. The chamfer 52a of the second tool engagement surface 52 extends or protrudes along half the second edge 56 of the tool engagement recess 53.

Now, referring to 6 , 7 and 14 until 18 a notification function from the electrical component 10 is described. As in 6 and 7 As shown, the electrical component 10 further includes a light source 60. Here, the light source 60 includes a single light emitting diode. The light source 60 is provided on the circuit board 30B from the electric control unit 30. Therefore, the light source 60 is arranged on the case 12. As shown in FIG. In particular, the light source 60 is provided on the opposite side of the circuit board 30B from the power supply 32 . The light source 60 emits light based on a control signal from the electrical control unit 30. In other words, the light source 60 is controlled by the electrical control unit 30 to emit light indicative of the operating state of the electrical control unit 30.

Here, the housing 12 includes a light guide 62. The light source 60 is configured to emit light into the light guide 62 provided in the housing 12 to direct the light from the light source 60 in two different directions. Here, the housing 12 is provided with a first opening 64 provided on one side of the housing 12 and a second opening 66 provided on the other side of the housing 12. The first opening 64 has a first transparent window part 68 in of the first opening 64 is arranged. Similarly, the second opening 66 has a second transparent window member 70 disposed in the second opening 66 . The light guide 62 has a reflectivity for the light 60 emitted by the light source. In other words, the light guide 62 is configured to reflect the light in a desired direction. For example, light guide 62 includes at least one reflective surface that reflects the light emitted by light source 60 . Here, light guide 62 includes, for example, a first reflective surface 71 that reflects light emitted from light source 60 in a first direction and a second reflective surface 72 that reflects light emitted from light source 60 in a second direction. In the illustrated embodiment, the light guide 62 includes a triangular retroreflector 74 that reflects the light emitted by the light source 60 in the two different directions. The triangular baffle 74 includes the first reflective surface 71 and the second reflective surface 72. In this manner, the triangular baffle 74 reflects the light emitted from the light source 60 in opposite directions. Preferably, light guide 62 includes a reflective material. For example, a reflective paint is applied to each of the first reflective surface 71 and the second reflective surface 72 as the reflective material.

Here, the light guide 62 includes a transparent guide plate 76 arranged to receive the light reflected from the triangular baffle 74 . The guide plate 76 is positioned above the triangular reflector 74 and extends toward the first opening 64 and second side openings. The light guiding plate 76 can be provided with different colors on each side of the triangular reflector 74 . For example, the guide plate 76 on the right side of the triangle baffle 74 may be molded/made of a transparent green material. On the left side of the triangular reflector 74, the guide plate 76 may be molded/made of a transparent red material. Alternatively or additionally, the first transparent window part 68 and the second transparent window part 70 may be formed/made of different colored materials.

For purposes of understanding the scope of the present invention, the term "comprising" and its derivatives, as used herein, are open-ended terms specifying the presence of the noted features, elements, components, groups, integers, and/or steps, but the presence other unspecified features, elements, components, groups, integers and/or steps. The foregoing also applies to words of similar import such as the terms "including", "comprising" and derivatives thereof. Also, the terms "part", "section", "portion", "member" or "element" when used in the singular may have the dual meaning of a single part or a plurality of parts, unless otherwise specified.

As used herein, the following directional terms refer to frame-facing side", "non-frame-facing side", "forward", "backward", "front", "back", "top", "bottom", "above", "below", "upward", "downward", "up", "down", "side", "vertical", "horizontal", "vertical" and "across" and all other similar directional terms refer to the directions of a human-powered vehicle (e.g., bicycle) in an upright, riding position and equipped with the electrical component. Accordingly, these directional terms, as used to describe the electrical component, are to be interpreted with respect to a human-powered vehicle (e.g., bicycle) in an upright riding position on a horizontal surface and equipped with the electrical component. The terms "left" and "right" are used to mean "right" when referring to the right side as viewed from the rear of the human-powered vehicle (e.g., bicycle) and "left" when referring to it refer to the left side as viewed from the rear of the human-powered vehicle field (e.g., bicycle).

The phrase "at least one of" as used in this disclosure means "one or more" of a desired selection. For example, as used in this disclosure, the term "at least one of" means "only a single choice" or "both of two choices" when the number of choices is two. Another example is the phrase "at least one of," as used in this disclosure, meaning "only a single choice" or "any combination of equal to or more than two choices" when the number of its choices is equal to or greater than three is.

Although the terms "first" and "second" are used herein to describe various components, these components should not be limited by those terms. These terms are only used to distinguish one component from another. For example, a first component discussed above could be referred to as a second component and vice versa without departing from the teachings of the present invention.

The term "attached" or "attaching" as used herein includes configurations in which one element is directly attached to another element by directly attaching the element to the other element; configurations in which the element is indirectly attached to the other element by attaching the element to the intermediate element(s), which in turn are attached to the other element; and configurations in which one element is integral with another element, ie. H. one element is essentially part of the other element. This definition also applies to words with a similar meaning, e.g. B. "connected", "connected", "tethered", "assembled", "glued", "attached" and their derivatives. Finally, as used herein, terms such as "substantially," "about," and "approximately" mean a degree of variation of the modified term such that the end result is not materially altered.

While only selected embodiments were 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 expressly 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 materially affect their intended function. Unless expressly stated otherwise, components that are directly connected or touching may have intermediate structures interposed between them so long as the changes do not materially affect their intended function. The functions of one element can be performed by two elements and vice versa, unless explicitly stated otherwise. The structures and functions of one embodiment can be carried over into another embodiment. It is not necessary for all advantages to be present in a particular embodiment at the same time. Any feature which, alone or in combination with other features, distinguishes itself from the prior art should also be considered as a separate description of further inventions of the applicant, including the structural and/or functional concepts embodied by that feature(s). Thus, the foregoing descriptions of the embodiments according to the present invention are intended for purposes of illustration only and not limitation of the invention as defined by the appended claims and their equivalents.

Reference List

(10)

electrical component

(30)

electrical control unit

(32)

power supply

(12)

Housing

(14)

cover

(50)

tool engaging structure

(51)

first tool engagement surface

(52)

second tool engagement surface

(53)

tool engagement recess

(18)

first screw thread

(20)

second screw thread

(62)

light guide

(40)

control element

(60)

light source

(36)

magnet

Claims (20)

Electrical component (10) for a human-powered vehicle, the electrical component (10) comprising: at least one of an electrical control unit (30) and a power supply (32); a housing (12) having a receiving area configured to receive the at least one of the electrical control unit (30) and the power supply (32); and a cover (14) adapted to be attachably and detachably attached to the housing (12), the cover (14) being provided with a tool engaging structure (50) adapted to be used with a tool for attaching the cover ( 14) on the housing (12) and for detaching the cover (14) from the housing (12), the tool engagement structure (50) being further configured to limit an attachment force/assembly force required for the Attaching the cover (14) to the housing (12) can be applied to be less than a detaching force that can be applied for detaching the cover (14) from the housing (12). Electrical component (10) according to claim 1 wherein the cover (14) includes an exterior surface having the tool-engaging structure (50), the tool-engaging structure (50) having a first tool-engaging surface (51) extending from the exterior surface, a second tool-engaging surface (52) extending from the exterior surface, and an intermediate the first tool-engaging surface (51) and the second tool-engaging surface (52) includes a tool-engaging recess (53) defined, and at least one of the first tool-engaging surface (51) and the second tool-engaging surface (52) includes a chamfer adjacent the outer surface of the cover (14). . Electrical component (10) according to claim 2 wherein the first tool engaging surface (51) includes a first planar portion and the second tool engaging surface (52) includes a second planar portion, the first planar portion and the second planar portion being parallel. Electrical component (10) according to claim 3 wherein the tool-engaging structure (50) further includes a concave/arched surface disposed between the first planar portion and the second planar portion. Electrical component (10) according to any one of claims 2 until 4 wherein each of the first tool-engaging surface (51) and the second tool-engaging surface (52) includes the chamfer. Electrical component (10) according to claim 5 , wherein the first tool-engaging surface (51) and the outer surface of the cover (14) define a first edge of the tool-engaging recess (53), and the chamfer of the first tool-engaging surface (51) extends along half of the first edge of the tool-engaging recess (53 ) extends. Electrical component (10) according to claim 6 , wherein the second tool-engaging surface (52) and the outer surface of the cover (14) define a second edge of the tool-engaging recess (53), and the chamfer of the second tool-engaging surface (52) extends along half the second edge of the tool-engaging recess (53 ) extends. Electrical component (10) according to any one of Claims 1 until 7 wherein the housing (12) includes a first screw thread (18) and the cover (14) includes a second screw thread (20) threadedly engaging/entering the first screw thread to removably attach the cover (14) to the housing ( 12) to fasten. Electrical component (10) according to any one of Claims 1 until 8th , wherein the first screw thread (18) and the second screw thread (20) are right-hand threads such that the cover (14) is/is screwed clockwise onto the housing (12) to detachably attach the cover (14) to the housing ( 12) to fasten. An electrical component (10) for a human-powered vehicle, the electrical component (10) comprising: a housing (12) containing an optical fiber (62); an operating element (40) arranged on the housing (12); one on the housing (12) arranged electrical Control unit (30), the electrical control unit (30) being arranged to operate a component of the human-powered vehicle in accordance with a user input which is different from the electrical component (10); and a light source (60) arranged on the housing (12) and controlled by the electrical control unit (30) in order to emit light indicative of the operating state of the electrical control unit (30), the light source (60) being set up to emit light in to emit the light guide (62) provided in the housing (12) to direct the light from the light source (60) in two different directions. Electrical component (10) according to claim 10 wherein the light guide (62) has a reflectivity for the light emitted by the light source. Electrical component (10) according to claim 10 or 11 , wherein the light guide includes at least one reflective surface that reflects light emitted from the light source. Electrical component (10) according to any one of Claims 10 until 12 , wherein the light guide (62) includes a triangular reflector which reflects the light emitted by the light source (60) in two different directions. Electrical component (10) according to Claim 13 , wherein the triangular reflector reflects the light emitted by the light source (60) in opposite directions. Electrical component (10) according to Claim 13 or 14 wherein the light guide (62) includes a transparent guide plate arranged to receive the light reflected from the triangular baffle. Electrical component (10) according to any one of Claims 10 until 15 wherein the light source (60) includes a single light emitting diode. Electrical component (10) according to any one of Claims 10 until 16 wherein the light guide (62) includes a reflective material. Electrical component (10) for a human-powered vehicle, the electrical component (10) comprising: at least one of an electrical control unit (30) and a power supply (32); a housing (12) having a receiving area configured to receive the at least one of the electrical control unit (30) and the power supply (32); a cover (14) releasably attached to the housing (12) for retaining the at least one of the electrical control unit (30) and the power supply (32) in the receiving area; and a magnet (36) so provided on at least one of the housing (12) and the cover (14) to magnetically attach at least one of the electrical control unit (30) and the power supply (32) to the at least one of the housing (12 ) and the cover (14). Electrical component (10) according to Claim 18 wherein the power supply (32) is provided in the receiving area of the housing (12); and the cover (14) is provided with the magnet (36). Electrical component (10) according to Claim 18 or 19 , wherein the electrical control unit (30) on the housing (12) is arranged separately from the power supply (32).

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