TW200410863A - Process for controlling gear shifting in a cycle, and corresonding system and components - Google Patents

Abstract

Gear shifting is performed by changing the position of engagement of the transmission member (K) for transmitting motion with respect to at least one gear wheel or sprocket, which has at least one angular position in which shifting of the element (K) for transmitting motion is facilitated. In the preferred embodiment, the process comprises the operations of: - detecting (2) the angular position of said at least one gear wheel or sprocket; - detecting (2) the movement and the corresponding direction of movement of said element (K) for transmitting motion; and - controlling change of position of the element (K) for transmitting motion with respect to said at least one gear wheel or sprocket when the latter is in an angular position corresponding to said at least one given position; and the element (K) for transmitting motion is moving in said given direction.

Description

200410863 (1) Description of the invention: [Technical field to which the invention belongs] The present invention overcomes the problem of controlling gear movement in a bicycle, and has been developed and applied to racing bicycles. In any case, this possible application, especially with regard to racing bicycles, should not be construed as limiting the application in possible fields of the invention. [Prior art]

In the past few years, in the field of bicycles, many related characteristics of bicycle sensors have been developed to obtain a lot of information about the use and action of the device. The purpose can be involved by the actuator, modified according to certain rules, and modified by Automatic methods and specific instructions issued by the user, especially with regard to the use / action characteristics of the device they are setting up. In particular, the present invention was developed with specific reference to a servo system, which positions the drive chain of a bicycle in a position equivalent to a front transmission and a rear transmission.

In a more sophisticated drive gear set on a bicycle, it is assumed that the tooth profile of the crankshaft and sprocket acting on the transmission does not necessarily consist of the same teeth. In contrast, the teeth are arranged in groups in an orderly manner, and the teeth included in each group have a differential geometric order to promote the movement of the chain. The above is to form, in a relatively tooth shape, points or regions, Moving the chain in it is promoted. The point or area is simply referred to as the "promoting part". If an instruction to move the position of the chain is issued at an inappropriate time, the correct positioning of the chain can be at least temporarily suspended and postponed. 3 200410863 This disadvantage can be seen in the system of manually controlling the gear movement. It has become the most troublesome thing in the bicycle. The change of the transmission ratio is controlled by the automatically operated actuator. The actuator is an electronic control system. Manipulated. Such a system is usually constructed to improve the interface of many bicycles in their own combination (in accordance with the instructions issued by the use and in a fully automatic manner), so that the bicycle, and more often the bicycle, can optimize the performance of the user system.

For example, in addition to the unintended stop that occurs when the command is instructed to operate, a long-standing problem is that after the command is stopped, the actuator is actuated for a period of time (thus absorbing energy), so the actuator itself cannot determine whether the action is Time to proceed. During this period, the actuator absorbs energy (usually a battery) from the power source installed on the bicycle. The energy absorbed by this device is generally wasted without any useful results. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The object of the present invention is to provide a solution that can overcome the above disadvantages. According to the present invention, this object can be achieved by a program having specific features described in the scope of the following patent applications. _ The present invention also relates to corresponding systems and elements that can be used in the above-mentioned systems and / or the above-mentioned programs. Basically, the solution of the present invention is based on the idea of improving the control system that can be used on bicycles, especially racing bicycles. The purpose is to obtain information that can be used to optimize the energy supply and avoid the use of batteries. The waste of energy of the system must be proven to prevent the bicycle from being cumbersome and / 4 200410863 or load-bearing in a breakable type-pedal-by foot (or 1-pedal by the electric actuator) The movement of the parts is caused but there is too much to do with the car going forward, so the battery must be applied to the preferred embodiment. The invention and the bicycle ’s axis to the converter are available. To detect the message load. The solution includes the use of a converter, which is the best. This is preferably a potentiometer 'such as: the phase driven by the crankshaft axis of the moving component of the car's transmission elements'); The rhythm of the corresponding tooth shape of the gear. The message can be 'at least in part,' being used in a source supply, such as a condition mounted on the bicycle itself. It is especially applied to the movement of the front and the right moments. The "promotion part" mentioned in this part of the kinetic energy is the operation of the battery pumping angle position on the bicycle component. The action is to take energy or operate the rear transmission. That is, when the chain is directly corresponding to one of this article. In terms of aspects, it must be mentioned that the chain or more generally is transmitted only when the element itself moves; it will be generated properly when the source is wasted and the mechanical element generates wind elements of undesired stress. Otherwise, it will be dangerous. A simple and simple The signal is not enough. If the chain moves in the opposite direction (that is, in the opposite direction from the pedal), it will produce undesired results again. The solution of the present invention generally includes that it is confirmed according to the chain itself, and in the desired direction (that is, in the same direction as the pedal makes the bicycle forward), and whether the gear involved in the gear movement has a known angle Position (according to the position of the chain corresponding to the position enclosed in one of the above-mentioned promotion sections of 200410863), and the gear movement operation is performed. [Embodiment] In the drawings, the symbol 1 as a whole is a bicycle, such as a race With a bicycle. The structural and structural characteristics of such bicycles are considered to be the same, and therefore need not be described in detail here. In this respect, those skilled in the art should know that the possibility of using the solution of the present invention is not limited to the illustrated pedal vehicle.

In the presently preferred embodiment of the invention, a sensor 2 is used at a position corresponding to the crankshaft axis C1. In the embodiment in which the present invention is considered to be used less frequently, a second sensor 3 (which can be used together with or instead of the sensor 2) can be installed at a position corresponding to the chain tensioner . In Figures 1 and 2, sensors 2 and 3 coexist, just to not make the description of this article too cumbersome. This system also includes two actuators 4 and 5, each designed to control the front and rear transmissions of the bicycle.

Sensors 2 and / or 3, and actuators 4 and / or 5 are best connected by individual connecting lines (not visible in the figure, but in a conventional form), at least partially in the program unit 6 near the handlebar of the bicycle . In terms of programs and systems, the present invention relates to a form which is carried out in accordance with the effect of changing the transmission ratio of the bicycle. In another aspect, the present invention is a preferred solution for obtaining sensors 2 and 3. 6 200410863 In any case, at least in terms of procedures and systems, the solution of the present invention has nothing to do with the specific features of the sensors 2 and 3, and the specific features of the actuators 4 and 5. Moving to the detailed structural description of the sensor 2 (Figure 3), it can be noted that it basically includes a stator element 10, which contains a small disc made of resistive material and is mounted on the frame of the bicycle 1 Into a fixed position. In particular, the stator element 10 has a central opening 12 which allows the crankpin Η1 of the crankshaft axis C1 of the bicycle to pass.

The stator element 10 is provided with two concentric circular channels on each of the outer and inner strips 14 and 16, both of which are electrically conductive, and at least one of them (for example, strips 14 in the illustration) is Out of resistance material. The two ends of the strip 14 are terminated by two end pins 1 40 and 1 4 1 which are connected to:-the power supply source V (which can be used in a conventional power supply battery installed on a bicycle A), and a ground terminal G.

The connection of the pin 1 40 to the power supply source V is preferably an electric switch 1 50, and its function will be described in more detail below. The inner strip 16 here should only be a strap, made of metal material, which is connected to another pin 1 42 and then to the program unit 6. At the same time, another pin 1 43 is connected to the program unit 6 and then to a mat 18 made of conductive material. The mat is arranged between the strips 24 and 16 and is equivalent to the end of the strip 1 4 itself. On one of the values. The combination of the above elements basically forms a resistive voltage divider. In 7 200410863, once the value of the supply voltage V applied to the pin 1 40 is set, the voltage level detectable on the pin 1 42 is basically The upper position depends on the angular position of the brush 20, and therefore the angular position of the crank pin H1. When the brush 20 slides on both the strips 14 and 16, it will be on the strip 1 4 (here, it is formed as a split ring, and its ends are connected to the pins 140 and 141 which are close to each other but not connected to each other) Establish an electrical connection with the pin 6 (here it is assumed to have a continuous circular unrolled and made of conductive material). At each revolution of the crankshaft pin Η1 of the bottom bracket, the pin 1 8 and pin 1 43 connected to it will short-circuit to, for example, the pin 1 4 丨 and / or the connected strip 14 to force the pin 143. It becomes ground voltage. The output signal of the sensor 2 is basically a sawtooth signal. It is located at an angular position on the crank pin Η 1 'It is equivalent to the brush 2 〇 It can reach the maximum when it is at the end of the channel 14 corresponding to the pin 丨 4 〇 Value, and the brush 20 at the crank pin Η 1 is limited to the opposite end of the channel i 4, that is, the minimum value (final, zero) can be reached at the point corresponding to the pin 1 4 1. The above-mentioned dentate signal has an obliquely rising peak or an obliquely downward acute angle. At the same Ampere position of the sensor 2, it is obviously completely transmitted to the axis of the crankshaft, so it depends on the direction of rotation of the chain K. . Call for proper operation of the limit setting in any case (directly performed on the analog signal on pin 1 42 or the value obtained by the unit 6 by passing / obtaining the phase after the analog-to-digital conversion), It can be accurately identified that the loose wheel connected to the sensor (in this embodiment, the wheel is moved by the axis of the crankshaft) is located at a position corresponding to the position of the chain κ on a promotion part. In the angular position, that is, at the beginning of the tooth sequence, it can promote the transfer of 8 200410863 to the chain κ. In addition to this, the proper operation of the above-mentioned limit setting unit 6 can prove that when the output signal of the sensor 2 changes with time, it indicates that the corresponding gear and chain K pulled by it are moving. Finally, detection of the slope (angle coefficient) of the front and / or rear end of the signal under discussion enables the unit 6 to confirm the direction of movement (forward or backward) of the chain K itself. The combination of the above-mentioned components can be made into the form of a mechanical component of a motor. 'It is basically similar to a usual rotary potentiometer, with a corresponding component that can be inserted into a housing or, in any case, a protective structure (such as in a so-called "Cut box"), it can operate correctly even in harsh environment, when it is installed at the position equivalent to the axis of the bicycle crankshaft. On the other hand, those skilled in the art should know that many changes can be made in this embodiment (equivalent to the presently preferred embodiment), for example, the roles of a strip 14 and 16 are reversed (that is, the strip 14 is formed by Made of conductive material, strip 1 (made of resistive material); the role of a brush 20 and at least two of the strips 14 and 16 is dynamically opposite, that is, the brush 20 is installed in a static position And two of the strips rotate together with the crank pin Η1 of the crankshaft axis; or a cushion 18 is positioned at a position corresponding to the end of the strip 14 connected to the pin 丨 4; at this time, The passage of the brush 20 through the pad 18 causes the pin 143 to no longer be forced to ground voltage, but to the battery voltage V. Even more varied embodiments are within the purview of those skilled in the art, in which a potentiometer type sensor can be used, which can supply one at the output point (at pin 142, in the illustrated embodiment) The first signal, it can excellently confirm the angular position of the crankshaft pin Η1 currently reached by the crankshaft axis. In addition, a reference signal can be generated to indicate that the crankshaft pin Η1 has passed a predetermined angular position, and a signal can confirm the Move and move direction. Further, the sensor 3 is made to be installed at a position corresponding to a chain tensioner, and the tensioner is usually installed at a position corresponding to the rear end of the bicycle chain κ. The chain tensioner in question usually consists of a pair of oscillating arms or half-cages 22, each half 22 is provided with upper ends 24 designed to be connected to two points together equivalent to a cage bent pin or pivot 26, which makes the half The cage 22 is mounted on the frame of the bicycle 1 and can be vibrated around a cabinet axis X26 extending in the horizontal direction. A first top pulley or roller 25, which usually has the shape of a hyperbolic lens, is installed between the upper ends. So that it can rotate around its own axis X25. The arms form a half cage 22 and then each bottom end 28 is designed to join the cabinet shaft 30 together. A bottom pulley or spoke wheel 32 (usually having a hyperbolic lens profile) is mounted on it and around its own axis Heart X32 turns. The bicycle chain KK is installed so as to engage at the top and bottom rollers 25 and 32, thus forming a generally ^ -shaped path. The oscillating movement of the vibrating arm 22 about the axis χ26 causes the corresponding movement of the bottom pulley or wheel 32, so that the latter can keep the chain κ in a tension state, thus absorbing and compensating the changes in the movement path of the chain κ. It is generated by the key bar itself being connected at different positions corresponding to the sprocket of the bicycle transmission group. 10 200410863 In any case, 'the set of parts as described above and the corresponding operating rules are equivalent to known solutions, so it is not necessary to elaborate here', and because they are not related to the purpose of application and understanding of the present invention . According to the structure of the present invention, at least one of the rollers 25 and 32 (the roller 3 in the illustrated embodiment) is used as the rotor portion of the sensor, and the entire stator portion is denoted by 34, and is mounted on the oscillating arm. Or on one of the half 茏 22. An element 36 (such as plastic ferrite) to which a magnetic material is applied at the point of the roller 32 (can be formed integrally during the manufacturing process, such as common mode formation), as shown in the figure, it has generally Angle, such as a 180. Angle The C-shaped extension. The stator part 3 4 of the sensor preferably includes a two-end device or a pickup 3 5 ′ such as a Hall effect sensor, or a reed relay, which are mounted on the corresponding vibrating arms or half cymbals 22 and each other. The rotation axis χ32 of the pair of rollers 32 is staggered to 90. Angle position. Figure 5 shows that in one of its two parts groups above the other, a) and b) are used to indicate the possible rotation sequence of the element 36 when the parent wheel 32 makes one turn, according to the roller 32 in question ( Seen in Figure 5) whether it moves in a clockwise direction (Figure 5a) or counterclockwise (Figure 5b). Referring to the moving direction of the key bar K connected to the roller 32, the two rotation directions can be considered to correspond to the forward and backward movement of the chain K itself. Recall in this article that the term "forward" means the direction of movement of the chain corresponds to the direction of movement transmitted to the chain K when the crankshaft axis of the bicycle is driven along the forward direction of the bicycle itself. 11 200410863 Similarly, the two parts a) and b) of Fig. 6 show two time-history diagrams corresponding to the action of the output signal of the split or pick-up member 3 5 at both ends, and the two signals are 3 5 2, 3 5 2 indicates that it can be regarded as the second signal as a whole, when the chain κ moves forward (signal 3 52, 3 52 in Fig. 6a) and backward (article 3 52, 3 52 in Fig. 6b) respectively. The above signals are essentially logic signals (that is, the signals appear as high logic level or low logic level, depending on whether each end device or pickup 35 currently passes in front of the magnetic material element 36 or is at a distance from it ). Through the logical combination of the signals 352 and generated by the two-end device or the pickup 35, it can be distinguished whether the movement of the roller 32 (and thus the chain κ) is generated in one direction or the other. All of these occur according to conventional rules (for example, from the use of so-called "optical encoders" technology) and need not be explained here in detail. Anyone who has previously described the sensor 2 can also be applied to the sensor 3. Those skilled in the art ‘can define the functionally the same as the scheme just described according to the instructions given. In particular, the above-mentioned sensing effect can be performed by using the roller 25 instead of the roller 32, or using a sensor or a picking member 35 different from the foregoing, or again, using two sensors, one of which is connected To one roller, the other is connected to another roller. However, it must be pointed out that, mainly from a technical point of view (roller 32 connected to the magnetic material element 36), the scheme just described has proved to be particularly excellent, in which it can obtain a simple and reliable sensor combination In addition, it provides low power consumption and can be operated correctly even in harsh environments. 12 200410863 »For example, the work piece of the tester and its own use. The operation of the car occurs when the movement of the pickup from a relatively supply angle feels closed. The upper one. Once again, the power redness σ has been confused and there is a component 150 which is connected to the sensor element 150. It has the function of a power switch. When the corresponding sensing function is not necessary, the sensor 2 can be cut off to the voltage source, The connection of ν. Special ground switch! 50. In the open position, the resistor element of the band Η is not connected to the voltage source V and therefore does not absorb power. The switch 1 5 G is preferably connected to the unit 6 by each wire i 5 i, so that the sensor 2 is actually only used when the unit 6 thinks that a corresponding signal is available. This is generally available in the single 7L 6 (because it can be used) When receiving a forward command from the outside biker, or because the unit 6 itself complies with the special conditions of the pedal) to obtain the change of the bicycle transmission ratio, a similar configuration is also installed at the sensor 3 ', That is, the switch 15 2 will actuate the two-end device or member 35 only when the unit 6 receives the corresponding actuation signal. The form of performing the action of the front transmission will be described with reference to the presently preferred embodiment of the present invention. Assuming that only the sensor 2 is present, it can send a signal processed by the unit 6 to recognize the bicycle crankshaft axis The angular position of the gears driven by the latter, and the movement and direction of the chain. When the need to change the gear ratio of the front transmission arises, the unit 6 acts as a sensor 2 (for example, by a switch 150, generally an electronic switch, such as a transistor). The circuit position is used to actuate the sensor 2 itself. The corresponding output signal of 13 200410863 picked up on the pin 1 42 enables the unit 6 to confirm the angular position of the crankshaft axis Η1 and the corresponding gear in an excellent way, thereby the movement and direction of the chain K. The above purpose is to enable the unit 6 to make the corresponding actuator (in the illustrated embodiment, the actuator 4 is connected to the front transmission) the most appropriate forward, so that the chain can make the required movement correctly, and The forward movement of the chain K has also been detected, thus preventing any attempted gear movement when the chain is stationary or when the chain is moved backwards.

This operating mode is shown schematically in the flowchart of FIG. Here, starting from the initial step 100, step 101 confirms that the unit 6 has received (or, in any case, processed) a chain positioning instruction, that is, a request for gear movement. The next step 102 is that the unit 6 operates the motion sensor 2 to have a corresponding signal available. In the selection step 103 (its function will be shown below, and it is assumed here to have an output NO), the signal from the sensor 2 is verified in step 104 whether the chain is actually moving.

The output NO of step 104 indicates that the chain K is not moving. In these cases, the unit 6 returns to step 103. However, the output YES of step 104 indicates that the chain K is moving, and then in the next step 105, the unit 6 verifies whether the signal from the sensor 2 indicates that the chain is moving forward. Output NO from step 105 causes a return to step 103. If YES is output from the step 106, the unit 6 verifies in the next step 106 whether it senses the signal value from the 200410863 device 2 to indicate that the chain corresponds to the movement promotion part " fiz: set. At the same time, in this case, if the output is NO, the unit 6 returns to the step, and if the output is YES, the unit 6 instructs the gear to move (the step is sent to the 1J actuator 4 and the sensor is also stopped. Then move To the main step 1 0 8. If based on many of the specific reasons mentioned above (the chain is stationary or moving, located at a position that does not correspond to the promotion part), the unit 6 returns to step 103, and the unit 6 verifies whether it is from the unit 6 The elapsed time of receiving or processing the gear movement instruction is equal to the predetermined limit of T. If this period is shorter than the limit value (output NO from step 103), 6 repeat the sequence of the previous steps to verify at the same time. Activate the foot pedal again, so that the chain K moves forward, especially when the chain enters a position corresponding to one of the promotion parts, in order to establish a favorable indication of gear movement. However, if the conditions are not conducive to the movement of the chain through a certain For a period of time (YES from the output of 103), the unit 6 moves to step 109, so the gear movement instruction that is received or processed is interpreted as an unexecutable instruction, which may be caused by the wrong way. Out, and thus perform a reset to clear the gear command; then it moves to a final step 11 0. Under these conditions, for example, the unit 6 may send a signal to the enabler (such as a sound and / or light signal), its purpose It is pointed out that even if a gear move command has been issued, his movement cannot match the issued finger (for example, because he did not step on the pedal, or he stepped on one of the pedals 103〇107). Perform I long. 〇〇— · The early person has made the chain up to the step and it has been moved by the user. 15 200410863 、 Understanding the above operation rules can be completed in the next best way, only according to the Zhao chain f + 立 々 # ", the signal of the movement and direction of the movement of the public chain, the above purpose is to move the gear forward on the chain κ It is performed under excellent conditions. In this case, the information of the obvious positioning of the gear angle, and thus the positioning information of the chain κ to the movement promoting part, cannot be obtained. Of course, the construction details and implementation are not in violation of the principle of the present invention For example, within the scope of the present invention, it can be widely changed from those shown and described here. This applies in particular to the reference to the above-mentioned operating rules to the crankshaft axis (and therefore to the corresponding Gearbox), and only the possibility of applying it to the rear gearbox. At least in principle, the position of the chain κ can also be sensed, especially with a sensor, such as sensor 3 connected to the chain tensioner. The position of the tooth profile of the gear moved by the axis of the crankshaft is measured. Furthermore, another modified embodiment also uses the sensor 2 to generate the angular position signal of the gear to The use of the sensor 3 is used to generate the signal of the movement and direction of the chain κ. According to the separate use of the sensor 2, this solution has proved to be particularly excellent in terms of system accuracy and operation reliability. [Schematic description The present invention will be described simply with reference to the drawings by way of non-limiting example, wherein: FIG. 1 is a side view of a bicycle equipped with the system of the present invention, such as a racing bicycle; FIG. 2 is shown in FIG. Top view of a bicycle; 16 200410863 Figure 3 is a schematic diagram showing the structure of a sensor that can be mounted on the bicycle shown in Figures 1 and 2. Figure 4 shows the structure of a sensor that can be mounted on the bicycle. Schematic diagram of another sensor structure; each of Figures 5 and 6 includes two parts, indicated by a) and b), showing the operating specifications of the sensor in Figure 4 in more detail; Figure 7 is a display The flow of a possible application example of the program of the present invention. [A brief description of the component representative symbols] 0 C 1 ... Crankshaft axis G ... Ground terminal Η1 ... Crankshaft pin K ... Key strip X 2 5 ... Fortunately X 2 6 ... Shaft center 1 ... bicycle 2 ... sensor 3 ... second sense ♦ 4,5 ... Actuator 6 ... Program unit 10 ... Stator element 1 2 ... Central opening 14, 16 ... Strip 18 ... Mat 17 200410863 22 ... Half ridge 24 ... Top 25 ... First top pulley or roller 2 6 ... frame shaft 28 ... bottom end 3 0 ... polar shaft 34 ... stator 3 5 ... pickup 36 ... magnetic material element 100 to 110 ... step 140, 141 ... end pin 1 4 2 ... pin 1 4 3 ... pin 150 ... Electric switch 151 ... Wire 152 ... Switch 352, 353 ... Signal 18

Claims (1)

200410863 Patent application scope: 1 · A motion sensor used to detect the movement and corresponding movement direction of the component (K) used to transmit motion in the bicycle gear set, which is characterized in that it includes at least one rotation A body (32), which can be driven to rotate around each axis (χ32) by an element (κ) for transmitting motion;-a magnetic identification element (36) is mounted on the at least one body (32); -At least two pick-ups (3 5), which are set at a known angle to each other and are spaced apart, and are mounted in a position facing the revolving body (3 2) and are inconsistent with the identification element (3 6) Contact relationship, and the pickups (35) can generate at least one individual signal (351, 3 52) due to the rotation of the identification element (36) to the shaft center (X3 2). 2. The sensor as described in the first item of the patent application, wherein when the identification element (36) is mounted on the rotating body (32), there is an angular extension of 180 to each axis (x32). . 3. The sensor according to item 2 of the patent application range, wherein the two pickups (35) are set at 90 to each other. Angles separated from each other, where the apex of the angle is above the center of rotation (X 3 2). 4. The sensor according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the identification element (36) is made of plastic ferrite. 5. The sensor according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the rotating body (32) is a chain tensioner connected to a bicycle by a pulley, and wherein the identification element (36) is added to The turning body (32). 19 200410863 6. The sensor according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the pickup (35) is mounted on a supporting element for supporting the rotating body (32). 7 · The sensor according to item 5 or 6 of the patent application scope, wherein the supporting element is two of the half cage or arm (22) of the chain tensioner of the bicycle (1). 8. The sensor according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the pickup member (35) is a Hall effect sensor or a reed relay. 20