Patent Description:
Bicycle electronic equipment comprise for example a derailleur associated with the bottom bracket spindle, a derailleur associated with the hub of the rear wheel, a suspension, a saddle setting adjuster, a lighting system, a satellite navigator, a training device, an anti-theft device, a cycle computer capable of providing information on the status of the bicycle, of the cyclist and/or of the route, a torque or power meter, a motor of a pedal assisted bicycle, a manual control device of another equipment, and others.

In the present description and in the attached claims, under "equipment" a set of components mechanically coupled with each other and configured to be attached to the bicycle in a single location is meant to be indicated. Thus, the equipment may comprise for example a derailleur or a manual control device for a derailleur fixable to the handlebar or in the proximity thereto, but not the assembly of both.

Bicycle electronic equipment may perform various functions and may comprise their own data processing system that, for example, controls a geared motor or other device and/or processes signals provided by sensors and/or receives commands from an operator, typically the cyclist or a mechanical and/or manages the communication network and/or manages the communications in the network, with the aid of a communication device, etc..

<CIT> discloses a bicycle control device adapted to be fixed at a portion of the bicycle handlebars, comprising a switch comprising a button and having a rest condition and an actuation condition, on-board electronics, and luminous indicator means comprising a multicolour light source.

There may be the need of inputting commands for the controller of such a bicycle electronic equipment.

The technical problem at the basis of the invention is to provide a bicycle electronic equipment that may receive plural commands from a human operator still remaining constructively small and light and consume little electricity.

In an aspect, the invention relates to a bicycle electronic equipment configured to be attached to the bicycle in a single location, comprising a data processing system, a multicolour light source, and a switch comprising a manual actuation push-button and a two-state electric circuit,
wherein the data processing system is configured to, in a first mode,.

In this manner, a single push-button suffices to receive a plurality of different commands from the user, and the bicycle equipment may be small and light, all factors of great importance in the field of bicycle components.

In the present description and in the attached claims, expression "cyclically repeating" is meant to indicate that the coloured light emitting pattern is changed, within the set of the N coloured light emitting patterns, at one or more prefixed time intervals, so that the source may emit each of the N patterns, for a respective prefixed time duration, preferably for the same prefixed time duration.

In the present description and in the attached claims, under expression "push-button", the member of the switch is meant to be indicated, pressing and respectively releasing which, a state switching of the circuit is determined.

In the present description and in the attached claims, term "mode" referred to the data processing system is used to identify a given portion of instructions executable by the data processing system, without necessarily implying any change of the status of the data processing system or of the bicycle equipment comprising it.

In the present description and in the attached claims, term "action" is used broadly and may encompass any sequence of instructions, which may involve the source or not, and which may involve the user, regarding interaction with the push-button and/or with other devices and components of the bicycle equipment, or not.

The two states of the switch may comprise an unstable state corresponding to pressed push-button and a stable state corresponding to not pressed push-button.

The data processing system may be configured to make the light source emit a coloured light emitting pattern, upon the state switching of the switch before performing step c).

Preferably this coloured light emitting pattern differs in type of emitting pattern and is equal in colour(s) with respect to the coloured light emitting pattern according to which the source is emitting upon the state switching of the switch.

The data processing system may be configured to set up in the first mode upon a second state switching of the switch while it is in a second mode.

In the present description and in the attached claims, the ordinal numbers referred to the state switchings should be understood merely as qualifiers in order to distinguish them from each other, without implying neither any specific time sequence thereof, indicated instead with the adjectives "prior" and "successive", nor the fact that it is a matter of opposite state switchings between the two states of the two-state electric circuit. In particular, said second state switching precedes in time said first state switching.

The second state switching is preferably opposed with respect to the first state switching.

The data processing system may be configured to, in the second mode,.

Preferably, the data processing system is configured to, in the second mode,
d) make the light source emit cyclically repeating said N coloured light emitting patterns, monitoring the state of the switch.

It is noted that in both cases, the second mode is different from the first mode in that the data processing system ignores, in the sense of not considering, the specific coloured light emitting pattern which the source is emitting upon the state switching of the switch.

The data processing system may be configured to set up in the second mode after having counted through a timer the passing of a first prefixed time duration from a third state switching of the switch without a fourth state switching of the switch intervening.

The data processing system may be configured to, in a third mode, starting from a state switching of the switch, define two or more time periods, performing a different action and exiting from the third mode upon a successive state switching in each time period different from the last one, and setting up in the second mode in the last of said time periods, and, in case the time periods are more than two, making the light source emit a coloured light emitting pattern, preferably different from said N, and possibly from said M, coloured light emitting patterns, between two consecutive time periods not including the latest one.

The time periods apart from the latest one preferably have a respective prefixed time duration, preferably different.

The data processing system may be configured to monitor also the passing of one or more prefixed maximum time intervals from one or more events, in particular following a state switching of the switch without any opposed state switching of the switch, and to set up in a different operating mode upon passing of the prefixed maximum time interval(s).

The data processing system may comprise a fully operating mode and a low consumption mode and be configured not to be awakened from the low consumption mode by actuation of the push-button and/or to ignore the status of the switch while it is in low consumption mode.

The bicycle equipment may comprise an electric power supply unit provided with, namely comprising, its own data processing system and with an array of light sources, and one of the above mentioned actions may be the issue from said data processing system to the data processing system of the electric power supply unit of a request to switch on a percentage of light sources of the array proportional to the percentage of residual charge of the electric power supply unit.

The data processing system may be configured to, before, during or after the execution of one of the above mentioned actions, and/or in a mode different from the above mentioned first, second and third modes, make the light source emit a coloured light emitting pattern, among said N coloured light emitting patterns or different from said N -and possibly M- coloured light emitting patterns, in order to provide a visual indication to the user relating to the execution of the action.

In this case, the light may be emitted for a prefixed time interval or until a prefixed event internal to the bicycle equipment or until an event performed by the user.

Each of said coloured light emitting patterns may be selected among:.

wherein said preselected frequency may be individually selected for each of said coloured light emitting patterns.

In the present description and in the attached claims, term "pulse" with reference to light emission by the source should be meant to indicate a duration sufficient to be visually perceived.

The data processing system may be configured to wait, in the execution of an action, that the user acts again on the push-button.

Each of said actions may be selected from the group comprising:.

The push-button may be the only manual actuation member of the push-button type provided on the bicycle electronic equipment, preferably the only manual actuation member provided on the bicycle electronic equipment.

In the case of some bicycle electronic equipment, for example in the case of manual control devices attachable to the handlebar or in proximity thereto, typically other manual actuation members, for example of the lever type, are provided for. However, also in these cases the user interface described above, which, with a single push-button, allows a congruous number of commands to be input, makes the bicycle electronic equipment smaller and lighter with respect to the provision of more complex user interfaces, the feasible functions being equal.

The bicycle electronic equipment may be a derailleur, and preferably the source may be in a position visible while mounting the derailleur on the bicycle and/or, during use, by a person not on board of the bicycle, for example by a travel companion.

The light source and the data processing system and the push-button may be housed in the support body.

When the derailleur is a rear derailleur, the electric power supply unit may be supported by a connecting arm, preferably by the proximal connecting arm. When the derailleur is a front derailleur, the electric power supply unit may be supported by the support body.

In the switch, the manual actuation push-button may comprise a magnet and the two-state electric circuit may comprise a magnetic sensor.

A component of the bicycle electronic equipment may feature a sliding seat of the push-button, the push-button comprising a main body to a first end of which the magnet is fixed, and being slidable in the sliding seat between an extracted position wherein a second end thereof opposed to the first end protrudes at least partially from the sliding seat so that it can be pressed, and a retracted position wherein the second end does not protrude or protrudes less from the sliding seat; the push-button and the two-state electric circuit may be so mutually positioned that the magnetic sensor responds to a change in the magnetic field when the push-button moves between the extracted and retracted positions; the sliding seat may comprise a blind hole; a sealing gasket may be operatively interposed between the main body and the blind hole; and the two-state electric circuit may be housed in a hermetically closed chamber of the bicycle electronic equipment.

The push-button may comprise a compression spring, housed in the blind hole and acting by pushing on the main body, in order to urge the push-button towards the extracted position.

The push-button may comprise an elastically yielding cap, which covers the main body, at its second end.

The cap may be interference fitted on the main body, at its second end.

Alternatively or additionally, a component of the bicycle electronic equipment may feature a sliding seat of the push-button,.

In the present description and in the attached claims, under "sliding", a type of clearance fit wherein the force may not be transmitted by the coupling force alone is meant to be indicated.

The Applicant has recognised that the local deformation of the gasket in the annular seat, establishing a gap between the gasket and the main body of the push-button, counteracts the establishment of an overpressure in the blind hole itself, so that the resistance offered by the sliding seat against the press of the push-button is not increased by the overpressure, thus requiring less physical effort with the finger. Furthermore, the gap acts as a vent for air from the blind hole during the press of the push-button, favouring expulsion of dust particles, dirt and water possibly present in the proximity of the mouth of the blind hole of the seat, hindering entry thereof in the blind hole of the seat where they could jam or in any case hinder proper operation of the push-button.

The extent in radial direction of the intermediate section may be continuously variable from a maximum value at the center thereof, to the value of said two portions.

The push-button may comprise elastic means urging the push-button towards the advanced position, in particular at least one compression spring housed in the blind hole and acting by pushing on the main body of the push-button. In case said one or more compression springs are provided for, the problem of entry of dirt and humidity in the blind hole is particularly felt.

Said at least one region of the sliding fit region between the main body of the push-button and the through cavity provided for in the sliding seat may also comprise two regions, in particular two diametrically opposed regions.

In an aspect not encompassed by the wording of the claims, the subject-matter disclosed herein relates to a bicycle electronic equipment comprising a switch, wherein the switch comprises:.

To this aspect, one or more of the above described optional features apply.

In an aspect not encompassed by the wording of the claims, the subject-matter disclosed herein relates to a bicycle electronic equipment comprising a switch comprising a manual actuation push-button, wherein a component of the equipment has a sliding seat of the push-button,.

A bicycle electronic equipment configured to be attached to the bicycle in a single location, comprising a data processing system and a switch comprising a manual actuation push-button, wherein the data processing system comprises a fully operating mode and a low consumption mode, configured not to be awakened from the low consumption mode by actuation of the push-button and/or to ignore the state of the switch while it is in low consumption mode, represents an innovative aspect of the subject-matter disclosed herein (not encompassed by the wording of the claims), regardless of whether it is used in combination with other components and/or provisions described in the present disclosure.

A bicycle equipment provided with an electric power supply unit provided with its own data processing system and with an array of light sources and configured to switch on a percentage of light sources of the array proportional to the residual charge percentage upon request represents an innovative aspect of the subject-matter disclosed herein (not encompassed by the wording of the claims), regardless of whether it is used in combination with other components and/or provisions described in the present disclosure.

A bicycle electronic equipment configured to be attached to the bicycle in a single location, comprising a data processing system, a multicolour light source and a single manual actuation member comprising a manual actuation push-button paired with a two-state switch, represents an innovative aspect of the subject-matter disclosed herein (not encompassed by the wording of the claims), regardless of whether it is used in combination with other components and/or provisions described in the present disclosure.

Further features and advantages of the present invention will become clearer from the following detailed description of some preferred embodiments thereof, made with reference to the attached drawings, wherein:.

A bicycle may be provided with plural pieces of electronic equipment, possibly connected to each other in a communication network, which may be cabled or wireless. Some illustrative electronic equipment have been listed in the introductory part and the invention applies in general to each of them.

In <FIG> an illustrative bicycle electronic equipment <NUM> is shown, and in <FIG> a non-limiting illustrative block diagram of its electric/electronic components is shown. In the present description and in the attached claims, expression "electric/electronic" is used to indicate an electric component that may also include electronic components and/or a data processing system.

In the case shown, the bicycle electronic equipment <NUM> is a rear electronic derailleur <NUM> comprising a support body <NUM> configured to be attached to a bicycle frame, a chain guide <NUM>, and a pair of connecting arms <NUM>, <NUM> extended between the support body <NUM> and the chain guide <NUM>, forming a plurality of mutually movable components and in particular an articulated parallelogram. For example, the support body <NUM> may be attached to the frame through a screw or an articulated joint <NUM>.

In the present description and in the attached claims, term "chain guide" is used to indicate the component which, overall, is moved with respect to the support body and to the connecting arms; in the case of a rear derailleur it may include a first member articulated in the articulated parallelogram, sometimes called "bottom body", and a second member movable therewith, sometimes called "rocker arm", while in the case of a front derailleur it typically comprises a single member, sometimes called "cage".

The derailleur <NUM> comprises a geared motor <NUM>. In the present description and in the attached claims, under term "geared motor", a motor not coupled with any speed reducer is meant to be encompassed. In the case of the rear derailleur <NUM>, the geared motor <NUM> controls the mutual motion between chain guide <NUM> and support body <NUM>, in particular it determines the aperture and the closure of the articulated parallelogram, and therefore a displacement of the chain guide <NUM> having at least one displacement component in the direction of the axis of the group of toothed wheels associated with the hub of the rear wheel or "sprocket assembly", so as to bring the transmission chain or belt into engagement with a preselected toothed wheel or sprocket of the sprocket assembly.

The geared motor <NUM> is for example housed in the support body <NUM> and controls the rotation of one of the connecting arms <NUM>, <NUM> (in the case shown, the proximal connecting arm <NUM>) about an articulation axis thereof to the support body <NUM>, but it could be housed elsewhere and/or differently control the aperture and closure of the articulated parallelogram.

The derailleur <NUM> comprises a data processing system <NUM>, controlling the geared motor <NUM> and any other electric/electronic components of the derailleur <NUM>. The data processing system <NUM> may comprise electric components and/or discrete electronic components and/or a microcontroller, which may also integrate memory means.

The data processing system <NUM> may be borne for example on at least one printed circuit board or PCB <NUM>. For the sake of brevity, the data processing system <NUM> will sometimes be called controller <NUM> hereinafter.

The derailleur <NUM> shown further comprises an electric power supply unit <NUM>, comprising one or more secondary cells <NUM> and a hermetic case housing said one or more secondary cells <NUM>. The electric power supply unit <NUM> is, for example, attached in a removable manner to derailleur <NUM>, in order to allow recharge thereof from the mains (possibly through a recharge cradle) and/or to allow its replacement in case of performance degradation and/or it may have a connector (not shown) for allowing on board recharge thereof.

The electric power supply unit <NUM> may be provided on a component different from that housing the geared motor <NUM>, for example on the proximal connecting arm <NUM> as shown, but this is not strictly necessary.

Alternatively, the derailleur <NUM> or in general the bicycle electronic equipment <NUM> may be powered by an electric power supply unit of another equipment to which it is electrically connected.

The electric power supply unit <NUM> may also include its own data processing system <NUM>, controlling the electric power supply unit <NUM> itself, borne for example by a PCB (not shown) housed in the hermetic case. The electric power supply unit <NUM> may thus be a so-called smart battery. For the sake of brevity, the data processing system <NUM> will sometimes be called battery controller <NUM> hereinbelow.

The electric power supply unit <NUM> may also include, as shown, an array of light sources <NUM>, preferably aligned as shown. The array of light sources <NUM> may be arranged in a position visible while mounting the derailleur <NUM> on the bicycle and/or by a person not on board of the bicycle during its travel, for example by a travel companion.

The derailleur <NUM> comprises a user interface <NUM> for input of commands to the controller <NUM>. The user interface <NUM> comprises a multicolour light source <NUM>, hereinbelow sometimes just called light source <NUM> or just source <NUM> for the sake of brevity, and a switch <NUM>. The switch <NUM>, better described hereinbelow, comprises a manual actuation push-button <NUM>, and a two-state electric circuit <NUM>.

As said above, under expression "push-button" that member of the switch is meant to be indicated, pressing and respectively releasing which, a state switching of the two-state electric circuit <NUM> is determined.

The two states of the switch <NUM> may comprise an unstable state corresponding to pressed push-button and a stable state corresponding to not pressed push-button.

The user interface <NUM> and the controller <NUM> may be provided on the same component housing the geared motor <NUM>, for example on the support body <NUM> as shown, but this is not strictly necessary. The switch <NUM> and the multicolour light source <NUM> of the user interface <NUM> might also be provided on a different component.

The multicolour light source <NUM> may be arranged in a position visible while mounting the derailleur <NUM> on the bicycle and/or by a person not on board of the bicycle during its travel, for example by a travel companion.

The derailleur <NUM> may further comprise a communication device <NUM>, for example for communicating with other bicycle equipment mounted on the same bicycle and/or with a different device, for example a smartphone or similar. The communication device <NUM> may be for example a communication module, preferably a short range and low consumption one, for example according to the Bluetooth, Bluetooth Low Energy, and/or ANT+ protocol. In the block diagram of <FIG>, the communication device <NUM> is indicated as a stand-alone component for the sake of clarity, but those skilled in the art will understand that it may also be implemented in a same microcontroller implementing other functionalities of the data processing system or controller <NUM> described herein.

The derailleur <NUM> may comprise a movement detector <NUM>, for example an accelerometer and/or a vibration sensor.

The multicolour light source <NUM> and/or the two-state electric circuit <NUM> and/or the communication device <NUM> and/or the movement detector <NUM> may be housed on the same PCB <NUM> bearing the controller <NUM>, or on one or more different PCB(s).

The multicolour light source <NUM> and the two-state electric circuit <NUM> are preferably housed on a same PCB, in particular on the PCB <NUM> bearing the controller <NUM>.

In <FIG> another illustrative bicycle electronic equipment <NUM> is shown, that in the case shown is a front electronic derailleur <NUM>. The front electronic derailleur <NUM> comprises components analogous to those described above with reference to the rear electronic derailleur <NUM>, identified with the same reference numerals and that will not be described for the sake of brevity. In the case of the front electronic derailleur <NUM>, the displacement of the chain guide <NUM> controlled by the geared motor <NUM> has a component in the direction of the bottom bracket spindle, so as to bring the transmission chain or belt into engagement with a predetermined toothed wheel or chainring of the crankset.

With reference also to <FIG>, switch <NUM> may comprise a magnetic sensor. In this case, the push-button <NUM> comprises a magnet <NUM>, and the two-state electric circuit <NUM> comprises a magnetic sensor.

The magnetic sensor may be a Reed sensor, or alternatively it may be for example a 3D Hall sensor, or a magnetoresistive sensor, such as for example an AMR ("Anisotropic magneto resistive") sensor, a GMR ("Giant magneto resistive") sensor, or a ("Tunnel magneto resistive") sensor.

The push-button <NUM> is slidable along a sliding direction <NUM> in a sliding seat <NUM> between an extracted position wherein it protrudes at least partially from the sliding seat <NUM> so that it can be pressed with a finger, and a retracted position wherein it does not protrude or protrudes less from the sliding seat <NUM>. In <FIG> the seat <NUM> is shown as made in a special body 32A for the sake of clarity, but it is understood that the seat <NUM> is preferably directly made in the case of the support body <NUM> (or of another component <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>) of the derailleur <NUM>, <NUM>.

The two-state electric circuit <NUM>, sometimes called electric circuit <NUM> or circuit <NUM> for the sake of brevity, is shown as borne by the PCB <NUM> merely by way of a non-limiting example, as mentioned above.

The two-state electric circuit <NUM> comprising the magnetic sensor and the push-button <NUM> are mutually positioned so that the magnetic sensor responds to a change in the magnetic field when the push-button <NUM> moves between the extreme positions.

In the case shown, as long as the magnet <NUM> is in the position lifted from the bottom of the blind hole <NUM> of the sliding seat <NUM>, the output of the magnetic sensor of the circuit <NUM> is for example in a low state; when the magnet <NUM> approaches the bottom of the blind hole <NUM> of the sliding seat <NUM>, the circuit <NUM> switches state, for example its output switches to a high state; or the states of the output of the magnetic sensor of the circuit <NUM> may be inverted with respect to what has been stated above.

In greater detail, the push-button <NUM> comprises a main body <NUM> at an end <NUM> of which the magnet <NUM> is fixed.

The sliding seat <NUM> comprises a blind hole <NUM>.

The push-button <NUM> comprises a compression spring <NUM>, housed in the blind hole <NUM> and acting by pushing on the main body <NUM>, for urging the push-button <NUM> towards the extracted position.

A collar <NUM> transversally protrudes from the main body <NUM>, and the compression spring <NUM> urges on the collar <NUM>. The end <NUM> bearing the magnet <NUM> is longitudinally inserted inside the compression spring <NUM>.

A stop bushing <NUM> inserted on the main body <NUM>, from the opposite side of the collar <NUM> with respect to the compression spring <NUM> is interference fitted in the blind hole <NUM> of the sliding seat <NUM> for retaining therein the main body <NUM> itself.

In a region <NUM>, the main body <NUM> of the push-button <NUM> is in sliding fit with a through cavity <NUM> provided in the seat <NUM>. In the present description and in the attached claims, under "sliding", a type of clearance fit wherein the force may not be transmitted by the coupling force alone is meant to be indicated.

In the sliding fit region <NUM> between the main body <NUM> of the push-button <NUM> and the through cavity <NUM> provided in the seat <NUM>, an annular seat <NUM> is defined, wherein a ring gasket <NUM>, for example an O-ring, is housed compressed.

In the case shown, the through cavity <NUM> is defined by a through hole <NUM> of the stop bushing <NUM>, and the annular seat <NUM> is defined by an undercut groove of the stop bushing <NUM>.

Alternatively, the annular seat may be defined for example in an undercut groove directly formed in the lateral wall of the blind hole <NUM>.

The push-button <NUM> may further comprise a cap <NUM>. The cap <NUM> may be made of an elastically yielding material, for example of rubber or silicone, having a blind hole <NUM>. The cap <NUM> covers the main body <NUM> of the push-button <NUM>, at its end <NUM> opposed to the end <NUM>, so as to improve the tactile feeling, and furthermore it also serves, in the case shown, as a closure of the blind hole <NUM> of the sliding seat <NUM> in addition to the sealing gasket <NUM> and to the stop bushing <NUM>.

The cap <NUM> may have a bellows region <NUM> in the lateral wall of the blind hole <NUM>.

The cap <NUM> may be interference fitted on the main body <NUM>, at its end <NUM> opposed to the end <NUM> bearing the magnet <NUM>.

The sliding seat <NUM> may also comprise a guide channel contiguous to the blind hole <NUM>, sized to accommodate at least in part the end <NUM> of the main body <NUM> of the push-button, with the possible cap <NUM>, in the extracted condition of the push-button <NUM>, protecting it against shocks. The guide channel is not, however, strictly necessary and is not shown in the figure.

The compression spring <NUM> might be absent or be replaced by other elastic means in order to urge the push-button <NUM> towards the advanced position.

Although the push-button <NUM> may also be made in a manner considerably different from what is shown, it is recognised that with the configuration shown, the magnet <NUM> and the compression spring <NUM> are hermetically closed in the blind hole <NUM> of the sliding seat <NUM>, through the sealing gasket <NUM>, as well as possibly through the cap <NUM>. Therefore they are exposed to dust, water and other liquids that could impair their operation.

Furthermore, a switch <NUM> as described above allows the two-state electric circuit <NUM>, comprising the magnetic sensor, to be contained in a separate chamber from the sliding seat <NUM> of the push-button <NUM>, through the bottom or the lateral walls of the blind hole <NUM> of the seat itself, without openings being required for electric conductors to pass. The chamber housing the two-state electric circuit <NUM>, and in particular the entire PCB <NUM> if possible also bearing the controller <NUM>, may therefore be hermetically closed in a suitable manner.

The Applicant has recognized that during the push of the push-button <NUM>, air is compressed by the push-button <NUM> inside the blind hole <NUM>, so that an overpressure is established in the blind hole <NUM>, tending to increase the resistance offered by the sliding seat <NUM>, what not only increases the physical effort of the user, rather also entails the risk of breaking the main body <NUM> of the push-button <NUM> or the need to make it stronger and heavier.

To the end, among others, of reducing or totally eliminating the drawbacks emphasised above, the sliding fit between the main body <NUM> of the push-button <NUM> and the sliding seat <NUM> may, alternatively to what has been described above, be made as shown totally schematically in <FIG>.

The annular seat <NUM> defined in the through cavity <NUM> provided in the sliding seat <NUM> (in the stop bushing <NUM> in the case shown) does not have a constant radial extent. In detail, in a region <NUM> of the sliding fit region <NUM> between the main body <NUM> of the push-button <NUM> and the through cavity <NUM> provided in the sliding seat <NUM>, the annular seat <NUM> has two portions <NUM>, <NUM> comparatively smaller in a radial direction, and an intermediate portion <NUM> therebetween comparatively larger in the radial direction. The extent in radial direction of the portion <NUM> may be continuously variable from a maximum value P2 at the center to the value P1 of the two portions <NUM>, <NUM> as shown, but this is not strictly necessary.

In the case shown, the portion <NUM> is formed by a slit <NUM> in the bushing <NUM>, communicating with the undercut groove <NUM> that defines the annular seat <NUM>.

Furthermore, in the case shown there is an analogous conformation of the annular seat <NUM> in another region <NUM> of the main body <NUM>, formed for example by another slit <NUM> in the stop bushing <NUM>, but this is not necessary, as evident from <FIG>, wherein only some reference numerals are inserted for the sake of clarity. In the case of <FIG>, the region <NUM> is diametrically opposed to the region <NUM>, but this is not necessary.

As shown in <FIG> and <FIG>, in the fully advanced position of the push-button <NUM> in the sliding seat <NUM>, the gasket <NUM>, mounted compressed in the annular seat <NUM>, is only subject to the compression stress. A portion <NUM> thereof bridges the intermediate section <NUM> of the annular seat <NUM> between the two portions <NUM>, <NUM>. The entire extent of the gasket <NUM> contacts the main body <NUM> of the push-button <NUM>, ensuring hermetic sealing.

While the push-button <NUM> moves back, the portion <NUM> of the gasket <NUM>, subject to the above discussed overpressure, is free to curve towards the bottom of the intermediate section <NUM> of the annular seat <NUM>, counteracting the establishment of the overpressure itself, because a gap is established between the gasket <NUM> and the main body <NUM> of the push-button <NUM>.

The gap <NUM> in the condition of maximum deformation of the gasket <NUM> is manifest in <FIG> and <FIG>, representing the fully retracted position of the push-button <NUM>.

As a consequence, the resistance offered by the sliding seat <NUM> against the push of the push-button <NUM> towards the retracted position is not increased by the overpressure, thus requiring less physical effort with the finger.

Additionally, during the push on the push-button <NUM> in the blind hole <NUM> (towards the fully retracted position) the above-mentioned gap acts as a vent for air, favouring expulsion of dust particles, dirt and water possibly present in the proximity of the mouth of the blind hole <NUM>, hindering entry thereof in the blind bottom <NUM> itself. By avoiding that dust and dirt may jam the compression spring <NUM>- or in any case hinder its proper operation-, actually the sealing function of the gasket <NUM> is enhanced.

A switch <NUM> like the one described above, with none, one or more of the above-mentioned optional features, represents an innovative aspect of the subject-matter disclosed herein, regardless of whether it is used in combination with other components and/or provisions described in the present disclosure.

In the case of the switch <NUM> described above, the two-state electric circuit <NUM> has a stable state corresponding to the extracted position of the push-button <NUM>, wherein it is not pressed, and an unstable state corresponding to the retracted position of the push-button <NUM>, wherein it is pressed. The stable state may for example correspond to the low state of the output of the magnetic sensor of the circuit <NUM>, and the unstable state may correspond to the high state of the output of the circuit, or vice versa.

Hereinbelow reference will be made by way of an example to the above configuration. A configuration of the switch <NUM> wherein both states are stable is however possible, the changes to be made to what follows being within the skills of those skilled in the art in the light of the present description.

The controller <NUM> is configured to check the changes of state of the circuit <NUM> in a suitable manner. For example, a two-level output signal of the circuit <NUM> may be supplied to an input thereof, directly or possibly after a pre-treatment, and cause an interrupt in the controller <NUM> at each rising or falling edge; alternatively the controller <NUM> may monitor with a predetermined periodicity the value of the signal at its input and compare it with the previous value to recognize a change of state.

For the sake of clarity, hereinafter reference will be sometimes made to the conditions of pressed push-button <NUM> and of released push-button <NUM>, and to the actions of press of the push-button <NUM> and of release of the push-button <NUM>, instead of referring to the states of the circuit <NUM> of the switch <NUM> and to the related changes of state.

With reference to <FIG>, it is described, by way of a not limiting example, how the controller <NUM> may be configured to receive a plurality of different commands through use of the single switch <NUM> and of the single multicolour light source <NUM> of the user interface <NUM>.

For expediency of the disclosure, in the flowcharts and hereinafter it is assumed that the controller implements one or more timers, which in practice may be of an increment or a decrement type, and may be implemented in any suitable way; furthermore the implementation of what is described with reference to a timer could also be significantly different from the use of a timer, the controller using for example plural timers, a real-time clock etc., as is evident for those skilled in the art.

With reference to <FIG>, in a first mode, herein arbitrarily called "cyclic mode", the controller <NUM> is configured to:.

As stated above, term "mode" referred to the controller <NUM> is used to identify a given portion of instructions executable by the controller, without necessarily implying any change of the state of the controller <NUM> or of the bicycle equipment comprising it.

In the flowchart of <FIG>, which has to be understood as merely illustrative of a possible implementation of the above described methodological steps of the "cyclic mode", overall indicated with reference numeral <NUM>, it is assumed that the source <NUM> is capable of emitting at least N coloured light emitting patterns, numbered <NUM> to N. At least some of these coloured light emitting patterns differ in colour and/or in emitting pattern type, so as to be able to satisfy the above-mentioned condition that two coloured light emitting patterns immediately consecutive in a cyclic repetition differ. Therefore, for example if N=<NUM>, three different coloured light emitting patterns will be required, but if N=<NUM>, three will suffice, wherein the controller may cyclically repeat sequence A-B-A-D, etcetera.

Each of said coloured light emitting patterns is selected among:.

The number N is greater than or equal to three.

In case of N=<NUM>, if the distinction is made, merely by way of an example, by colour (besides a possible distinction by pattern type), the colours may be for example blue, green and red.

In the flowchart and hereinbelow, it is assumed for expediency of the disclosure that the controller <NUM> uses an integer variable x which may solely assume the values <NUM> to N, but -as those skilled in the art will understand also in the light of the present description- the implementation of the flowchart might also be considerably different from the use of such a variable, and use for example plural variables, interrupt signals, plural timers, a real time clock, etc..

Variable x is set to value <NUM> in a block <NUM>.

In the case shown, the controller <NUM> implements a timer set to a prefixed time duration, T_menu, which is reset in a block <NUM>.

In a successive block <NUM>, the controller <NUM> makes the source <NUM> emit the coloured light emitting pattern associated with the number represented by the current value of variable x, hereinafter called in short pattern x. This may entail switching the source <NUM> on if it was switched off, switching it off and switching it on if it was switched on in another colour, or it may be just a change of colour, according for example to the practical embodiment of the source <NUM>. By switching the source <NUM> off and immediately re-switching it on during a colour change, the visual perception may be sharper. Furthermore, it may entail the change of an emitting frequency.

For example, the light in block <NUM> may be emitted as continuous emission of one colour, and this assumption will mainly be referred to hereinafter, merely by way of a non-limiting example.

In a successive decision block <NUM>, the controller <NUM> checks whether a state switching of the switch <NUM>, namely of its circuit <NUM>, occurred.

In the affirmative case, the controller <NUM> may, in a completely optional block <NUM>, make the source <NUM> emit a coloured light emitting pattern.

In block <NUM>, for example a light pulse may be emitted, preferably of the colour of the pattern x the source <NUM> is emitting upon the state switching of the switch <NUM> detected in block <NUM>.

Preferably the preselected emitting pattern is different from that used in block <NUM>.

In a successive block <NUM>, the controller <NUM> performs action x selected among N actions, which are assumed associated with the values <NUM> to N in a suitable manner in controller <NUM>.

As said above, term "action" is broadly used and may comprise any sequence of instructions, which may involve the source <NUM> or not, and which may involve the user, regarding interaction with the push-button <NUM> and/or with other devices and components of the bicycle equipment <NUM>, or not. Some merely illustrative actions are described hereinafter.

At the end of the execution of action x, the controller <NUM> may remain in the "cyclic mode" and thus actually return to execution of block <NUM>, it may return to execution of block <NUM>, or it may enter another node, also according to the specific action performed.

If, on the other hand, in decision block <NUM> the controller <NUM> has not detected any state switching of the switch <NUM>, in a successive block <NUM> the controller <NUM> checks whether the timer has elapsed, namely whether the prefixed time duration T_menu has passed. In the negative case, the controller <NUM> returns to execution of block <NUM>, so that the source <NUM> does not change colour.

Upon passing of the prefixed time duration T_menu, i.e. upon the positive outcome of the check of block <NUM>, the controller <NUM>, in a block <NUM>, makes variable x take on the successive value in the cyclic set of values <NUM>, <NUM>,. In other terms, the value successive to value N is value <NUM>.

Those skilled in the art will understand that the check of decision block <NUM> may be implemented through any one of the above discussed manners.

It is understood that the user interface <NUM> allows the operator to input a specific command to the controller <NUM> among N different commands, by acting on the push-button <NUM> while the source <NUM> is emitting the coloured light emitting pattern corresponding to the desired command, thus implementing some sort of command menu. In this manner, a single push-button <NUM> suffices to receive a plurality of different commands from the user, and the bicycle equipment may be small and light, all factors of great importance in the field of bicycle components.

In <FIG> a graphical representation of a specific implementing example of the "cyclic mode" <NUM> is provided, wherein it has been assumed for the sake of simplicity that N=<NUM>, it has been assumed that the emitting pattern preselected in step <NUM> is continuous emission of a single colour, and that in step <NUM> it is a single pulse of the same colour as step <NUM>, and it has been assumed that the time duration of the emission is equal for all <NUM> colours.

In such a figure, as well as in the successive <FIG>, empty arrows indicate the passing of time, solid arrows indicate a state switching of the switch <NUM>, and rectangles indicate the emission of coloured light by the source <NUM>, wherein different fillings of the rectangle indicate different colours, and the width of the rectangle indicates the emission duration, so that a wide rectangle indicates that the source <NUM> is held switched on, an isolated narrow rectangle on a line indicates a light pulse, a series of narrow rectangles on a line indicates a pulse sequence, the distance between the narrow rectangles indicating, in a totally qualitative manner, the frequency of the pulses in the sequence.

Instead of using a prefixed duration T_menu equal for all of the N colours, one or more different durations may also be used.

The controller <NUM> may be configured to have one or more other modes, different from the cyclic mode described above.

For example, the controller <NUM> may be configured to set up in the above described "cyclic mode" upon occurrence of a (second) state switching while it is in a second mode, arbitrarily called herein "access-to-cyclic-mode mode". It is noted that the state switching indicated herein as second state switching is prior in time to the first state switching discussed above, that causes the positive outcome of decision block <NUM>.

As stated above, the ordinal numbers referred to the state switchings should be understood as merely qualifiers to distinguish them from each other, without implying neither any specific time sequence thereof, which is indicated instead with adjectives "prior" and "successive", nor the fact that it is a matter of opposite state switchings between the two states of the two-state electric circuit <NUM>.

On the other hand, when the second state switching that sets up the controller <NUM> in the "cyclic mode" <NUM> is a state switching opposed to that causing the positive outcome of decision block <NUM>, the user interface <NUM> may turn out to be of more convenient use, as will be better understood hereinafter.

<FIG> is a flowchart that has to be meant as merely illustrative of a possible implementation of the methodological steps of the "access-to-cyclic-mode mode", overall indicated with reference numeral <NUM>.

Such an implementation comprises blocks <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM> totally analogous to blocks <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, with the only differences that the prefixed number is in general a number M>=<NUM>, which may be equal to or different from N, and that in blocks <NUM>, <NUM> a time duration T_menu2 is used, that may be equal to or different from the time duration T_menu. All the considerations described above with reference to <FIG> apply, except as indicated below.

Preferably, M=N and, even more preferably, the entire set of the N coloured light emitting patterns is the same used in the "cyclic mode" <NUM> in which the data processing system <NUM> sets up upon the second state switching of the switch while is in the "access-to-cyclic-mode mode" <NUM>, and to this assumption reference will be made hereinafter merely by way of an example.

When the state switching is detected, positive outcome of decision block <NUM>, the controller switches to the "cyclic mode" <NUM>, wherein block <NUM> of that mode may also be omitted, as well as possibly block <NUM>; thus the source <NUM> may be held/made to emit pattern <NUM>, or it may remain switched on in the current pattern x.

Thus, in the "access-to-cyclic-mode mode" <NUM>, the controller <NUM> is configured to.

In the preferred case indicated above, in the "access-to-cyclic-mode mode" <NUM>, the controller <NUM> is configured to
d) make the light source emit cyclically repeating said N coloured light emitting patterns, monitoring the state of the switch <NUM>.

Differently from the "cyclic mode", however, in the "access-to-cyclic-mode mode" the controller <NUM> ignores -in the sense that it does not consider- the current value of variable x upon the state switching of the switch <NUM>. From another point of view, in this mode the user interface <NUM> allows the operator to access the previously described command menu, acting on the push-button <NUM>, for example releasing it, in any moment while the source <NUM> is cyclically emitting according to the three or in general M or N coloured light emitting patterns, regardless of the specific colour.

The controller <NUM> may in turn set up in the above described "access-to-cyclic-mode mode" from another mode, arbitrarily called herein "sequential mode".

<FIG> is a flowchart that has to be meant as merely illustrative of a possible implementation of the methodological steps of the "sequential mode", overall indicated with reference numeral <NUM>.

In a decision block <NUM>, the controller <NUM> checks whether a state switching of the switch <NUM> occurred, and it returns to said block until the state switching. When the state switching occurs, the controller <NUM> in a block <NUM> starts an incremental timer - although it might use a decrement timer or plural timers or other manners for monitoring the passing of time.

In a successive decision block <NUM>, the controller <NUM> again checks whether a state switching of the switch <NUM> occurred, and in the affirmative case in a block <NUM> it performs an action, different from the N actions associated with the "cyclic mode" <NUM>, and indicated as action N+<NUM>. In the negative case, the controller <NUM> checks in a block <NUM> whether the timer has reached a threshold value T_A and, in the negative case, it returns to decision block <NUM>.

When the timer has reached the threshold value T_A, the controller <NUM>, in a block <NUM>, makes the source <NUM> emit a coloured light emitting pattern, indicated as pattern N+<NUM> because it is preferably, although not necessarily, different from the N, and possibly from the M, coloured light emitting patterns associated with the "cyclic mode" <NUM> and/or with the "access-to-cyclic-mode mode" <NUM>. Merely by way of an example, the source may emit a pulse of purple light.

In a successive decision block <NUM>, the controller <NUM> again checks whether a state switching of the switch <NUM> occurred, and in the affirmative case it performs an action, indicated as action N+<NUM>, different from the N actions associated with the "cyclic mode" <NUM> and from the action N+<NUM> of block <NUM>.

In the negative case, the controller <NUM> checks in a block <NUM> whether the timer has reached a threshold value T_B, greater than the threshold value T_A, and, in the negative case, it returns to decision block <NUM>.

When the timer has reached the threshold value T_B, the controller <NUM> sets up in the "access-to-cyclic-mode mode" <NUM>.

Therefore, in the case shown the controller <NUM> sets up in the "access-to-cyclic-mode" mode <NUM> after having counted through a timer the passing of a first prefixed time duration (T_B) from a state switching of the switch (detected in block <NUM>) without any other state switching of the switch <NUM> intervening (that otherwise would be detected in block <NUM> or in block <NUM>).

<FIG> is a graphical representation of the three modes <NUM>, <NUM> and <NUM> described above, under the assumptions of the above described of <FIG> and under the additional assumption that in step <NUM>, a single light pulse of a colour N+<NUM> is emitted.

Summarising, in the "sequential mode" <NUM>, starting from a state switching of the switch <NUM>, for example due to the press of the push-button <NUM>, three time periods are defined, the first two of a respective prefixed duration (respectively of duration T_A and T_B - T_A) during which the source <NUM> is switched off, and that are visually distinguishable through the emission between them, for example, of the pulse of colour N+<NUM> or according to another coloured light emitting pattern, among said N ones or said M ones, or still different.

Furthermore, the second time period is clearly visually distinguishable from the third and last time period, of a duration undefined beforehand, wherein the controller <NUM> sets up in the "access-to-cyclic-mode mode" <NUM> and the source <NUM> emits in cyclic sequence according to the M coloured light emitting patterns. An action on the same push-button <NUM>, for example the release of the push-button <NUM>, during each of the three or M time periods has a different effect, namely it emits a different command to the controller <NUM>, embodying a sort of menu wherein the menu described above with reference to the "cyclic mode" <NUM> is nested.

In a simpler embodiment, only two time periods may be defined, that need not be distinguished through the light pulse or other coloured light emitting pattern emitted in block <NUM> because the second time period ("access-to-cyclic-mode mode" <NUM>) is already visually distinguishable from the first time period during which the source <NUM> is switched off.

In more complex embodiments, vice versa, even more than three time periods may be defined, distinguishing them for example through separating light pulses (o other coloured light emitting patterns), analogously to what is made between the first and the second time period described above.

In general, in the "sequential mode" <NUM> an action on the push-button <NUM> inputs a different command according to the time period during which it occurs.

The controller <NUM> may therefore be configured to, in the "sequential mode" <NUM>, starting from a state switching of the switch (detected in block <NUM>), define two or more time periods (of durations T_A, T_B, T_C,. ), performing a different action and exiting from the "sequential mode" <NUM> upon a successive state switching in each time period different from the last one, and setting up in the "access-to-cyclic-mode mode" <NUM> in the last of said time periods, and, in case the time periods are more than two, make furthermore the source emit, between consecutive two time periods not including the last one, a coloured light emitting pattern, preferably different from said N, and possibly from said M, coloured light emitting patterns, for example a light pulse of a different colour from the colours used in the N or M coloured light emitting patterns.

In a particularly effective configuration, the first state switching detected in block <NUM> of the "sequential mode" <NUM> is the press of the push-button <NUM>, and the successive state switching, detected in one of blocks <NUM>, <NUM> of the "sequential mode" <NUM> or in block <NUM> of the "access-to-cyclic-mode mode" <NUM>, is the release of the push-button <NUM>, while the state switching detected in the block <NUM> of the "cyclic mode" <NUM> is a second press of the push-button <NUM>. Therefore, the user keeps the push-button pressed and releases it after a while, after a medium time, or for a prolonged period according to whether he/she desires to perform action N+<NUM> or action N+<NUM> or whether he/she desires to perform one of the N actions; in the latter case, once the source <NUM> has started the cyclic sequence of coloured light emitting patterns, the user presses again the push-button <NUM> during the coloured light emitting pattern associated with the desired action <NUM>, <NUM>,. N, for example releasing it straight afterwards.

It is understood that in the "cyclic mode" <NUM> and/or in the "access-to-cyclic-mode mode" <NUM> and/or in the "sequential mode" <NUM>, the controller <NUM> may also monitor the passing of one or more prefixed maximum time intervals or timeout from one or more events, for example following a switching of the switch <NUM> without any opposed switching of the switch <NUM>, and set up in a different operating mode, among those mentioned above or still other ones, upon passing of the prefixed maximum time interval(s).

It is further understood that the controller <NUM> may be configured to ignore, in one or more of the above checks, state switchings of one type, for example ignore the release of the push-button <NUM> or vice versa ignore the press, the changes to be made being within the skills of those skilled in the art in the light of the present description.

The controller <NUM> may have, besides a fully operating mode, a low consumption or "sleep" mode, wherein it enters for example after a prefixed time period during which it does not receive any signal from the movement detector <NUM> and/or is not in communication, through the communication device <NUM>, with any other bicycle equipment, the latter for example may be the case of a derailleur configured to receive commands from a manual control device, directly or through a third bicycle equipment. The controller <NUM> may exit from the low consumption mode, for example, when the movement detector <NUM> detects that the bicycle is moving and/or has been shaken.

The controller <NUM> may be configured not to be awakened from the low consumption mode by actuation of the push-button <NUM> and/or to ignore the state of the switch <NUM> while it is in low consumption mode.

The controller <NUM> may be configured to have still one or more further modes, besides those described above.

As mentioned, the "actions" that are performed in blocks <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM> and/or during the possible additional modes of the controller <NUM> may be of the most various kind. In general, each action may involve the source <NUM> or not, and it may involve the user, regarding the interaction with the push-button <NUM> and/or with other devices and components of the bicycle equipment <NUM>, or not.

In general, the controller may be configured to make the source <NUM> emit a coloured light emitting pattern, equal to or different from those described above with reference to the three modes, in order to provide a visual indication to the user relating to the execution of the action.

The light may be emitted for a prefixed time interval, or until a prefixed event internal to the bicycle equipment, or until an event performed by the user.

Some actions may require, for example, that the user confirms a request, acting again on the push-button <NUM>.

Some merely illustrative actions include:.

As far as term "parameter", as used herein, is concerned, it is noted that a controller uses - besides instructions - parameters, variables and constants: the value of a parameter is settable within a set of homogeneous and consistent values; the actual value of the parameter is acquired at the beginning of the execution of the relevant portion of the programming code, and is used during the execution, so as to become a constant during execution of the code, in contrast to the value of a variable that may vary, also continually, during the execution of the programming code, and to the value of a constant that may not be changed without changing the programming code itself.

Some actions may require, for example, that the user removes the electric power supply unit <NUM> (for example the deletion of the whitelist); other actions may require that the user interacts with the bicycle equipment <NUM> itself in other manners, or that the user interacts with another bicycle equipment in communication with that bearing the controller <NUM>, an example being represented by the setting of values of parameters of the geared motor <NUM> of a derailleur through the actuation of manual actuation members provided on a manual control device mounted on the handlebars. These required actions may be visually indicated to the user through the emission of a preselected coloured light emitting pattern, for example a sequence of yellow pulses at a high frequency.

It is once more emphasised that the invention disclosed herein, including all variants and generalizations thereof, also applies to an electrically powered bicycle equipment different from a derailleur, for example one of those listed in the introductory part.

In some cases the push-button may be the only manual action member of the push-button type provided on the bicycle electronic equipment <NUM>. In other cases, the push-button <NUM> may even be the only manual action member of the push-button type provided for.

In the case of some bicycle electronic equipment <NUM>, for example in the case of manual control devices attachable to the handlebars or in proximity thereto, other manual actuation members are typically provided for, also of the push-button type.

It is however emphasised that, also in cases wherein the bicycle electronic equipment <NUM> comprises other manual actuation members, the user interface <NUM> described above which, with a single push-button <NUM>, allows a congruous number of commands to be input, makes the bicycle electronic equipment <NUM> smaller and lighter with respect to the provision of more complex user interfaces, the functions that may be performed being equal.

An electronic bicycle component configured to be attached to the bicycle in a single location and comprising a data processing system, a multicolour light source and a single manual actuation member comprising a manual actuation push-button paired with a two-states switch represents an innovative aspect of the subject-matter disclosed herein, regardless of whether it is used in combination with other components and/or provisions described in the present disclosure.

In the case of the rear derailleur <NUM> shown, as mentioned the controller <NUM> and the interface <NUM> are housed in the support body <NUM>, as is the geared motor <NUM>, while the electric power supply unit <NUM> is supported by the proximal connecting arm <NUM>. In this case an electric connection between the two components is provided for in a suitable manner. The various devices may be housed in more than two components or in the same component, equal to or different from those shown, avoiding the external electric connection, as in the case of the front derailleur <NUM> shown, wherein the controller <NUM> and the interface <NUM> are housed in the support body <NUM>, as is the geared motor <NUM>, and also the electric power supply unit <NUM> is supported by the support body <NUM>.

Also in the case of the front derailleur <NUM> shown, the various devices may be housed in more than two components or in the same component, equal to or different from those shown.

Those skilled in the art will understand that the derailleur <NUM>, <NUM> may have a shape also considerably different from that shown, and/or additional components not shown for the sake of simplicity.

The flowcharts of <FIG> should be understood as also representative of a control method of a bicycle equipment, as well as of a computer program.

It is understood that the data processing system may be implemented in various hardware, firmware and/or software manners, locally and/or remotely, not necessarily by a single (micro)processor device. The various data- and control signals may be exchanged, directly or also indirectly, between the various components of the equipment through any cabled or wireless connection and through any suitable communication protocol or combination of different protocols.

Claim 1:
Bicycle electronic equipment (<NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>) configured to be attached to the bicycle in a single location, comprising a data processing system (<NUM>), a multicolour light source (<NUM>), and a switch (<NUM>) comprising a manual actuation push-button (<NUM>) and a two-state electric circuit (<NUM>),
characterized in that the data processing system (<NUM>) is configured to, in a first mode,
a) make the light source (<NUM>) emit cyclically repeating a first number N of coloured light emitting patterns, with N>=<NUM>, wherein coloured light emitting patterns immediately consecutive in the cyclical repetition differ in color and/or type of emitting pattern,
b) monitor the state of the switch (<NUM>) during execution of step a), and
c) perform a different action among a plurality of a first number N of different actions according to which of said N coloured light emitting patterns the source (<NUM>) is emitting upon the state switching of the switch (<NUM>).