BICYCLE TRANSMISSION ACTUATION SYSTEM

Abstract

The invention relates to a bicycle including a frame with a fork, the fork having dropouts between which a wheel axle is mounted. The wheel axle includes a sensor and/or an electric component arranged to be connected to a control element. A detachable electric connection is provided between the sensor and/or electric component and the control element. The detachable electric connection is positioned between the wheel axle and the thru-axle.

Claims

1. A bicycle including a frame with a fork, the fork having dropouts between which a wheel axle is mounted, and a thru-axle arranged for positioning and/or holding the wheel axle between the dropouts, wherein the wheel axle includes a sensor and/or an electric component arranged to be connected to a control element, wherein a detachable electric connection is provided between the sensor and/or electric component and the control element, wherein the detachable electric connection is positioned between the wheel axle and the thru-axle.

2. The bicycle according to claim 1, wherein the detachable electric connection includes an electrical connection, having first electrical contacts or coil mounted on the thru-axle and second electrical contacts or coil mounted on the wheel-axle or components thereof.

3. (canceled)

4. The bicycle according to claim 1, wherein the control element includes an electronic and/or magnetic switch.

5. The bicycle according to claim 4, wherein the electronic switch includes one or more inductive, capacitive, magnetic or optical sensors for determining a switch position.

6. (canceled)

7. The bicycle according to claim 4, wherein the electronic and/or magnetic switch which is arranged to be manually operated by a rider, via one or more devices selected from the group consisting of: one or more shift buttons or shifters, a cable between one or more shift buttons or shifters and the electronic and/or magnetic switch, and a cable between a FRONT/LEFT shifter or shift button and the electronic and/or magnetic switch.

8. (canceled)

9. (canceled)

10. (canceled)

11. The bicycle according to claim 7, wherein the electronic and/or magnetic switch is positioned in a housing and provided at a position selected from the group consisting of: on handle bars of the bicycle, in the handle bars or frame of the bicycle, and attached to a cable sheath of controls of a hydraulic or mechanical brake and/or a derailleur.

12. (canceled)

13. (canceled)

14. The bicycle according to claim 11, wherein the electronic and/or magnetic switch is arranged to be actuated by a Bowden cable and the Bowden cable is connected to a spring in the housing which spring gives feedback to the one or more shifters which is connected to the other side of the Bowden cable.

15. (canceled)

16. (canceled)

17. The bicycle according to claim 14, wherein a mechanism is connected between the Bowden cable and the spring which transmits and/or amplifies the force of the spring, and wherein the mechanism converts a translation of the Bowden cable into a translational tensioning of the spring or into a rotational tensioning of the spring.

18. (canceled)

19. (canceled)

20. (canceled)

21. (canceled)

22. (canceled)

23. The bicycle according to claim 11, wherein the housing includes an indicator, in or on the housing, for indicating a battery status, and a control for activating the indicator.

24. The bicycle according to claim 11, wherein the electronic switch signal from the electronic switch is wirelessly sent to the thru-axle via a transmitter and a receiver, wherein the switch and the transmitter are positioned in a housing on or in the handle bars of the bicycle.

25. (canceled)

26. (canceled)

27. (canceled)

28. (canceled)

29. (canceled)

30. (canceled)

31. The bicycle according to claim 24, further comprising an energy storage element positioned in the housing or in the thru-axle, wherein the receiver is positioned in or on the thru-axle, and wherein the receiver is powered from the energy storage element.

32. (canceled)

33. (canceled)

34. The bicycle according to claim 1, wherein the detachable electric connection includes a short range wireless connection, wherein the wheel axle includes a first receiver, and wherein a first transmitter is placed in a position selected from the group consisting of: at one of the dropouts, at or in a rear derailleur, or in or on the thru-axle.

35. The bicycle according to claim 34, wherein the short range wireless connection is arranged (a) for transmitting a signal and/or electric power from the first transmitter to the first receiver, and/or (b) to require no pairing between the first transmitter and the first receiver.

36. (canceled)

37. (canceled)

38. The bicycle according to claim 1, wherein the wheel axle includes a switchable transmission between a driver and a wheel hub of the wheel, wherein the transmission includes a switching mechanism including the electric component, and wherein the electric component is configured to be switched in one of two modes.

39. (canceled)

40. (canceled)

41. The bicycle according to claim 33, wherein the short range wireless connection is arranged for charging a second energy storage element or capacitor at the wheel axle from a first energy storage element at the thru-axle or at the frame, or from a charging device coupled to the thru-axle or to the frame.

42. (canceled)

43. The bicycle according to claim 34, wherein the first transmitter includes a first coil and the first receiver includes a second coil, wherein the first coil and the second coil are coupled, and wherein the short range wireless connection operates at a resonance frequency of the two coupled coils.

44. (canceled)

45. The bicycle according to claim 34, including a second transmitter connected to the control element, and a second receiver connected to the electric component optionally via the first transmitter and first receiver, wherein a long range wireless connection is provided between the second transmitter and the second receiver.

46. The bicycle according to claim 45, wherein the first transmitter and/or the second receiver is powered from the first energy storage element.

47. (canceled)

48. A wheel axle assembly, including a wheel axle and a thru-axle arranged for positioning and/or holding the wheel axle between dropouts of a bicycle frame, wherein the wheel axle includes a sensor and/or an electric component arranged to be connected to a control element, wherein a detachable electric connection is positioned between the wheel axle and the thru-axle.

49. The wheel axle assembly according to claim 48, wherein the detachable electric connection includes an electrical contact connection, having first electrical contacts mounted on the thru-axle and second electrical contacts mounted on the wheel-axle or components thereof.

50. The wheel axle assembly according to claim 48, wherein the thru-axle is arranged for receiving an electronic switch signal, and wherein the thru-axle includes a receiver for wirelessly receiving the electronic switch signal.

51. (canceled)

52. The wheel axle assembly according to claim 50, wherein the thru-axle includes an energy storage element, and wherein the receiver is powered from the energy storage element.

53. (canceled)

54. The wheel axle assembly according to claim 48, wherein the thru-axle includes an actuator controller arranged for controlling the electronic component on the wheel axle.

55. The wheel axle assembly according to claim 48, wherein the wheel axle is free from energy storage.

56. The wheel axle assembly according to claim 48, wherein the detachable electric connection is provided between the sensor and/or electric component and the control element, wherein the detachable electric connection includes a short range wireless connection.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWING

[0057] The invention will further be elucidated on the basis of exemplary embodiments which are represented in a drawing. The exemplary embodiments are given by way of non-limitative illustration. It is noted that the figures are only schematic representations of embodiments of the invention that are given by way of non-limiting example.

[0058] In the drawing:

[0059] FIG. 1 shows a schematic representation of a cross sectional view of a wheel axle assembly;

[0060] FIGS. 2A and 2B each show a schematic representation of a cross sectional view of a wheel axle assembly:

[0061] FIG. 3 shows a schematic representation of a system:

[0062] FIG. 4 shows a schematic representation of a cross sectional view of a wheel axle assembly;

[0063] FIGS. 5A and 5B each show a schematic representation of a system:

[0064] FIG. 6 shows a schematic representation of a system:

[0065] FIG. 7 shows a schematic cross sectional view of a thru-axle;

[0066] FIG. 8 shows a detail of the view of FIG. 7;

[0067] FIG. 9 shows a cross sectional view of a thru-axle:

[0068] FIG. 10 shows a schematic representation of a cross sectional view of a wheel axle assembly;

[0069] FIG. 11 shows a schematic representation of a system; and

[0070] FIGS. 12A. 12B, 12C and 12D show an example of a switch unit.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0071] FIG. 1 shows a schematic cross section of a wheel axle assembly 1. In FIG. 1 the wheel axle assembly 1 is mounted in a frame 2 of a bicycle. Here, the wheel axle assembly 1 is mounted between two dropouts 4 of the frame 2. The wheel axle assembly includes a thru-axle 6 for securing the wheel axle assembly 1 to the frame 2. The thru-axle 6 here is inserted through the hollow axle 7. The wheel axle assembly includes a hub 8. The wheel axle assembly includes a driver 10 for driving the hub in rotation. Here the driver 10 includes a cassette 12 including a plurality of sprocket gears.

[0072] In this example, the driver 10 is connected to the hub 8 via a transmission 14. The transmission is arranged to selectively be in a first mode and in a second mode. In the first mode a transmission ratio of the transmission 14 is different from a transmission ratio in the second mode. Here, in the first mode the transmission ratio is unity (output rotation speed at the hub equals input rotation speed at the driver). Here, in the second mode the transmission ratio is a speed reduction (output rotation speed at the hub is smaller than the input rotation speed at the driver). Hence, the transmission can e.g. mimic the functioning of a front derailleur.

[0073] In FIG. 1 the wheel axle assembly includes an electric component 16. Here, the electric component 16 is an electric actuator arranged for actuating the transmission to switch from the first mode to the second mode and vice versa. The actuator can e.g. include a processor 16A and a motor 16B. It will be appreciated that the electric component can also e.g. be a sensor, such as a speed sensor.

[0074] For operating the actuator 16 a first receiver 18 is placed in the wheel axle assembly 1. Here, the receiver 18 is placed within the cassette 10, e.g. near the actuator 16. A first transmitter 20 is placed on the frame 2. Here the transmitter 20 is placed at the dropout 4. If the wheel including the wheel axle assembly 1 is exchanged the transmitter 20 will remain attached to the frame. Optionally, pairing of the replacement receiver 18 of the replacement wheel with the transmitter 20 ca be achieved by use of the thru-axle 6. The thru-axle 6 can include a tag 22 that can be read out when placing the thru-axle back in the frame 2. The tag causes the replacement receiver to be coupled to the transmitter 20 on the frame 2.

[0075] FIG. 2A shows a schematic cross section of a wheel axle assembly 1. In this example, the first transmitter 20 is placed in the thru-axle 6. Here, the receiver 18 is placed within the cassette 10, e.g. near the actuator 16, i.e. on the wheel axle. If the wheel axle assembly, or wheel, is exchanged the transmitter 20 remains with the frame 2 since the thru-axle 6 can remain with the frame when exchanging the wheel. Therefore, a pairing between the transmitter 20 and the receiver 18 only needs to be performed once. There is no need for pairing when exchanging the wheel.

[0076] In FIG. 2A, the first transmitter 20 is communicatively coupled, here wiredly, with a second receiver 24. The second receiver 24 is in this example arranged for wirelessly receiving a control signal from a second transmitter 26. The second transmitter 26 can be associated with a manual input module 27, such as a shifter, for shifting gears. The shifter 27 can e.g. be mounted on handlebars of the bicycle. The second transmitter can be mounted on the handlebars. A controller 29 can include a processor 25 for processing manual input from the module 27. The controller can include indicator means 23 for indicating a status to the user. Hence a user (rider) can trigger transmission of the control signal by actuating the shifter. Alternatively, or additionally, the control signal transmitted by the second transmitter 26 can be automatically generated by a processor. e.g. the processor 25 of the controller 29.

[0077] The first transmitter 20 and the second receiver 24 are powered by a battery 28. In this example, the battery 28 is attached to the handle GA of the thru-axle 6. It is also possible that the battery 28 is included in the thru-axle 6. e.g. within the hollow axle 7. It is also possible that the thru-axle is wiredly connected to the controller 29 on the frame. Then the second transmitter 26 and second receiver 24 can be omitted. Also, the battery 28 can be omitted in case the first transmitter 20 then is powered, e.g. wiredly, from the controller 29 (e.g. from a battery 31 of the controller).

[0078] The first receiver 18 is here positioned near the electric component 16. As transfer of signals and/or power is effected over a short distance a short range wireless connection is used, and pairing between the first transmitter 20 and the first receiver 18 is not required. The signals and/or power can be transferred capacitively and/or inductively. A second battery 30, e.g. an ultracapacitor, can be connected to the electric component 16. This battery 30 can provide power. e.g. current, to the electric component 16 for actuation. The second battery 30 can be charged by the first transmitter 20. e.g. using power from the first battery 28. Optionally, the second battery 30 can be used for providing power to the first receiver 18. It is also possible that the first receiver 18 is powered, e.g. directly, by the first transmitter 20. It is also possible that the electric component. e.g. the actuator, is powered, e.g. directly, by the first transmitter 20. The second battery 30 can be selected to last the entire life span of the wheel axle assembly 1. Hence, replacement of the second battery 30 can be avoided. The first battery 28 can charge, via the first transmitter 20 and the first receiver 28, the second battery 30. Hence, the user only needs to take care that the first battery 28 is sufficiently charged. The first battery 28 can be exchangeably mounted to the thru-axle 6 so that it can easily be charged and/or exchanged.

[0079] FIG. 2B shows a schematic cross section of a wheel axle assembly 1. In this example, first electric contacts 40 are placed in the thru-axle 6. Here, second electric contacts 42 are placed within the cassette 10, e.g. near the actuator 16, i.e. on the wheel axle. If the wheel axle assembly, or wheel, is exchanged the first electric contacts 40 remain close to the frame 2 since the thru-axle 6 can remain close to the frame when exchanging the wheel. In view of the wired connection between the switch and the thru-axle (and the wheel axle), there is no need for pairing when exchanging the wheel.

[0080] In FIG. 2B, the first electric contacts 40 are communicatively coupled, here wiredly, with a second receiver 24. The second receiver 24 is in this example arranged for wirelessly receiving a control signal from a second transmitter 26. The second transmitter 26 can be associated with a manual input module 27, such as a shifter, for shifting gears. The shifter 27 can e.g. be mounted on or integrated in the handlebars of the bicycle. The second transmitter can be mounted on the handlebars. A controller 29 can include a processor 25 for processing manual input from the module 27. The controller can include indicator means 23 for indicating a status to the user. Hence a user (rider) can trigger transmission of the control signal by actuating the shifter. Alternatively. or additionally, the control signal transmitted by the second transmitter 26 can be automatically generated by a processor, e.g. the processor 25 of the controller 29.

[0081] The second receiver 24 is powered by a battery 28. In this example, the battery 28 is attached to the handle GA of the thru-axle 6. It is also possible that the battery 28 is included in the thru-axle 6. e.g. within the hollow axle 7. It is also possible that the thru-axle is wiredly connected to the controller 29 on the frame. There can also be a connector in between the wired connection between the controller and the thru-axle to make it easier to disconnect the thru-axle. Then the second transmitter 26 and second receiver 24 can be omitted

[0082] The second electric contacts 42 are here positioned near the electric component 16. The signals and/or power can be transferred wiredly from the thru-axle to the electric component 16. A second battery 30. e.g. an ultracapacitor, can be connected to the electric component 16. The second battery 30 can be selected to last the entire life span of the wheel axle assembly 1. Hence, replacement of the second battery 30 can be avoided. This battery 30 can provide power, e.g. current, to the electric component 16 for actuation. The second battery 30 can be charged via the first and second electric contacts, e.g. using power from the first battery 28. It is also possible that the electric component, e.g. the actuator, is powered. e.g. directly, via the first and second electric contacts. e.g. from the first battery 28. The second battery can then be omitted. The first battery 28 can be exchangeably mounted to the thru-axle 6 so that it can easily be charged and/or exchanged.

[0083] Energy transfer between the first transmitter 20 and the first receiver 18 can be in low or mid frequency range. The first transmitter 20 can be a low or mid frequency transmitter. The first receiver 18 can be a low or mid frequency receiver. FIG. 3 shows an example of a midfrequency, MF, transmitter 20 and midfrequency, MF, receiver 18. In the example of FIG. 3 the energy storage 30 can e a battery or supercapacitor. Coupling between the transmitter 20 and receiver 18 can be through coils, the energy transfer can be arranged to indicate an actuation direction of the actuator. The receiver 18 can be arranged to wake up once the first transmitter 20 starts energy transfer. For the wireless energy transfer a frequency in the range of 150-300 kHz can be used. This also provides advantages for the electronics used, such as switching FETs, which only need to be suitable for these relatively low frequencies.

[0084] Energy transfer can make of two coupled coils. A first coil 32 can be associated with the first receiver 18 and a second coil 34 can be associated with the first transmitter 20. The coupled coils can be used at the resonance frequency of the two coils. At such resonance frequency a good coupling between the coils can be achieved, even if the coils are not at an optimum position relative to each other. Use can be made of flat coils and/or of concentric coils. The coils allow transfer of sufficient energy for powering the actuator 16, and optionally the receiver 18. The coils allow transfer of sufficient energy for directly powering the actuator 16 without the need for large energy storage in the exchangeable part of the wheel axle assembly. The coils allow for efficient transfer of signals.

[0085] An important aspect is mechanical positioning of the coils. The coils are arranged to be aligned reproducibly, also when exchanging a wheel. The coils are arranged such that metal parts have a minimum impact on signal and/or power transmission. In the example of FIG. 4 the second coil 34 is housed in a circumferential groove 36 in the thru-axle. The coil 34 can be protected from dirt and moisture. e.g. by a suitable potting or covering. In this example, the first coil 32 is enclosed surrounding the hollow axle 7. FIG. 8 shows a detailed view of an example of the second coil 34 in the groove 36. In this example, the coil 34 is covered with a cover 33. Here the cover 33 is made of ferrite. In this example, the coils 34 is housed in a channel shaped insert 35 in the circumferential groove 36. Here the insert 35 is made of ferrite.

[0086] FIG. 9 shows an example of a cross section of a thru-axle 6. In this example, the first battery 28 includes two cells. The second coil 34 is placed closer to the tip 6T of the thru-axle than in FIG. 4. FIG. 10 shows an example a cross section of a wheel axle assembly 1. In this example, the wheel axle assembly includes a thru-axle 6 as shown in FIG. 9. In this example, the first coil 32 is positioned with respect to the hub 8 such that the first coil 32 is concentric with the second coil 34 when the thru-axle 6 is mounted to the frame 2 through the hollow axle 7. In this example, a center of the first coil 32 substantially coincides with a center of the second coil 34.

[0087] FIGS. 5A and 5B each shows a schematic example of a system. The manual input module 27, e.g. shifter, provides an input to the controller 29. The controller 29 generates a control signal to be provided to the first transmitter 20 (FIG. 5A) or first electric contacts 40 (FIG. 5B). In FIG. 5A the first transmitter 20 is wiredly connected to the controller 29. Alternatively it is also possible that the first transmitter 20 is wirelessly connected to the controller 29. Then, the controller 29 includes, or is connected to, the second transmitter 26 and that the second receiver 24 is connected to the first transmitter 20, see e.g. FIG. 2. The second transmitter 26 and second receiver 24 can operate on a wireless transmission protocol such as ANT+. Bluetooth or the like. The transmission system of the second transmitter 26 and second receiver 24 requires no pairing when exchanging a wheel, as the second transmitter 26 and second receiver 24 remain with the frame 2. The second receiver can e.g. be mounted to the thru-axle 6. Similarly, in FIG. 5B the first electric contacts 42 are wiredly connected to the controller 29. Alternatively it is also possible that the first electric contacts 40 are wirelessly connected to the controller 29.

[0088] It will be appreciated that the thru-axle can include a control unit. This control unit can be arranged for processing control signals from the controller 29. The control unit can be arranged for converting input signals received from the controller 29 into signals to be transmitted towards the actuator, via the first transmitter/receivers 18, 20 or the first and second electric contacts 40, 42. The control unit can e.g. be arranged for indicating a current direction and/or current level to be transmitted towards the actuator. As shown in FIGS. 5A and 5B, the processor 16A is included in or at the wheel axle. The processor 16A is here arranged for controlling the motor 16B. The processor 16A unit can be arranged for controlling the electric current direction and/or an electric current amount and/or an electric current duration to the motor. The processor 16A can also be arranged for controlling a current, e.g. limiting a current to the motor.

[0089] As shown in FIG. 11, the manual input module 27 can include a shifter 44 or one or more shift buttons or shifters 45 to be manually operated by a user, such as a rider. The controller 29 can include an electronic and/or magnetic switch 46. The electronic and/or magnetic switch can be arranged to be manually operated by the rider. The electronic and/or magnetic switch 46 can be indirectly operated by the rider, e.g. by being connected to the manual input mode, such as the shifter or shift buttons, e.g. a FRONT/LEFT shifter or shift button and the switch. The electronic and/or magnetic switch can also be automatically operated based on inputs from the bicycle such as wheel speed, torque, ratio, etc.

[0090] In an embodiment the electronic and/or magnetic switch 46 is connected to the shifter 44 or one or more shift buttons 45 via a cable 48, such as a Bowden cable. The switch can be positioned in a housing 50 on the handle bars of the bicycle and the Bowden cable can be connected to a spring 52 in the housing which spring gives force feedback to the shifter 44 which is connected to the other side of the Bowden cable.

[0091] FIGS. 12A, 12B, 12C and 12D show an example of a switch unit 54. The shift unit 54 includes a switch 46 inside a housing 56. Here, the housing includes attachment means 57, here eyelets for attaching to a brake cable. e.g. by looping a tie wrap through the eyelet.

[0092] In this example the switch 46 is arranged to be actuated by a cable 48, such as a Bowden cable. The Bowden cable 48 is connected to a spring 52 in the housing 56. Thereto in this example a stopper 58 is attached to the Bowden cable 48 near a free end. The Bowden cable 48 here extends through the housing and is accessible at the free end thereof. The spring 52 gives feedback to the shifter 44 (not shown in FIGS. 12A-12D) which is connected to the other side of the Bowden cable.

[0093] The stopper 58 here is part of a mechanism connected between the Bowden cable 48 and the spring 52 which transmits the force of the spring 52 to the Bowden cable 48. The mechanism is arranged to convert a translation of the Bowden cable 48, here a pulling, into a translation, here a compression, of the spring 52. It will be appreciated that alternative mechanisms are possible, e.g. using a torsion spring, and arranged to convert a translation of the Bowden cable into a rotation, such a compression, of the torsion spring. In this example, the mechanism is arranged to limit a translation of the Bowden cable. Thereto, in this example, the stopper 58 includes a bush 58A secured to the Bowden cable 48, an adjustable nut 58C and a limiter 58C, such as a boss. The limiter 58C in this example runs in a groove 60 of the housing 56. The movement of the limiter 58C is limited by the groove 60. By positioning the nut 58B axially relative to the bush 58A, the position of the limiter 58C relative to the Bowden 48 cable can be adjusted. Hence movement of the Bowden cable, and limitation thereof, relative to the housing, and thus relative to the switch, is adjustable, here from the outside of the housing. Spring tension is adjustable via a tensioner 62.

[0094] In this example a sensor 63 is included in the housing 56 for sensing a position of the stopper 58, e.g. inductively, capacitively, magnetically and/or optically. Thus, the sensor 63 and the stopper 58 here form the switch 46. Here the sensor 63 is arranged to discriminate two unique positions of the stopper 58. i.e. two switch position.

[0095] In this example, the housing 56 includes a battery 64. A battery status indicator 66 is also provided. A button 68 allows to activate the battery status indicator. This allows the battery status indicator to be switched off most of the time to conserve energy. The housing 56 can further include a controller and/or transmitter as described herein.

[0096] FIG. 6 shows a schematic example of a system. Here the controller 29 includes the second transmitter 26, here a Bluetooth transmitter. The controller is connected to the manual input module 27, here switches. Thus, in the module A the switch signal is converted to a Bluetooth signal. The second transmitter 26 is arranged for communicating with the second receiver 24. The second receiver transfers control signals to the first transmitter 20. Thus, the module B receives a Bluetooth signal and transmits a power MF signal. The first transmitter 20 transmits control signals and/or power to the first receiver 18. Thus, the module C receives a power MF signal and provides current to the DC motor. It will be 19 appreciated that instead of the first transmitter 20 and the first receiver 18 the first and second electric contacts 40, 42 can be used.

[0097] In this example, when the left switch is pressed, the actuator motor should turn clockwise until a mechanical end stop is reached, and when the right switch is pressed, the actuator motor should turn counter clockwise until a mechanical end stop is reached, or vice versa. The actuator motor can e.g. be driven at a nominal 3V and 0.3 W.

[0098] For the module A, the power Storage A 31 can be a replaceable battery (not necessarily chargeable), for example maximum 1 button cell CR2032 (240 mAh, 3V). Preferably the battery life-time allows for at least 10.000 switch actions in 1 year, which could equate to approximately 500 hrs of biking, at 20 switch actions per hour. The BT Transmitter 26 preferably uses Blue Tooth Low Energy protocol. The distance to the receiver 24 is less than 2 m in a normal bicycle. The BT transmitter 26 here is arranged to start transmitting a signal at switch input. Pairing of the BT transmitter 26 to the receiver 24 is possible (at close distance). Preferably secure communication is used between the transmitter 26 and the receiver 24. The controller 29 can be provided with a battery charge indication. The battery charge indication can be arranged to be observable on request. The standby power drain should be low, therefore, the controller 29 can be arranged to enter a sleep-mode when the bicycle is not moving. A movement sensor may thereto be included. Go to sleep time when no movement or switch activation is detected can be 5 minutes or more. The go to sleep time can be user selectable. Wake-up time from sleep by movement of the controller is preferably 1 s or less. Preferably, wake-up time by activation of one or more of the switches is 200 ms or less.

[0099] For the module B, the power storage B 28 can be a chargeable battery (not necessarily replaceable). The battery 28 can e.g. include two AAAA/LR61 Ni-MH cells. FIG. 7 shows an example of two battery cells 28 included in the thru-axle 6. The BT Receiver 24 preferably uses Blue Tooth Low Energy protocol. Battery charge indication is possible, e.g. on request. The charge indication of the battery 28 may be provided to the user via the controller 29. The module B can be arranged to enter a sleep-mode when the bicycle is not moving. A movement sensor may thereto be included. The MF power transmitter 20 can be arranged to start transmitting MF (100 kHz) power signal on actuation request of one or more of the switches. The MF transmitter 20 is also arranged to provide charge power to Power Storage C 30 to maintain State-of-Charge of storage 30. The module B can e.g. be housed in a sealed box, preferably water resistant IP67. Charging through a USB or mini-USB cable can be provided.

[0100] For the module C, the power Storage C 30 can be a non-replaceable battery, such as a capacitor. e.g. mounted on a PCB. The module C can include the coil 32, here an NFC coil, and the PCB. The PCB can include the electronics for the receiver 18 and motor control 16A. Motor control includes sending current to the DC motor 16B in the requested rotation direction. A mechanical end stop detection can be provided by current feedback. A current limit and maximum actuation duration can be adjustable. The MF power receiver 18 is arranged to receive a MF (100 kHz) power signal and send power to the power storage C 30 and motor control 16A. In an example the PCB can have a full or partial, such as half, circle shape, mounted within a enclosure. The enclosure can contain grease and/or oil. It will be appreciated that when the first and second electric contacts 40, 42 are used instead of the MF transmitter 20 and MF receiver 18, the power storage C 30 may be omitted.

[0101] Herein, the invention is described with reference to specific examples of embodiments of the invention. It will, however, be evident that various modifications, variations, alternatives and changes may be made therein, without departing from the essence of the invention. For the purpose of clarity and a concise description features are described herein as part of the same or separate embodiments, however, alternative embodiments having combinations of all or some of the features described in these separate embodiments are also envisaged and understood to fall within the framework of the invention as outlined by the claims. The specifications, figures and examples are, accordingly, to be regarded in an illustrative sense rather than in a restrictive sense. The invention is intended to embrace all alternatives, modifications and variations which fall within the spirit and scope of the appended claims. Further, many of the elements that are described are functional entities that may be implemented as discrete or distributed components or in conjunction with other components, in any suitable combination and location.

[0102] In the claims, any reference signs placed between parentheses shall not be construed as limiting the claim. The word comprising does not exclude the presence of other features or steps than those listed in a claim. Furthermore, the words a and an shall not be construed as limited to only one, but instead are used to mean at least one, and do not exclude a plurality. The mere fact that certain measures are recited in mutually different claims does not indicate that a combination of these measures cannot be used to an advantage.