Integrated control and power unit use aboard a bicycle

Abstract

A housing for an electronic control unit for use aboard a bicycle and a battery container for powering electrical devices fitted aboard, are provided with quick coupling means, that, when coupled, also provide the electrical connection between the batteries and the control unit.

1 . An integrated control and power unit for use aboard a bicycle comprising a housing for an electronic control unit and a holder container for one or more batteries for powering electrical devices fitted aboard the bicycle, 
 wherein the housing of the control unit and the battery holder container are provided with a quick coupling that, when coupled, also provide the electrical connection between the batteries and the control unit.    
   
   
       2 . The unit of  claim 1  wherein the quick coupling means comprise a circular seat formed in the housing of the control unit and a cylindrical end portion of the battery holder, which can be received within the seat.  
   
   
       3 . The unit of  claim 2  wherein the cylindrical end portion of the battery holder has one or more electrical contacts on an external surface thereof leading to the batteries that is suitable for engaging corresponding contacts in the seat, once the coupling means is coupled.  
   
   
       4 . The unit of  claim 3  wherein the electrical contacts on the external surface of the cylindrical end portion of the battery holder container comprise a ring of conductive material surrounding the cylindrical end portion.  
   
   
       5 . The unit of  claim 1  wherein the battery holder container has an axis of rotation and the electrical connection between the batteries and the control unit, when coupled, is maintained when the battery holder container rotates about the axis.  
   
   
       6 . An integrated control and power unit for use aboard a bicycle comprising a housing for an electronic control unit and a holder container for one or more batteries for powering electrical devices fitted aboard the bicycle, 
 wherein the housing of the control unit and the battery holder container are provided with a circular quick coupling that, when coupled, also provide the electrical connection between the batteries and the control unit.    
   
   
       7 . An integrated control and power unit for use aboard a bicycle comprising a housing for an electronic control unit and a holder container for one or more batteries for powering electrical devices fitted aboard the bicycle, 
 wherein the housing of the control unit and the battery holder container are provided with a bayonet-type coupling that, when coupled, also provide the electrical connection between the batteries and the control unit.