Future mobility solutions - Schffler presents electric gearshift actuator for the first time

Schaeffler at EUROBIKE 2013 (Hall A3, Booth 807)

Future mobility solutions - Schaeffler presents electric gearshift actuator for the first time

Schaeffler is presenting an innovative new product in its bicycle product range at EUROBIKE 2013 - the FAG electric gearshift actuator. The electric gearshift actuator enables clever, comfortable and efficient cycling. It provides the highest levels of gearshift comfort on standard bicycles and e-bikes equipped with gear hubs or derailleurs. The electric gearshift actuator can also be combined with the FAG sensor bottom bracket to produce a fully automatic design for e-bikes. The combination of an electric drive and an electric gearshift system provides the rider with maximum riding pleasure.

Riding comfort in the luxury class

A rider experiences the highest riding comfort when he can ride with the cadence that he finds most comfortable and gearshifts are carried out automatically. The FAG electric gearshift actuator from Schaeffler achieves this by maximizing the shifting speed and ensuring precise, easy gearshifts. The gearshift actuator is available in different designs.

A fully-automatic design can be produced by combining the electric gearshift actuator with the FAG sensor bottom bracket. The highest possible comfort is achieved with the automatic gearshift if the power output of the rider, determined from the pedal force and the cadence, are taken into consideration. The control system determines the correct gear ratio depending on the riding conditions as well as the optimum shifting point and operates the gear hub or derailleur quickly, easily and precisely. The gearshift operation is so smooth that it is hardly noticed by the rider. In addition, reduced loads are placed on the chain, and gear hub and premature wear is prevented.

The basic variant for standard bicycles enables gearshifts at the push of a button using an easy-to-use switch. The mechanical gearshift lever on the handlebar is replaced by the electric gearshift actuator.

The shifting points and gearshift behavior can be freely programmed so that a range of conventional gear hubs and derailleurs can be actuated.

Increased efficiency for an increased range

E-bikes require less electrical energy if the electric drive is operated at the optimum operating point. The gearshift actuator comprises an electric linear drive with sensors and is equipped with its own software. It is able to communicate with any e-bike control systems. The electric power assistance from center motors can be controlled for smooth gearshifts. In addition, the optimum gear in the e-bikes gear hub is selected in coordination with the rider and the electric drive. The e-bike drive therefore operates at the most efficient operating point, requires less energy and the range of the battery is significantly increased compared with conventional, mechanical gearshift applications.

The electricity supply is provided by the e-bikes battery in e-bike applications. On standard bicycles, the FAG gearshift actuator is operated by its own battery, which can be charged by a hub dynamo during the ride. The rider is provided with information about the charging condition of the battery via a display. If a battery has insufficient residual capacity, the actuator automatically shifts into return home mode , a medium gear, which enables the rider to continue his ride in comfort.

Space-saving and individually configurable

Thanks to its extremely light design (weight approx. 120 g), the electric gearshift system can be fitted, for example, in the bicycles seat tube between the seat post and the bottom bracket. This means the system is not visible from the outside and it does not spoil the visual appearance of the bicycle. The system is connected to the gear hub or derailleur via a short gear cable.

The systems own controller and bluetooth interface offer a large number of possible combinations, for example, with a smartphone, additional sensors, control elements and drives.

The FAG gearshift actuator can be configured for different gear hubs and derailleurs using its own app. Another clever solution are the individually configurable parameters, for example, for setting ones own comfortable cadence and shifting programs (e.g. comfort or sport). The FAG electric gearshift actuator is also optionally available with a handle bar control element and mini display.

LINK:	http://www.ina.de/content.ina.de/en/press/press-releases/press-details...
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