bicycle control system

Abstract

A bicycle control system comprising a plurality of electrical units designed to be mounted on a bicycle and comprising a storage unit, wherein at least two storage units of the plurality of electrical units store at least two common pieces of information.

Description

[0001] The present invention relates to a bicycle steering system.

[0002] A conventional bicycle control system comprises a plurality of electrical units, each containing a storage unit (for example, JP 2009 - 166 830 A). The storage units of the plurality of electrical units each store different information.

[0003] In the bicycle control system described above, information stored in the memory unit of the electrical unit will be lost from the bicycle control system if the electrical unit is replaced, if the electrical unit is detached from the control system, and if a fault occurs in the memory unit of the electrical unit.

[0004] For the state of the art, reference is also made to the following documents: JP 2009 - 166 830 A, US 2013 / 0 054 068 A1, WO 2012 / 123 801 A1, DE 10 2013 016 777 A1, DE 10 2013 011 204 A1, EP 2 505 479 A1.

[0005] US Patent 2013 / 0054068A1 discloses a bicycle steering system with a drive unit comprising an assist motor configured to provide assistance to human propulsion, a control device configured to control the assist motor using current supplied by a battery unit, a gear shifting device comprising an electric actuator configured to change a gear ratio, wherein the electric actuator is supplied with current from the battery unit. Furthermore, a motor driver is housed in a casing of the gear shifting device. The control device is configured to output a signal for controlling the gear shifting device. Additionally, an operating unit is provided on the handlebars, which is connected to the control device and outputs a shift signal in response to user input.

[0006] The object of the present invention is to provide a bicycle control system that is able to prevent data from being lost in the storage unit of the electrical unit in the bicycle control system, and at the same time ensures simple data communication between the electrical units and also their power supply.

[0007] A bicycle steering system according to the present invention is defined in claim 1 and comprises a drive unit comprising an assist motor configured to provide assistance to a human driving force, a first control device configured to control the assist motor using current provided by a battery unit, a gear shifting device comprising an electric actuator configured to change a gear ratio, and a second control device configured to control the electric actuator using current provided by the battery unit, wherein the second control device is housed in a housing of the gear shifting device.The first control device is configured to output a signal relating to the control of the gearshift device, wherein the first control device is configured to communicate wirelessly with the second control device. Furthermore, a second operating unit is provided, which is configured to communicate wirelessly with the second control device, wherein the second operating unit is configured to output a switching signal in response to user input. Preferred embodiments are defined in the dependent claims.

[0008] A drive unit according to a further aspect of the present invention is defined in claim 10. Furthermore, a bicycle control system comprises this drive unit and a first control unit configured to change the assistance force relative to the human driving force; and a display unit configured to indicate at least one of the assistance force from the assistance motor and the state of charge of the battery unit. Brief description of the drawings Fig. Figure 1 is a side view of a bicycle equipped with the bicycle steering system of an embodiment. Fig. 2 is a block view of the bicycle control system from Fig. 1. Fig. Figure 3 is a top view of a first gearshift device and a second gearshift device in Fig. 1. Fig. 4 is a front view of a display unit made of Fig. 1. Fig. Figure 5 is a block view of a first modified example of the electrical unit. Fig. Figure 6 is a block view of a second modified example of the electrical unit. Embodiments for carrying out the invention

[0009] The construction of a bicycle equipped with a bicycle steering system 10 is described with reference to Fig. 1 described. The bicycle 10 comprises a frame 12, a handlebar 14, a front wheel 16, a rear wheel 18, brake levers 20R, 20L (see Fig. 3), a lamp 22 attached to the frame 12, a drive mechanism 24, a torque sensor 26, a battery unit 28 and a control system 50 (see Fig. 2).

[0010] The drive mechanism 24 comprises a left and a right crank arm 32, a crankshaft 34, a left and a right pedal 36, a left and a right pedal shaft 38, a front sprocket 40, a rear sprocket 42, and a chain 44. The left and right crank arms 32 are both attached to the two ends of the crankshaft 34 and are rotatably mounted to the frame 12 via the crankshaft 34. The pedal 36 is attached to the crank arm 32 to enable it to rotate around a pedal shaft 38.

[0011] The front pinion 40 is coupled to the crankshaft 34. The front pinion 40 is designed to be coaxial with the crankshaft 34.

[0012] The rear sprocket 42 is rotatably mounted around an axle 18A of the rear wheel 18. The rear sprocket 42 is coupled to the rear wheel 18 via a freewheel clutch. The chain 44 is wound around the front sprocket 40 and the rear sprocket 42. When the crank arm 32 rotates due to the manual driving force exerted on the pedal 36, the rear wheel 18 is rotated by the front sprocket 40, the chain 44, and the rear sprocket 42.

[0013] A torque sensor 26 outputs a signal corresponding to the torque applied to the crankshaft 34. The torque applied to the crankshaft 34 correlates with the manual driving force applied to the pedal 36. Therefore, the torque sensor 26 outputs a signal corresponding to the manual driving force. The torque sensor 26 can be located along the power transmission path from the crankshaft 34 to the front sprocket 40, near the power transmission path, or on the crank arm 32 or the pedal 36. The torque sensor 26 can be implemented, for example, by using a strain sensor, a magnetostrictive sensor, an optical sensor, or a pressure sensor, and any sensor that outputs a signal corresponding to the manual force applied to the crank arm 32 or the pedal 36 can be used.

[0014] The battery unit 28 comprises a battery 46 and a casing 48 that houses the battery 46. The casing 48 is detachably attached to the frame 12 by a holder 48A. The battery 46 comprises one or more battery cells. The battery 46 is a secondary battery. The battery 46 supplies a control system 50 (see Fig. 2) and a lamp 22 with electricity.

[0015] As in Fig. As shown in Figure 2, the control system 50 comprises a drive unit 52, a first control unit 64, a second control unit 66, a display unit 68, and a gearshift device 70. The drive unit 52, the first control unit 64, the second control unit 66, the display unit 68, and the gearshift device 70 are designed to be attached to a bicycle 10 in a riding position (see Figure 2). Fig. 1) In other words, the bicycle is 10 (see Fig. 1) designed to be operated in a state in which the drive unit 52, the first control unit 64, the second control unit 66, the display unit 68 and the gearshift device 70 are attached.

[0016] The drive unit 52, the first control unit 64, the second control unit 66, the display unit 68, and the gearshift device 70 are connected via a bus through a power line 72 and perform power line communication (PLC). The first control unit 64, the second control unit 66, the display unit 68, and the gearshift device 70 are powered by the battery 46 via the power line 72. The drive unit 52 and the gearshift device 70 are both electrical components and electrical units. The first control unit 64, the second control unit 66, and the display unit 68 are electrical units.Information output by the drive unit 52, the first control unit 64, the second control unit 66, the display unit 68 and the gearshift device 70 is made available to all other electrical units by power line communication.

[0017] The drive unit 52 includes a port 74 to which a support unit 54, a housing 60, the power communication line 72, and a control device 76 can be attached and detached. The support unit 54 and the control device 76 are housed in the housing 60. The housing 60 is attached to the frame 12. The control device 76 can also be located outside the housing 60.

[0018] The support unit 54 includes a drive circuit 58, which includes a support motor 56 and an inverter.

[0019] As in Fig. As shown in Figure 1, the support unit 54 is arranged around the crankshaft 34. The support motor 56 is an electric motor. The rotation of the support motor 56 is transmitted to the front pinion 40 via a reduction gear (not shown in the diagram). A freewheel clutch to prevent the motor from being rotated by the manual drive force when the crank arm 32 rolls forward can be provided between the motor 56 and the front pinion 40. The drive unit 52 can be configured to encompass the crankshaft 34.

[0020] As in Fig. As shown in Figure 2, the control device 76 comprises a calculation unit 78, which performs various calculations, a communication unit 80, which carries out power line communication, and a storage unit 82, which stores various information. The control device 76 controls the drive circuit 58 and controls the movement of the support motor 56.

[0021] The information stored by memory unit 82 includes identification information for the drive unit 52, setting information (which determines the operation of the drive unit 52), and log information (which is a history of the operations of the drive unit 52). The identification information is stored in memory unit 82 in advance, at the time of dispatch. The setting information is also stored in memory unit 82 in advance, at the time of dispatch. The setting information is updated by operating units 64, 66, or an external device. The log information is updated and / or supplemented when the drive unit 52 is operated.

[0022] Examples of identification information include the serial number of the drive unit 52 and the version number of the software, etc. Examples of setting information include the type of gear shifting device 70 attached to the bicycle 10 (for example, the model number), the mounting angle of the drive unit 52 on the frame 12, the tire circumference of the bicycle 10 to which the drive unit 52 is attached, the number of teeth on the front sprocket 40, the number of teeth on the rear sprocket 42, the presence / absence of a connection to the lamp 22, and the ON / OFF, etc., of the start mode. The start mode is a setting regarding whether or not various information should be automatically saved when the bicycle 10 starts moving, and an example of the various information is the distance traveled.

[0023] Examples of the protocol information include the number of resets of the drive unit 52, the number of errors in the battery unit 28, the number of times the charge level of the battery 46 becomes “0”, the number of authentication errors of the battery 46, the number of communication errors with the battery 46 and the number of communication errors with the drive circuit 58 of the support unit 54.

[0024] The processing unit 78 outputs all identification, setting, and protocol information stored in the memory unit 82, along with unique information (such as the serial number), from the communication unit 80 each time a predetermined period has elapsed. Furthermore, when information output by the first control unit 64, the second control unit 66, the display unit 68, and the gearshift device 70 (the other electrical units) is input by the communication unit 80, the processing unit 78 overwrites and stores the input information in the memory unit 82.

[0025] The first operating unit 64 comprises a port 84 to which a power communication line 72, a control device 86, an operating unit 88 and an enclosure 90 housing the control device 86 are connected (see Fig. 3) attached and from which they can be detached again. The control device 86 comprises a calculation unit 92, which performs various calculations, a communication unit 94, which carries out power line communication, and a storage unit 96, which stores various information. The first operating unit 64 functions as an operating device for changing the support force in relation to the manual drive force.

[0026] As in Fig. As shown in Figure 3, the housing 90 is detachably attached to the handlebar 14 by a holder 90A. The housing 90 is formed integrally with the mounting section of the left brake lever 20L. The housing 90 and the brake lever 20L can be constructed from separate bodies. The control unit 88 comprises three buttons 88A, 88B, and 88C. The first control unit 64 outputs different signals depending on the operation of each button 88A–88C.

[0027] More precisely, if button 88A is set to be a button for starting or stopping support from the drive unit 52 (see Fig. 2) If the first control unit 64 sends a signal to start or stop the power supply to the support unit 54 (see Fig. 2) off when button 88A is pressed. If button 88B is set to be a button for increasing the assistance power, the first control unit 64 issues a signal to increase the current with which the assistance unit 54 (see Fig. 2) is supplied when button 88B is pressed. If button 88C is set to be a button for reducing the assistance force, the first control unit 64 issues a signal to reduce the current with which the assistance unit 54 (see Fig. 2) is supplied when button 88C is pressed.

[0028] The information stored by memory unit 96, which is located in Fig. Figure 2 shows that the system includes identification information for identifying the first operating unit 64; setting information, which determines the operation of the first operating unit 64; and log information, which is a history of the operations of the first operating unit 64. The identification information is stored in advance, at the time of transmission, in memory unit 96. The setting information is also stored in advance, at the time of transmission, in memory unit 96. The setting information is updated by operating units 64, 66, or an external device. The log information is updated and / or supplemented when the first operating unit 64 is operated.

[0029] Examples of identification information include the serial number of the first control unit 64 and the software version number, etc. Examples of setting information include the operating goal of the first control unit 64 and the assignment of buttons 88A-88C of the control unit 88 (see Fig. 3).

[0030] Examples of identification information include the number of resets of the first control unit (64), the number of times each button (88A-88C) was pressed, which is located in Fig. 3 is shown, was pressed, and the number of errors for each button 88A - 88C. The number of errors for each button 88A - 88C is stored in memory unit 96 by counting the number of errors when a signal from each button 88A - 88C is sent to calculation unit 92, which is in Fig. 2 is shown, is entered over a specified period; the calculation unit 92 determines that a locking error occurs in each button 88A - 88C (see Fig. 3) occurs.

[0031] The processing unit 92 outputs all identification, setting, and protocol information stored in the memory unit 96, along with unique information, from the communication unit 94 each time a predetermined period has elapsed. Furthermore, when information output by the drive unit 52, the second control unit 66, the display unit 68, and the gearshift device 70 (the other electrical units) is input by the communication unit 94, the processing unit 92 overwrites and stores the input information in the memory unit 96.

[0032] The second operating unit 66 comprises a port 98 to which a power communication line 72, a control device 100, an operating unit 102 and an enclosure 104 housing the control device 100 are connected (see Fig. 3) attached and from which they can be detached again. The control device 100 comprises a calculation unit 106, which performs various calculations, a communication unit 108, which carries out power line communication, and a storage unit 110, which stores various information. The second operating unit 66 functions as an operating device for shifting gears and performing various operations.

[0033] As in Fig. As shown in Figure 3, the housing 104 is detachably attached to the handlebar 14 by a holder 104A. The housing 104 is formed integrally with the mounting section of the right brake lever 20R. The housing 104 and the brake lever 20R can be constructed from separate bodies. The control unit 102 comprises four buttons 102A, 102B, 102C, and 102D. The second control unit 66 outputs various signals depending on the operation of each button 102A–102C.

[0034] More precisely, if button 102A is configured to increase the gear ratio, the second control unit 66 outputs an upshift signal when button 102A is pressed. If button 102B is configured to decrease the gear ratio, the second control unit 66 outputs a downshift signal when button 102B is pressed. Upshifting is switching in the direction that increases the gear ratio, and downshifting is switching in the direction that decreases the gear ratio.

[0035] If button 102C is set to be a button for turning lamp 22 on and off (see Fig. 1) If the second control unit 66 is set to switch the lamp 22 on and off, the second control unit 66 outputs a signal when the button 102C is pressed. If the button 102D is set to be a button for changing the content displayed on the display unit 116 (see Fig. 1) when the display unit 68 displays, the second control unit 66 issues a signal to change the content displayed on the display part 116 when the button 102D is pressed.

[0036] The information stored by storage unit 110, which is located in Fig. Figure 2 shows the following information: identification information for identifying the second operating unit 66; setting information, which determines the operation of the second operating unit 66; and log information, which is a history of the operations of the second operating unit 66. The identification information is stored in advance, at the time of transmission, in memory unit 110. The setting information is also stored in advance, at the time of transmission, in memory unit 110. The setting information is updated by operating units 64, 66, or an external device. The log information is updated and / or supplemented when the second operating unit 66 is operated.

[0037] Examples of identification information include the serial number of the second control unit 66 and the version number of the software, etc.

[0038] Examples of setting information include the operating goal of the second control unit 66 and the assignment of buttons 102A-102D of the control unit 102 (see Fig. 3).

[0039] Examples of identification information include the number of resets of the second control unit (66), the number of times each button (102A-102D) has been pressed, which is located in Fig. 3 is shown, was pressed, and the number of errors for each button 102A - 102D. The number of errors for each button 102A - 102D is stored in memory unit 110 by counting the number of errors when a signal from each button 102A - 102D is sent to calculation unit 106, which is in Fig. 2 is shown, is entered over a specified period; the calculation unit 106 determines that a locking error occurs in each button 102A - 102D (see Fig. 3) occurs.

[0040] The processing unit 106 outputs all identification, setting, and protocol information stored in the memory unit 110, along with unique information, from the communication unit 108 each time a predetermined period has elapsed. Furthermore, when information output by the drive unit 52, the first control unit 64, the display unit 68, and the gearshift device 70 (the other electrical units) is input by the communication unit 108, the processing unit 106 overwrites and stores the input information in the memory unit 110.

[0041] The display unit 68 comprises a port 112, to which a power communication line 72, a control device 114, a display part 116 and an enclosure 118, which houses the control device 114, are connected (see Fig. 4), attached and from which they can be detached again. The control device 114 comprises a calculation unit 120, which performs various calculations, a communication unit 122, which carries out power line communication, and a storage unit 124, which stores various information.

[0042] As in Fig. As shown in Figure 4, the casing 118 is detachably attached to the handlebar 14 by a holder 118A. The display unit 116 shows various types of data. The display unit 116 is, for example, a liquid crystal monitor. Examples of different information include the vehicle speed, the distance traveled, the gear ratio, or the gear position of the transmission 132 (see Figure 4). Fig. 2), the support force from the support motor 56 (see Fig. 1) and the charge level of battery 46 (see Fig. 1).

[0043] The information stored by memory unit 124, which is in Fig. Figure 2 shows the following information: identification information for identifying the display unit 68; setting information, which determines the operation of the display unit 68; and log information, which is a history of the operations of the display unit 68. The identification information is stored in advance, at the time of dispatch, in memory unit 124. The setting information is also stored in advance, at the time of dispatch, in memory unit 124. The setting information is updated by operating units 64, 66, or an external device. The log information is updated and / or supplemented when the display unit 68 is operated.

[0044] Examples of identification information include the serial number of display unit 68 and the version number of the software, etc.

[0045] Examples of setting information include the ON / OFF setting of the backlight of display unit 116, the details to be displayed on display unit 116, the unit of information to be displayed on display unit 116, the language of information to be displayed on display unit 116, and the ON / OFF setting of the beep.

[0046] Examples of the protocol information include the number of resets of display unit 68, the information display time on display part 116, and the illumination time of the backlighting of display part 116.

[0047] The processing unit 120 outputs all identification, setting, and protocol information stored in the memory unit 124, along with unique information, from the communication unit 122 each time a predetermined period has elapsed. Furthermore, when information output by the drive unit 52, the first control unit 64, the second control unit 66, and the gearshift device 70 (the other electrical units) is input by the communication unit 122, the processing unit 120 overwrites and stores the input information in the memory unit 124.

[0048] The gearshift device 70 comprises a port 126 to which a power communication line 72, a control device 128, an actuator 130, a gear 132 and a housing 134 containing these are connected (see Fig. 1) attached and from which they can be detached again. The control device 128 comprises a calculation unit 136, which performs various calculations, a communication unit 138, which carries out power line communication, a storage unit 140, which stores various information, and a drive device 142 for driving the actuator 130.

[0049] Actuator 130 is, for example, an electric motor. Gearbox 132 is an internal gearbox that is connected to a hub of the rear wheel 18 (see Fig. 1) is integrated. The transmission 132 is formed by a planetary gear mechanism and is capable of changing the transmission ratio stepwise. The actuator 130 changes the transmission ratio by altering the coupling state of the gears that form the planetary gear mechanism.

[0050] The information stored by memory unit 140 comprises identification information for identifying the gearshift device 70; setting information, which determines the operation of the gearshift device 70; and log information, which is a history of the operations of the gearshift device 70. The identification information is stored in memory unit 140 in advance, at the time of dispatch. The setting information is also stored in memory unit 140 in advance, at the time of dispatch. The setting information is updated by operating units 64, 66, or an external device. The log information is updated and / or supplemented when the gearshift device 70 is operated.

[0051] Examples of identification information include the serial number of the gearshift device 70 and the version number of the software, etc.

[0052] Examples of log information include the number of times the gear ratio is changed, the number of failed attempts to change the gear ratio, the presence / absence of multi-stage shift limits, the adjustment values ​​of gear 132, and the current gear ratio. For example, the adjustment value of gear 132 is the current amount supplied to actuator 130, which is updated to a value that is corrected by computation unit 136 in the event of a failed attempt to change the gear ratio.

[0053] The processing unit 136 outputs all identification information, setting information, and protocol information stored in the memory unit 140, along with unique information, from the communication unit 138 each time a predetermined period has elapsed. Furthermore, when information output by the drive unit 52, the first control unit 64, the second control unit 66, and the gearshift device 70 (the other electrical units) is input by the communication unit 138, the processing unit 136 overwrites and stores the input information in the memory unit 124.

[0054] The operation of the tax system 50 is explained below.

[0055] The control device 76 of the drive unit 52 outputs a control signal to control a drive circuit 58 of the support unit 54 based on a signal from the torque sensor 26 and a signal from the first control unit 64. The drive circuit 58 supplies the support motor 56 with power from the battery 46, based on the control signal from the control device 76, to drive the support motor 56. The support motor 56 thus provides assistance corresponding to the manual drive force and operation of the first control unit 64.

[0056] The control device 76 of the drive unit 52 outputs a control signal to control a control device 128 of the gearshift device 70 based on a signal from the second operating unit 66. The control device 128 supplies the actuator 130 with power from the battery 46 via a drive device 142, based on the control signal from the control device 76, to drive the actuator 130. More precisely, the control device 76 outputs a control signal to shift the gear ratio of the transmission 132 up when an upshift signal is input from the second operating unit 66. The control device 76 outputs a control signal to shift the gear ratio of the transmission 132 down when a downshift signal is input from the second operating unit 66.If an up-switching signal is entered at the time of the maximum gear ratio, and if a down-switching signal is entered at the time of the minimum gear ratio, the control device 76 will not drive the actuator 130.

[0057] The control device 76 of the drive unit 52 supplies power to the lamp 22, based on a signal from the second control unit 66. More precisely, the control device 76 switches between supplying power to the lamp 22 and interrupting it when a signal is input that is output when buttons 102A - 102D are pressed (see Fig. 3), which are set to turn lamp 22 on and off.

[0058] The control device 76 of the drive unit 52 outputs a control signal to change the display content of the display unit 68 based on a signal from the second operating unit 66. More precisely, the control device 76 outputs a control signal to change the display content of the display unit 68 when a signal is input that is output when buttons 102A - 102D (see Fig. 3), which are set to change the display content of display part 116, are pressed.

[0059] The activity and effects of the tax system 50 are described. (1) The units 52, 64, 66, 68 and 70, which form the control system 50, store information that is stored in the storage units 82, 96, 110, 124 and 140 of the other units 52, 64, 66, 68 and 70, and that is output by the other units 52, 64, 66, 68 and 70 within the storage units 82, 96, 110, 124 and 140. This means that the memory units 82, 96, 110, 124, and 140 of each unit 52, 64, 66, 68, and 70, and the memory units 82, 96, 110, 124, and 140 of the other units 52, 64, 66, 68, and 70, store two or more pieces of information together. That is, the information stored in the memory units 82, 96, 110, 124, and 140 of one unit 52, 64, 66, 68, or 70 is backed up by the memory units 82, 96, 110, 124, and 140 of the other units 52, 64, 66, 68, and 70.

[0060] Each unit 52, 64, 66, 68, and 70 is capable of reading information stored in the other units 52, 64, 66, 68, and 70. Even if information is lost in memory units 82, 96, 110, 124, and 140 of one unit 52, 64, 66, 68, and 70, the same information is stored in memory units 82, 96, 110, 124, and 140 of the other units 52, 64, 66, 68, and 70; as a result, it is possible to prevent the information from being completely lost. Since information can be read from the other units 52, 64, 66, 68 and 70 if a unit 52, 64, 66, 68 or 70 is replaced, removed from the control system 50, or if an error occurs, retrieving the necessary information becomes easier and more convenient for a person working on the bicycle.For example, when replacing one of units 52, 64, 66, 68, or 70, the setting information can be configured using the following controls. After the replacement unit is connected to the power communication line 72, the replacement unit's processing unit requests an output of the information stored in the other units by operating control units 88 and 102, or by using an external device connected to the control system 50. The replacement unit receives the information to be stored from the other units and saves it in its storage unit.The setup can be configured such that if the backup unit is connected to the power communication line 72 in a state where the setting information is not stored in the unit, the backup unit's processing unit automatically requests an output of information stored in the other units when power line communication becomes possible. The backup unit receives the information to be stored from the other units and stores it in its storage unit.

[0061] (2) The common information stored in each unit 52, 64, 66, 68 and 70 includes information for identifying each unit 52, 64, 66, 68 and 70. For example, if one of the units 52, 64, 66, 68 and 70 fails, it is therefore possible, using the information stored in the other units 52, 64, 66, 68 and 70, to obtain the model number, etc., of the failed unit 52, 64, 66, 68 and 70.

[0062] (3) The common information stored in each unit 52, 64, 66, 68 and 70 includes the setting information of each unit 52, 64, 66, 68 and 70. For example, if one of the units 52, 64, 66, 68 and 70 is replaced, it is therefore possible to set the previous setting information in the replacement unit 52, 64, 66, 68 and 70 using the information stored in the other units 52, 64, 66, 68 and 70.

[0063] (4) The common information stored in each unit 52, 64, 66, 68 and 70 includes the log information of each unit 52, 64, 66, 68 and 70. For example, if one of the units 52, 64, 66, 68 and 70 fails, the replacement unit 52, 64, 66, 68 and 70 can therefore use the information stored in the other units 52, 64, 66, 68 and 70 to take over the log information of the failed unit 52, 64, 66, 68 and 70.

[0064] (5) Each unit 52, 64, 66, 68 and 70 shares all the information stored in each storage unit 82, 96, 110, 124 and 140. For this reason, it is possible to prevent the loss of information stored by the storage units 82, 96, 110, 124 and 140 of a unit 52, 64, 66, 68 and 70.

[0065] The specific form that the present control system 50 can assume is not limited to the form described in the embodiment described above. The present control system 50 can assume various forms that differ from the embodiment described above. However, it can be said that the control system comprises a plurality of electrical units designed to be attached to a bicycle and includes storage units; at least two of the storage units of the plurality of electrical units store at least two pieces of common information. Preferably, at least three electrical units are provided. Preferably, at least three of the electrical units store the common information.Preferably, the common information includes information for identifying the electrical units, setting information, which is information for selecting the operation of the electrical units, and / or log information, which is a history of the operation of the electrical units.

[0066] The modified examples of the embodiment described above, explained below, are examples of the different forms that the present control system 50 can take. • At least one of the units 52, 64, 66, 68, and 70 can include a memory selection unit 144. For example, the memory selection unit 144, which is in Fig. Figure 5 is provided for the drive unit 52. The memory selection unit 144 determines whether or not information input into the drive unit 52 by the other units 64, 66, 68, and 70 is stored, depending on the content of the information. The conditions for determining whether the memory selection unit 144 stores or not can be predefined or can be set in each unit 52, 64, 66, 68, and 70 by using the display unit 68, the first operating unit 64, or the second operating unit 66, or by connecting an external device to the communication unit. • At the in Fig. In the modified example shown in Figure 5, the memory selection unit 144 can determine whether the information from the other units 64, 66, 68 and 70, which is entered into the drive unit 52, is stored or not, depending on the source of the information. • Two memory units 82, 96, 110, 124, and 140 of units 52, 64, 66, 68, and 70 can be configured as a first pair. One of the units 52, 64, 66, 68, and 70 that forms the first pair stores information output by the other unit 52, 64, 66, 68, and 70 that forms the first pair. The units 52, 64, 66, 68, and 70 that do not form the first pair do not store the information output by the units 52, 64, 66, 68, and 70 that form the first pair. • Furthermore, two memory units 82, 96, 110, 124, and 140 of the units 52, 64, 66, 68, and 70, which are a combination different from the first pair, can be configured as a second pair. One of the units 52, 64, 66, 68, and 70 that forms the second pair stores the information output by the other unit 52, 64, 66, 68, and 70 that forms the second pair. The units 52, 64, 66, 68, and 70 that do not form the second pair do not store the information output by the units 52, 64, 66, 68, and 70 that form the second pair. Three or more pairs can also be configured.Which units 52, 64, 66, 68 and 70 are to be paired can be determined in advance or can be determined in each unit 52, 64, 66, 68 and 70 by using the display unit 68, the first operating unit 64 or the second operating unit 66, or by connecting an external device to the communication unit. • At least one of the units 52, 64, 66, 68, and 70 can include an output selection unit 146. For example, the output selection unit 146, which is in Fig. As shown in Figure 6, the first operating unit 64 is provided. The output selection unit 146 receives information regarding one of the other units 52, 66, 68, and 70; if the information does not match a predefined condition, the information is output to another electrical unit 52, 66, 68, and 70 that differs from one of the other units 52, 66, 68, and 70. In this case, the output selection unit 146 can output the information to be output, together with unique information from the units 52, 66, 68, and 70 that are the output destinations. Then only units 52, 66, 68, and 70, which are the output destinations, store the input information in memory units 82, 96, 110, 124, and 140. Control system 50 can also add a function to change the output destination of the information using control units 64 and 66. • At the in Fig.In the modified example shown in Figure 6, the output selection unit 146 can select units 52, 66, 68, and 70 as the destination for the information, depending on the content of the information to be output. Additionally, the control system 50 can add a function allowing the operating unit 64, 66 to change the destination for the output information from units 52, 66, 68, and 70. • At least one of units 52, 64, 66, 68, and 70 can collect the input information in memory units 82, 96, 110, 124, and 140, respectively. Additionally, units 52, 64, 66, 68, and 70 can select whether to overwrite or collect information, depending on the content of the input. For example, unique information and setting information can be overwritten and stored, while log information is collected and stored. The collected information can be deleted by connecting to an external device of the control system 50, such as a personal computer. • Each unit 52, 64, 66, 68 and 70 can output updated information while the output target information stored in memory units 82, 96, 110, 124 and 140 is being updated. • Memory units 82, 96, 110, 124, and 140 of each unit 52, 64, 66, 68, and 70 store all the information stored in the other units 52, 64, 66, 68, and 70, but can also store only a portion of this information. For example, only a portion of the information, including the unique information, the setting information, and the log information of each unit 52, 64, 66, 68, and 70, is stored in the other units 52, 64, 66, 68, and 70. • Additionally, the storage units 82, 96, 110, 124, and 140 of only a subset of units 52, 64, 66, 68, and 70 of each unit 52, 64, 66, 68, and 70 can store the common information. A subset of units 52, 64, 66, 68, and 70 is at least two or more units. For example, the storage unit 82 of drive unit 52 stores the information in the storage units 96, 110, 124, and 140 of one unit 64, 66, 68, and 70 of the other units 64, 66, 68, and 70; and the storage units 96, 110, 124 and 140 of a unit 64, 66, 68 and 70 of units 64, 66, 68 and 70 store the information in the storage unit 82 of the drive unit 52. • Furthermore, at least one combination of units 52, 64, 66, 68 and 70 may be able to communicate wirelessly with units 52, 64, 66, 68 and 70. • It is also possible that at least one combination of units 52, 64, 66, 68 and 70 is connected by an electrical wiring system in which the communication line, which only carries out communication between units 52, 64, 66, 68 and 70, and the power line, which transmits power, are separate bodies. • It is also possible to configure the communication units 80, 94, 108, 122, and 138 of each unit 52, 64, 66, 68, and 70 to function as an output unit, transmitting the shared information stored in the memory units 82, 96, 110, 124, and 140 to an external device. Examples of an external device include a USB drive or a personal computer. Furthermore, each unit 52, 64, 66, 68, and 70 can be equipped with an output unit for transmitting the shared information to an external device separate from the communication units 80, 94, 108, 122, and 138. It is also possible to omit one to three of the units 52, 64, 66, 68, and 70 that constitute the control system 50. An additional electrical unit can also be added. Examples of an additional unit include a second gear-shifting device (for example, an electric front derailleur) or an on-board camera, etc. The battery unit 28 can include a storage unit 82 and be an electrical unit. In short, the invention can be used with any control system, as long as the control system comprises a plurality of electrical units.

Claims

[1] Bicycle steering system for a human-powered vehicle, comprising: a drive unit (52) comprising an assistance motor (56) designed to provide assistance to a human driving force, a first control device (76) configured to control the support motor (56) using current supplied by a battery unit (28), a gearshift device (70) comprising an electric actuator (130) configured to change a gear ratio, a second control device (128) configured to control the electric actuator (130) using current supplied by the battery unit (28), wherein the second control device (128) is housed in a housing (134) of the gearshift device (70), wherein the first control device (76) is configured to output a signal relating to the control of the gearshift device (70), wherein the first control device (76) is configured to communicate wirelessly with the second control device (128); and a second operating unit (66) which is configured to communicate wirelessly with the second control device (128), wherein the second operating unit (66) is configured to output a switching signal in response to a user input. [2] Bicycle control system according to claim 1, further comprising: a first control unit (64) configured to change the assistance force in relation to the human driving force. [3] Bicycle control system according to claim 2, wherein the first control unit (64) has a first support button (88B) for increasing the support force and a second support button (88C) for reducing the support force. [4] Bicycle control system according to one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the second control unit (66) has a first button (102A) for increasing the gear ratio and a second button (102B) for reducing the gear ratio. [5] Bicycle control system according to claim 4, wherein the second control unit (66) is configured to output an upshift signal in response to a press of the first button (102A), and the second control unit (66) is configured to output a downshift signal in response to a press of the second button (102B). [6] Bicycle control system according to one of claims 1 to 5, further comprising a display unit (68) which is configured to display at least one of the support force of the support motor (56) and the charge level of the battery unit (28). [7] Bicycle control system according to claim 6, wherein the display unit (68) is designed to communicate wirelessly with the gear shifting device (70). [8] Bicycle control system according to one of claims 6 or 7, wherein the display unit (68) is connected to the drive unit (52) by means of an electrical wiring connection. [9] Bicycle control system according to one of claims 1 to 8, wherein the drive unit (52) comprises a drive circuit (58) with an inverter, and the second control device is configured to output a control signal for controlling the drive circuit (58) based on a signal from a torque sensor (26) and a signal from a first control unit (64). [10] Drive unit (52) for a human-powered vehicle, comprising: an assistance motor (56) configured to provide assistance to a human propulsive force; and a first control device (76) configured to control the support motor (56) using current supplied by a battery unit (28), wherein the first control device (76) is configured to output a signal relating to the control of a gearshift device (70), wherein the first control device (76) is configured to communicate wirelessly with a second control device (128), wherein the battery unit (28) is configured to supply current to the gearshift device (70), wherein the gearshift device (70) is configured to communicate wirelessly with a second control unit (66), wherein the second control device (128) is housed in a housing (134) of the gearshift device (70), and wherein the second operating unit (66) is configured to output a switching signal in response to a user input. [11] Bicycle steering system for a human-powered vehicle, comprising: the drive unit (52) according to claim 10; a first operating unit (64) designed to change the assisting force relative to the human driving force; and a display unit (52) which is designed to display at least one of the support force from the support motor (56) and of the charge state of the battery unit (28). [12] Bicycle control system according to claim 11, wherein the bicycle control system comprises the battery unit (28).

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