Time display system, drive system, electrically assisted vehicle, battery pack, time display method, and computer program

Abstract

A time display system 10 for an electrically assisted vehicle 1 includes a display device 50 and at least one processing device 151, 131. The at least one processing device 151, 131 acquires time information 210 representing information about time output from a battery pack 20, the battery pack 20 supplying electric power to an electric motor 32 that generates drive power that causes the electric vehicle 1 to travel, and causes the display device 50 to display current time based on the time information 210.

Description

[0001] The present invention relates to a time display system, a drive system, an electrically assisted vehicle, a battery pack, a time display method, and a computer program.

[0002] Bicycles are widely used by a variety of people, regardless of age or gender, as an easy-to-use means of transportation. Recently, electric-assisted bicycles, in which the pedaling user's power is assisted by electric motors, have become increasingly popular (see, for example, Japanese Laid-Open Patent Publication No. JP 2007-230411 A).

[0003] Such an electric motor is supplied with electrical power from a battery mounted on a vehicle, i.e., an electrically assisted bicycle, and thus generates propulsion power. The electrically assisted bicycle causes the electric motor to generate propulsion power commensurate with the power of a human body, specifically the power applied by a user to pedal, thus reducing the load on the user, for example, while climbing an incline or riding with a load.

[0004] A handlebar of an electric-assisted bicycle is equipped with a display device (instrument) that displays various information about the electric-assisted bicycle. When the display device has a function of displaying the current time, it contains a built-in battery cell such as a button cell battery. The display device contains such a built-in battery cell that even when a battery pack that supplies electric power to an electric motor is removed from the electric-assisted bicycle, a processing device of the display device can calculate the current time.

[0005] However, a space within the display device housing must accommodate various components. One problem is that in order to provide a space where the battery cell is safely located, the other components are restricted in their positioning. Furthermore, users may find it troublesome to replace the battery cell when its remaining capacity becomes zero.

[0006] It is intended that the display device should show the current time even if the display device does not contain a built-in battery cell.

[0007] This specification discloses a time display system, a drive system, an electrically assisted vehicle, a battery pack, a time display device, and a computer program, which are described in the following points. [Point 1]

[0008] A time display system for an electrically assisted vehicle, the time display system comprising: a display device; and at least one processing device, wherein the at least one processing device: Time information is captured that represents information about time output from a battery pack, the battery pack supplying electric power to an electric motor that generates drive power that causes the electrically assisted vehicle to travel, and causes the display device to display current time based on the time information.

[0009] When having a function of displaying the current time, the display device of the electric-assisted bicycle includes a built-in battery cell such as a button cell battery. The display device includes such a built-in battery cell so that even when the battery pack that supplies electric power to the electric motor is removed from the electric-assisted bicycle, the processing device of the display device can calculate the current time.

[0010] However, a space within the display device housing must accommodate various components. One problem is that in order to provide a space where the battery cell is safely located, the positioning of other components is restricted. Furthermore, the user may find it troublesome to replace the battery cell when the remaining capacity of the battery cell becomes zero.

[0011] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the at least one processing device causes the display device to display the current time based on the time information output from the battery pack. As a result, the display device can display the current time even if the display device does not include a built-in battery cell. This can improve the degree of freedom of the positional arrangement of the components of the display device and can also make it unnecessary to replace the battery.

[0012] The battery pack contains a plurality of battery cells and can continue to count time by using the electric current output from the plurality of battery cells. [Point 2]

[0013] Time display system according to item 1, wherein the time information output by the battery pack represents instantaneous time.

[0014] With such a configuration, even if a processing device other than the processing device of the battery pack does not calculate the current time, the display device can display the current time. [Point 3]

[0015] Time display system according to point 2, where: which has at least one processing unit: current time information representing current time is acquired based on a setting operation of the current time by a user on the display device, and outputs the recorded current time information to the battery pack, and a processing device of the battery pack sets the current time based on the current time information output by the at least one processing device.

[0016] With such a configuration, the current time in the battery pack can be set based on the current time set by the user. [Point 4]

[0017] Time display system according to point 2, where: which has at least one processing unit: current time information representing current time is acquired based on a setting operation of the current time by a user on the display device, and outputs the recorded current time information to the battery pack, and a processing device of the battery pack resets the current time to be calculated based on the current time information output by the at least one processing device.

[0018] The current time calculated by the battery pack's processing device may occasionally shift gradually over time. The current time maintained by the battery pack will be reset to the current time set by the user, allowing the shifted current time maintained by the battery pack to be corrected. [Point 5]

[0019] Time display system according to point 1, where: the time information output by the battery pack represents a first time value that is not instantaneous time, and the at least one processing unit calculates current time using the first time value and a second time value, the second time value being for converting the first time value into the current time.

[0020] With such a configuration, the current time can be calculated using the time information representing the first time value (e.g., the counted value) output from the battery pack. [Point 6]

[0021] Time display system according to item 5, wherein the time information output by the battery pack represents the second time value.

[0022] With such a configuration, the current time can be calculated using the information about the first value and the second value output from the battery pack. [Point 7]

[0023] Time display system according to item 5, further comprising a storage device that stores information representing the second value, wherein the at least one processing device calculates the current time using the information representing the second value, the information being read from the storage device.

[0024] With such a configuration, the current time can be calculated using the time information representing the first value output from the battery pack. [Point 8]

[0025] The time display system according to item 5, further comprising a storage device that stores table information representing the relationship between individual information about the battery pack and the second value, wherein the at least one processing device: records the individual information output by the battery pack, and the second value to be used to calculate the current time is determined based on the individual information and the table information collected.

[0026] With such a configuration, the second value can be acquired using the individual information output by the battery pack. [Point 9]

[0027] A time display system according to any one of items 5 to 8, wherein the first value is a counted value detected by a time-counting processing device of the battery pack.

[0028] With such a configuration, the current time can be calculated using the time information representing the counted value output from the battery pack. [Point 10]

[0029] Time display system according to any one of items 5 to 8, wherein the second value is an offset value.

[0030] With such a configuration, the current time can be calculated using the offset value. [Point 11]

[0031] Time display system according to point 6, where: a processing device of the battery pack outputs information representing the first value to the at least one processing device, the at least one processing device: current time information representing current time is acquired based on a setting operation of the current time performed by a user on the display device, calculates the second value based on the detected instantaneous time information and the first value detected by the battery pack, and Information representing the calculated second value is output to the battery pack, and the processing unit of the battery pack sets the second value to be used for calculating current time based on the information representing the second value, the information being acquired by the at least one processing device.

[0032] With such a configuration, the second value (e.g., offset value) in the battery pack can be set based on the current time set by the user. [Point 12]

[0033] Time display system according to point 6, where: a processing device of the battery pack outputs information representing the first value to the at least one processing unit, the at least one processing device: current time information representing current time is acquired based on a setting operation of the current time performed by a user on the display device, calculates the second value based on the detected instantaneous time information and the first value detected by the battery pack, and Information representing the calculated second value is output to the battery pack, and the processing device of the battery pack resets the second value to be used to calculate current time to the value detected by the at least one processing device.

[0034] The instantaneous time calculated by the processing device of the battery pack may occasionally shift gradually over time. The second value (e.g., offset value) held by the battery pack 20 is reset to the second value calculated by the at least one processing device so that the shifted instantaneous time can be corrected. [Point 13]

[0035] The time display system according to any one of items 1 to 12, wherein in the case where the time information cannot be detected from the battery pack, the at least one processing device does not cause the display device to display any current time.

[0036] With such a configuration, in the case where the time information cannot be detected, the display device can be caused not to display the current time. [Point 14]

[0037] Time display system according to point 2 or 3, where: the battery pack is charged by a charging device, a processing device of the charging device outputs current time information representing current time to the battery pack, and the processing device of the battery pack sets the current time based on the current time information output by the charging device.

[0038] With such a configuration, the current time in the battery pack can be adjusted based on the current time held by the charger. [Point 15]

[0039] Time display system according to point 2 or 3, where: the battery pack is charged by a charging device, a processing device of the charging device outputs current time information representing current time to the battery pack, and the processing device of the battery pack resets the current time to be calculated based on the current time information output by the charging device.

[0040] The time calculated by the battery pack's processing device may sometimes shift gradually over time. The current time maintained by the battery pack is reset to the current time maintained by the charging device, allowing the shifted current time to be corrected. [Point 16]

[0041] Time display system according to point 6, where: the battery pack is charged by a charging device, a processing device of the battery pack outputs information representing the first value to the charging device, a processing device of the loading device: calculates the second value based on the current time and the first value detected by the battery pack, and Information representing the calculated second value is output to the battery pack, and the processing device of the battery pack resets the second value to be used to calculate the current time to the second value detected by the charging device.

[0042] The instantaneous time calculated by the battery pack's processing device may occasionally shift gradually over time. The second value (e.g., offset value) maintained by the battery pack is reset to the second value calculated by the charging device, allowing the shifted instantaneous time to be corrected. [Point 17]

[0043] Time display system according to point 2, where: the at least one processing device: current time information representing current time acquired by an external device, and outputs the current time information to the battery pack, and a processing device of the battery pack resets the current time to be calculated based on the current time information output by the at least one processing device.

[0044] The instantaneous time calculated by the battery pack's processing device may occasionally shift gradually over time. The instantaneous time held by the battery pack is reset to the instantaneous time acquired by the external device, allowing the shifted instantaneous time to be corrected. [Point 18]

[0045] Time display system according to point 6, where: a processing device of the battery pack outputs information representing the first value to the at least one processing device, the at least one processing device: instantaneous time information representing instantaneous time acquired by an external device, calculates the second value based on the current time information detected by the external device and the first value detected by the battery pack, and outputs the calculated second value to the battery pack, and the processing device of the battery pack resets the second value to be used to calculate the current time to the second value detected by the at least one processing device.

[0046] The instantaneous time calculated by the processing device of the battery pack may occasionally shift gradually over time. The second value (e.g., offset value) maintained by the battery pack is reset to the second value calculated by the at least one processing device so that the shifted instantaneous time can be corrected. [Point 19]

[0047] Time display system according to item 2, wherein a processing device of the battery pack: current time information representing current time acquired by an external device, and resets the current time to be calculated based on the current time information acquired by the external device.

[0048] The instantaneous time calculated by the battery pack's processing device may occasionally shift gradually over time. The instantaneous time maintained by the battery pack is reset to the instantaneous time maintained by the external device, allowing the shifted instantaneous time to be corrected. [Point 20]

[0049] Time display system according to point 6, where: a processing device of the battery pack outputs the first value to an external device, a processing device of the external device: calculates the second value based on the current time and the first value output by the battery pack, and outputs the calculated second value to the battery pack, and the processing device of the battery pack resets the second value to be used to calculate the current time to the second value output by the external device.

[0050] The instantaneous time calculated by the battery pack's processing device may occasionally shift gradually over time. The offset value maintained by the battery pack is reset to the offset value calculated by the external device, allowing the shifted instantaneous time to be corrected. [Point 21]

[0051] Time display system according to one of the items 1 to 20, where: the electrically assisted vehicle allows a plurality of battery packs to be attached to it, and the at least one processing device acquires the time information from one of the plurality of battery packs.

[0052] The time information in a battery pack is adopted, so that even in the case where there is a difference in the current time among the plurality of battery packs, the display device can display the current time without processing error. [Point 22]

[0053] Time display system according to point 1 or 2, where: the electrically assisted vehicle allows a plurality of battery packs to be attached to it, and in the case where the plurality of battery packs includes one battery pack in which the current time is set and one battery pack in which the current time is not yet set, a processing device of the battery pack in which no current time is set: current time information representing the current time is acquired from a processing device of the battery pack in which the current time is set, and sets the current time based on the detected current time information.

[0054] With such a configuration, the current time can be set in the battery pack in which no current time has been set yet. [Point 23]

[0055] Time display system according to point 1 or 2, where: the electrically assisted vehicle allows a plurality of battery packs to be attached to it, and in the case where the plurality of battery packs includes a battery pack in which the current time is set and a battery pack in which the current time is not yet set, the at least one processing device: current time information representing the current time is acquired from a processing device of the battery pack in which the current time is set, and outputs the detected current time information to a processing device of the battery pack in which no current time has yet been set, and the processing device of the battery pack in which no current time is yet set sets the current time based on the detected current time information.

[0056] With such a configuration, the current time can be set in the battery pack in which no current time has been set yet. [Point 24]

[0057] The time display system according to any one of items 1 to 23, wherein the at least one processing device includes a processing device provided in the display device.

[0058] With such a configuration, the processing device of the display device can cause the display device to display the current time based on the time information output from the battery pack. [Point 25]

[0059] Drive system comprising the time display system according to any one of items 1 to 24.

[0060] With such a configuration, the drive system can be realized in which the display device can display the current time and does not need to contain a built-in battery cell. [Point 26]

[0061] Electrically assisted vehicle comprising the time display system according to any one of items 1 to 24.

[0062] With such a configuration, the electrically assisted vehicle can be realized in which the display device can display the current time and does not need to contain a built-in battery cell. [Point 27]

[0063] A time display method for causing a display device of an electrically assisted vehicle to display current time, the time display method being executed by at least one computer, the time display method comprising: Acquiring time information representing information about time output from a battery pack, the battery pack supplying electric power to an electric motor that generates drive power that causes the electrically assisted vehicle to travel, and Causing the display device to display current time based on the time information.

[0064] When having a function of displaying the current time, the display device of the electric-assisted vehicle includes a built-in battery cell such as a button cell battery. The display device includes such a built-in battery cell so that even when the battery pack that supplies electric power to the electric motor is removed from the electric-assisted vehicle, the processing device of the display device can calculate the current time.

[0065] However, a space within the display device housing must accommodate various components. One problem is that in order to provide a space where the battery cell is safely located, the other components are restricted in their positioning. Furthermore, the user may find it inconvenient to replace the battery cell when its remaining capacity becomes zero.

[0066] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the at least one processing device causes the display device to display the current time based on the time information output from the battery pack. As a result, the display device can display the current time even if the display device does not include a built-in battery cell. This can improve the degree of freedom of the positional arrangement of the components of the display device and can also eliminate the need to replace the battery cell.

[0067] The battery pack contains a plurality of battery cells, and can continue counting time by using the electric current output from the plurality of battery cells. [Point 28]

[0068] A computer program that causes at least one computer to perform an operation of causing a display device of an electrically assisted vehicle to display current time, the computer program causing the at least one computer to perform: Acquiring time information representing information about time output from a battery pack, the battery pack supplying electric power to an electric motor that generates drive power that causes the electrically assisted vehicle to travel, and Causing the display device to display current time based on the time information.

[0069] When having a function of displaying the current time, the display device of the electric-assisted vehicle includes a built-in battery cell such as a button cell battery. The display device includes such a built-in battery cell so that even when the battery pack that supplies electric power to the electric motor is removed from the electric-assisted vehicle, the processing device of the display device can calculate the current time.

[0070] However, a space within the display device housing must accommodate various components. One problem is that in order to provide a space where the battery cell is safely located, the other components are restricted in their positioning. Furthermore, the user may find it inconvenient to replace the battery cell when its remaining capacity becomes zero.

[0071] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the at least one processing device causes the display device to display the current time based on the time information output from the battery pack. As a result, the display device can display the current time even if the display device does not include a built-in battery cell. This can improve the degree of freedom of the positional arrangement of the components of the display device and can also eliminate the need to replace the battery cell.

[0072] The battery pack contains a plurality of battery cells, and can continue counting time by using the electric current output from the plurality of battery cells. [Point 29]

[0073] A battery pack that can be used to supply electrical power to an electric motor of an electrically assisted vehicle, the battery pack comprising: a plurality of battery cells; and a processing device that calculates instantaneous time, wherein the processing device outputs time information representing the calculated current time to a processing device that controls a display device of an electrically assisted vehicle.

[0074] With such a configuration, the display device of the electrically assisted vehicle can display the current time without containing a built-in battery cell.

[0075] According to one embodiment of the present invention, at least one processing device causes the display device to display the current time based on the time information output from the battery pack. As a result, the display device can display the current time even if the display device does not include a built-in battery cell. This can improve the degree of freedom of the positional arrangement of the components of the display device and also eliminate the need to replace the battery cell. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS Fig. 1 is a right side view showing an electrically assisted bicycle 1 according to an embodiment of the present invention. Fig. 2 is a plan view showing a front portion of the electrically assisted bicycle 1 according to an embodiment of the present invention. Fig. 3 shows a display device 50 according to an embodiment of the present invention. Fig. 4 is a block diagram showing an example of a hardware configuration of the display device 50 according to the present invention. Fig. 5 is a block diagram showing an example of a hardware configuration of a battery pack 20 according to an embodiment of the present invention. Fig. 6 is a block diagram showing an example of a hardware configuration of a drive unit 30 according to an embodiment of the present invention. Fig. 7 shows an operation example of the battery pack 20 and the display device 50 according to an embodiment of the present invention. Fig. 8 is a flowchart showing an operation example of the battery pack 20 and the display device 50 according to an embodiment of the present invention. Fig. 9 shows another operation example of the battery pack 20 and the display device 50 according to an embodiment of the present invention. Fig. 10 shows another different operation example of the battery pack 20 and the display device 50 according to an embodiment of the present invention. Fig. 11 shows an operation example of the battery pack 20, the drive unit 30 and the display device 50 according to an embodiment of the present invention. Fig. 12 shows another different operation example of the battery pack 20, the drive unit 30 and the display device 50 according to an embodiment of the present invention. Fig. 13 shows an example of table information 230 according to an embodiment of the present invention. Fig. 14 shows another operation example of the battery pack 20, the drive unit 30 and the display device 50 according to an embodiment of the present invention. Fig. 15 shows another different operation example of the battery pack 20, the drive unit 30 and the display device 50 according to an embodiment of the present invention. Fig. 16 shows how the battery pack 20 is removed from the electrically assisted vehicle 1 according to an embodiment of the present invention. Fig. 17 shows a charging device 80 according to an embodiment of the present invention. Fig. 18 shows how the battery pack 20 attached to the electrically assisted bicycle 1 is charged according to an embodiment of the present invention. Fig. 19 is a block diagram showing an example of a hardware configuration of the charging device 80 according to an embodiment of the present invention. Fig. 20 shows a plurality of battery packs 20 to be mounted on the electrically assisted bicycle 1 according to an embodiment of the present invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0076] Hereinafter, an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. In the description of the embodiment, the same elements bear the same reference numerals, and overlapping descriptions will be omitted. In the drawings, letters F, Re, L, R, U, and D respectively denote front, rear, left, right, up, and down. The "front-rear," "left-right," and "up-down" directions with respect to an electric-assisted bicycle respectively denote front-rear, left-right, and up-down directions for a user sitting on a seat (saddle) of the electric-assisted bicycle while facing the handlebar. In the following embodiment, an electric-assisted bicycle is described as an example of an electric-assisted vehicle, however, electric-assisted vehicles according to embodiments of the present disclosure are not limited to electric-assisted bicycles.An electrically assisted vehicle according to embodiments of the present invention may, for example, be an electrically assisted wheelchair. The following embodiment is merely illustrative and does not limit the present invention in any way. [Electrically assisted bicycle]

[0077] Fig. 1 is a right side view of an electrically assisted bicycle 1 according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0078] The electric-assisted bicycle 1 includes a body frame 2 extending in a front-rear direction. The body frame 2 includes a head tube 11, a down tube 12, a top tube 14, a seat tube 16, a chainstay 18, a seat stay 19, and a bearing 24. The head tube 11 is located at a front end of the body frame 2. A handlebar post 13 is rotatably inserted into the head tube 11. A handlebar 4 is fixed to the handlebar post 13. An instrument unit 5 that displays various types of information about the electric-assisted bicycle 1 is provided on the handlebar 4. A front lamp 22 is provided at the front of the handlebar 4.

[0079] A front fork 15 is attached to a lower end of the handlebar post 13. A lower end of the front fork 15 supports a front wheel 6, which is a steered wheel, so that the front wheel 6 is rotatable.

[0080] The down tube 12 extends obliquely rearward and downward from the head tube 11. The seat tube 16 extends upward from a rear end of the down tube 12. The chainstay 18 extends rearward from a lower end of the seat tube 16. The bearing 24 connects the rear end of the down tube 12, the lower end of the seat tube 16, and a front end of the chainstay 18. The top tube 14 is provided to connect an upper portion of the head tube 11 and an upper portion of the seat tube 16. A seat post 17 is inserted into the seat tube 16. The saddle 3, on which the user can sit, is provided at an upper end of the seat post 17.

[0081] A rear end of the chainstay 18 supports a rear wheel 7, which is a drive wheel, so that the rear wheel 7 is rotatable. The seat stay 19 extends obliquely rearward and downward from the upper portion of the seat tube 16. A lower end of the seat stay 19 is connected to the rear end of the chainstay 18. A gear 28 that changes the gear ratio is provided at the rear end of the chainstay 18. The gear 28 may be provided in the vicinity of a pedal crankshaft 35. A speed sensor 25 that detects the rotation rate of the rear wheel 7 is provided at a rear portion of the chainstay 18. The speed sensor 28 may be provided at a lower portion of the front fender 15 to detect the rotation rate of the front wheel 6.

[0082] A drive unit 30 is provided on the bearing 24, which is located in the vicinity of a position in the body frame 2 that is the center of the vehicle (i.e., the electric-assisted bicycle 1). A housing of the drive unit 30 houses an electric motor 32, an MCU (Motor Control Unit), a decelerator, and the like. The pedal crankshaft 35 is supported by passing through the drive unit 20 in a left-right direction. Crank arms 36 are provided at both of two ends of the pedal crankshaft 35, respectively. Pedals 37 are rotatably provided at tips of the crank arms 36, respectively.

[0083] A battery pack 20, which supplies electrical power to the drive unit 30 or the like, is attached to the down tube 12. In the Fig. In the example shown in Figure 1, the battery pack 20 is provided within the down tube 12. The down tube 12 may be hollow. At least a portion of the down tube 12 may have a U-shaped cross-section, and the down tube 12 may be equipped with a cover that covers the U-shaped portion.

[0084] The battery pack 20 may be located on an outer surface of the down tube 12. The battery pack 20 may be attached to the bearing 24 or the seat tube 16. The battery pack 20 is attachable to and detachable from the electrically assisted bicycle 1.

[0085] The battery pack 20 includes a plurality of battery cells and a BMS (Battery Management System). The majority of battery cells included in the battery pack 20 are rechargeable batteries. The BMS controls the charging / discharging of the battery pack 20 and monitors an output current, remaining battery capacity, and the like of the battery pack 20.

[0086] The MCU of the drive unit 30 controls operations of the electric motor 32 and also controls operations of various components of the electrically assisted bicycle 1. The MCU includes a semiconductor integrated circuit such as a processor or the like and a motor drive circuit. Rotation of the pedal crankshaft 35 generated by the user stepping on the pedals 37 is transmitted to the rear wheel 7 via a drive gear 38 and a chain 23. The MCU controls the electric motor 32 to generate a riding assist output corresponding to the rotational output of the pedal crankshaft 35 generated by the user stepping on the pedals 37. The assist power generated by the electric motor 32 is transmitted to the rear wheel 7 via the drive gear 38 and the chain 23. Instead of the chain 23, a belt, a shaft, or the like may be used.

[0087] Fig. 2 is a plan view showing a front portion of the electric-assisted bicycle 1. The handlebar 4 includes a handlebar 41. A right grip 43R is provided at a right end of the handlebar 41. A left grip 43L is provided at a left end of the handlebar 41. The user grips the right grip 43R and the left grip 43L with his / her hands to steer the electric-assisted bicycle 1.

[0088] A front wheel brake lever 44R and a shift control 45 are provided near the right grip 43R. A rear wheel brake lever 44L is provided near the left grip 43L. When the right grip 43R and the front wheel brake lever 44R are gripped by the user's right hand, braking power is supplied to the front wheel 6. When the left grip 43L and the rear wheel brake lever 44L are gripped by the user's left hand, braking power is supplied to the rear wheel 7. The brake lever provided to the left of the handlebar 41 may be the front wheel brake lever that supplies braking power to the front wheel 6, and the brake lever provided to the right of the handlebar 41 may be the rear wheel brake lever that supplies braking power to the rear wheel 7. The shift control 45 is also referred to as a "switch." The user can change the gear ratio by operating the shift control 45.

[0089] The handlebar 41 is equipped with the instrument unit 5. The instrument unit 5 includes a display device 50 and an operating device 70. The display device 50 may sometimes be referred to as an "instrument." The instrument unit 5 can be supplied with electrical power for its operations from the battery pack 20.

[0090] The display device 50 displays various types of information about the electrically assisted bicycle 1. The display device 50 is attached to the handlebar 41 or a steering stem 42 by using an attachment tool such as a clamp or the like.

[0091] The operating device 70 is provided, for example, in the vicinity of the left grip 43L of the handlebar 4. The operating device 70 is attached to the handlebar 41 using an attachment tool such as a clamp or the like. The user can operate the operating device 70 with his / her fingers to perform, for example, adjustment operations on the level of assist power of the electric motor 32. The display device 50 and the operating device 70 are electrically connected to each other via an electric cable 77. A signal corresponding to an operation performed by the user is sent from the operating device 70 to the display device 50 via the electric cable 77. The display device 50 and the MCU of the drive unit 30 (see Fig. 1) can transmit signals to each other via an electrical cable 57. The display device 50 and the control device 70 can transmit signals to each other wirelessly. The display device 50 and the MCU can transmit signals to each other wirelessly.

[0092] Fig. 3 shows the display device 50. The display device 50 includes a display panel 155 that displays various types of information about the electrically assisted bicycle 1, and a plurality of switches 52 and 53 that accept operations from the user. Specifically, the plurality of switches 52 and 53 are a power switch 52 and a lamp switch 53. In this embodiment, these switches are push-button switches that are pressed down by the user with his / her fingers to turn on or off.

[0093] The power switch 52 is a switch that turns the power of the electric-assisted bicycle 1 on or off. When the power of the electric-assisted bicycle 1 is on, the drive unit 30 operates, whereas when the power of the electric-assisted bicycle 1 is off, the drive unit 30 does not operate. If the user presses the power switch 52 while the power is off, the power is turned on. If the user presses the power switch 52 while the power is on, the power is turned off.

[0094] The lamp light switch 53 is a switch that controls the front lamp 22 ( Fig. 1) on or off. If the user presses the lamp light switch 53 while the front lamp 22 is off to turn on the front lamp 22, the front lamp 22 emits light and can illuminate the road ahead of the electrically assisted bicycle 1. If the user presses the lamp light switch 53 while the front lamp 22 is on, the front lamp 22 is turned off.

[0095] The display panel 155 is, for example, a liquid crystal panel. The display panel 155 can display various types of information such as the traveling speed, traveling distance, remaining battery capacity, assist mode, current time, and the like. The display panel 155 can display such information using a segment system or a dot matrix system. A display panel other than the liquid crystal panel, such as an OLED (Organic Light Emitting Diode) panel or an electronic paper panel, may be used.

[0096] The operating device 70 includes assist power setting switches 71 and 72, a select switch 73, and a running switch 74. The assist power setting switches 71 and 72 are switches that set the assist power of the electric motor 32. In this embodiment, the electrically assisted bicycle 1 can be set to any of a plurality of assist modes. The plurality of assist modes are, for example, a no-assist mode, an eco-friendly mode, a smart mode, and a high mode, in order from the mode in which the amount of assist power that assists the human body's power is the smallest. In the no-assist mode, the electric motor 32 does not generate any assist power.When the user presses the assist power setting switch 71, an assist mode in which the amount of assist power that assists the human body's performance is comparatively small is switched to an assist mode in which such amount is comparatively large. When the user presses the assist power setting switch 72, an assist mode in which the amount of assist power that assists the human body's performance is comparatively large is switched to an assist mode in which such amount is comparatively small.

[0097] In the example described above, there are four different assistance modes. Alternatively, there may be three or fewer assistance modes, or five or more. For example, there may be an assistance mode that generates greater assistance power than that in the high mode, or there may be several different types of ecological modes.

[0098] The selector switch 73 is a switch that switches display contents of the display panel 155. The user can press the selector switch 73 to switch the display contents of the display panel 155.

[0099] The running switch 74 is a switch that accepts an instruction from the user to execute a running mode. In the running mode, while the user is running with the electric-assisted bicycle 1, the electric motor 32 is caused to generate assist power. The term "running with the electric-assisted bicycle 1" refers to the user pushing and moving the bicycle 1 forward without stepping on the pedals 37. In an example of the operation of "running with the electric-assisted bicycle 1," the user gets off the bicycle 1 and moves the bicycle 1 forward while running and pushing the handlebar 4 with his / her arms.

[0100] When the user continues to press the walking switch 74 while walking on the electrically assisted bicycle 1, the electric motor 32 generates assist power. The electric motor 32 is caused to generate assist power while the user walks on the electrically assisted bicycle 1, so the burden on the user can be reduced. For example, when the user walks uphill while pushing the bicycle 1 with his / her hands, the burden on the user can be reduced.

[0101] The instrument 50 can communicate wirelessly with a mobile terminal 90. The mobile terminal 90 is, for example, a smartphone or a tablet computer. The mobile terminal 90 can be a wearable computer such as a smartwatch, smart glasses, or the like. Such wireless communication enables the display device 50 and the mobile terminal 90 to transmit various types of information to each other. The display device 50 and the mobile terminal 90 can communicate with each other via wired communication.

[0102] Now, an example of a hardware configuration of the display device 50 will be described. Fig. 4 is a block diagram showing an example of a hardware configuration of the display device 50.

[0103] A drive system 100 according to this embodiment includes the drive unit 30, the display device 50, the operating device 70, and the battery pack 20. The display device 50 includes a controller 150, the display panel 155, and an input device 156. These components are communicatively coupled to each other via a bus.

[0104] The controller 150 includes a processing device 151, storage media such as a ROM (Read Only Memory) 152, a RAM (Random Access Memory) 153, and the like, and a communication device 154. The ROM 152 can store a computer program (or firmware) for causing the processing device 151 to perform operations. The computer program can be stored on the ROM 152 at the time of manufacturing the display device 50. The computer program can be provided to the display device 50 via a storage medium (e.g., a semiconductor memory, optical disk, or the like) or an electrical communication line (e.g., the Internet). Such a computer program can be marketed as commercial software.

[0105] The processing device 151 is a semiconductor integrated circuit such as a processor or the like, and includes, for example, a central processing unit (CPU). The processing device 151 may be implemented by a microprocessor or a microcontroller. The processing device 151 continuously executes a computer program describing a group of instructions for performing various operations (computer program stored in the ROM 152) to realize a desired operation.

[0106] The processing device 151 may be an FPGA (Field Programmable Gate Array), a GPU (Graphics Processing Unit), an ASIC (Application Specific Integrated Circuit), or an ASSP (Application Specific Standard Product), each including a CPU, or a combination of two or more circuits selected from these circuits.

[0107] The ROM 152 is, for example, a writable memory (e.g., PROM), a rewritable memory (e.g., flash memory), or a memory from which data can be read but to which data can not be written. As described above, the ROM 152 can store a computer program to cause the processing device 151 to perform operations. The ROM 152 also stores a computer program to control operations of the processing device 151. The ROM 152 does not have to be a single storage medium and can be an array of a plurality of storage media. Part of the array of the plurality of storage media can be a removable memory.

[0108] The RAM 153 provides a work area into which the computer program stored in the ROM 152 is developed once at boot time. The RAM 153 need not be a single storage medium, but may be an array of multiple storage media.

[0109] The communication device 154 is a communication module for communicating with the battery pack 20, the drive unit 30, the mobile terminal 90, or the like. The communication device 154 can perform wired communication and / or wireless communication. The communication device 154 can perform wired communication according to a communication protocol such as USB, IEEE1394 (registered trademark), Ethernet (registered trademark), or the like. The communication device 154 can perform wireless communication according to, for example, a Bluetooth (registered trademark) and / or Wi-Fi (registered trademark) protocol. Each of the protocols includes a wireless communication protocol that uses the frequencies of the 2.4 GHz band or the 5.0 GHz band.The communication device 154 may be a communication module capable of performing wireless communication according to a BLE (Bluetooth Low Energy) or LPWA (Low Power Wide Area) communication system. The communication device 154 may perform wireless communication using a mobile phone line or a line that transmits information via an artificial satellite.

[0110] The input device 156 accepts an operation performed by the user on the power switch 52, the lamp switch 53, or the like as described above. The display device 50 may include a touch panel and / or a microphone as the input device 156.

[0111] The processing device 151 detects that any of the various switches of the display device 50 and the operating device 70 have been pressed, or controls operations of the display panel 155. For example, when the user begins pressing a switch, the processing device 151 detects a voltage value and / or a current value equal to or greater than a predetermined value. When the user stops pressing the switch, the processing device 151 detects that the voltage value and / or the current value previously detected is now, for example, zero. The processing device 151 can detect that a plurality of switches are pressed in parallel.

[0112] In response to any of the various switches of the display device 50 and the operating device 70 being pressed, the processing device 151 performs control of changing the display contents of the display panel 155. The processing device 151 outputs a signal corresponding to the pressed switch to the MCU (shown by reference numeral 130 in Fig. 6) of the drive unit 30. For example, the processing device 151 outputs a signal to the MCU 130 indicating a selected assist mode. Upon receiving the signal, the MCU 130 executes control to cause the electric motor 32 to output assist power according to the selected assist mode.

[0113] An output signal of the speed sensor 25 ( Fig. 1) is input to the MCU 130 of the drive unit 130. The MCU 130 can calculate the traveling speed of the electrically assisted bicycle 1 based on an output signal of the speed sensor 25. The MCU 130 outputs traveling speed information representing the traveling speed to the display device 50. Upon receiving the traveling speed information, the processing device 151 performs control of causing the display unit 155 to display the traveling speed. The output signal of the speed sensor 25 can be directly input to the display device 50 without being output once to the MCU 130.

[0114] The BMS 120 (in Fig. The BMS 120 (shown at reference numeral 120 in FIG. 5) of the battery pack 20 controls various operations of the battery pack 20, such as charging / discharging, and monitors various states of the battery pack 20. The BMS 120 monitors the voltage, current, temperature, SOC (state of charge), and the like of the battery pack 20. The MCU 130 and the BMS 120 transmit necessary information to each other. The MCU 130 receives battery information indicating the voltage, current, temperature, SOC, and the like of the battery pack 20 from the BMS.

[0115] The MCU 130 outputs SOC information representing the SOC of the battery pack 20 to the display device 50. The processing device 151 controls the display of the remaining battery capacity of the display panel 155 according to the remaining battery capacity calculated by the processing device 151 based on the SOC information.

[0116] Fig. 5 is a block diagram showing an example of a hardware configuration of the battery pack 20.

[0117] The battery pack 20 includes the BMS 120, a battery module 126, and a sensor 127. The BMS 120 includes a processing device 121, a ROM 122, a RAM 123, a communication device 124, and a cell monitor 125. The configurations of the processing device 121, the ROM 122, and the RAM 123 are substantially the same as those of the processing device 151, the ROM 152, and the RAM 153 of the display device 50 and will not be described.

[0118] The ROM 122 stores a computer program (or firmware) for causing the processing device 121 to perform operations. The computer program may be stored in the ROM 122 at the time of manufacturing the battery pack 20. The computer program may be provided to the battery pack 20 via a storage medium or an electrical communication line. Such a computer program may be marketed as commercial software. The processing device 121 continuously executes a computer program describing a group of instructions to perform various operations (computer program stored in the ROM 122) to realize a desired operation. The processing device 121 controls operations of the battery pack 20, such as operations of charging and discharging the battery pack 20, and monitors an output current, an output voltage, a remaining battery capacity, and the like of the battery pack 20.

[0119] The battery pack 20 may include any number of battery modules 126. One or more battery modules 126 are included in the battery pack 20. The battery modules 126 each include a plurality of battery cells 126a. Each of the battery modules 126 may include any number of battery cells 126a.

[0120] The sensor 127 may be a current sensor that detects the current of the battery pack 20, a voltage sensor that detects the voltage of the battery pack 20, a temperature sensor that detects the temperature of the battery pack 20, or the like. The cell monitor 125 monitors the current, voltage, temperature, or the like of the battery pack 20 based on an output signal of the sensor 127. The cell monitor 127 outputs information representing the current, voltage, temperature, or the like to the processing device 121. The sensor 127 may detect the current, voltage, temperature, or the like of the battery module 126.

[0121] The communication device 125 is a communication module for wired communication with the drive unit 30. The communication can be performed through a communication system such as a CAN (Controller Area Network) or the like. The communication device 124 can perform wired communication or wireless communication with the display device 50.

[0122] Fig. 6 is a block diagram showing an example of a hardware configuration of the drive unit 30.

[0123] The drive unit 30 includes the MCU 130, the electric motor 32, and a sensor 137. The MCU 130 includes a processing device 131, a ROM 132, a RAM 133, a communication device 134, and a drive device 135. The configurations of the processing device 131, the ROM 132, and the RAM 133 are substantially the same as those of the processing device 151, the ROM 152, and the RAM 153 of the display device 50 and will not be described.

[0124] The ROM 132 stores a computer program (or firmware) for causing the processing device 131 to perform operations. The computer program may be stored in the ROM 132 at the time of manufacture of the drive unit 30. The computer program may be provided to the drive unit 30 via a storage medium or an electrical communication line. Such a computer program may be marketed as commercial software. The processing device 131 continuously executes a computer program describing a group of instructions for performing various operations (computer program stored in the ROM 132) to realize a desired operation. The processing device 131 controls operations of the drive unit 30.

[0125] The drive device 135 includes a power source circuit that outputs electric power to drive the electric motor 32. The power source circuit includes, for example, a smoothing circuit that smoothes a DC voltage output from the battery pack 20, an inverter circuit that generates a motor drive current, and the like.

[0126] The sensor 137 is a torque sensor that detects torque generated on rotating shafts including the pedal crankshaft, a rotation sensor that detects the rotation of the electric motor 32, or the like. The processing device 131 controls operations of the drive device 135 based on an output signal of the sensor 137.

[0127] The processing device 131 controls the drive device 135 so that the electric motor 32 generates assist power according to the magnitude of the torque detected by the torque sensor. The drive device 135 generates and outputs a motor drive current that drives the electric motor 32. The electric motor 32, supplied with the motor drive current, rotates and generates the assist power. The assist power generated by the electric motor 32 is transmitted to the drive pinion 38 ( Fig. 1) via the decelerator or the like. The rotation of the drive pinion 38 is transmitted to the rear wheel 7 via the chain 32.

[0128] The communication device 134 is a communication module for wired communication with the battery pack 20 and the display device 50. The communication can be performed through a communication system such as a CAN or the like. The communication device 134 can perform wireless communication with the battery pack 20 and / or the display device. [Time display system]

[0129] A time display system 10 which causes the display device 50 to display current time will now be described.

[0130] In this embodiment, the battery pack 20 outputs time information representing information about time to the display device 50, and the display device 50 displays current time based on the time information received from the battery pack 20.

[0131] Fig. 7 shows an operation example of the battery pack 20 and the display device 50. Fig. 8 is a flowchart showing an operation example of the battery pack 20 and the display device 50.

[0132] The time display system 10 includes at least the display device 50. In the Fig. 7, the time display system 10 includes the display device 50 and the battery pack 20. The time display system 10 may include the drive unit 10.

[0133] The transmission of information between the display device 50 and the battery pack 20 can be performed via the drive unit 30. The MCU 130 of the drive unit 30 outputs information received from the display device 50 to the battery pack 20, and outputs information received from the battery pack 20 to the display device 50. Such transmission of information via the drive unit 30 is included in the transmission of information between the display device 50 and the battery pack 20. The display device 50 and the battery pack 20 can directly transmit information to each other.

[0134] The processing device 151 ( Fig. 4) of the display device 50 transmits information as described above via the communication device 154. The processing device 121 ( Fig. 5) of the battery pack 20 transmits information as described above via the communication device 124. The processing device 131 ( Fig. 6) the drive unit 30 transmits information as described above via the communication device 134.

[0135] In the Fig. In the example shown in Figure 7, the processing device 121 of the battery pack 20 calculates current time.

[0136] The processing device 121 can calculate the current time by any suitable method. For example, the processing device 121 includes an absolute time clock (RTC) and continuously counts time. The RTC can be implemented by hardware and / or software. The processing device 121 counts the time to obtain a counted value (first value). The ROM 122 of the battery pack 20 stores an offset value (second value) for converting the counted value, which is not the current time, into the current time. The processing device 121 can calculate the current time using the counted value and the offset value.

[0137] According to an example method for counting time, time is counted based on Coordinated Universal Time (UTC).

[0138] For example, if the processing device 121 of the battery pack 20 manufactured in a factory starts counting time from "11:00:00 (hour:minute:second) of February 1, 2023," the offset value is "1675249200" seconds. The offset value is stored in the ROM 122 of the battery pack 20.

[0139] In this case, for example, the counted value at "13:30:00 (hour:minute:second) of December 1, 2023" is "26188200" seconds. This counted value and the offset value are added to obtain a second period count of "1701437400." This second period count is also known as the "UNIX (registered trademark) second." The second period count represents the number of seconds from 0:0:0 (hour:minute:second) of January 1, 1970. This second period count can be used to calculate the current time.

[0140] In the case where a time zone is set, the difference from UTC can be further calculated to provide the current time of the set time zone. For example, Japan Standard Time is represented by the time that is 9 hours ahead of UTC, i.e., (UTC+9). Nine hours is 32400 seconds. 32400 seconds can be added to the above-mentioned second period count to obtain the second period count corresponding to Japan Standard Time. Nine hours can be added to the UTC time to obtain the current Japan Standard Time.

[0141] The processing device 121 of the battery pack 20 counts the time, for example, by the method described above, and calculates the current time using the counted time value and the offset value. The above-described time counting method is an example, and any other suitable method may be used.

[0142] The processing device 121 outputs time information 210 representing the calculated current time to the display device 50 (step S101 in Fig. 8). The time information 210 may contain information about the year / month / day.

[0143] The processing device 151 of the display device 50 receives the time information 210 (step S102) and causes the display panel 155 to display the current time represented by the time information 210 (step S103).

[0144] In the Fig. In the example shown in Figure 3, the current time "13:30" (hour:minute) is displayed in an upper right area 155a of the display panel 155. Any suitable method may be used to display the current time, and the current time may be displayed at any position of the display panel 155 with any form. The display panel 155 may display the year / month / day along with the current time.

[0145] In this embodiment, the display device 50 displays the current time based on the time information 210 output from the battery pack 20. As a result, the display device 50 can display the current time even when the display device 50 does not include a built-in battery cell. This can improve the degree of freedom of the positional arrangement of the components of the display device 50 and can also make it unnecessary to replace the battery cell.

[0146] Note that there is an embodiment in which a device other than the display device 50 (e.g., a communication unit) includes a built-in battery cell for calculating the current time. Even in a modified embodiment in which such a device other than the display device 50 is configured not to include the built-in battery cell, the present invention enables the display device 50 to display the current time.

[0147] The battery pack 20 contains the majority of battery cells 126 ( Fig. 5) supply electric power to the electric motor 32. The processing device 121 of the battery pack 20 can continue to count the time using the electric power output from the plurality of battery cells 126 included in the battery pack 20.

[0148] The battery pack 20 may output the time information 210 when requested by the display device 50, or may automatically start outputting the time information 210 when the power of the electrically assisted bicycle 1 is turned on.

[0149] Fig. 9 shows another operation example of the battery pack 20 and the display device 50.

[0150] In the Fig. In the example shown in Figure 9, the processing device 121 of the battery pack 20 outputs time information 210, which does not indicate the current time but indicates a counted value and an offset value, to the display device 50. In this example, the processing device 151 of the display device 50 calculates the current time based on the counted value and the offset value represented by the time information 210. For example, the processing device 151 may calculate the current time using the method described above used by the processing device 121 to calculate the current time. The processing device 151 may cause the display panel 155 to display the calculated current time, thus displaying the current time.

[0151] In the embodiment in which the battery pack 20 does not output the time information 210 representing the current time, the processing device 121 of the battery pack 20 does not need to calculate the current time.

[0152] Fig. 10 shows another example of operation of the battery pack 20 and the display device 50.

[0153] In the Fig. In the example shown in Figure 10, the ROM 152 of the display device 50 stores an offset value in advance. The processing device 121 of the battery pack 20 outputs time information 210 representing a counted value to the display device 50. In this example, the display device 50 calculates the current time based on the counted value represented by the time information 210 and the offset value read from the ROM 152. The processing device 151 can cause the display panel 155 to display the calculated current time, thus displaying the current time.

[0154] Setting the current time in the battery pack 20 will now be described. The current time in the battery pack 20 can be set by the user. For example, the user can operate a plurality of switches of the display device 50 and / or the operating device 70 to set the current time. The processing device 151 of the display device 50 outputs current time information representing the current time set by the user to the battery pack 20. The current time information may include information about the year / month / day set by the user. The processing device 121 of the battery pack 20 can set the current time based on the received current time information.

[0155] The processing device 121 calculates an offset value based on the current counted value and the current time, and stores the calculated offset value in the ROM 122. The processing device 121 can calculate the current time based on the calculated offset value and the counted value. In the case where no current time is set in the battery pack 20, the calculation of the current time can be started by using the calculated offset value.

[0156] In the case where the current time is already set in the battery pack 20, the processing device 121 may reset the current time based on the current time information received from the display device 50. The current time calculated by the processing device 121 may sometimes be gradually shifted with the passage of time. The current time held by the battery pack 20 is reset to the current time set by the user, so that the shifted current time held by the battery pack 20 can be corrected.

[0157] The display device 50 may receive current time information representing the current time from an external device to set the current time in the battery pack 20. The external device may be, for example, the mobile terminal 90, a personal computer, or another electrical device. For example, the mobile terminal 90 outputs the current time information to the display device 50. The processing device 151 of the display device 50 outputs the current time information to the battery pack 20. The processing device 121 of the battery pack 20 may set the current time based on the received current time information. In the case where the current time is already set in the battery pack 20, the processing device 121 may reset the current time based on the current time information received from the display device 50.

[0158] The offset value can be calculated by the processing device 151 of the display device 50. In this case, the processing device 121 of the battery pack 20 outputs time information 210 representing a counted value to the display device 50. The processing device 151 acquires the current time information representing the current time set by the user or the current time information output from the external device by the method described above.

[0159] The processing device 151 calculates an offset value based on the acquired current time information and the acquired counted value. The processing device 151 outputs information representing the calculated offset value to the battery pack 20. The processing device 121 of the battery pack 20 can set an offset value based on the acquired information indicating the offset value. In the case where an offset value is already set in the battery pack 20, the processing device 121 can reset the offset value based on the information obtained from the display device 50.

[0160] In the case where the time information 210 cannot be acquired from the battery pack 20, the processing device 151 does not cause the display panel 155 to display any current time. For example, in the case where the battery pack 20 is a model that does not output the time information 210, the processing device 151 cannot acquire the time information 210 from the battery pack 20 and thus does not display any current time. In this case, the processing device 151 may cause the display panel 155 to display information indicating that the current time cannot be displayed.

[0161] In the example described above, which is Fig. As shown in Figure 10, the ROM 152 of the display device 50 stores the offset value in advance. The offset value may be stored in the ROM 132 of the drive unit 30 in advance.

[0162] Fig. 11 shows an operation example of the battery pack 20, the drive unit 30 and the display device 50.

[0163] In the Fig. In the example shown in Figure 11, the ROM 132 of the drive unit 130 stores an offset value in advance. The processing device 121 of the battery pack 20 outputs time information 210 representing a counted value to the display device 50. The processing device 131 of the drive unit 30 outputs offset value information 215 representing the offset value to the display device 50.

[0164] In this example, the processing device 151 of the display device 50 calculates the current time based on the counted value represented by the time information 210 and the offset value represented by the offset value information 215. The processing device 151 may cause the display panel 155 to display the calculated current time, thus displaying the current time.

[0165] Fig. 12 shows another example of operation of the battery pack 20 and the display device 50.

[0166] In the Fig. In the example shown in Figure 12, the ROM 152 of the display device 50 stores table information 230. Fig. Figure 13 shows an example of table information 230. Table information 230 shows the relationship between individual information about battery pack 20 and the offset value. The individual information is information for uniquely identifying battery pack 20. The individual information represents, for example, an identification number.

[0167] The ROM 122 of the battery pack 20 stores individual information for identifying the battery pack 20 itself. The processing device 121 of the battery pack 20 outputs time information 210 representing a counted value and the individual information 240 to the display device 50.

[0168] The processing device 151 of the display device 50 acquires the time information 210 and the individual information 240 output from the battery pack 20. The processing device 151 acquires an offset value corresponding to the individual information 240 based on the table information 230. The processing device 151 calculates the current time based on the counted value represented by the time information 210 and the offset value acquired from the table information 230. The processing device 151 can cause the display panel 155 to display the calculated current time, thus displaying the current time.

[0169] In the case where the table information 230 does not include the individual information 240 output from the battery pack 20, the processing device 151 cannot detect the offset value and does not display the current time. In this case, the processing device 151 may cause the display panel 155 to display information indicating that the current time cannot be displayed.

[0170] Fig. 14 shows another operation example of the battery pack 20, the drive unit 30 and the display device 50.

[0171] In the Fig. In the example shown in Fig. 14, the ROM 132 of the drive unit 30 stores the table information 230. The table information 230 shows the relationship between the individual information about the battery pack 20 and the offset value.

[0172] The processing device 121 of the battery pack 20 outputs time information 210 representing a counted value to the display device 50 and outputs the individual information 240 to the drive unit 30.

[0173] The processing device 131 of the drive unit 30 acquires the individual information 240 output from the battery pack 20. The processing device 131 acquires an offset value corresponding to the individual information 240 based on the table information 230. The processing device 131 outputs offset value information 215 representing the offset value to the display device 50.

[0174] The processing device 151 of the display device 50 calculates the current time based on the counted value represented by the time information 210 and the offset value represented by the offset value information 215. The processing device 151 can cause the display panel 155 to display the calculated current time, thus displaying the current time.

[0175] The ROM 132 of the drive unit 30 stores the table information 230, so that the ROM 152 of the display device 50 does not need to store the table information 230.

[0176] Fig. 15 shows another operation example of the battery pack 20, the drive unit 30 and the display device 50.

[0177] In the Fig. In the example shown in Figure 15, the processing device 121 of the battery pack 20 outputs time information 210 representing a counted value and individual information 240 to the drive unit 30. The ROM 132 of the drive unit 30 stores the table information 230.

[0178] The processing device 131 of the drive unit 30 acquires the individual information 240 output from the battery pack 20. The processing device 131 acquires an offset value corresponding to the individual information 240 based on the table information 230. The processing device 131 calculates current time based on the counted value represented by the time information 210 and the offset value acquired from the table information 230.

[0179] The processing device 131 outputs time information 210a representing the calculated current time to the display device 50. The processing device 151 of the display device 50 receives the time information 210a and causes the display panel 155 to display the current time represented by the time information 210a, and can thus display the current time.

[0180] The processing device 131 of the drive unit 30 calculates the current time, so that the processing device 151 of the display device 50 does not need to calculate the current time.

[0181] A charging device that charges the battery pack 20 will now be described.

[0182] As described above, the battery pack 20 can be attached to or removed from the electrically assisted bicycle 1. Fig. 16 shows how the battery pack 20 can be attached to or detached from the electrically assisted bicycle 1. In this example, the battery pack 20 is provided within the down tube 12. At least a portion of the down tube 12 has a U-shaped cross section, and the down tube 12 is provided with a cover 12a covering the U-shaped portion. The cover 12a can be opened to remove the battery pack 20 from the down tube 12 or to attach the battery pack 20 to the down tube 12.

[0183] In a state removed from the electrically assisted bicycle 1, the battery pack 20 can be connected to an external charging device to be charged.

[0184] Fig. 17 shows a charging device 80. A plug 82 of the charging device 80 is connected to a commercial power source (e.g., a wall outlet) 89, and a plug 81 of the charging device 80 is connected to a socket 21 of the battery pack 20 so that the battery pack 20 can be charged.

[0185] The battery pack 20 is an attachable / detachable portable battery. Thus, even in the case where, for example, there is no charging device for charging the battery pack 20 at a parking lot, the battery pack 20 can be carried to a location where a charging device is available and charged.

[0186] The battery pack 20 can be charged in a state in which it is attached to the electrically assisted bicycle 1. Fig. 18 shows how the battery pack 20 attached to the electrically assisted bicycle 1 is charged. In the Fig. In the example shown in Fig. 18, the plug 82 of the charging device 80 is connected to a commercial power source 89, and the plug 81 of the charging device 80 is connected to the socket 281 provided in the electrically assisted bicycle 1 so that the battery pack 20 can be charged.

[0187] Fig. 19 is a block diagram showing an example of a hardware configuration of the charging device 80. The charging device 80 includes a controller 180, a power source circuit 186, and a sensor 187.

[0188] The controller 180 includes a processing device 181, a ROM 182, a RAM 183, and a communication device 184. The configurations of the processing device 181, the ROM 182, and the RAM 183 are substantially the same as those of the processing device 151, the ROM 152, and the RAM 153 of the display device 50 and will not be described.

[0189] The ROM 182 stores a computer program (or firmware) for causing the processing device 181 to perform operations. The computer program may be stored in the ROM 182 at the time of manufacturing the charging device 80. The computer program may be provided to the charging device 80 via a storage medium or an electrical communication line. Such a computer program may be marketed as commercial software. The processing device 181 continuously executes a computer program describing a group of instructions for performing various operations (computer program stored in the ROM 182) to realize a desired operation. The processing device 181 controls a charging operation of the charging device 80. The processing device 181 monitors the output current, output voltage, temperature, or the like of the charging device 80.

[0190] The power supply circuit 186 includes, for example, an AC / DC converter that converts an AC voltage supplied by the commercial power supply 89 into a DC voltage. The sensor 187 is a current sensor that detects the current of the power source circuit 186, a voltage sensor that detects the voltage of the power source circuit 186, a temperature sensor that detects the temperature of the power source circuit 186, or the like. The processing device 181 monitors the current, voltage, temperature, or the like of the power source circuit 186 based on an output signal of the sensor 187.

[0191] To be charged, the battery pack 20 is electrically connected to the charging device 80. The processing device 181 controls operations of the power source circuit 186. The power source circuit 186 generates a DC current to charge the battery pack 20 and outputs the DC current to the battery pack 20, and thus the battery pack 20 is charged.

[0192] The communication device 184 is a communication module for wired communication with the battery pack 20. The communication can be carried out through a communication system such as a CAN. The communication device 184 can carry out wireless communication with the battery pack 20.

[0193] The communication device 184 can communicate with an external device other than the battery pack 20. For example, the communication device 184 can perform wired communication and / or wireless communication. The communication device 184 can perform wired communication according to a communication protocol such as USB, IEEE1394 (registered trademark), Ethernet (registered trademark), or the like. The communication device 184 can perform wireless communication according to, for example, a Bluetooth (registered trademark) and / or Wi-Fi (registered trademark) protocol. The communication device 184 can be a communication module that can perform wireless communication according to a communication system of BLE or LPWA.The communication device 184 may perform wireless communication using a mobile phone line or a line that transmits information via an artificial satellite.

[0194] Setting a current time in the battery pack 20 using the charging device 80 will now be described.

[0195] Setting the current time in the battery pack 20 may be performed using the charging device 80. In this case, the processing device 181 of the charging device 80 may calculate the current time.

[0196] For example, the charging device 80 may acquire current time information representing the current time from an external device to set the current time therein. The external device may be, for example, the mobile terminal 90, a personal computer, or another electronic device. For example, the mobile terminal 90 outputs the current time information to the charging device 80. The processing device 181 of the charging device 80 may set the current time based on the received current time information. In the case where the current time is already set in the charging device 80, the processing device 181 may reset the current time based on the received current time information.

[0197] The charging device 80 can communicate with a home network system or the like. In this case, the charging device 80 can acquire current time information from another device connected to the home network system. The charging device 80 can receive a signal from a GNSS (Global Navigation Satellite System) satellite to set the current time. The charging device 80 can include a plurality of switches, and the user can operate these switches to set the current time.

[0198] The processing device 181 of the charging device 80 outputs current time information representing the calculated current time to the battery pack 20. The processing device 121 of the battery pack 20 sets the current time based on the received current time information. As a result, the processing device 121 can set the current time in the battery pack 20 based on the current time maintained by the charging device 80.

[0199] The processing device 121 calculates an offset value based on the calculated counted value and the current time and stores the calculated offset value in the ROM 122. The processing device 121 can calculate the current time based on the calculated offset value and the counted value. In the case where no current time is set in the battery pack 20, the processing device 121 can start calculating the current time using the calculated offset value.

[0200] In the case where the current time is already set in the battery pack 20, the processing device 121 may reset the current time based on the current time information received from the charging device 80. The current time calculated by the processing device 121 may sometimes be gradually shifted with the passage of time. The current time held by the battery pack 20 is reset to the current time held by the charging device 80, so that the shifted current time held by the battery pack 20 can be corrected.

[0201] The offset value may be calculated by the processing device 181 of the charging device 80. In this case, the processing device 121 of the battery pack 20 outputs time information 210 representing a counted value to the charging device 80.

[0202] The processing device 181 calculates an offset value based on the current time and the counted value. The processing device 181 outputs information indicating the calculated offset value to the battery pack 20. The processing device 121 of the battery pack 20 can set an offset value based on the acquired information representing the offset value. In the case where an offset value is already set in the battery pack 20, the processing device 121 can reset the offset value based on the information received from the charging device 80.

[0203] The external device such as the mobile terminal 90 or the like and the battery pack 20 can communicate directly with each other to set the current time in the battery pack 20. The external device is, for example, the mobile terminal 90, a personal computer, or another electrical device.

[0204] In this case, the communication device 124 of the battery pack 20 can perform wired and / or wireless communication. The communication device 124 can perform wireless communication according to a communication protocol such as USB, IEEE1394 (registered trademark), Ethernet (registered trademark), or the like. The communication device 124 can perform wireless communication according to, for example, a Bluetooth (registered trademark) and / or Wi-Fi (registered trademark) protocol. The communication device 124 can perform wireless communication using a mobile phone line or a line that transmits information via an artificial satellite.

[0205] For example, the mobile terminal 90 outputs current time information to the battery pack 20. The processing device 121 of the battery pack 20 can set the current time based on the received current time information. In the case where the current time is already set in the battery pack 20, the processing device 121 can reset the current time based on the received current time information.

[0206] The battery pack 20 can communicate with a home network system or the like. In this case, the battery pack 20 can acquire current time information from another electrical device connected to the home network system. The battery pack 20 can receive a signal from a GNSS (Global Navigation Satellite System) satellite to set the current time. The battery pack 20 can include a plurality of switches, and the user can operate these switches to set the current time.

[0207] The processing device 121 calculates an offset value based on the current counted value and the acquired current time information and stores the calculated offset value in the ROM 122. The processing device 121 can calculate the current time based on the calculated offset value and the counted value. In the case where no current time is set in the battery pack 20, the processing device 121 can start calculating the current time using the calculated offset value.

[0208] In the case where the current time is already set in the battery pack 20, the processing device 121 may reset the current time based on the acquired current time information. The current time calculated by the processing device 121 may sometimes be gradually shifted with the passage of time. The current time held by the battery pack 20 is reset to the current time acquired by the external device, so that the shifted current time held by the battery pack 20 can be corrected.

[0209] The offset value may be calculated by an external device such as the mobile terminal 90 or the like. In this case, the processing device 121 of the battery pack 20 outputs time information 210 representing a counted value, for example, to the mobile terminal 90. A processing device of the mobile terminal 90 calculates an offset value based on the current time and the counted value. The processing device of the mobile terminal 90 outputs information representing the calculated offset value to the battery pack 20. The processing device 121 of the battery pack 20 may set an offset value based on the acquired information representing the offset value. In the case where an offset value is already set in the battery pack 20, the processing device 121 may reset the offset value based on the information received from the mobile terminal 90.

[0210] An embodiment of the electric-assisted bicycle 1 having a plurality of battery packs 20 mounted thereon will now be described. The electric-assisted bicycle 1 may sometimes have a plurality of battery packs 20 mounted thereon to increase the distance the electric bicycle 1 can travel with the electric motor 32 generating assist power.

[0211] Fig. 20 shows a plurality of battery packs to be mounted on the electrically assisted bicycle 1. In the Fig.In the example shown in FIG. 20, two battery packs 20a and 20b are mounted on the electric-assisted bicycle 1 as the plurality of battery packs 20. The two battery packs 20a and 20b may be mounted at any positions. For example, the battery packs 20a and 20b may be mounted on at least one of the down tube 12, the top tube 14, and the seat tube 16 of the electric-assisted bicycle 1. Three or more battery packs 20 may be mounted on the electric-assisted bicycle 1. In this example, the battery pack 20a includes a processing device 121a as the processing device 121, and the battery pack 20b includes a processing device 121b as the processing device 121.

[0212] In this example, the processing device 151 of the display device 50 acquires time information 210 from one of the battery packs 20a and 20b.

[0213] For example, the processing device 151 acquires the time information 210 from the battery pack 20 located at a predetermined position in the electrically assisted bicycle 1. For example, in the case where the battery pack 20a is located in the down tube 12 and the battery pack 20b is located in the seat tube 16, the processing device 151 acquires the time information 210 from the battery pack 20a provided in the down tube.

[0214] The time information 210 is acquired from any one of the battery packs 20, rather than from the plurality of battery packs 20, so that even in the case where there is a difference in the current time between the plurality of battery packs 20, the display device 50 can display the current time without processing errors.

[0215] The method for selecting the battery pack 20 from which the time information is to be acquired is not limited to the method described above and may be any suitable method. For example, the time information 210 may be acquired from the battery pack 20 that is currently supplying electric power to the drive unit 30 and the display device 50, among the plurality of battery packs 20.

[0216] For example, in the case where the battery packs 20 each store log information representing the date / time when the current time was set, the time information 210 may be acquired from the battery pack 20 in which the current time was set on the date / time since which the shortest time has passed among the plurality of battery packs 20. Alternatively, for example, the time information 210 may be acquired from the battery pack 20 having the most advanced current time among the plurality of battery packs 20.

[0217] In the case where the current time is set in one of two battery packs 20, whereas the current time is not set in the other battery pack 20, the time information 210 is acquired from the battery pack 20 in which the current time is set.

[0218] In the case where the current time is set in one of two battery packs 20, whereas the current time is not set in the other battery pack 20, the current time in the battery pack 20 having no set current time can be set based on the current time information output from the battery pack 20 having the set current time.

[0219] For example, assume that the current time is set in the battery pack 20a, whereas the current time is not set in the battery pack 20b. In this case, the processing device 121a of the battery pack 20a outputs current time information to the battery pack 20b. The processing device 121b of the battery pack 20b sets the current time based on the acquired current time information. As a result, the current time can be set in the battery pack 20b that did not have the set current time.

[0220] Alternatively, for example, the processing device 121a of the battery pack 20a may output current time information to the display device 50. The processing device 151 of the display device 50 outputs the acquired current time information to the battery pack 20b. The processing device 121b of the battery pack 20b may adjust the current time based on the acquired current time information.

[0221] In the above-described embodiment, the electric-assisted bicycle 1 is described as an example of the electric-assisted vehicle. The present invention is not limited thereto. For example, the electric-assisted vehicle may be an electric-assisted tricycle.

[0222] In the above-described embodiment, the drive wheel to which the human body power generated by the rider pedaling and the assist power generated by the electric motor are transmitted is the rear wheel. The present invention is not limited to this. The human body power and the assist power may be transmitted to the front wheel, or may be transmitted to both the front and rear wheels, depending on the type of the electrically assisted vehicle. The present invention can be applied to an electrically assisted bicycle including a hub motor provided on the front wheel.

[0223] An illustrative embodiment of the present invention is described above. This description discloses a time display system, a drive system, an electrically assisted vehicle, a battery pack, a time display method, and a computer program, which are described in the following points. [Point 1]

[0224] A time display system 10 for an electrically assisted vehicle 1, the time display system 10 comprising: a display device 50; and at least one processing device 151, 131, wherein the at least one processing device 151, 131: Time information 210 is acquired, which represents information about time output from a battery pack 20, the battery pack 20 supplying electric power to an electric motor 32 which generates drive power that causes the electrically assisted vehicle 1 to travel, and causes the display device 50 to display current time based on the time information 210.

[0225] When having a function of displaying the current time, the display device 50 of the electric-assisted vehicle 1 includes a built-in battery cell such as a button cell battery. The display device 50 includes such a built-in battery cell so that even in a state where the battery pack 20 that supplies electric power to the electric motor 32 is detached from the electric-assisted bicycle 1, the processing device 151 of the display device 50 can calculate the current time.

[0226] However, a space within the housing of the display device 50 must accommodate various components. A problem arises in that in order to provide a space where the battery cell is safely located, the other components are restricted in their positional arrangement. Furthermore, the user may find it troublesome to replace the battery cell when the remaining capacity of the battery cell becomes zero.

[0227] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the at least one processing device 151, 131 causes the display device 50 to display the current time based on the time information 210 output from the battery pack 20. As a result, the display device 50 can display the current time even when the display device 50 does not include a built-in battery cell. This can improve the degree of freedom of the positional arrangement of the components of the display device 50 and can also make it unnecessary to replace the battery cell.

[0228] The battery pack 20 includes a plurality of battery cells, and can continue to count the time by using the electric current output from the plurality of battery cells. [Point 2]

[0229] Time display system 10 according to item 1, wherein the time information 210 output from the battery pack 20 represents current time.

[0230] With such a configuration, even if a processing device other than the processing device 121 of the battery pack 20 does not calculate the current time, the display device 50 can display the current time. [Point 3]

[0231] Time display system 10 according to point 2, where: the at least one processing unit 151, 131: current time information representing current time is acquired based on a setting operation of the current time by a user on the display device 50, and outputs the detected current time information to the battery pack 20, and a processing device 121 of the battery pack 20 sets the current time based on the current time information output by the at least one processing device 151, 131.

[0232] With such a configuration, the current time in the battery pack 20 can be set based on the current time set by the user. [Point 4]

[0233] Time display system 10 according to point 2, where: the at least one processing unit 151, 131: current time information representing current time is acquired based on a setting operation of the current time by a user on the display device 50, and outputs the recorded current time information to the battery pack 20, and a processing device 121 of the battery pack 20 resets the current time to be calculated based on the current time information output by the at least one processing device 151, 131.

[0234] The current time calculated by the processing device 121 of the battery pack 20 may sometimes gradually shift with the passage of time. The current time maintained by the battery pack 20 is reset to the current time set by the user, so that the shifted current time maintained by the battery pack 20 can be corrected. [Point 5]

[0235] Time display system 10 according to point 1, where: the time information 210 output from the battery pack 20 represents a first time value that is not instantaneous time, and the at least one processing unit 151, 131 calculates the current time using the first time value and a second time value, the second time value being for converting the first time value into the current time.

[0236] With such a configuration, the current time can be calculated using the time information 210 representing the first time value (e.g., the counted value) output from the battery pack 20. [Point 6]

[0237] Time display system 10 according to item 5, wherein the time information 210 output from the battery pack 20 represents the second time value.

[0238] With such a configuration, the current time can be calculated using the information about the first value and the second value output from the battery pack 20. [Point 7]

[0239] Time display system 10 according to item 5, further comprising a storage device 152, 132 that stores information representing the second value, wherein the at least one processing device 151, 131 calculates the current time using the information representing the second value, the information being read from the storage device 152, 132.

[0240] With such a configuration, the current time can be calculated using the time information 210, which is the first value output from the battery pack 20. [Point 8]

[0241] Time display system 10 according to item 5, further comprising a storage device 152, 132 that stores table information 230 representing the relationship between individual information 240 about the battery pack 20 and the second value, wherein the at least one processing device 151, 131: detects the individual information 240 output from the battery pack 20, and the second value to be used to calculate the current time is acquired based on the acquired individual information 240 and the table information 230.

[0242] With such a configuration, the second value can be detected using the individual information 240 output from the battery pack 20. [Point 9]

[0243] The time display system 10 according to any one of items 5 to 8, wherein the first value is a counted value acquired by a time counting processing device 121 of the battery pack 20.

[0244] With such a configuration, the current time can be calculated using the time information 210 representing the counted value time output from the battery pack 20. [Point 10]

[0245] Time display system 10 according to one of items 5 to 8, wherein the second value is an offset value.

[0246] With such a configuration, the current time can be calculated using the offset value. [Point 11]

[0247] Time display system 10 according to point 6, where: a processing device 121 of the battery pack 20 outputs information representing the first value to the at least one processing device 151, 131, the at least one processing device 151, 131: current time information representing current time is acquired based on a setting operation of the current time performed by a user on the display device 50, calculates the second value based on the detected current time information and the first value detected by the battery pack 20, and Information representing the calculated second value is output to the battery pack 20, and the processing unit 121 of the battery pack 20 sets the second value to be used for calculating current time based on the information representing the second value, the information being acquired by the at least one processing device 151, 131.

[0248] With such a configuration, the second value (e.g., offset value) in the battery pack 20 can be set based on the current time set by the user. [Point 12]

[0249] Time display system 10 according to point 6, where: a processing device 121 of the battery pack 20 outputs information representing the first value to the at least one processing unit 151, 131, the at least one processing device 151, 131: current time information representing current time is acquired based on a setting operation of the current time performed by a user on the display device 50, calculates the second value based on the detected current time information and the first value detected by the battery pack 20, and Information representing the calculated time value is output to the battery pack 20, and the processing device 121 of the battery pack 20 resets the second value to be used for calculating current time to the value detected by the at least one processing device 151, 131.

[0250] The instantaneous time calculated by the processing device 121 of the battery pack 20 may sometimes gradually shift over time. The second value (e.g., offset value) held by the battery pack 20 is reset to the second value calculated by the at least one processing device 151, 131, so that the shifted instantaneous time can be corrected. [Point 13]

[0251] The time display system 10 according to any one of items 1 to 12, wherein in the case where the time information 210 cannot be detected by the battery pack 20, the at least one processing device 151, 131 does not cause the display device 50 to display any current time.

[0252] With such a configuration, in the case where the time information 210 cannot be detected, the display device 50 can be caused not to display a current time. [Point 14]

[0253] Time display system 10 according to point 2 or 3, where: the battery pack 20 is charged by a charging device 80, a processing device 181 of the charging device 80 outputs current time information representing current time to the battery pack 20, and the processing device 121 of the battery pack 20 sets the current time based on the current time information output from the charging device 80.

[0254] With such a configuration, the current time in the battery pack 20 can be set based on the current time held by the charger 80. [Point 15]

[0255] Time display system 10 according to point 2 or 3, where: the battery pack 20 is charged by a charging device 80, a processing device 181 of the charging device 80 outputs current time information representing current time to the battery pack 20, and the processing device 121 of the battery pack 20 resets the current time to be calculated based on the current time information output from the charging device 80.

[0256] The time calculated by the processing device 121 of the battery pack 20 may sometimes gradually shift with the passage of time. The current time held by the battery pack 20 is reset to the current time held by the charging device 80, so that the shifted current time can be corrected. [Point 16]

[0257] Time display system 10 according to point 6, where: the battery pack 20 is charged by a charging device 80, a processing device 121 of the battery pack 20 outputs information representing the first value to the charging device 80, a processing device 181 of the loading device 80: calculates the second value based on the current time and the first value detected by the battery pack 20, and Information representing the calculated second value is output to the battery pack 20, and the processing device 121 of the battery pack 20 resets the second value to be used for calculating the current time to the second value detected by the charging device 80.

[0258] The instantaneous time calculated by the processing device 121 of the battery pack 20 may sometimes gradually shift over time. The second value (e.g., offset value) held by the battery pack 20 is reset to the second value calculated by the charging device 80, so that the shifted instantaneous time can be corrected. [Point 17]

[0259] Time display system 10 according to point 2, where: the at least one processing device 151, 131: current time information representing current time is acquired from an external device 90, and outputs the current time information to the battery pack 20, and a processing device 121 of the battery pack 20 resets the current time to be calculated based on the current time information output by the at least one processing device 151, 131.

[0260] The current time calculated by the processing device 121 of the battery pack 20 may sometimes gradually shift with the passage of time. The current time held by the battery pack 20 is reset to the current time acquired by the external device 90, so that the shifted current time can be corrected. [Point 18]

[0261] Time display system 10 according to point 6, where: a processing device 121 of the battery pack 20 outputs information representing the first value to the at least one processing device 151, 131, the at least one processing device 151, 131: current time information representing current time is acquired by an external device 90, calculates the second value based on the current time information detected by the external device 90 and the first value detected by the battery pack 20, and outputs the calculated second value to the battery pack 20, and the processing device 121 of the battery pack 20 resets the second value to be used to calculate the current time to the second value detected by the at least one processing device 151, 131.

[0262] The instantaneous time calculated by the processing device 121 of the battery pack 20 may sometimes gradually shift over time. The second value (e.g., offset value) held by the battery pack 20 is reset to the second value calculated by the at least one processing device 151, 131, so that the shifted instantaneous time can be corrected. [Point 19]

[0263] Time display system 10 according to item 2, wherein a processing device 121 of the battery pack 20: current time information representing current time is acquired from an external device 90, and resets the current time to be calculated based on the current time information acquired by the external device 90.

[0264] The current time calculated by the processing device 121 of the battery pack 20 may sometimes gradually shift with the passage of time. The current time held by the battery pack 20 is reset to the current time held by the external device 90, so that the shifted current time can be corrected. [Point 20]

[0265] Time display system 10 according to point 6, where: a processing device 121 of the battery pack 20 outputs the first value to an external device 90, a processing device of the external device 90: calculates the second value based on the current time and the first value output by the battery pack 20, and outputs the calculated second value to the battery pack 20, and the processing device 121 of the battery pack 20 resets the second value to be used for calculating the current time to the second value output by the external device 90.

[0266] The current time calculated by the processing device 121 of the battery pack 20 may sometimes gradually shift over time. The offset value held by the battery pack 20 is reset to the offset value calculated by the external device 90, so that the shifted current time can be corrected. [Point 21]

[0267] Time display system 10 according to one of the items 1 to 20, wherein: the electrically assisted vehicle 1 allows a plurality of battery packs 20 to be attached thereto, and the at least one processing device 151, 131 acquires the time information from one of the plurality of battery packs 20.

[0268] The time information 210 in one battery pack 20 is adopted, so that even in the case where there is a difference in the current time among the plurality of battery packs 20, the display device 50 can display the current time without processing errors. [Point 22]

[0269] Time display system 10 according to point 1 or 2, wherein: the electrically assisted vehicle 1 allows a plurality of battery packs 20 to be attached thereto, and in the case where the plurality of battery packs 20 includes a battery pack 20 in which the current time is set and a battery pack 20 in which the current time is not yet set, a processing device 121 of the battery pack 20 in which no current time is yet set: current time information representing the current time is acquired by a processing device 121 of the battery pack 20 in which the current time is set, and sets the current time based on the detected current time information.

[0270] With such a configuration, the current time can be set in the battery pack 20 in which no current time has been set yet. [Point 23]

[0271] Time display system 10 according to point 1 or 2, wherein: the electrically assisted vehicle 1 allows a plurality of battery packs 20 to be attached thereto, and in the case where the plurality of battery packs 20 includes a battery pack 20 in which the current time is set and a battery pack 20 in which the current time is not yet set, the at least one processing device 151, 131: current time information representing the current time is acquired by a processing device 121 of the battery pack 20 in which the current time is set, and outputs the detected current time information to a processing device 121 of the battery pack 20 in which no current time has yet been set, and the processing device 121 of the battery pack 20 in which no current time is yet set sets the current time based on the acquired current time information.

[0272] With such a configuration, the current time can be set in the battery pack 20 in which no current time has been set yet. [Point 24]

[0273] Time display system 10 according to one of items 1 to 23, wherein the at least one processing device 151, 131 includes a processing device 151 provided in the display device 50.

[0274] With such a configuration, the processing device 151 of the display device 50 can cause the display device 50 to display the current time based on the time information 210 output from the battery pack 20. [Point 25]

[0275] Drive system 100 comprising the time display system 10 according to any one of items 1 to 24.

[0276] With such a configuration, the drive system 100 can be realized in which the display device 50 can display the current time and does not need to include a built-in battery cell. [Point 26]

[0277] Electrically assisted vehicle 1, comprising the time display system 10 according to one of the items 1 to 24.

[0278] With such a configuration, the electrically assisted vehicle 1 can be realized in which the display device 50 can display the current time and does not need to include a built-in battery cell. [Point 27]

[0279] A time display method for causing a display device 50 of an electrically assisted vehicle 1 to display current time, the time display method being executed by at least one computer, the time display method comprising: Acquiring time information 210 representing information about time output from a battery pack 20, the battery pack 20 supplying electric power to an electric motor 32 that generates drive power that causes the electrically assisted vehicle 1 to travel, and Causing the display device 50 to display current time based on the time information 210.

[0280] When having a function of displaying the current time, the display device 50 of the electric-assist vehicle 1 includes a built-in battery cell such as a button cell battery. The display device 50 includes such a built-in battery cell so that even in a state where the battery pack 20 that supplies electric power to the electric motor 32 is detached from the electric-assist vehicle 1, the processing device 151 of the display device 50 can calculate the current time.

[0281] However, a space within the housing of the display device 50 must accommodate various components. A problem arises in that in order to provide a space where the battery cell is safely located, the other components are restricted in their positional arrangement. Furthermore, the user may find it troublesome to replace the battery cell when the remaining capacity of the battery cell becomes zero.

[0282] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the at least one processing device 151, 131 causes the display device 50 to display the current time based on the time information 210 output from the battery pack 20. As a result, the display device 50 can display the current time even when the display device 50 does not include a built-in battery cell. This can improve the degree of freedom of the positional arrangement of the components of the display device 50 and can also make it unnecessary to replace the battery cell.

[0283] The battery pack 20 includes a plurality of battery cells, and can continue counting time by using the electric current output from the plurality of battery cells. [Point 28]

[0284] A computer program that causes at least one computer to perform an operation of causing a display device 50 of an electrically assisted vehicle 1 to display current time, the computer program causing the at least one computer to perform: Acquiring time information 210 representing information about time output from a battery pack 20, the battery pack 20 supplying electric power to an electric motor 32 that generates drive power that causes the electrically assisted vehicle 1 to travel, and Causing the display device 50 to display current time based on the time information 210.

[0285] When having a function of displaying the current time, the display device 50 of the electric-assist vehicle 1 includes a built-in battery cell such as a button cell battery. The display device 50 includes such a built-in battery cell so that even in a state where the battery pack 20 that supplies electric power to the electric motor 32 is detached from the electric-assist vehicle 1, the processing device 151 of the display device 50 can calculate the current time.

[0286] However, a space within the housing of the display device 50 must accommodate various components. A problem arises in that in order to provide a space where the battery cell is safely located, the other components are restricted in their positional arrangement. Furthermore, the user may find it troublesome to replace the battery cell when the remaining capacity of the battery cell becomes zero.

[0287] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the at least one processing device 151, 131 causes the display device 50 to display the current time based on the time information 210 output from the battery pack 20. As a result, the display device 50 can display the current time even when the display device 50 does not include a built-in battery cell. This can improve the degree of freedom of the positional arrangement of the components of the display device 50 and can also make it unnecessary to replace the battery cell.

[0288] The battery pack 20 includes a plurality of battery cells, and can continue counting time by using the electric current output from the plurality of battery cells. [Point 29]

[0289] Battery pack 20 that can be used to supply electrical power to an electric motor 32 of an electrically assisted vehicle 1, the battery pack 20 comprising: a plurality of battery cells 126a; and a processing device 121 that calculates current time, wherein the processing device 121 outputs time information 210 representing the calculated current time to a processing device 151 that controls a display device 50 of an electrically assisted vehicle 1.

[0290] With such a configuration, the display device 50 of the electrically assisted vehicle 1 can display the current time without including a built-in battery cell.

[0291] The present invention is particularly useful in the field of electrically assisted vehicles. QUOTES CONTAINED IN THE DESCRIPTION

[0000] This list of documents submitted by the applicant was generated automatically and is included solely for the convenience of the reader. This list is not part of the German patent or utility model application. The DPMA assumes no liability for any errors or omissions. Cited patent literature

[0000] JP 2007-230411 A

[0002] Cited non-patent literature

[0000] 13:30:00 (hour:minute:second) of December 1, 2023" "26188200

[0139]

Claims

[1] Time display system for an electrically assisted vehicle (11), the time display system (10) comprising: a display device (50); and at least one processing device (151, 131), wherein the at least one processing device (151, 131): detecting time information (210) representing information about time output from a battery pack (20), the battery pack (20) supplying electric power to an electric motor (32) that generates drive power that causes the electrically assisted vehicle (1) to travel, and causing the display device (50) to display current time based on the time information (210). [2] The time display system according to claim 1, wherein the time information (210) output from the battery pack (20) represents current time. [3] Time display system according to claim 2, wherein: the at least one processing unit (151, 131): current time information representing current time is acquired based on a setting operation of the current time by a user on the display device (50), and outputs the detected current time information to the battery pack (20), and a processing device (121) of the battery pack (20) sets the current time based on the current time information output by the at least one processing device (151, 131). [4] Time display system according to claim 2, wherein: the at least one processing unit (151, 131): current time information representing current time is acquired based on a setting operation of the current time by a user on the display device (50), and outputs the detected current time information to the battery pack (20), and a processing device (121) of the battery pack (20) resets the current time to be calculated based on the current time information output by the at least one processing device (151, 131). [5] Time display system according to claim 1, wherein: the time information (210) output by the battery pack (20) represents a first time value which is not instantaneous time, and the at least one processing unit (151, 131) calculates current time using the first time value and a second time value, the second time value being for converting the first time value into the current time. [6] The time display system according to claim 5, wherein the time information (210) output from the battery pack (20) represents the second time value. [7] The time display system according to claim 5, further comprising a storage device (152, 132) storing information representing the second value, wherein the at least one processing device (151, 131) calculates the current time using the information representing the second value, the information being read from the storage device (152, 132). [8] The time display system according to claim 5, further comprising a storage device (152, 132) that stores table information (230) representing the relationship between individual information (240) about the battery pack (20) and the second value, wherein the at least one processing device (151, 131): detects the individual information (240) output by the battery pack (20), and the second value to be used to calculate the current time is detected based on the detected individual information (240) and the table information (230). [9] The time display system according to any one of claims 5 to 8, wherein the first value is a counted value acquired by a processing device (121) of the battery pack (20) that counts time. [10] A time display system according to any one of claims 5 to 8, wherein the second value is an offset value. [11] Time display system according to claim 6, wherein: a processing device (121) of the battery pack (20) outputs information representing the first value to the at least one processing device (151, 131), the at least one processing device (151, 131): detecting current time information representing current time based on a setting operation of the current time performed by a user on the display device (50), calculates the second value based on the detected current time information and the first value detected by the battery pack (20), and outputs information representing the calculated second value to the battery pack (20), and the processing unit (121) of the battery pack (20) sets the second value to be used for calculating current time based on the information representing the second value, the information being acquired by the at least one processing device (151, 131). [12] Time display system according to claim 6, wherein: a processing device (121) of the battery pack (20) outputs information representing the first value to the at least one processing unit (151, 131), the at least one processing device (151, 131): detecting current time information representing current time based on a setting operation of the current time performed by a user on the display device (50), calculates the second value based on the detected current time information and the first value detected by the battery pack (20), and Information representing the calculated time value is output to the battery pack (20), and the processing device (121) of the battery pack (20) resets the second value to be used for calculating current time to the value detected by the at least one processing device (151, 131). [13] The time display system according to any one of claims 1 to 12, wherein in the case where the time information (210) cannot be detected by the battery pack (20), the at least one processing device (151, 131) does not cause the display device (50) to display any current time. [14] Time display system according to claim 2 or 3, wherein: the battery pack (20) is charged by a charging device (80), a processing device (181) of the charging device (80) outputs current time information representing current time to the battery pack (20), and the processing device (121) of the battery pack (20) sets the current time based on the current time information output by the charging device (80). [15] Time display system according to claim 2 or 3, wherein: the battery pack (20) is charged by a charging device (80), a processing device (181) of the charging device (80) outputs current time information representing current time to the battery pack (20), and the processing device (121) of the battery pack (20) resets the current time to be calculated based on the current time information output by the charging device (80). [16] Time display system according to claim 6, wherein: the battery pack (20) is charged by a charging device (80), a processing device (121) of the battery pack (20) outputs information representing the first value to the charging device (80), a processing device (181) of the loading device (80): calculates the second value based on the current time and the first value detected by the battery pack (20), and outputs information representing the calculated second value to the battery pack (20), and the processing device (121) of the battery pack (20) resets the second value to be used to calculate the current time to the second value detected by the charging device (80). [17] Time display system according to claim 2, wherein: the at least one processing device (151, 131): current time information representing current time is acquired from an external device (90), and outputs the current time information to the battery pack (20), and a processing device (121) of the battery pack (20) resets the current time to be calculated based on the current time information output by the at least one processing device (151, 131). [18] Time display system according to claim 6, wherein: a processing device (121) of the battery pack (20) outputs information representing the first value to the at least one processing device (151, 131), the at least one processing device (151, 131): current time information representing current time is acquired by an external device (90), calculates the second value based on the current time information detected by the external device (90) and the first value detected by the battery pack (20), and outputs the calculated second value to the battery pack (20), and the processing device (121) of the battery pack (20) resets the second value to be used to calculate the current time to the second value detected by the at least one processing device (151, 131). [19] Time display system according to claim 2, wherein a processing device (121) of the battery pack (20): current time information representing current time is acquired from an external device (90), and resets the current time to be calculated based on the current time information acquired by the external device (90). [20] Time display system according to claim 6, wherein: a processing device (121) of the battery pack (20) outputs the first value to an external device (90), a processing device of the external device (90): calculates the second value based on the current time and the first value output by the battery pack (20), and outputs the calculated second value to the battery pack (20), and the processing device (121) of the battery pack (20) resets the second value to be used for calculating the current time to the second value output by the external device (90). [21] Time display system according to one of claims 1 to 20, wherein: the electrically assisted vehicle (1) allows a plurality of battery packs (20) to be attached thereto, and the at least one processing device (151, 131) acquires the time information from one of the plurality of battery packs (20). [22] Time display system according to claim 1 or 2, wherein: the electrically assisted vehicle (1) allows a plurality of battery packs (20) to be attached thereto, and in the case where the plurality of battery packs (20) includes a battery pack (20) in which the current time is set and a battery pack (20) in which the current time is not yet set, a processing device (121) of the battery pack (20) in which no current time has yet been set: current time information representing the current time is acquired by a processing device (121) of the battery pack (20) in which the current time is set, and sets the current time based on the detected current time information. [23] Time display system according to claim 1 or 2, wherein: the electrically assisted vehicle (1) allows a plurality of battery packs (20) to be attached thereto, and in the case where the plurality of battery packs (20) includes a battery pack (20) in which the current time is set and a battery pack (20) in which the current time is not yet set, the at least one processing device (151, 131): current time information representing the current time is acquired by a processing device (121) of the battery pack (20) in which the current time is set, and outputs the detected current time information to a processing device (121) of the battery pack (20) in which no current time has yet been set, and the processing device (121) of the battery pack (20) in which no current time is yet set sets the current time based on the detected current time information. [24] The time display system according to any one of claims 1 to 23, wherein the at least one processing device (151, 131) includes a processing device (151) provided in the display device (50). [25] A drive system comprising the time display system (10) according to any one of claims 1 to 24. [26] An electrically assisted vehicle comprising the time display system (10) according to any one of claims 1 to 24. [27] A time display method for causing a display device (50) of an electrically assisted vehicle (1) to display current time, the time display method being executed by at least one computer, the time display method comprising: Acquiring time information (210) representing information about time output from a battery pack (20), the battery pack (20) supplying electric power to an electric motor (32) that generates drive power that causes the electrically assisted vehicle (1) to travel, and Causing the display device (50) to display current time based on the time information (210). [28] A computer program that causes at least one computer to perform an operation of causing a display device (50) of an electrically assisted vehicle (1) to display current time, the computer program causing the at least one computer to perform: Acquiring time information (210) representing information about time output from a battery pack (20), the battery pack (20) supplying electric power to an electric motor (32) that generates drive power that causes the electrically assisted vehicle (1) to travel, and Causing the display device (50) to display current time based on the time information (210). [29] A battery pack that can be used to supply electrical power to an electric motor (32) of an electrically assisted vehicle (1), the battery pack (20) comprising: a plurality of battery cells (126a); and a processing device 121 that calculates current time, wherein the processing device (121) outputs time information (210) representing the calculated current time to a processing device (151) that controls a display device (50) of an electrically assisted vehicle (1).

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