Controller for human power drive vehicle, power unit for human power drive vehicle, and component for human power drive vehicle

Abstract

To provide a controller for a human power drive vehicle, a power unit for the human power drive vehicle, and a component for the human power drive vehicle capable of supplying proper power to a power consumption section.SOLUTION: A controller for a human power drive vehicle is provided with a control section configured to control a voltage conversion section configured to supply power to a poser consumption section through converting power voltage supplied from a power source, wherein the control section is configured to control the voltage conversion section so that the voltage conversion section operates in either of a first power supply state of supplying power to the power consumption section through converting voltage by pulse width modulation control and a second power supply state of supplying power to the power consumption section through converting voltage by pulse frequency modulation control.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 2

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a control device for a human-powered vehicle, a power supply device for a human-powered vehicle, and components for a human-powered vehicle. [Background technology]

[0002] For example, a component for a human-powered vehicle disclosed in Patent Document 1 operates with power supplied from a power source. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] JP 2015-231764 A Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] An object of the present disclosure is to provide a control device for a human-powered vehicle, a power supply device for a human-powered vehicle, and a component for a human-powered vehicle that can supply suitable power to a power consumption unit. [Means for solving the problem]

[0005] A control device according to a first aspect of the present disclosure is a control device for a human-powered vehicle, and includes a control unit configured to control a voltage conversion unit configured to convert the voltage of power supplied from a power source and supply the power to a power consumption unit, and the control unit is configured to control the voltage conversion unit so that the voltage conversion unit operates in either a first power supply state in which it converts the voltage by pulse width modulation control and supplies power to the power consumption unit, or a second power supply state in which it converts the voltage by pulse frequency modulation control and supplies power to the power consumption unit. According to the control device of the first aspect, the control unit operates the voltage conversion unit in either the first power supply state or the second power supply state, so that the voltage conversion unit can convert the power supplied from the power source into suitable power, and therefore the control device can supply suitable power to the power consumption unit.

[0006] In a control device of a second aspect according to the first aspect of the present disclosure, the power consumption state of the power consumption unit is configured to switch between a first power consumption state and a second power consumption state having lower power consumption than the first power consumption state, and the control unit is configured to control the voltage conversion unit so that the voltage conversion unit operates in the first power supply state when the power consumption state of the power consumption unit is the first power consumption state, and to control the voltage conversion unit so that the voltage conversion unit operates in the second power supply state when the power consumption state of the power consumption unit is the second power consumption state. According to the control device of the second aspect, the control unit can control the voltage conversion unit with different power supply states in the first power consumption state and the second power consumption state.

[0007] In a control device of a third aspect in accordance with the second aspect of the present disclosure, when the power consumption state of the power consumption unit switches from one of the first power consumption state and the second power consumption state to the other, the control unit is configured to control the voltage conversion unit to switch the voltage conversion unit from one of the first power supply state and the second power supply state to the other while the power consumption state of the power consumption unit is in the first power consumption state. According to the control device of the third aspect, the control unit switches the power supply state of the voltage conversion unit during the first power consumption state, thereby suppressing the influence of switching of the power supply state in the second power consumption state.

[0008] In a control device of a fourth aspect according to the second or third aspect of the present disclosure, when the power consumption state of the power consumption unit switches from the second power consumption state to the first power consumption state, the control unit is configured to switch the voltage conversion unit from the second power supply state to the first power supply state after the power consumption state of the power consumption unit switches from the second power consumption state to the first power consumption state. According to the control device of the fourth aspect, the control unit switches the power supply state of the voltage conversion unit from the second power supply state to the first power supply state in the first power consumption state, thereby preferably suppressing the effects of switching the power supply state in the second power consumption state.

[0009] In a control device of a fifth aspect according to any one of the second to fourth aspects of the present disclosure, when the power consumption state of the power consumption unit switches from the first power consumption state to the second power consumption state, the control unit is configured to switch the voltage conversion unit from the first power supply state to the second power supply state before the power consumption state of the power consumption unit switches from the first power consumption state to the second power consumption state. According to the control device of the fifth aspect, the control unit switches the power supply state of the voltage conversion unit from the first power supply state to the second power supply state in the first power consumption state, thereby preferably suppressing the effects of switching the power supply state in the second power consumption state.

[0010] A power supply device according to a sixth aspect of the present disclosure is a power supply device for a human-powered vehicle, and includes the control device according to any one of the first to fifth aspects, and the voltage conversion unit. According to the power supply device of the sixth aspect, it is possible to supply suitable power to the power consumption section.

[0011] A power supply device according to a seventh aspect of the present disclosure is a power supply device for a human-powered vehicle, and includes a control device described in any one of the third to fifth aspects and the voltage conversion unit, wherein the voltage conversion unit is configured to change the voltage of the power supplied to the power consumption unit when switching from one of the first power supply state and the second power supply state to the other. According to the power supply device of the seventh aspect, the control unit switches the power supply state of the voltage conversion unit during the first power consumption state, thereby suppressing changes in the voltage of the power supplied to the power consumption unit in the second power consumption state.

[0012] In the power supply device of an eighth aspect according to the sixth or seventh aspect of the present disclosure, the power consumption unit includes at least one of the control unit and an electronic component for the human-powered vehicle. According to the power supply device of the eighth aspect, suitable power can be supplied to at least one of the control unit and electronic components for a human-powered vehicle.

[0013] In a ninth aspect of the power supply device according to the eighth aspect of the present disclosure, the power consumption unit includes the control unit and the electronic component, and the control unit is connected to the electronic component by a power line through which power is supplied from the voltage conversion unit, and is configured to communicate with the electronic component via the power line. According to the power supply device of the ninth aspect, the control unit can supply power to the electronic component and communicate with the electronic component via the power line.

[0014] A component according to a tenth aspect of the present disclosure is a component for a human-powered vehicle, comprising the power supply device according to the sixth or seventh aspect. According to the component of the tenth aspect, suitable power can be supplied to a power consuming unit.

[0015] In the component of the eleventh aspect according to the tenth aspect of the present disclosure, there is provided a drive unit including a motor configured to provide propulsive force to the human-powered vehicle. According to the component of the eleventh aspect, the drive unit can supply suitable power to the power consumer. Effect of the Invention

[0016] The control device for a human-powered vehicle, the power supply device for a human-powered vehicle, and the components for a human-powered vehicle disclosed herein can supply suitable power to a power consumer. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0017] [Figure 1] 1 is a side view of a human-powered vehicle including a control device for a human-powered vehicle, a power supply device for the human-powered vehicle, and components for the human-powered vehicle according to an embodiment. [Diagram 2] FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing the electrical configuration of the human-powered vehicle of FIG. [Diagram 3] 3 is a flowchart showing an example of switching control performed by a control unit in FIG. 2. [Figure 4] 4 is a timing chart showing an example of changes in the power consumption state of a power consumption unit, the power supply state of a voltage conversion unit, and the switching state of the voltage conversion unit when the switching control of FIG. 3 is performed. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0018] With reference to Figs. 1 to 4, a control device 70 for a human-powered vehicle, a power supply device 60 for a human-powered vehicle, and a component 50 for a human-powered vehicle are described. The human-powered vehicle 10 is a vehicle that has at least one wheel and can be driven at least by human-powered driving force. The human-powered vehicle 10 includes various types of bicycles, such as mountain bikes, road bikes, city bikes, cargo bikes, hand bikes, and recumbents. The number of wheels that the human-powered vehicle 10 has is not limited. The human-powered vehicle 10 also includes, for example, one-wheeled vehicles and vehicles with two or more wheels. The human-powered vehicle 10 is not limited to vehicles that can be driven only by human-powered driving force. The human-powered vehicle 10 includes E-bikes that use not only human-powered driving force but also the driving force of an electric motor for propulsion. The E-bike includes an electric-assisted bicycle whose propulsion is assisted by an electric motor. Hereinafter, the human-powered vehicle 10 will be described as an electric-assisted bicycle.

[0019] The human-powered vehicle 10 includes at least one wheel 12 and a vehicle body 14. The at least one wheel 12 includes, for example, a front wheel 12F and a rear wheel 12R. The vehicle body 14 includes, for example, a frame 16.

[0020] The human-powered vehicle 10 further includes, for example, a crank 18 to which human-powered driving force is input. The crank 18 includes, for example, a crankshaft 20 and a crank arm 22. The crankshaft 20 is rotatable with respect to, for example, the frame 16. To the crank arm 22, for example, a pedal 24 is connected.

[0021] The crank arm 22 includes, for example, a first crank arm 22A and a second crank arm 22B. The pedal 24 includes, for example, a first pedal 24A and a second pedal 24B. The first crank arm 22A and the second crank arm 22B are provided, for example, at each end in the axial direction of the crankshaft 20. The first crank arm 22A is coupled, for example, to a first pedal 24A. The second crank arm 22B is coupled, for example, to a second pedal 24B.

[0022] A front fork 26, for example, is connected to the frame 16. A front wheel 12F, for example, is attached to the front fork 26. A handlebar 28, for example, is connected to the front fork 26 via a stem 30. A rear wheel 12R, for example, is supported by the frame 16. In this embodiment, the crank 18 is connected to the rear wheel 12R by a drive mechanism 32. The rear wheel 12R is driven by, for example, the rotation of the crankshaft 20. At least one of the front wheel 12F and the rear wheel 12R may be connected to the crank 18 by, for example, the drive mechanism 32.

[0023] The drive mechanism 32 includes, for example, at least one first rotating body 34 coupled to the crankshaft 20. The first rotating body 34 includes, for example, a front sprocket. The first rotating body 34 may include a pulley or a bevel gear. The crankshaft 20 may be coupled to the front sprocket via a one-way clutch.

[0024] The drive mechanism 32 further includes, for example, at least one second rotating body 36 and a transmission member 38. The transmission member 38 is configured to transmit the rotational force of the first rotating body 34 to the at least one second rotating body 36. The transmission member 38 includes, for example, a chain. The transmission member 38 may include a belt or a shaft. The second rotating body 36 includes, for example, a rear sprocket. The second rotating body 36 may include a pulley or a bevel gear. The chain is wound around, for example, a front sprocket and a rear sprocket. The second rotating body 36 is connected to, for example, the rear wheel 12R. The rear wheel 12R is configured to rotate with, for example, the rotation of the second rotating body 36.

[0025] The human-powered vehicle 10 further includes, for example, a power source 40. The power source 40 is configured, for example, to supply power to the component 50. The power source 40 is configured, for example, to supply power to the power consumption unit 42. The power source 40 is, for example, a battery. The battery includes one or more battery elements. The battery element includes a rechargeable battery. The power source 40 outputs power of a first voltage V1. The first voltage V1 is, for example, 36 V.

[0026] The human-powered vehicle 10 further includes, for example, a power consuming unit 42. The power consuming unit 42 is configured to operate using power supplied from, for example, a power source 40. The power consuming unit 42 is electrically connected to, for example, the power source 40.

[0027] The human-powered vehicle 10 further includes at least one electronic component 44. Three electronic components 44 are shown in Fig. 2 as an example. The number of electronic components 44 included in the human-powered vehicle 10 is not limited to the example of Fig. 2. The electronic components 44 are electrically connected to, for example, the power source 40 and the components 50. The electronic components 44 include, for example, at least one of an operating device 44A, an electronic gear shifter, a cycle computer, an electronically adjustable seat post, and an electronic suspension.

[0028] The human-powered vehicle 10 further includes, for example, a component 50 for human-powered vehicles. The component 50 has a housing 50A. The component 50 further has a first connection portion 52 to which the power source 40 is connected, and a second connection portion 54 to which the electronic component 44 is connected. The first connection portion 52 and the second connection portion 54 are provided in, for example, the housing 50A.

[0029] The component 50 is mutually connected to the electronic component 44 by, for example, a power line 46. The power line 46 is supplied with power from, for example, a voltage conversion unit 62. The component 50 is configured to perform power line communication (PLC) with the electronic component 44 by, for example, the power line 46.

[0030] The component 50 may communicate via a Controller Area Network (CAN) or a Universal Asynchronous Receiver / Transmitter (UART). When the component 50 communicates via a CAN or a UART, the component 50 communicates with the electronic component 44, for example, via a communication line different from the power line 46. The component 50 may be configured to communicate with the electronic component 44 wirelessly.

[0031] The component 50 is, for example, communicatively connected to the power source 40. The component 50 communicates with the power source 40 by, for example, at least one of a PLC, a CAN, and a UART. The component 50 may be configured to wirelessly communicate with the power source 40.

[0032] The component 50 is, for example, a drive unit 56. The drive unit 56 includes, for example, a motor 56A configured to provide a propulsive force to the human-powered vehicle 10. The motor 56A is provided, for example, in a housing 50A. The motor 56A is configured to transmit the driving force of the motor 56A to, for example, the crankshaft 20. The component 50 may be at least one of an electronic transmission, a cycle computer, an electronically adjustable seat post, and an electronic suspension.

[0033] The drive unit 56 further includes, for example, an inverter 56B. For example, power from a power source 40 is supplied to the motor 56A. The motor 56A is connected to the power source 40 via, for example, the inverter 56B. The inverter 56B includes, for example, a drive circuit for the motor 56A. The inverter 56B is controlled by, for example, the control unit 72.

[0034] The component 50 includes, for example, a power supply device 60. The power supply device 60 for a human-powered vehicle includes, for example, a control device 70 and a voltage conversion unit 62.

[0035] The voltage conversion unit 62 is configured to convert the voltage of the power supplied from the power source 40 and supply the power to the power consumption unit 42. The voltage conversion unit 62 includes, for example, a converter. The converter is, for example, a DC / DC converter. The converter includes, for example, a switching element. The switching element includes, for example, at least one of a metal-oxide-semiconductor field-effect transistor (MOSFET) and an insulated gate bipolar transistor (IGBT). The MOSFET may be an N-channel type or a P-channel type.

[0036] The voltage conversion unit 62 is connected to the first connection unit 52, for example. The voltage conversion unit 62 converts a first voltage V1 supplied from the power supply 40, for example, into a second voltage V2. The second voltage V2 has a value suitable for supply to the power consumption unit 42, for example. The second voltage V2 includes, for example, a second voltage V21 and a second voltage V22. The second voltage V21 and the second voltage V22 have values ​​suitable for supply to the power consumption unit 42, for example. The voltage conversion unit 62 is connected to the second connection unit 54, for example. The voltage conversion unit 62 is configured to supply power from the power supply 40 to at least one of the control unit 72 and the second connection unit 54, for example.

[0037] The voltage conversion unit 62 is configured to operate in, for example, either a first power supply state or a second power supply state. The first power supply state is, for example, a power supply state in which the voltage conversion unit 62 converts the voltage by pulse width modulation (PWM) control and supplies power to the power consumption unit 42. The second power supply state is, for example, a power supply state in which the voltage conversion unit 62 converts the voltage by pulse frequency modulation (PFM) control and supplies power to the power consumption unit 42. The voltage conversion unit 62 is configured, for example, by one IC (Integrated Circuit) chip. By configuring the voltage conversion unit 62 by one IC chip, the number of components of the power supply device 60 can be reduced. By reducing the number of components of the power supply device 60, the power supply device 60 can be made smaller. By reducing the number of components of the power supply device 60, the number of assembly steps for the power supply device 60 can be reduced.

[0038] The voltage conversion unit 62 is configured such that, for example, when switching from one of the first power supply state and the second power supply state to the other, the voltage of the power supplied to the power consumption unit 42 changes. When the voltage conversion unit 62 is in the first power supply state, the voltage of the power supplied to the power consumption unit 42 is the second voltage V21. When the voltage conversion unit 62 is in the second power supply state, the voltage of the power supplied to the power consumption unit 42 is the second voltage V22. The second voltage V22 is, for example, a value between 95% and 105% of the second voltage V21. The second voltage V22 is, for example, greater than the second voltage V21. The second voltage V22 is, for example, 102% of the second voltage V21. The second voltage V21 is, for example, 8V. The second voltage V22 is, for example, 8.16V.

[0039] The power supply device 60 further includes, for example, a backflow prevention unit 64. The backflow prevention unit 64 prevents, for example, a current from flowing back to the voltage conversion unit 62. The backflow prevention unit 64 is provided, for example, downstream of the voltage conversion unit 62 in the power supply path from the power supply 40 to the power consumption unit 42. The backflow prevention unit 64 includes, for example, a Schottky-Barrier Diode (SBD) or a Field Effect Transistor (FET).

[0040] The power supply device 60 further includes, for example, an LDO (Low Drop Out) regulator 66. The voltage conversion unit 62 is connected to the control unit 72 via the LDO regulator 66. The LDO regulator 66 converts the voltage of the power supplied from the voltage conversion unit 62. The LDO regulator 66 converts, for example, a second voltage V2 of the power supplied from the voltage conversion unit 62 into a third voltage V3. The third voltage V3 is, for example, 3.3 V.

[0041] The control device 70 for a human-powered vehicle includes, for example, a control unit 72. The control unit 72 includes, for example, an arithmetic processing device that executes a predetermined control program. The arithmetic processing device included in the control unit 72 includes, for example, a central processing unit (CPU) or a micro processing unit (MPU). The arithmetic processing devices included in the control unit 72 may be provided in multiple locations that are separated from each other. The control unit 72 may include one or multiple microcomputers. The control unit 72 is provided on a circuit board included in the component 50 together with the voltage conversion unit 62.

[0042] The control unit 72 is connected to the power source 40, for example, in a wired or wireless manner so as to be able to communicate with the power source 40. The control unit 72 is configured to be supplied with power from the power source 40, for example. The control unit 72 is connected to the power source 40 via the voltage conversion unit 62, for example.

[0043] The control unit 72 is connected to the electronic components 44, for example, in a wired or wireless manner so as to be able to communicate with them. The control unit 72 is connected to the electronic components 44, for example, by a power line 46. The control unit 72 is configured to communicate with the electronic components 44 via the power line 46, for example.

[0044] The control device 70 further includes, for example, a storage unit 74. The storage unit 74 stores, for example, a control program and information used in the control process. The storage unit 74 includes, for example, a non-volatile memory and a volatile memory. The non-volatile memory includes, for example, at least one of a Read-Only Memory (ROM), an Erasable Programmable Read Only Memory (EPROM), an Electrically Erasable Programmable Read-Only Memory (EEPROM), and a flash memory. The volatile memory includes, for example, a Random Access Memory (RAM). The storage unit 74 is provided, for example, on the same circuit board as the control unit 72. The storage unit 74 may be provided on a circuit board different from that of the control unit 72, or may be provided outside the human-powered vehicle 10 and configured to communicate with the control unit 72.

[0045] The control device 70 further includes, for example, a communication unit 76. The communication unit 76 is provided, for example, on the same circuit board as the control unit 72. The communication unit 76 may be provided on a circuit board different from that on which the control unit 72 is provided. The control unit 72 communicates with the electronic component 44 via, for example, the communication unit 76.

[0046] The communication unit 76 communicates with the electronic component 44, for example, via the power line 46. The communication unit 76 is configured to communicate with the electronic component 44, for example, by PLC. When the communication unit 76 communicates by PLC, the power line 46 also serves as a communication line used for the PLC.

[0047] The communication unit 76 may communicate with the electronic component 44 via CAN or UART. When the communication unit 76 communicates with the electronic component 44 via CAN or UART, the communication unit 76 communicates with the electronic component 44 via, for example, a communication line different from the power line 46. The communication unit 76 may be configured to wirelessly communicate with the electronic component 44.

[0048] The power consumption unit 42 includes, for example, at least one of the control unit 72 and electronic components for the human-powered vehicle 44. In this embodiment, the power consumption unit 42 includes, for example, the control unit 72 and the electronic components 44. When the human-powered vehicle 10 includes a plurality of electronic components 44, for example, each of the plurality of electronic components 44 corresponds to a power consumption unit 42.

[0049] The power consumption state of the power consumption unit 42 is configured to switch between, for example, a first power consumption state and a second power consumption state in which power consumption is smaller than that of the first power consumption state. The power consumption unit 42 is configured to perform normal operation in, for example, the first power consumption state. The power consumption unit 42 is configured to restrict operation more than normal in, for example, the second power consumption state. The power consumption unit 42 is configured not to perform normal operation while not receiving a communication signal in, for example, the second power consumption state. The power consumption unit 42 starts up in the second power consumption state when, for example, connected to the power source 40.

[0050] For example, the power consumption unit 42 operates in the second power consumption state instead of the power off state in which the power consumption unit 42 completely stops operating. Therefore, when the power consumption unit 42 operates in the second power consumption state, the power consumption of the power source 40 can be suppressed, and the power consumption state can be shifted to the first power consumption state more quickly than in the power off state.

[0051] The control unit 72 is configured, for example, to control the voltage conversion unit 62. The control unit 72 is configured, for example, to control the voltage conversion unit 62 so as to operate in either a first power supply state or a second power supply state.

[0052] The control unit 72 is configured to control the voltage conversion unit 62 so that the voltage conversion unit 62 operates in the first power supply state when the power consumption state of the power consumption unit 42 is the first power consumption state. When the power consumption state of the power consumption unit 42 is the first power consumption state, the voltage conversion unit 62 operates by PWM control, for example.

[0053] The control unit 72 is configured to control the voltage conversion unit 62 so that the voltage conversion unit 62 operates in the second power supply state when the power consumption state of the power consumption unit 42 is the second power consumption state. When the power consumption state of the power consumption unit 42 is the second power consumption state, the voltage conversion unit 62 operates by PFM control.

[0054] The electronic components 44 include, for example, an operation device 44A. The operation device 44A includes an operation unit that can be operated by a user. The operation device 44A is configured to operate, for example, at least one of the electronic components 44 other than the component 50 and the operation device 44A. The operation device 44A is configured to operate, for example, at least one of the drive unit 56, the electronic gear shifter, the cycle computer, the electronic adjustable seat post, and the electronic suspension.

[0055] The operation unit includes, for example, at least one switch. The operation unit may include a lever or a dial. The switch includes, for example, an electric switch. The switching state of the electric switch is changed in response to an operation by the user. The electric contact of the electric switch may be connected or opened in response to an operation by the user.

[0056] The operation device 44A outputs an operation signal, for example, when the user operates the operation part. The operation signal includes, for example, an operation signal for turning on or off the drive unit 56. The operation signal may include at least one of an operation signal for changing the assist mode of the drive unit 56 and an operation signal for switching the shift stage of the electronic transmission. The operation signal may include an operation signal for turning on or off at least one of the cycle computer, the electronic adjustable seat post, and the electronic suspension.

[0057] The control unit 72 is configured to receive, for example, an operation signal from the operation device 44 A. When the control unit 72 receives, for example, the operation signal, the control unit 72 is configured to switch the power consumption state of the power consumption unit 42 from one of the first power consumption state and the second power consumption state to the other of the first power consumption state and the second power consumption state.

[0058] For example, when the control unit 72 receives an operation signal while the power consumption state of the power consumption unit 42 is in the first power consumption state, the control unit 72 is configured to switch the power consumption state of the power consumption unit 42 from the first power consumption state to the second power consumption state. For example, when the control unit 72 receives an operation signal while the power consumption state of the power consumption unit 42 is in the second power consumption state, the control unit 72 is configured to switch the power consumption state of the power consumption unit 42 from the second power consumption state to the first power consumption state.

[0059] For example, when the control unit 72 receives an operation signal while the power consumption state of the power consumption unit 42 is in the first power consumption state, the control unit 72 is configured to switch the power consumption state from the first power consumption state to the second power consumption state. For example, when the control unit 72 receives an operation signal while the power consumption state of the power consumption unit 42 is in the first power consumption state, the control unit 72 is configured to transmit a first control signal to the electronic component 44 for switching the power consumption state of the electronic component 44 from the first power consumption state to the second power consumption state in response to receiving the first control signal. When switching from the first power consumption state to the second power consumption state is completed, the electronic component 44 is configured to transmit a first switching completion signal to the control unit 72.

[0060] For example, when the control unit 72 receives an operation signal while the power consumption state of the power consumption unit 42 is in the second power consumption state, the control unit 72 is configured to switch the power consumption state from the second power consumption state to the first power consumption state. For example, when the control unit 72 receives an operation signal while the power consumption state of the power consumption unit 42 is in the second power consumption state, the control unit 72 is configured to transmit a second control signal to the electronic component 44 for switching the power consumption state of the electronic component 44 from the second power consumption state to the first power consumption state. In response to receiving the second control signal, the electronic component 44 switches from the second power consumption state to the first power consumption state. When switching from the second power consumption state to the first power consumption state is completed, the electronic component 44 is configured to transmit a second switching completion signal to the control unit 72.

[0061] When the power consumption state of the power consumption unit 42 switches from one of the first power consumption state and the second power consumption state to the other, the control unit 72 is configured to, for example, control the voltage conversion unit 62 so as to switch the voltage conversion unit 62 from one of the first power supply state and the second power supply state to the other while the power consumption state of the power consumption unit 42 is in the first power consumption state. The control unit 72 is configured to control the voltage conversion unit 62 so as not to switch the voltage conversion unit 62 from one of the first power supply state and the second power supply state to the other while the power consumption state of the power consumption unit 42 is in the second power consumption state.

[0062] When the power consumption state of the power consumption unit 42 is switched from the first power consumption state to the second power consumption state, the control unit 72 is configured to switch the voltage conversion unit 62 from the first power supply state to the second power supply state, for example, before the power consumption state of the power consumption unit 42 is switched from the first power consumption state to the second power consumption state. The control unit 72 may be configured to transmit a second control signal to the electronic component 44 after switching the voltage conversion unit 62 from the first power supply state to the second power supply state, for example, when receiving an operation signal for switching the power consumption state of the power consumption unit 42 from the first power consumption state to the second power consumption state. The control unit 72 may be configured to transmit the second control signal to the electronic component 44 after a first period has elapsed, for example, when receiving an operation signal for switching the power consumption state of the power consumption unit 42 from the first power consumption state to the second power consumption state. The first period is set to a period sufficient for switching the voltage conversion unit 62 from the first power supply state to the second power supply state, for example.

[0063] When the power consumption state of the power consumption unit 42 is switched from the second power consumption state to the first power consumption state, the control unit 72 is configured to, for example, switch the voltage conversion unit 62 from the second power supply state to the first power supply state after the power consumption state of the power consumption unit 42 is switched from the second power consumption state to the first power consumption state. The control unit 72 may be configured to, for example, switch the voltage conversion unit 62 from the second power supply state to the first power supply state when receiving an operation signal for switching the power consumption state of the power consumption unit 42 from the second power consumption state to the first power consumption state, transmit a first control signal to the electronic component 44, and then switch the voltage conversion unit 62 from the second power supply state to the first power supply state when receiving a first switching completion signal from the electronic component 44. The control unit 72 may be configured to, for example, switch the voltage conversion unit 62 from the second power supply state to the first power supply state after a second period has elapsed after transmitting the first control signal to the electronic component 44 when receiving an operation signal for switching the power consumption state of the power consumption unit 42 from the second power consumption state to the first power consumption state. The second period is set to, for example, a period sufficient for the electronic component 44 to switch from the second power consumption state to the first power consumption state.

[0064] An example of switching control of the power supply state of the voltage conversion unit 62 and the power consumption state of the power consumption unit 42 by the control unit 72 will be described with reference to Fig. 3. When power is supplied from the power source 40, the control unit 72 proceeds to step S11 in Fig. 3 and starts processing. The control unit 72 executes the switching control of Fig. 3 at predetermined intervals. When the supply of power from the power source 40 is stopped, the control unit 72 stops processing.

[0065] 3, in step S11, the control unit 72 determines whether or not the power consumption state of the power consumption unit 42 is the first power consumption state. If the power consumption state of the power consumption unit 42 is the first power consumption state, the control unit 72 proceeds to step S12.

[0066] In step S12, the control unit 72 determines whether or not an operation signal has been received from the operation device 44A. If an operation signal has been received from the operation device 44A, the control unit 72 proceeds to step S13. If an operation signal has not been received from the operation device 44A, the control unit 72 ends the process.

[0067] In step S13, the control unit 72 switches the power supply state of the voltage conversion unit 62 to the second power supply state, and proceeds to step S14. In step S14, the control unit 72 determines whether or not the switching of the voltage conversion unit 62 to the second power supply state has been completed. If the switching of the voltage conversion unit 62 to the second power supply state has been completed, the control unit 72 proceeds to step S15. If the switching of the voltage conversion unit 62 to the second power supply state has not been completed, the control unit 72 repeats the process of step S14.

[0068] In step S15, the control unit 72 transmits a first control signal to the electronic component 44, and proceeds to step S16. In step S16, the control unit 72 switches the power consumption state of the control unit 72 to the second power consumption state, and ends the process. The control unit 72 may execute step S15 and step S16 in reverse order.

[0069] If the power consumption state of the power consumption unit 42 is not the first power consumption state in step S11, the control unit 72 proceeds to step S17. In this embodiment, a case where the power consumption state of the power consumption unit 42 is not the first power consumption state corresponds to a case where the power consumption state is the second power consumption state.

[0070] In step S17, the control unit 72 determines whether or not an operation signal has been received from the operation device 44A. If an operation signal has been received from the operation device 44A, the control unit 72 proceeds to step S18. If an operation signal has not been received from the operation device 44A, the control unit 72 ends the process.

[0071] In step S19, the control unit 72 transmits a second control signal to the electronic component 44, and the process proceeds to step S19. In step S19, the control unit 72 switches the power consumption state of the control unit 72 to the first power consumption state, and the process proceeds to step S20. The control unit 72 may execute step S18 and step S19 in an interchangeable order.

[0072] In step S20, the control unit 72 determines whether or not the switching of the power consumption unit 42 to the first power supply state has been completed. For example, when the control unit 72 receives a first switching completion signal from the electronic component 44, the control unit 72 determines that the switching of the power consumption unit 42 to the first power supply state has been completed. When the switching of the power consumption unit 42 to the first power supply state has been completed, the control unit 72 proceeds to step S21. When the switching of the power consumption unit 42 to the first power supply state has not been completed, the control unit 72 repeats the process of step S20. In step S21, the control unit 72 switches the power supply state of the voltage conversion unit 62 to the first power supply state and ends the process.

[0073] An example of changes in the power supply state of the voltage conversion unit 62 and the power consumption state of the power consumption unit 42 caused by the switching control shown in Fig. 3 will be described with reference to Fig. 4. Fig. 4 shows changes in the power consumption state of the power consumption unit 42. The timing of the change in the power consumption state of the control unit 72 is substantially the same as the timing of the change in the power consumption state of the electronic component 44, for example.

[0074] Time t11 is the time when the control unit 72 receives an operation signal while the power consumption state of the power consumption unit 42 is the first power consumption state. When the control unit 72 receives the operation signal at time t11, the control unit 72 starts control to switch the power supply state of the voltage conversion unit 62 from the first power supply state to the second power supply state. At time t11, the voltage conversion unit 62 operates under PWM control.

[0075] Time t12 is the time when the power supply state of the voltage conversion unit 62 switches from the first power supply state to the second power supply state. At time t12, the control unit 72 transmits a second control signal to the electronic component 44. At time t12, the control unit 72 starts control for switching its own power consumption state to the second power consumption state. After time t12, the voltage conversion unit 62 operates under PFM control. At time t12, the second voltage V2 changes from the second voltage V21 to the second voltage V22.

[0076] Time t13 is the time when the power consumption state of the power consumption unit 42 switches from the first power consumption state to the second power consumption state. After the power consumption state of the power consumption unit 42 switches from the first power consumption state to the second power consumption state, the second power consumption state is maintained until the control unit 72 receives an operation signal again.

[0077] Time t14 is the time when control unit 72 receives an operation signal while the power consumption state of power consumption unit 42 is in the first power consumption state. At time t14, control unit 72 transmits a first control signal to power consumption unit 42. At time t14, control unit 72 starts control for switching its own power consumption state to the first power consumption state.

[0078] Time t15 is the time when the power consumption state of power consumption unit 42 switches from the second power consumption state to the first power consumption state. At time t15, control unit 72 starts control to switch the power supply state of voltage conversion unit 62 from the second power supply state to the first power supply state.

[0079] At time t16, the power supply state of the voltage conversion unit 62 is switched from the second power supply state to the first power supply state. After time t16, the voltage conversion unit 62 operates under PWM control. At time t16, the second voltage V2 changes from the second voltage V22 to the second voltage V21.

[0080] 4, when the power supply state of the voltage conversion unit 62 is the first power supply state, the switching state of the voltage conversion unit 62 is switched between on and off by PWM control. When the power supply state of the voltage conversion unit 62 is the first power supply state, the voltage conversion unit 62 adjusts the duty ratio so that the first voltage V1 is converted to the second voltage V21. The duty ratio is the ratio of the on period to the total period of the on period when the switching state is on and the off period when the switching state is off.

[0081] When the power supply state of the voltage conversion unit 62 is the second power supply state, the switching state of the voltage conversion unit 62 is switched between on and off by PFM control. When the power supply state of the voltage conversion unit 62 is the second power supply state, the voltage conversion unit 62 is controlled to keep the on period constant and change the off period. When the power supply state of the voltage conversion unit 62 is the second power supply state, the voltage conversion unit 62 is controlled to change the off period so that the first voltage V1 is converted to the second voltage V22. When the power supply state of the voltage conversion unit 62 is the second power supply state, the voltage conversion unit 62 may be controlled to keep the off period constant and change the on period.

[0082] When the power supply state of the voltage conversion unit 62 is the first power supply state, the voltage on the power line 46 for communicating by PLC is maintained at, for example, the second voltage V21. When the power supply state of the voltage conversion unit 62 is the second power supply state, the voltage on the power line 46 for communicating by PLC is maintained at, for example, the second voltage V22. The voltage output from the LDO regulator 66 to the control unit 72 is maintained at the third voltage V3.

[0083] The electronic component 44 and the LDO regulator 66 are configured to be reset, for example, when the supplied power is interrupted. The control unit 72 can prevent the electronic component 44 and the LDO regulator 66 from being reset by maintaining the voltage supplied from the voltage conversion unit 62 to the electronic component 44 and the LDO regulator 66 at the second voltage V2 even during the period when the power consumption state of the power consumption unit 42 is the second power consumption state.

[0084] For example, in the first power supply state, the voltage conversion unit 62 converts the voltage by PWM control, so that the power supply quality is less likely to deteriorate and the output voltage is less likely to have ripples than in the second power supply state. For example, in the second power supply state, the voltage conversion unit 62 converts the voltage by PFM control, so that the power supply efficiency is higher under light load than in the first power supply state. Therefore, the voltage conversion unit 62 can suppress power consumption by switching between PWM control and PFM control.

[0085] A voltage change that occurs when the power supply state of the voltage conversion unit 62 is switched is transmitted to the power consumption unit 42 via the power line 46. By configuring at least one of the operation signal for switching to the first power consumption state and the first control signal as a simple signal, the power consumption of the power consumption unit 42 in the second power consumption state can be suitably suppressed. If the second control signal is configured as a simple signal, for example, when the power consumption unit 42 detects a voltage change in the second power consumption state, it may erroneously recognize the voltage change as an operation signal for switching to the first power consumption state or the first control signal.

[0086] After the power supply state of the voltage conversion unit 62 is switched from the first power supply state to the second power supply state, the control unit 72 switches the power consumption state of the power consumption unit 42 from the first power consumption state to the second power consumption state. Therefore, since the voltage change caused by the switching of the power supply state of the voltage conversion unit 62 occurs while the power consumption state of the power consumption unit 42 is in the first power consumption state, it is possible to reduce the risk that the power consumption state of the power consumption unit 42 will switch from the first power consumption state to the second power consumption state due to the voltage change.

[0087] After the power consumption state of the power consumption unit 42 is switched from the second power consumption state to the first power consumption state, the control unit 72 switches the power supply state of the voltage conversion unit 62 from the second power supply state to the first power supply state. Therefore, since the voltage change caused by the switching of the power supply state of the voltage conversion unit 62 occurs while the power consumption state of the power consumption unit 42 is in the first power consumption state, it is possible to prevent the power consumption state of the power consumption unit 42 from switching from the first power consumption state to the second power consumption state due to the voltage change.

[0088] <Example of change> The explanations of the embodiments are examples of forms that a control device for a human-powered vehicle, a power supply device for a human-powered vehicle, and components for a human-powered vehicle according to the present disclosure can take, and are not intended to limit the forms. A control device for a human-powered vehicle, a power supply device for a human-powered vehicle, and components for a human-powered vehicle according to the present disclosure can take forms, for example, modified examples of the embodiments shown below, and forms that combine at least two modified examples that are not mutually contradictory. In the modified examples below, parts that are common to the embodiments are given the same reference numerals as the embodiments, and descriptions thereof are omitted.

[0089] The power consumption unit 42 may be configured to switch from the second power consumption state to the first power consumption state when a predetermined condition different from an operation on the operation device 44A is satisfied. The predetermined condition is satisfied, for example, at least one of when the human-powered vehicle 10 starts traveling and when vibration is applied to the human-powered vehicle 10. The human-powered vehicle 10 may include, for example, a vibration sensor, and when the magnitude of the vibration of the human-powered vehicle 10 is equal to or greater than a predetermined magnitude, it is determined that the predetermined condition is satisfied. The human-powered vehicle 10 may include an acceleration sensor, and when the acceleration of the human-powered vehicle 10 is equal to or greater than a predetermined acceleration, it is determined that the predetermined condition is satisfied.

[0090] The power consumption unit 42 may include the control unit 72 and may not include the electronic components 44. In this modified example, the human-powered vehicle 10 may not include the electronic components 44.

[0091] The power consumption unit 42 may include the electronic components 44 and may not include the control unit 72.

[0092] The timing of switching the power consumption state of the power consumption unit 42 may be the same as the timing of switching the power supply state of the voltage conversion unit 62. By matching the timing of switching the power consumption state of the power consumption unit 42 with the timing of switching the power supply state of the voltage conversion unit 62, the power consumption state of the power consumption unit 42 can be switched early.

[0093] When the power consumption state of the power consumption unit 42 switches from the second power consumption state to the first power consumption state, the control unit 72 may be configured to switch the voltage conversion unit 62 from the second power supply state to the first power supply state before the power consumption state of the power consumption unit 42 switches from the second power consumption state to the first power consumption state.

[0094] When the power consumption state of the power consumption unit 42 switches from the first power consumption state to the second power consumption state, the control unit 72 may be configured to switch the voltage conversion unit 62 from the first power supply state to the second power supply state after the power consumption state of the power consumption unit 42 switches from the first power consumption state to the second power consumption state.

[0095] At least one of the voltage conversion unit 62 and the control unit 72 may be provided in the electronic component 44. For example, the voltage conversion unit 62 is provided in the component 50, and the control unit 72 is provided in the electronic component 44. At least one of the voltage conversion unit 62 and the control unit 72 may be provided in the power supply 40.

[0096] The term "at least one" as used herein means "one or more" of the desired options. As an example, the term "at least one" as used herein means "only one option" or "both of two options" if the number of options is two. As another example, the term "at least one" as used herein means "only one option" or "any combination of two or more options" if the number of options is three or more. [Explanation of symbols]

[0097] 10...human-powered vehicle, 40...power source, 42...power consumption section, 44...electronic component, 46...power line, 50...component, 56...drive unit, 56A...motor, 60...power supply device, 62...voltage conversion section, 70...control device, 72...control section.

Claims

1. A control device for a human-powered vehicle, A control unit configured to control a voltage conversion unit configured to convert a voltage of power supplied from a power source and supply the power to a power consumption unit, A control device, wherein the control unit is configured to control the voltage conversion unit so that the voltage conversion unit operates in either a first power supply state in which the voltage conversion unit converts voltage by pulse width modulation control and supplies power to the power consumption unit, or a second power supply state in which the voltage conversion unit converts voltage by pulse frequency modulation control and supplies power to the power consumption unit.

2. a power consumption state of the power consumption unit is configured to be switched between a first power consumption state and a second power consumption state in which power consumption is smaller than that of the first power consumption state; The control unit is when the power consumption state of the power consumption unit is the first power consumption state, the power consumption unit is controlled so that the voltage conversion unit operates in the first power supply state; The control device according to claim 1 , configured to control the voltage conversion unit so that the voltage conversion unit operates in the second power supply state when the power consumption state of the power consumption unit is the second power consumption state.

3. 3. The control device of claim 2, wherein when the power consumption state of the power consumption unit switches from one of the first power consumption state and the second power consumption state to the other, the control unit is configured to control the voltage conversion unit to switch the voltage conversion unit from one of the first power supply state and the second power supply state to the other while the power consumption state of the power consumption unit is in the first power consumption state.

4. 4. The control device according to claim 3, wherein when the power consumption state of the power consumption unit switches from the second power consumption state to the first power consumption state, the control unit is configured to switch the voltage conversion unit from the second power supply state to the first power supply state after the power consumption state of the power consumption unit switches from the second power consumption state to the first power consumption state.

5. 4. The control device according to claim 3, wherein when the power consumption state of the power consumption unit switches from the first power consumption state to the second power consumption state, the control unit is configured to switch the voltage conversion unit from the first power supply state to the second power supply state before the power consumption state of the power consumption unit switches from the first power consumption state to the second power consumption state.

6. A power supply device for a human-powered vehicle, The control device according to claim 1 ; A power supply device comprising the voltage conversion unit.

7. A power supply device for a human-powered vehicle, The control device according to claim 3 ; The voltage conversion unit, a power supply device, wherein the voltage conversion unit is configured to change a voltage of the power supplied to the power consumption unit when switching from one of the first power supply state and the second power supply state to the other;

8. 8. The power supply device according to claim 6, wherein the power consumption unit includes at least one of the control unit and an electronic component for the human-powered vehicle.

9. the power consumption unit includes the control unit and the electronic components; The control unit is the power supply unit is connected to the electronic component via a power line through which power is supplied from the voltage conversion unit; 9. The power supply of claim 8 configured to communicate with the electronic component over the power line.

10. A component for a human-powered vehicle, comprising: A component comprising a power supply device according to claim 6 or 7.

11. The component of claim 10 , which is a drive unit including a motor configured to provide propulsive force to the human powered vehicle.

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