Communication unit for bicycle

Abstract

To provide a communication unit for a bicycle that can contribute to usability.SOLUTION: A communication unit for a bicycle is provided with: a housing; a control part provided in the housing; an operation device configured to be able to communicate with the control part on the basis of operation by a user; a radio communication part, configured to receive information from a device arranged away from the control part, which is transmits the information from the device to the control part; and a wired communication part configured to transmit a control signal to a component for a bicycle through electric cable in accordance with operation of the operation device. The control part is configured to control the component for a bicycle through the wired communication part, on the basis of the operation of the operation device and the information from the device.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 2

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a bicycle communication unit. [Background technology]

[0002] The information collection system disclosed in Patent Document 1 transmits gear position information relating to a bicycle's gear shift device to an information processing device via wireless communication. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] JP 2015-131533 A Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] The above-mentioned information collection system does not disclose information regarding components other than the gear shifting device that can control the driving state of the bicycle.

[0005] An object of the present invention is to provide a bicycle communication unit that contributes to usability. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] One embodiment of a bicycle communication unit according to a first aspect of the present invention is a bicycle communication unit comprising a housing, a control unit provided in the housing, an operating device configured to communicate with the control unit based on user operation, a wireless communication unit configured to receive information from a device located away from the control unit and communicate the information from the device to the control unit, and a wired communication unit configured to transmit control signals to bicycle components via an electrical cable in response to operation of the operating device, wherein the control unit is configured to control the bicycle components via the wired communication unit based on the operation of the operating device and the information from the device.

[0007] In the bicycle communication unit of a second aspect according to the first aspect, the control unit is configured to control a control state of a motor that assists in propulsion of the bicycle.

[0008] In a bicycle communication unit according to a third aspect of the present invention, the operating device is provided on a handlebar.

[0009] In a bicycle communication unit according to a fourth aspect of the present invention, the operating device includes one of a push switch, a lever, and a touch panel.

[0010] In a bicycle communication unit according to a fifth aspect of the present invention, the wireless communication unit is provided in the housing.

[0011] In a bicycle communication unit according to a sixth aspect of the present invention, the wired communication unit is provided in the housing.

[0012] In a bicycle communication unit according to a seventh aspect of the present invention, the wireless communication unit is configured to transmit the information to be displayed on an external device.

[0013] In a bicycle communication unit according to an eighth aspect of the present invention, the information from the wireless communication unit includes information indicating a control state of a transmission.

[0014] In a bicycle communication unit according to a ninth aspect of the present invention, the wired communication section includes a communication circuit that performs power line communication.

[0015] The bicycle communication unit of a tenth aspect according to any one of the first to ninth aspects further includes a first connector electrically connected to the wired communication portion and connectable to a first electric cable.

[0016] In a bicycle communication unit of an eleventh aspect according to the tenth aspect, further comprising a second connector electrically connected to the wired communication unit and connectable to a second electrical cable, the second connector being connected to the wired communication unit in parallel with the first connector.

[0017] In a bicycle communication unit of a twelfth aspect according to any one of the first to eleventh aspects, the operating device is connected to the wired communication unit which transmits a control signal that changes the control state of the motor in response to the operation of the operating device by manipulation.

[0018] The bicycle communication unit of a thirteenth aspect according to any one of the first to twelfth aspects further comprises a display configured to show the information.

[0019] In a bicycle communication unit according to a fourteenth aspect of the present invention, the display unit includes one or more light-emitting elements.

[0020] Other inventions will now be described. One embodiment of a bicycle wireless unit according to a first aspect of the present invention includes a base portion and a wireless communication portion provided on the base portion, the wireless communication portion wirelessly transmitting first information relating to a motor that assists in propulsion of the bicycle and second information relating to a transmission of the bicycle. According to the first aspect, the first information regarding the motor and the second information regarding the transmission can be wirelessly transmitted by a single wireless communication unit, which contributes to usability.

[0021] In the bicycle wireless unit according to the second aspect, the first information includes information for causing an external device to display a control state of the motor. According to the second aspect, the user can grasp the first information by the external device.

[0022] In a bicycle wireless unit according to a third aspect of the present invention, the second information includes information for causing an external device to display a control state of the transmission. According to the third aspect, the user can grasp the second information by the external device.

[0023] In a bicycle wireless unit of a fourth aspect according to any one of the first to third aspects, the base portion has a storage space for storing the wireless communication unit, and the wireless communication unit is provided in the storage space. According to the fourth aspect, it is possible to prevent foreign matter from adhering to the wireless communication unit.

[0024] In a bicycle wireless unit of a fifth aspect according to any one of the first to fourth aspects, the wireless communication unit receives the first information and the second information from a bicycle component and transmits the received first information and second information. According to the fifth aspect, the first information and the second information held by the bicycle component can be transmitted from the bicycle wireless unit.

[0025] In the bicycle wireless unit of the sixth aspect according to the fifth aspect, the base portion is provided independently from the bicycle component. According to the sixth aspect, the bicycle wireless unit can be disposed in a position desired by the user.

[0026] In the bicycle wireless unit of the seventh aspect according to the fifth aspect, the base portion is provided on the bicycle component. According to the seventh aspect, the bicycle wireless unit and the bicycle components can be integrated together.

[0027] In a bicycle wireless unit of an eighth aspect according to any one of the fifth to seventh aspects, the bicycle component includes a first control device that controls the motor, and the wireless communication unit receives the first information from the first control device. According to the eighth aspect, the first information held by the first control device that controls the motor can be transmitted from the bicycle wireless unit.

[0028] In a bicycle wireless unit of a ninth aspect according to any one of the fifth to eighth aspects, the bicycle component includes a second control device that controls the transmission, and the wireless communication unit receives the second information from the second control device. According to the ninth aspect, the second information held by the second control device that controls the transmission can be transmitted from the bicycle wireless unit.

[0029] In a bicycle wireless unit of a tenth aspect according to any one of the fifth to seventh aspects, the bicycle component includes a third control device that controls the motor and the transmission, and the wireless communication unit receives the first information and the second information from the third control device. According to the tenth aspect, the first information and the second information held by the third control device that controls the motor and the transmission can be transmitted from the bicycle wireless unit.

[0030] In the bicycle wireless unit of an eleventh aspect according to any one of the fifth to tenth aspects, the bicycle components include a first bicycle component including the motor, and a second bicycle component including the transmission. According to the eleventh aspect, the first information can be received from a first bicycle component including a motor, and the second information can be received from a second bicycle component including a transmission.

[0031] In a bicycle wireless unit of a twelfth aspect according to any one of the fifth to seventh aspects, the bicycle component includes an operating device for operating at least one of the motor and the transmission, and the wireless communication unit receives at least one of the first information and the second information from the operating device. According to the twelfth aspect, the first information and the second information can be received from the operating device.

[0032] The bicycle wireless unit of the thirteenth aspect according to any one of the fifth to twelfth aspects further includes a wired communication section capable of communicating with the bicycle component via a wire. According to the thirteenth aspect, the first information and the second information can be received from the bicycle component by the wired communication unit.

[0033] In the bicycle wireless unit of the fourteenth aspect according to the thirteenth aspect, the wired communication section includes a communication circuit that performs power line communication. According to the fourteenth aspect, power line communication with a bicycle component can be achieved.

[0034] The bicycle wireless unit of a fifteenth aspect according to the thirteenth or fourteenth aspect further includes a first connector to which a first electric cable for connecting the bicycle component and the wired communication unit can be connected. According to the fifteenth aspect, the bicycle component can be easily connected by connecting the first electrical cable to the first connector.

[0035] The bicycle wireless unit of the sixteenth aspect according to the fifteenth aspect further includes one or more second connectors electrically connected in parallel to the first connector. According to the sixteenth aspect, the second connector can connect two or more bicycle components.

[0036] The bicycle wireless unit of a seventeenth aspect according to the sixteenth aspect further includes a cover that is detachable from the second connector, and an attachment member provided on the cover and attachable to a linear member attached to the bicycle. According to the seventeenth aspect, the cover can prevent foreign matter from attaching to the second connector when the second connector is not in use. Also, the bicycle wireless unit can be attached to the linear member.

[0037] In the bicycle wireless unit of the eighteenth aspect according to the seventeenth aspect, the cover includes a first portion, and the mounting member includes a second portion attachable to the first portion. According to the eighteenth aspect, the mounting member can be stably attached to the cover.

[0038] In a bicycle wireless unit according to a nineteenth aspect of the present invention, the cover and the mounting member are integrally formed. According to the nineteenth aspect, the number of parts can be reduced.

[0039] In a bicycle wireless unit of a 20th aspect according to any one of the 13th to 19th aspects, the bicycle wireless unit further includes an operating unit, and when the operating unit is operated, the wired communication unit transmits a control signal for changing the control state of the motor. According to the twentieth aspect, the control state of the motor can be changed by operating the operating portion.

[0040] The bicycle wireless unit of a twenty-first aspect according to any one of the first to twentieth aspects further includes a display unit provided on the base and capable of displaying at least one of the first information and the second information. According to the twenty-first aspect, the user can grasp at least one of the first information and the second information through the display unit.

[0041] In the bicycle wireless unit of the twenty-second aspect according to the twenty-first aspect, the display unit includes one or more light-emitting elements. According to the twenty-second aspect, the display unit can be easily configured using the light-emitting elements. Effect of the Invention

[0042] The bicycle wireless unit of the present invention can contribute to usability. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0043] [Figure 1] 1 is a side view of a bicycle including a bicycle wireless unit according to an embodiment. [Diagram 2] FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing the electrical configuration of the bicycle of FIG. 1. [Diagram 3] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the bicycle wireless unit of FIG. 1 with a first electric cable connected; [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is a plan view of the bicycle wireless unit of FIG. 3 with the first electric cable connected; [Diagram 5] FIG. 4 is a perspective view of the cover and mounting member of FIG. 3 . [Figure 6] FIG. 6 is a perspective view of the mounting member of FIG. 5 . [Figure 7] FIG. 4 is a schematic diagram showing an example of first information and second information displayed on an external device. [Figure 8] FIG. 13 is a perspective view of a cover and an attachment member according to a first modified example. [Figure 9] FIG. 11 is a side view of a bicycle component on which a bicycle wireless unit of a second modified example is mounted. [Figure 10] FIG. 11 is a block diagram showing the electrical configuration of a bicycle according to a third modified example. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0044] (Embodiment) A bicycle 10 including a bicycle wireless unit 50 according to an embodiment will be described with reference to Figures 1 to 7. The bicycle 10 may be a mountain bike, a road bike, or a city bike. The bicycle 10 may also be a tricycle, a cargo bike, or a recumbent bike.

[0045] As shown in FIG. 1, the bicycle 10 includes a bicycle body 12, wheels 14, a drive mechanism 16, a battery 18, bicycle components 30, and a bicycle wireless unit 50. The bicycle body 12 includes a frame 20, a front fork 20A connected to the frame 20, and a handlebar 20C detachably connected to the front fork 20A via a stem 20B. The front fork 20A is supported by the frame 20.

[0046] The wheels 14 include a front wheel 14A and a rear wheel 14B. The axle of the front wheel 14A is connected to an end of a front fork 20A. The axle of the rear wheel 14B is connected to the rear end of the frame 20.

[0047] The drive mechanism 16 includes a crank 22 and a pedal 24. The crank 22 includes a crank shaft 22A and a crank arm 22B. The drive mechanism 16 transmits the human-powered driving force applied to the pedal 24 to the rear wheel 14B. The drive mechanism 16 includes a wheel member 26. The wheel member 26 is configured to be rotatable around a rotation axis different from the rotation axis of the wheel 14. The wheel member 26 is coupled to the crank shaft 22A. The wheel member 26 includes a sprocket, a pulley, or a bevel gear. The drive mechanism 16 is configured to transmit the rotation of the crank 22 to a rear rotating body 28 coupled to the rear wheel 14B via, for example, a chain, a belt, or a shaft. The rear rotating body 28 includes a sprocket, a pulley, or a bevel gear. A one-way clutch (not shown) is provided between the rear rotating body 28 and the rear wheel 14B. The one-way clutch is configured to rotate the rear wheel 14B forward when the rear rotating body 28 rotates forward. The wheel member 26 may include a plurality of front sprockets. The rear rotating body 28 may include a plurality of rear sprockets.

[0048] As shown in FIG. 2, the bicycle component 30 includes a first control device 34 that controls the motor 32. The first control device 34 includes a processor that executes a predetermined control program. The processor includes, for example, a CPU (Central Processing Unit) or an MPU (Micro Processing Unit). The first control device 34 may include one or more microcomputers. The bicycle component 30 includes a second control device 38 that controls the transmission 36. The second control device 38 includes a processor that executes a predetermined control program. The processor includes, for example, a CPU or an MPU. The second control device 38 may include one or more microcomputers. In the assist mode, the first control device 34 controls the output of the motor 32 according to the output of a sensor that detects the human-powered driving force. The bicycle component 30 includes a first bicycle component 30A and a second bicycle component 30B. The bicycle component 30 further includes a third bicycle component 30C.

[0049] The first bicycle component 30A includes a motor 32. The first bicycle component 30A further includes a first control device 34 and a drive circuit 40. The second bicycle component 30B includes a transmission 36. The second bicycle component 30B further includes a second control device 38 and an actuator 42. The third bicycle component 30C includes an operating device 44 for operating at least one of the motor 32 and the transmission 36.

[0050] The motor 32, the first control device 34, and the drive circuit 40 of the first bicycle component 30A are preferably provided in the same housing. The drive circuit 40 controls the power supplied from the battery 18 to the motor 32. The drive circuit 40 is connected to the first control device 34 so as to be able to communicate with each other by wire or wirelessly. The drive circuit 40 can communicate with the first control device 34, for example, by serial communication. The drive circuit 40 drives the motor 32 in response to a control signal from the first control device 34. The motor 32 assists the propulsion of the bicycle 10. The motor 32 includes an electric motor. The motor 32 is provided to transmit rotation to the transmission path of the human-powered driving force from the pedal 24 to the rear wheel 14B or the front wheel 14A. The motor 32 is provided in the frame 20, the rear wheel 14B, or the front wheel 14A of the bicycle 10. In one example, the motor 32 is coupled to the power transmission path from the crankshaft 22A to the wheel member 26. A one-way clutch (not shown) is preferably provided in the power transmission path between the motor 32 and the crankshaft 22A so that the motor 32 is not rotated by the rotational force of the crank 22 when the crankshaft 22A is rotated in the direction in which the bicycle 10 moves forward. The housing in which the motor 32 and the drive circuit 40 are provided may be provided with components other than the motor 32 and the drive circuit 40, for example, a reducer that reduces the rotation of the motor 32 and outputs it may be provided. A one-way clutch configured to rotate the wheel member 26 forward when the crankshaft 22A rotates forward may be provided in the drive force transmission path between the wheel member 26 and the crankshaft 22A.

[0051] The transmission 36, the second control device 38, and the actuator 42 of the second bicycle component 30B are preferably provided in the same housing. The transmission 36 is configured to be able to change the gear ratio of the bicycle 10. The transmission 36 is configured to be able to change the gear ratio in stages. The actuator 42 causes the transmission 36 to perform a gear shifting operation. The transmission 36 is controlled by the second control device 38. The actuator 42 is connected to the second control device 38 so as to be able to communicate with each other by wire or wirelessly. The actuator 42 is able to communicate with the second control device 38 by, for example, PLC (Power Line Communication). The actuator 42 causes the transmission 36 to perform a gear shifting operation in response to a control signal from the second control device 38. In one example, the transmission 36 changes the speed of the rotation input to the crankshaft 22A shown in FIG. 1 and transmits it to the rear wheel 14B. In this case, the transmission 36 includes an internal gear shifter. The internal transmission is provided near the crankshaft 22A or in the hub of the rear wheel 14B. The internal transmission may be provided in the power transmission path between the crank 22 and the wheel member 26. In another example, the transmission 36 changes the speed of the rotation input to the crankshaft 22A and transmits it to the rear wheel 14B by shifting the chain between a plurality of front sprockets or a plurality of rear sprockets. In this case, the transmission 36 includes an external transmission (derailleur). The external transmission includes at least one of a front external transmission that shifts the chain between a plurality of front sprockets and a rear external transmission that shifts the chain between a plurality of rear sprockets. The actuator 42 includes an electric motor. When the actuator 42 is driven, the transmission 36 performs a gear shifting operation to gradually change the gear ratio of the bicycle 10. When the transmission 36 is an internal transmission, the gear shifting operation includes an operation of changing the connection state of gears that constitute a planetary gear mechanism inside the transmission 36. When the transmission 36 is an external transmission, the gear shift operation includes the operation of changing the chain between sprockets. The internal transmission may include a CVT (Continuously Variable Transmission) mechanism.In one example, the CVT mechanism is configured by a planetary mechanism including an input body, an output body, and a transmission body, and the gear ratio is continuously changed by rotating the transmission body.

[0052] The operating device 44 of the third bicycle component 30C can be operated by a user. The operating device 44 is attached to the handlebar of the bicycle 10. The operating device 44 includes, for example, an operating member, a sensor that detects the movement of the operating member, and an electric circuit that communicates with the first control device 34 of the first bicycle component 30A and the second control device 38 of the second bicycle component 30B in response to an output signal of the sensor. The sensor that detects the movement of the operating member includes a switch. The operating device 44 is connected to the first control device 34 and the second control device 38 so as to be able to communicate with each other by wire or wirelessly. The operating device 44 can communicate with the first control device 34 and the second control device 38 by, for example, power line communication. When the operating device 44 is operated by a user, the operating device 44 transmits an output signal to the first control device 34 and the second control device 38.

[0053] The operation device 44 preferably includes an operation member for changing the control mode of the motor 32. The control mode includes an assist mode in which the motor 32 is driven in response to the human-powered driving force. The assist mode preferably includes a plurality of assist modes with different strengths of the assist force that assists the human-powered driving force. The control mode may further include at least one of an off mode in which the motor 32 is not driven and a walk mode in which the motor 32 is driven in response to the operation of the operation device 44. The operation device 44 includes one or more operation members for changing the control mode of the motor 32. Each operation member is configured by a push switch, a lever-type switch, or a touch panel. The operation device 44 may include an operation member for driving the motor 32 in the walk mode. The first control device 34 changes the control mode of the motor 32 when a signal for changing the control mode of the motor 32 is input from the operation device 44. The control mode includes a high-speed cruising mode in which the speed of the reduction of the assist force in response to a change in the speed of the bicycle 10 is increased when the assist force is reduced in response to the speed of the bicycle 10 in each assist mode.

[0054] The operation device 44 preferably includes an operation member for changing the gear stage of the transmission 36. The operation device 44 includes one or more operation members for changing the gear stage of the transmission 36. Each operation member is configured by a push switch, a lever switch, or a touch panel. The operation member for changing the control mode of the motor 32 and the operation member for changing the gear stage of the transmission 36 may be provided in different housings and formed separately from each other. When a signal for changing the gear stage of the transmission 36 is input from the operation device 44, the second control device 38 controls the actuator 42 to change the gear stage of the transmission 36.

[0055] The operation device 44 may include an operation member for causing the external device P to perform a predetermined operation. When the operation member for causing the external device P to perform a predetermined operation is operated, the bicycle wireless unit 50 transmits a predetermined signal for causing the external device P to perform the predetermined operation.

[0056] The first bicycle component 30A, the second bicycle component 30B, and the third bicycle component 30C are connected by a first electric cable L1. The first electric cable L1 includes a power transmission line. The first electric cable L1 includes a plurality of electric wires. The first bicycle component 30A, the second bicycle component 30B, and the third bicycle component 30C perform PLC communication through the first electric cable L1. It is preferable that the first bicycle component 30A, the second bicycle component 30B, and the third bicycle component 30C are configured to be detachable from the first electric cable L1.

[0057] 2 to 6, the bicycle wireless unit 50 includes a base unit 52 and a wireless communication unit 54. The bicycle wireless unit 50 further includes a wired communication unit 56, a first connector 58, one or more second connectors 60, a cover 62, an attachment member 64, an operation unit 66, a display unit 68, a control unit 70, and a memory unit 72.

[0058] The base portion 52 shown in FIG. 3 is provided independently of the bicycle component 30. The base portion 52 includes a housing 74. The housing 74 includes a housing main body 75 and a lid portion 76. The housing 74 is preferably formed in a substantially rectangular parallelepiped shape. The housing main body 75 has an opening. The lid portion 76 is formed in a plate shape and covers the opening of the housing main body 75. The base portion 52 has an accommodation space 52S (see FIG. 4). The accommodation space 52S is formed by the housing main body 75 and the lid portion 76. The accommodation space 52S accommodates the wireless communication unit 54, the wired communication unit 56, the first connector 58, the second connector 60, the control unit 70, and the memory unit 72.

[0059] 4, the housing 74 includes a first hole 74A and a second hole 74B that are connected to the accommodation space 52S. The first hole 74A and the second hole 74B open to different surfaces of the housing 74.

[0060] The first connector 58 can connect the first electric cable L1 for connecting the bicycle component 30 and the wired communication unit 56. Specifically, when the end of the first electric cable L1 is inserted into the first hole 74A, the connector C provided at the end of the first electric cable L1 is connected to the first connector 58. The connector C of the first electric cable L1 includes a plurality of terminals. A mounting member F that can be attached to a linear member K (see FIG. 1) is provided near the connector C of the first electric cable L1. The mounting member F is formed separately from the first electric cable L1 and includes a first groove F1 that can be engaged with the first electric cable L1 and a second groove F2 that can be engaged with the linear member K. It is preferable that the first connector 58 is provided so as not to protrude outside the housing 74 from the first hole 74A. The first connector 58 is connected to a circuit board on which the control unit 70 and the memory unit 72 are provided via a plurality of terminals. The first connector 58 includes a plurality of terminals for connecting to a plurality of terminals of the connector C of the first electric cable L1. The first connector 58 and the connector C may have any shape as long as the terminals of the first connector 58 and the connector C can be connected to each other.

[0061] The one or more second connectors 60 are electrically connected in parallel to the first connector 58. The second connector 60 is capable of connecting a second electric cable L2 for connecting the bicycle component 30 and the wired communication unit 56. The second electric cable L2 includes a plurality of electric wires. The second connector 60 is preferably provided so as not to protrude outside the housing 74 from the second hole 74B. The second connector 60 preferably has the same shape as the first connector 58.

[0062] The cover 62 is detachable from the second connector 60. The cover 62 includes a first portion 62A. The first portion 62A includes one of a recess and a protrusion. In the example shown in FIG. 5, the first portion 62A includes a recess. The cover 62 is formed in a substantially cylindrical shape. The first portion 62A is provided at one end in the axial direction of the cover 62. A connector portion 62B attachable to the second connector 60 is provided at the other end in the axial direction of the cover 62. The cover 62 is inserted into the second hole 74B. When the cover 62 is inserted into the second hole 74B, the connector portion 62B is attached to the second connector 60. When the cover 62 is inserted into the second hole 74B and the connector portion 62B is attached to the second connector 60, the first portion 62A is exposed from the base portion 52. The cover 62 is formed of an insulating resin. The cover 62 is preferably made of an elastic resin.

[0063] The mounting member 64 is provided on the cover 62 and can be attached to a linear member K (see FIG. 1) attached to the bicycle 10. The linear member K includes at least one of an electric cable, a hydraulic cable, and a Bowden cable. The mounting member 64 includes a second portion 64A that can be attached to the first portion 62A. The second portion 64A includes the other of the concave portion and the convex portion. In the example shown in FIG. 5 and FIG. 6, the second portion 64A includes a convex portion. The mounting member 64 includes a first mounting portion 64B including the second portion 64A, and a second mounting portion 64C that is attached to the linear member K. The first mounting portion 64B has a shape that follows the outer shape of the cover 62. The cover 62 engages with the first mounting portion 64B in a state in which the first portion 62A is inserted into the second portion 64A. The first mounting portion 64B and the second mounting portion 64C are aligned in a predetermined direction. The second mounting portion 64C has a shape that follows the outer shape of the linear member K. The linear member K engages with the second mounting portion 64C. The first mounting portion 64B is configured so that a cross section in a direction intersecting with the predetermined direction is substantially C-shaped. The second mounting portion 64C is configured so that a cross section in a direction intersecting with the predetermined direction is substantially C-shaped. The first mounting portion 64B and the second mounting portion 64C are preferably arranged so that openings face each other in a cross section in a direction intersecting with the predetermined direction. The mounting member 64 is preferably formed of an insulating resin. The mounting member 64 is preferably formed of an elastic resin.

[0064] The control unit 70 and the memory unit 72 shown in Figs. 2 and 4 are provided in the base unit 52. The control unit 70 is provided in the accommodation space 52S. The control unit 70 includes a calculation processing unit that executes a predetermined control program. The calculation processing unit includes, for example, a CPU or an MPU. The control unit 70 may include one or more microcomputers. The memory unit 72 stores various control programs and information used for various control processes. The memory unit 72 includes, for example, a non-volatile memory and a volatile memory. The control unit 70 and the memory unit 72 are provided on a circuit board.

[0065] The wireless communication unit 54 is provided on the base unit 52. The wireless communication unit 54 is provided in the accommodation space 52S. The wireless communication unit 54 wirelessly transmits first information related to the motor 32 and second information related to the transmission 36 of the bicycle 10. An example of a standard for wireless communication performed by the wireless communication unit 54 is ANT+ (registered trademark) or Bluetooth (registered trademark). The first information includes information for causing the external device P to display the control state of the motor. The control state of the motor 32 includes a control mode of the motor 32. The second information includes information for causing the external device P to display the control state of the transmission 36. The control state of the transmission 36 includes the gear position of the transmission 36.

[0066] 2, the external device P includes a control unit P1, a wireless communication unit P2, and a display unit P3. The external device P is, for example, a smartphone, a tablet terminal, or a cycle computer. When the wireless communication unit P2 of the external device P receives the first information and the second information from the wireless communication unit 54, the wireless communication unit P2 displays the first information and the second information on the display unit P3.

[0067] As shown in Fig. 7, the display unit P3 of the external device P displays the first information in the first area A1 and displays the second information in the second area A2. In Fig. 7, the first area A1 displays "ECO," which is the name of a control mode associated with one of the control modes of the motor 32. The second area A2 displays a number corresponding to the current gear position of the transmission 36.

[0068] The first information may include, instead of or in addition to the control mode of the motor 32, information related to the motor 32 other than the control mode of the motor 32. The information related to the motor 32 other than the operation mode of the motor 32 includes, for example, the magnitude of the output torque of the motor 32, the power of the motor 32, and the distance that can be assisted by the motor 32.

[0069] The second information may include information related to the transmission 36 other than the gear stages of the transmission 36 instead of or in addition to the gear stages of the transmission 36. The information related to the transmission 36 other than the gear stages of the transmission 36 includes, for example, a control mode of the transmission 36, information for notifying the rider of an optimal gear shift timing and / or an optimal gear stage according to a preset cadence, information for the transmission 36 to automatically shift to a predetermined gear stage when the vehicle is stopped, and information related to adjustment of the transmission 36. The control mode of the transmission 36 includes, for example, an automatic gear shift mode in which an automatic gear shift is performed in which the second control device 38 changes the gear stage according to the rotation speed of the crank 22, and a manual mode in which the gear stage is changed according to the operation of the operating device 44.

[0070] The wireless communication unit 54 of the bicycle wireless unit 50 may wirelessly transmit information other than the first information and the second information to the external device P. Examples of information transmitted from the wireless communication unit 54 other than the first information and the second information include information related to the components, information related to the riding of the bicycle 10, information related to the operation of the operating device 44, and a predetermined signal for causing the external device P to perform a predetermined operation. The components include the bicycle components 30 connected to the bicycle wireless unit 50. Examples of information related to the components include the remaining charge of the battery 18, the state of the suspension, the state of the height-adjustable seat post, the state of the lights, combination information on the number of teeth of the front sprocket and the rear sprocket, information related to the calibration of the sensor that detects the human-powered driving force, maintenance information, and information related to a malfunction. Examples of information related to the riding of the bicycle 10 include the riding speed, the maximum riding speed after starting to ride, the average riding speed after starting to ride, the riding distance, the accumulated riding distance, the riding time, the human-powered driving force (human-powered torque, human-powered power), the calories consumed by the rider, and the cadence. The information relating to the operation of the operating device 44 may be, for example, information for notifying that an operating member has been operated to cause the external device P to perform a predetermined operation.

[0071] The wireless communication unit 54 of the bicycle wireless unit 50 may receive command information related to the motor 32 and command information related to the transmission 36 from the external device P. The command information related to the motor 32 includes, for example, command information for changing the control mode. The command information related to the transmission 36 includes, for example, command information for changing between automatic and manual shifting.

[0072] The wired communication unit 56 is provided on the base unit 52. The wired communication unit 56 is provided in the accommodation space 52S. The wired communication unit 56 is capable of communicating with the bicycle component 30 via a wire. The wired communication unit 56 includes a communication circuit that performs power line communication. The wired communication unit 56 receives first information and second information from the bicycle component 30 via the first electric cable L1. The wired communication unit 56 receives the first information from the first control device 34 of the first bicycle component 30A via the first electric cable L1. The wired communication unit 56 receives the second information from the second control device 38 of the second bicycle component 30B via the first electric cable L1.

[0073] The operation unit 66 is provided such that at least a portion of it is exposed to the outside of the base unit 52. The operation unit 66 includes, for example, a button. The operation unit 66 is configured to be able to operate the bicycle component 30. When the operation unit 66 is operated, the wired communication unit 56 transmits a control signal for changing the control state of the motor 32. When the control signal for changing the control mode of the motor 32 is input from the operation unit 66, the first control device 34 changes the control mode of the motor 32.

[0074] The wireless communication unit 54 receives the first information from the first control device 34. The wireless communication unit 54 receives the second information from the second control device 38. The wireless communication unit 54 receives the first information and the second information from the bicycle component 30 and transmits the received first information and second information. Specifically, the control unit 70 receives the first information and the second information via the wired communication unit 56 and causes the wireless communication unit 54 to wirelessly transmit the first information and the second information.

[0075] The display unit 68 is provided on the base 52. The display unit 68 is provided on the lid 76. The display unit 68 includes one or more light-emitting elements 68A. The light-emitting elements 68A preferably include an LED (light emitting diode). The light-emitting elements 68A are disposed in the accommodation space 52S, and a window 76A that transmits light from the light-emitting elements 68A to the outside is provided in a portion of the lid 76 facing the light-emitting elements 68A. The light-emitting elements 68A may be attached to the surface of the lid 76. The display unit 68 can display at least one of the first information and the second information. The display unit 68 includes a first display unit 84 and a second display unit 86. The first display unit 84 can display the first information. In one example, the first display unit 84 includes three light-emitting elements 68A. The second display unit 86 can display third information related to the remaining amount of the battery 18. In one example, the second display unit 86 includes two light-emitting elements 68A. Table 1 shows an example of the relationship between the display contents of the display unit 68 and the first and third information. In the display unit 68 on which Table 1 is displayed, the first display unit 84 includes a red LED, a green LED, and a blue LED, and the second display unit 86 includes a red LED and a green LED. Here, the assist mode includes first to third modes with different assist ratios. The assist ratio of the second mode is higher than that of the first mode. The assist ratio of the third mode is higher than that of the second mode. The forced eco mode refers to an assist mode that is automatically set by the first control device 34 when the remaining amount of the battery 18 falls below a predetermined remaining amount of less than 20%. The forced eco mode may be the first mode. For example, when the first bicycle component 30A is powered on, the green LED of the second display unit 86 flashes for a predetermined period of time. When multiple LEDs flash, it is preferable that they flash simultaneously. When an error occurs, the display unit 68 displays the error preferentially.

[0076] [Table 1]

[0077] When the display unit 68 displays the second information, the display unit 68 preferably includes, for example, a plurality of light-emitting elements 68A capable of generating colors corresponding to the total number of gears of the transmission 36. Alternatively, the display unit 68 preferably includes a segment LED that displays the gears of the transmission 36 in letters or numbers.

[0078] According to the bicycle wireless unit 50, the first information and the second information can be wirelessly transmitted from a single wireless communication unit 54. This makes it possible to prevent information transmission and reception from becoming complicated, compared to, for example, a case in which a wireless communication unit is provided in each of the first bicycle component 30A and the second bicycle component 30B, and the first bicycle component 30A wirelessly transmits the first information and the second bicycle component 30B wirelessly transmits the second information. Also, for example, when the external device P is attached to the handlebar 20C, the bicycle wireless unit 50 can be provided in a position closer to the external device P than the first bicycle component 30A and the second bicycle component 30B, making it possible to perform wireless communication effectively.

[0079] (Modification) The above description of the embodiments is merely an example of possible forms of a bicycle radio unit according to the present invention, and is not intended to limit the forms. A bicycle radio unit according to the present invention can take the following modified forms of the above embodiments, or a combination of at least two mutually compatible modified forms. In the following modified forms, parts that are common to the embodiments are given the same reference numerals as the embodiments, and their description will be omitted.

[0080] The cover 62 and the mounting member 64 may be integrally formed. For example, in a cover 90 shown in Fig. 8, the cover 62 and the second mounting portion 64C of the mounting member 64 are integrally formed.

[0081] The base portion 52 may be provided on the bicycle component 30. For example, the base portion 52 shown in Fig. 9 is provided on the first bicycle component 30A. The base portion 52 may be provided on the second bicycle component 30B or the third bicycle component 30C. The base portion 52 may be provided on an outer surface of the bicycle component 30, may be provided inside a housing of the bicycle component 30, or may be formed integrally with the housing of the bicycle component 30.

[0082] 10, the bicycle component 30 may include a third control device 92 that controls the motor 32 and the transmission 36. The third control device 92 is provided, for example, in the first bicycle component 30A. The wireless communication unit 54 of the bicycle wireless unit 50 receives the first information and the second information from the third control device 92. In this modification, the second control device 38 may be omitted from the second bicycle component 30B.

[0083] In the modified example shown in Fig. 10, the second control device 38 can be replaced by a third control device 92. In this case, the first control device 34 can be omitted from the first bicycle component 30A.

[0084] 10, the third control device 92 may be provided on a bicycle component 30 different from the first bicycle component 30A and the second bicycle component 30B. In this case, at least one of the first control device 34 and the second control device 38 may be omitted.

[0085] The wireless communication unit 54 may receive at least one of the first information and the second information from the operating device 44. For example, as shown by the dashed lines in FIG. 2 and FIG. 10, the second connector 60 and the operating device 44 may be connected by the second electric cable L2. In this case, the cover 62 is removed from the second connector 60, and a connector provided at an end of the second electric cable L2 connected to the operating device 44 is connected to the second connector 60. When the operating member of the operating device 44 is operated, the wired communication unit 56 receives at least one of a signal for changing the operation mode of the motor 32 and a signal for changing the gear position of the transmission 36 via the first connector 58 or the second connector 60. The signal from the operating device 44 includes at least one of the first information and the second information. The control unit 70 causes the wireless communication unit 54 to wirelessly transmit the first information and the second information received from the operating device 44 via the wired communication unit 56.

[0086] In the modified example in which the connection is made via the first connector 58 or the second connector 60 as shown by the dashed line in Fig. 2 above, the portion of the first electric cable L1 connecting the third bicycle component 30C to the first bicycle component 30A and the second bicycle component 30B may be omitted. In this case, the bicycle wireless unit 50 transmits the signal received from the operating device 44 to the first bicycle component 30A and the second bicycle component 30B via the wired communication unit 56. [Explanation of symbols]

[0087] K...linear member, L1...first electrical cable, 30...bicycle component, 30A...first bicycle component, 30B...second bicycle component, 32...motor, 34...first control device, 36...transmission, 38...second control device, 44...operation device, 50...bicycle wireless unit, 52...base portion, 52S...storage space, 54...wireless communication portion, 56...wired communication portion, 58...first connector, 60...second connector, 62, 90...cover, 62A...first part, 64...mounting member, 64A...second part, 66...operation portion, 68...display portion, 68A...light-emitting element, 92...third control device.

Claims

1. A bicycle communication unit, Housing and a control unit provided in the housing; an operation device configured to be able to communicate with the control unit based on a user operation; a wireless communication unit configured to receive information from an external device located remotely from the control unit and to communicate the information from the external device to the control unit; a wired communication unit configured to transmit control signals to the bicycle components via an electrical cable in response to operation of the operating device; The control unit is configured to control the bicycle components solely via the wired communication unit based on the operation of the operating device and the information from the external device.

2. A bicycle communication unit as described in claim 1, wherein the control unit is configured to receive information from the bicycle component only via the wired communication unit.

3. The control unit is configured to control the control state of a motor that assists in propelling the bicycle.

3. The bicycle communication unit according to claim 1 or 2.

4. The operating device is provided on a handlebar.

3. The bicycle communication unit according to claim 1 or 2.

5. the operating device includes one of a push switch, a lever, and a touch panel; 5. The bicycle communication unit according to claim 4.

6. The wireless communication unit is provided in the housing.

3. The bicycle communication unit according to claim 1 or 2.

7. The wired communication unit is provided in the housing.

3. The bicycle communication unit according to claim 1 or 2.

8. the wireless communication unit is configured to transmit the information to be displayed on an external device; 3. The bicycle communication unit according to claim 1 or 2.

9. the information from the wireless communication unit includes information indicating a control state of a transmission; 3. The bicycle communication unit according to claim 1 or 2.

10. the wired communication unit includes a communication circuit for performing power line communication; 3. The bicycle communication unit according to claim 1 or 2.

11. Further, a first connector is provided which is electrically connected to the wired communication unit and is connectable to a first electric cable.

3. The bicycle communication unit according to claim 1 or 2.

12. Further, a second connector is provided which is electrically connected to the wired communication unit and is connectable to a second electric cable, the second connector is connected to the wired communication unit in parallel with the first connector; The bicycle communication unit according to claim 11.

13. The operation device is connected to the wired communication unit that transmits a control signal that changes the control state of the motor in response to an operation of the operation device by an operation.

3. The bicycle communication unit according to claim 1 or 2.

14. further comprising a display configured to show the information; 3. The bicycle communication unit according to claim 1 or 2.

15. The display unit includes one or more light-emitting elements.

15. The bicycle communication unit according to claim 14.

Images