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

Abstract

To enable the current time to be display even when a display device does not include a battery cell.SOLUTION: A time display system 10 for a power-assisted vehicle 1 according to one embodiment includes a display device 50 and one or more processing devices 151, 131. The one or more processing devices 151, 131 acquire time information 210 indicating the time output by a battery pack 20 that supplies power to an electric motor 32 that generates driving force to drive the power-assisted vehicle 1 and display the current time on the display device 50 based on the time information 210.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 8

Description

Technical Field

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

Background Art

[0002] Bicycles are widely used as a convenient means of transportation for people of all ages and genders. In recent years, electric assist bicycles that assist the user's pedaling force with an electric motor have become increasingly popular (see, for example, Patent Document 1). The electric motor generates a driving force by being supplied with electric power from a battery mounted on the vehicle. In an electric assist bicycle, a driving force corresponding to the human power applied by the user to the pedals is generated in the electric motor, which can reduce the burden on the user, for example, when traveling on a slope or carrying luggage.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] On the handlebar of an electric assist bicycle, a display device (meter) for displaying various information related to the electric assist bicycle is provided. When the display device has a current time display function, the display device incorporates a battery cell such as a coin-type battery. By incorporating a battery cell in the display device, the processing device of the display device can perform the calculation of the current time even when the battery pack that supplies electric power to the electric motor is removed from the electric assist bicycle.

[0005] However, various components need to be arranged in the space inside the housing of the display device, and there is a problem that other components are subject to placement restrictions in order to secure space for arranging the battery cells. In addition, when the remaining amount of the battery cell runs out, the user may find it troublesome to replace the battery cell.

[0006] It is required that the display device be able to display the current time even if it does not incorporate a battery cell.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0007] This specification discloses a time display system, a drive system, an electric assist vehicle, a battery pack, a time display method, and a computer program described in the following items.

[0008] [Item 1] A time display system for an electric assist vehicle, a display device, one or more processing devices, and comprising, the one or more processing devices acquire time information indicating information regarding the time output by a battery pack that supplies power to an electric motor that generates a driving force for driving the electric assist vehicle, and based on the time information, cause the display device to display the current time, a time display system.

[0009] When the display device of the electric assist vehicle has a current time display function, the display device incorporates a battery cell such as a coin-type battery. By incorporating a battery cell in the display device, even when the battery pack that supplies power to the electric motor is removed from the electric assist vehicle, the processing device of the display device can perform the calculation of the current time.

[0010] However, various components need to be arranged in the space within the housing of the display device, and there is a problem that other components are subject to arrangement constraints in order to secure space for arranging the battery cells. In addition, the user may find it troublesome to replace the battery cells when the remaining amount of the battery cells runs out.

[0011] According to an embodiment of the present invention, one or more processing devices cause the display device to display the current time based on the time information output by the battery pack. Thereby, even if the display device does not incorporate a battery cell, the display device can display the current time. It is possible to increase the degree of freedom in arranging the components within the display device and to eliminate the need for battery cell replacement work.

[0012] The battery pack includes a plurality of battery cells, and can continue to count time using the current output by the plurality of battery cells.

[0013] [Item 2] The time display system according to Item 1, wherein the time information output by the battery pack indicates the current time.

[0014] Thereby, the display device can display the current time without the processing device other than the processing device of the battery pack calculating the current time.

[0015] [Item 3] The one or more processing devices acquire current time information indicating the current time based on an operation of setting the current time by the user with respect to the display device, output the acquired current time information to the battery pack, The time display system according to Item 2, wherein the processing device of the battery pack sets the current time based on the current time information output by the one or more processing devices.

[0016] Thereby, the current time can be set in the battery pack based on the current time set by the user.

[0017] [Item 4] The one or more processing devices: Based on an operation by the user for setting the current time on the display device, obtain current time information indicating the current time, Output the obtained current time information to the battery pack, The processing device of the battery pack resets the current time to be calculated based on the current time information output by the one or more processing devices. The time display system according to Item 2.

[0018] The current time calculated by the processing device of the battery pack may gradually deviate over time. By resetting the current time held by the battery pack to the current time set by the user, it is possible to correct the deviation of the current time held by the battery pack.

[0019] [Item 5] The time information output by the battery pack indicates a first value related to a time that is not the current time, The one or more processing devices calculate the current time using the first value and a second value for converting the first value to the current time. The time display system according to Item 1.

[0020] Thereby, the current time can be calculated using the time information indicating the first value (for example, a count value) output by the battery pack.

[0021] [Item 6] The time information output by the battery pack indicates the second value. The time display system according to Item 5.

[0022] Thereby, the current time can be calculated using the information of the first value and the second value output by the battery pack.

[0023] [Item 7] Comprise a storage device for storing information indicating the second value, The time display system according to item 5, wherein the one or more processing devices calculate the current time using the information indicating the second value read from the storage device.

[0024] Accordingly, the current time can be calculated using the time information indicating the first value output by the battery pack.

[0025] [Item 8] A storage device that stores table information indicating the relationship between the individual information of the battery pack and the second value, The one or more processing devices, acquire the individual information output by the battery pack, The time display system according to item 5, wherein the second value used for calculating the current time is acquired based on the acquired individual information and the table information.

[0026] Accordingly, the second value can be acquired using the individual information output by the battery pack.

[0027] [Item 9] The time display system according to any one of items 5 to 8, wherein the first value is a count value obtained by the processing device of the battery pack counting time.

[0028] Accordingly, the current time can be calculated using the time information indicating the count value output by the battery pack.

[0029] [Item 10] The time display system according to any one of items 5 to 8, wherein the second value is an offset value.

[0030] Accordingly, the current time can be calculated using the offset value.

[0031] [Item 11] The processing device of the battery pack outputs the information indicating the first value to the one or more processing devices, The one or more processing devices, Based on the user's operation of setting the current time for the display device, obtain current time information indicating the current time. Based on the obtained current time information and the first value obtained from the battery pack, calculate the second value. Output information indicating the calculated second value to the battery pack. The processing device of the battery pack sets the second value used for calculating the current time based on the information indicating the second value obtained from the one or more processing devices. The time display system according to item 6.

[0032] Thereby, based on the current time set by the user, a second value (for example, an offset value) can be set in the battery pack.

[0033] [Item 12] The processing device of the battery pack outputs the information indicating the first value to the one or more processing devices. The one or more processing devices Based on the user's operation of setting the current time for the display device, obtain current time information indicating the current time. Based on the obtained current time information and the first value obtained from the battery pack, calculate the second value. Output information indicating the calculated second value to the battery pack. The processing device of the battery pack resets the second value used for calculating the current time to the second value obtained from the one or more processing devices. The time display system according to item 6.

[0034] The current time calculated by the processing device of the battery pack may shift little by little over time. By resetting the second value (for example, the offset value) held by the battery pack to the second value calculated by the one or more processing devices, the shift of the current time can be corrected.

[0035] [Item 13] When the one or more processing devices are unable to obtain the time information from the battery pack, the time display system according to any one of Items 1 to 12 does not cause the display device to display the current time.

[0036] Accordingly, when the time information cannot be obtained, the current time can be prevented from being displayed on the display device.

[0037] [Item 14] The battery pack is charged using a charging device, The processing device of the charging device outputs current time information indicating the current time to the battery pack, The processing device of the battery pack sets the current time based on the current time information output by the charging device. The time display system according to Item 2 or 3.

[0038] Accordingly, the current time can be set in the battery pack based on the current time held by the charging device.

[0039] [Item 15] The battery pack is charged using a charging device, The processing device of the charging device outputs current time information indicating the current time to the battery pack, The processing device of the battery pack resets the current time to be calculated based on the current time information output by the charging device. The time display system according to Item 2 or 3.

[0040] The current time calculated by the processing device of the battery pack may gradually deviate over time. By resetting the current time held by the battery pack to the current time held by the charging device, the deviation of the current time can be corrected.

[0041] [Item 16] The battery pack is charged using a charging device, The processing device of the battery pack outputs information indicating the first value to the charging device, The processing device of the charging device calculates the second value based on the current time and the first value obtained from the battery pack, outputs information indicating the calculated second value to the battery pack, In the time display system according to item 6, the processing device of the battery pack resets the second value used for calculating the current time to the second value obtained from the charging device.

[0042] The current time calculated by the processing device of the battery pack may shift little by little over time. By resetting the second value (for example, the offset value) held by the battery pack to the second value calculated by the charging device, the shift of the current time can be corrected.

[0043] [Item 17] The one or more processing devices acquire current time information indicating the current time from an external device, output the current time information to the battery pack, In the time display system according to item 2, the processing device of the battery pack resets the current time to be calculated based on the current time information output by the one or more processing devices.

[0044] The current time calculated by the processing device of the battery pack may shift little by little over time. By resetting the current time held by the battery pack to the current time obtained from an external device, the shift of the current time can be corrected.

[0045] [Item 18] The processing device of the battery pack outputs information indicating the first value to the one or more processing devices, The one or more processing devices acquire current time information indicating the current time from an external device, calculate the second value based on the current time information obtained from the external device and the first value obtained from the battery pack, Output the calculated second value to the battery pack, The processing device of the battery pack resets the second value used for calculating the current time to the second value obtained from the one or more processing devices, according to the time display system described in item 6.

[0046] The current time calculated by the processing device of the battery pack may gradually deviate over time. By resetting the second value (e.g., offset value) held by the battery pack to the second value calculated by one or more processing devices, the deviation of the current time can be corrected.

[0047] [Item 19] The processing device of the battery pack Obtains current time information indicating the current time from an external device, Resets the current time to be calculated based on the current time information obtained from the external device, according to the time display system described in item 2.

[0048] The current time calculated by the processing device of the battery pack may gradually deviate over time. By resetting the current time held by the battery pack to the current time held by the external device, the deviation of the current time can be corrected.

[0049] [Item 20] The processing device of the battery pack outputs the first value to an external device, The processing device of the external device Calculates the second value based on the current time and the first value output by the battery pack, Outputs the calculated second value to the battery pack, The processing device of the battery pack resets the second value used for calculating the current time to the second value output by the external device, according to the time display system described in item 6.

[0050] The current time calculated by the processing device of the battery pack may gradually deviate over time. By resetting the offset value held by the battery pack to the offset value calculated by the external device, the deviation of the current time can be corrected.

[0051] [Item 21] The electric assist vehicle can be equipped with a plurality of the battery packs, The one or more processing devices obtain the time information from one of the plurality of battery packs, and the time display system according to any one of Items 1 to 20.

[0052] By adopting the time information of one battery pack, even if there is a deviation in the current time among the plurality of battery packs, the current time can be displayed on the display device without causing a processing error.

[0053] [Item 22] The electric assist vehicle can be equipped with a plurality of the battery packs, When the plurality of battery packs include a battery pack with the current time set and a battery pack with the current time not set, The processing device of the battery pack with the current time not set, obtains the current time information indicating the current time from the processing device of the battery pack with the current time set, and sets the current time based on the obtained current time information, and the time display system according to Item 1 or 2.

[0054] Thereby, the current time can be set for the battery pack with the current time not set.

[0055] [Item 23] The electric assist vehicle can be equipped with a plurality of the battery packs, When the plurality of battery packs include a battery pack with the current time set and a battery pack with the current time not set, The one or more processing devices, Obtain current time information indicating the current time from the processing device of the battery pack for which the current time is set, Output the obtained current time information to the processing device of the battery pack for which the current time is not set, The processing device of the battery pack for which the current time is not set sets the current time based on the obtained current time information. The time display system according to item 1 or 2.

[0056] Thereby, the current time can be set for the battery pack for which the current time is not set.

[0057] [Item 24] The one or more processing devices include the processing device provided in the display device. The time display system according to any one of items 1 to 23.

[0058] Thereby, the processing device of the display device can display the current time on the display device based on the time information output by the battery pack.

[0059] [Item 25] A drive system including the time display system according to any one of items 1 to 24.

[0060] Thereby, it is possible to display the current time on the display device, and a drive system that does not require a built-in battery cell in the display device can be realized.

[0061] [Item 26] An electric assist vehicle including the time display system according to any one of items 1 to 24.

[0062] Thereby, it is possible to display the current time on the display device, and an electric assist vehicle that does not require a built-in battery cell in the display device can be realized.

[0063] [Item 27] A time display method for a display device for an electric assist vehicle, which is executed by one or more computers, comprising: Obtaining time information indicating information related to the time output by a battery pack that supplies power to an electric motor that generates a driving force for driving the electric assist vehicle; Based on the time information, causing the display device to display the current time; A time display method including the above.

[0064] When the display device of the electric assist vehicle has a current time display function, the display device incorporates a battery cell such as a coin-type battery. By incorporating the battery cell in the display device, even when the battery pack that supplies power to the electric motor is removed from the electric assist vehicle, the processing device of the display device can perform the calculation of the current time.

[0065] However, various components need to be arranged in the space inside the housing of the display device, and there is a problem that other components are restricted in arrangement in order to secure space for arranging the battery cell. In addition, when the remaining amount of the battery cell runs out, the user may find it troublesome to replace the battery cell.

[0066] According to an embodiment of the present invention, one or more processing devices cause the display device to display the current time based on the time information output by the battery pack. As a result, the display device can display the current time even if it does not incorporate a battery cell. The degree of freedom in arranging components inside the display device can be increased, and the battery cell replacement operation can be made unnecessary.

[0067] The battery pack includes a plurality of battery cells, and time can be continuously counted using the current output by the plurality of battery cells.

[0068] [Item 28] A computer program that causes one or more computers to execute a process of displaying the current time on a display device for an electric assist vehicle, wherein the computer program is Obtaining time information indicating the time when a battery pack that supplies power to an electric motor that generates a driving force for running the electric assist vehicle outputs, Based on the time information, causing the display device to display the current time, A computer program that causes the one or more computers to execute.

[0069] When the display device of the electric assist vehicle has a current time display function, the display device incorporates a battery cell such as a coin-type battery. By incorporating the battery cell in the display device, even when the battery pack that supplies power to the electric motor is removed from the electric assist vehicle, the processing device of the display device can calculate the current time.

[0070] However, there is a problem that various components need to be arranged in the space inside the housing of the display device, and other components are subject to arrangement restrictions in order to secure space for arranging the battery cell. In addition, the user may feel bothered to replace the battery cell when the remaining amount of the battery cell runs out.

[0071] According to an embodiment of the present invention, one or more processing devices cause the display device to display the current time based on the time information output by the battery pack. As a result, the display device can display the current time even if it does not incorporate a battery cell. The degree of freedom in arranging components inside the display device can be increased, and the battery cell replacement operation can be made unnecessary.

[0072] The battery pack includes a plurality of battery cells, and the time can be continuously counted using the current output by the plurality of battery cells.

[0073] [Item 29] A battery pack used for supplying power to an electric motor of an electric assist vehicle, A plurality of battery cells, A processing device that calculates the current time, Comprising, The battery pack outputs time information indicating the calculated current time to a processing device that controls a display device of the electric assist vehicle.

[0074] As a result, the current time can be displayed on the display device of the electric assist vehicle without incorporating a battery cell into the display device.

Effect of the Invention

[0075] According to an embodiment of the present invention, one or more processing devices cause the display device to display the current time based on the time information output by the battery pack. As a result, the display device can display the current time even if it does not incorporate a battery cell. The degree of freedom in arranging components within the display device can be increased, and the replacement operation of the battery cell can be made unnecessary.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0076]

Figure 1

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Figure 20

Embodiments for Carrying Out the Invention

[0077] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. In the description of the embodiments, the same reference numerals are given to the same components, and when there is duplication, the description thereof will be omitted. The reference signs F, Re, L, R, U, and D attached to the drawings represent front, rear, left, right, up, and down, respectively. In the electric assist vehicle, the front and rear, left and right, and up and down are based on the state where the user is seated on the seat (saddle) of the vehicle facing the handlebars. In the following description of the embodiments, an electric assist bicycle is exemplified as an example of the electric assist vehicle, but the electric assist vehicle according to the embodiments is not limited to the electric assist bicycle. The electric assist vehicle according to the embodiments may be, for example, an electric assist wheelchair. The following embodiments are illustrative, and the present invention is not limited to the following embodiments.

[0078] [Electric assist bicycle] FIG. 1 is a right side view showing an electric assist bicycle 1 according to the present embodiment.

[0079] The electric assist bicycle 1 has a body frame 2 extending in the front-rear direction. The body frame 2 includes a head pipe 11, a down tube 12, a top tube 14, a seat tube 16, a chain stay 18, a seat stay 19, and a bracket 24. The head pipe 11 is disposed at the front end of the body frame 2. A handlebar column 13 is rotatably inserted into the head pipe 11. A handlebar 4 is fixed to the handlebar column 13. A meter unit 5 for displaying various information regarding the electric assist bicycle 1 is provided on the handlebar 4. A headlamp 22 is provided at the front portion of the handlebar 4.

[0080] A front fork 15 is fixed to the lower end of the handlebar column 13. The lower end of the front fork 15 rotatably supports a front wheel 6 which is a steering wheel.

[0081] The down tube 12 extends obliquely downward rearward from the head pipe 11. The seat tube 16 extends upward from the rear end portion of the down tube 12. The chain stay 18 extends rearward from the lower end portion of the seat tube 16. The bracket 24 connects the rear end portion of the down tube 12, the lower end portion of the seat tube 16, and the front end portion of the chain stay 18. The top tube 14 is provided so as to connect the head pipe 11 and the upper portion of the seat tube 16. A seat post 17 is inserted into the seat tube 16, and a saddle 3 on which the user sits is provided at the upper end portion of the seat post 17.

[0082] The rear end portion of the chain stay 18 rotatably supports the rear wheel 7 which is a drive wheel. The seat stay 19 extends obliquely downward rearward from the upper portion of the seat tube 16. The lower end portion of the seat stay 19 is connected to the rear end portion of the chain stay 18. A transmission 28 for changing the gear ratio is provided at the rear end portion of the chain stay 18. The transmission may be provided around the pedal crankshaft 35. A speed sensor 25 for detecting the rotation of the rear wheel 7 is provided at the rear portion of the chain stay 18. The speed sensor 25 may be provided at the lower portion of the front fork 15 to detect the rotation of the front wheel 6.

[0083] A drive unit 30 is provided on the bracket 24 disposed near the vehicle center portion of the vehicle body frame 2. An electric motor 32, an MCU (motor control unit), a speed reducer, etc. are housed in the housing of the drive unit 30. The pedal crankshaft 35 is supported so as to penetrate the drive unit 30 in the left - right direction. Crank arms 36 are provided at both end portions of the pedal crankshaft 35. A pedal 37 is rotatably provided at the tip of the crank arm 36.

[0084] The down tube 12 is equipped with a battery pack 20 that supplies power to the drive unit 30 and the like. In the example shown in FIG. 1, the battery pack 20 is attached inside the down tube 12. The down tube 12 may have a hollow shape. The down tube 12 may have a U-shaped cross section at least in part, and may have a cover that covers the U-shaped portion.

[0085] The battery pack 20 may be disposed on the outer surface of the down tube 12. The battery pack 20 may be mounted on the bracket 24 or the seat tube 16. The battery pack 20 may be detachable from the electric assist bicycle 1.

[0086] The battery pack 20 has a plurality of battery cells and a BMS (Battery Management System). The plurality of battery cells included in the battery pack 20 are rechargeable batteries. The BMS controls the charging and discharging of the battery pack 20 and monitors the output current, remaining amount, etc. of the battery pack 20.

[0087] The MCU of the drive unit 30 controls the operation of the electric motor 32 and also controls the operation of each part of the electric assist bicycle 1. The MCU has a semiconductor integrated circuit such as a processor and a motor drive circuit. The rotation of the pedal crankshaft 35 generated when the user steps on the pedal 37 with the foot is transmitted to the rear wheel 7 via the drive sprocket 38 and the chain 23. The MCU controls the electric motor 32 to generate a drive assist output corresponding to the rotational output of the pedal crankshaft 35 generated when the user steps on the pedal 37 with the foot. The assist force generated by the electric motor 32 is transmitted to the rear wheel 7 via the drive sprocket 38 and the chain 23. A belt, shaft, etc. may be used instead of the chain 23.

[0088] FIG. 2 is a top view showing the front part of the electric assist bicycle 1. The handlebar 4 has a handlebar 41. A right grip 43R is provided at the right end of the handlebar 41. A left grip 43L is provided at the left end of the handlebar 41. The user holds these right grip 43R and left grip 43L by hand to perform steering.

[0089] Near the right grip 43R, a front wheel brake lever 44R and a shift operator 45 are provided. Near the left grip 43L, a rear wheel brake lever 44L is provided. When the front wheel brake lever 44R is gripped with the right hand together with the right grip 43R, a braking force is applied to the front wheel 6. When the rear wheel brake lever 44L is gripped with the left hand together with the left grip 43L, a braking force is applied to the rear wheel 7. Note that the brake lever provided on the left side of the handlebar 41 may be a front wheel brake lever for applying a braking force to the front wheel 6, and the brake lever provided on the right side may be a rear wheel brake lever for applying a braking force to the rear wheel 7. The shift operator 45 is also referred to as a shifter. The user can switch the gear ratio by operating the shift operator 45.

[0090] The handlebar 41 is provided with a meter unit 5. The meter unit 5 includes a display device 50 and an operation device 70. The display device 50 may be referred to as a meter. The meter unit 5 can be supplied with electric power for its operation from the battery pack 20.

[0091] The display device 50 displays various information regarding the electric assist bicycle 1. The display device 50 is attached, for example, to the handlebar 41 or the handle stem 42 using a fixture such as a clamp.

[0092] The operating device 70 is provided, for example, in the vicinity of the left grip 43L of the handle 4. The operating device 70 is attached to the handlebar 41 using a fixture such as a clamp. The user can perform operations such as setting the magnitude of the assisting force of the electric motor 32 by operating the operating device 70 with a finger. The display device 50 and the operating device 70 are electrically connected via an electric wire 77. A signal corresponding to the user's operation is sent from the operating device 70 to the display device 50 via the electric wire 77. The display device 50 and the MCU of the drive unit 30 (FIG. 1) can transmit and receive signals via an electric wire 57. The display device 50 and the operating device 70 may transmit and receive signals by wireless communication. Also, the display device 50 and the MCU may transmit and receive signals by wireless communication.

[0093] FIG. 3 is a diagram showing the display device 50. The display device 50 includes a display panel 155 that displays various information related to the electric assist bicycle 1, and a plurality of switches 52, 53 that receive the user's operations. Specifically, the plurality of switches are a power switch 52 and a lamp lighting switch 53. In the present embodiment, these switches are push-button switches that the user presses with a finger to operate.

[0094] The power switch 52 is a switch for turning on and off the power of the electric assist bicycle 1. When the power of the electric assist bicycle 1 is in the on state, the drive unit 30 operates, and when the power is in the off state, the drive unit 30 does not operate. When the user presses the power switch 52 when the power is in the off state, the power becomes the on state, and when the user presses the power switch 52 when the power is in the on state, the power becomes the off state.

[0095] The lamp lighting switch 53 is a switch for switching between lighting and extinguishing the headlamp 22 (FIG. 1). When the user presses the lamp lighting switch 53 to turn on the headlamp 22 when the headlamp 22 is in the off state, the headlamp 22 emits light and can illuminate the path of the electric assist bicycle 1. When the lamp lighting switch 53 is pressed when the headlamp 22 is in the on state, the headlamp 22 becomes the off state.

[0096] The display panel 155 is, for example, a liquid crystal panel. The display panel 155 can display various information such as the traveling speed, the traveling distance, the remaining battery capacity, the assist mode, and the current time. The display panel 155 may display information in a segment method or may display information in a dot matrix method. As the display panel, a display panel other than a liquid crystal panel, for example, an OLED (Organic Light-Emitting Diode) panel or an electronic paper panel may be used.

[0097] The operation device 70 includes assist force setting switches 71 and 72, a select switch 73, and a push-through switch 74. The assist force setting switches 71 and 72 are switches for setting the assist force of the electric motor 32. In the present embodiment, the electric assist bicycle 1 can set a plurality of assist modes. The plurality of assist modes are, for example, in order from the smallest assist force for human power, the no-assist mode, the eco mode, the smart mode, and the high mode. In the no-assist mode, the electric motor 32 does not generate an assist force. When the user presses the assist force setting switch 71, the assist mode switches from an assist mode with a relatively small assist force for human power to an assist mode with a relatively large assist force. When the user presses the assist force setting switch 72, the assist mode switches from an assist mode with a relatively large assist force for human power to an assist mode with a relatively small assist force.

[0098] In the above example, the number of types of assist modes was four, but it may be three or less, or five or more. For example, there may be a mode that generates an assist force larger than the high mode, or there may be a plurality of types of eco modes.

[0099] The select switch 73 is a switch for switching the display content of the display panel 155. The user can switch the display content of the display panel 155 by pressing the select switch 73.

[0100] The push-along switch 74 is a switch that receives an instruction from the user to execute a push-along mode in which auxiliary power is generated for the electric motor 32 when the user pushes the electric assist bicycle 1. Pushing along means that the user can move the bicycle 1 forward while pushing it without pedaling the pedals 37. An example of pushing along is an operation in which the user gets off the bicycle 1 and pushes the handle 4 with their hand while walking with their feet to move the bicycle 1 forward.

[0101] When the user continuously presses the push-along switch 74 with their finger while pushing along, the electric motor 32 generates auxiliary power. By generating auxiliary power for the electric motor 32 while pushing along, the burden on the user can be reduced. For example, the burden on the user when pushing the bicycle 1 with their hand while walking with their feet and going up a slope can be reduced.

[0102] The display device 50 can perform wireless communication with the portable terminal device 90. The portable terminal device 90 is, for example, a smartphone or a tablet computer. The portable terminal device 90 may be a wearable computer such as a smartwatch and smart glasses. By performing wireless communication, various information can be transmitted and received between the display device 50 and the portable terminal device 90. The display device 50 and the portable terminal device 90 may perform wired communication.

[0103] Next, an example of the hardware configuration of the display device 50 will be described. FIG. 4 is a block diagram showing an example of the hardware configuration of the display device 50.

[0104] The drive system 100 of the present embodiment includes a drive unit 30, a display device 50, an operation device 70, and a battery pack 20. The display device 50 includes a control device 150, a display panel 155, and an input device 156. These components are connected to be communicable with each other via a bus.

[0105] The control device 150 includes a processing device 151, a recording medium such as a ROM (Read Only Memory) 152 and a RAM (Random Access Memory) 153, and a communication device 154. A computer program (or firmware) for causing the processing device 151 to execute processing may be stored in the ROM 152. The computer program may be stored in the ROM 152 during the manufacture of the display device 50. The computer program may be provided to the display device 50 via a storage medium (such as a semiconductor memory or an optical disk) or a telecommunication line (such as the Internet). Such a computer program may be sold as commercial software.

[0106] The processing device 151 is a semiconductor integrated circuit such as a processor and includes, for example, a central processing unit (CPU). The processing device 151 may be realized by a microprocessor or a microcontroller. The processing device 151 sequentially executes a computer program (the computer program stored in the ROM 152) describing a set of instructions for executing various processes, and realizes a desired process.

[0107] The processing device 151 may be an FPGA (Field Programmable Gate Array) equipped with a CPU, a GPU (Graphics Processing Unit), an ASIC (Application Specific Integrated Circuit), an ASSP (Application Specific Standard Product), or a combination of two or more circuits selected from these circuits.

[0108] The ROM 152 is, for example, a writable memory (e.g., PROM), a rewritable memory (e.g., flash memory), or a read-only memory. Again, a computer program for causing the processing device 151 to execute a process may be stored in the ROM 152. Further, a computer program for controlling the operation of the processing device 151 is stored in the ROM 152. The ROM 152 does not have to be a single recording medium, and may be an aggregate of a plurality of recording media. A part of the aggregate of the plurality of recording media may be a removable memory.

[0109] The RAM 153 provides a working area for temporarily expanding the computer program stored in the ROM 152 at the time of booting. The RAM 153 does not have to be a single recording medium, and may be an aggregate of a plurality of recording media.

[0110] The communication device 154 is a communication module for communicating with the battery pack 20, the drive unit 30, the mobile terminal device 90, etc. The communication device 154 can perform wired communication and / or wireless communication. The communication device 154 can perform wired communication conforming to a communication standard such as USB, IEEE 1394 (registered trademark), or Ethernet (registered trademark), for example. The communication device 154 can perform wireless communication conforming to a communication standard such as the Bluetooth (registered trademark) standard and / or the Wi-Fi (registered trademark) standard, for example. Any of the standards includes a wireless communication standard using a frequency in the 2.4 GHz band or 5.0 GHz band. The communication device 154 may be a communication module capable of performing wireless communication conforming to a communication method such as BLE (Bluetooth Low Energy) or LPWA (Low Power Wide Area). The communication device 154 may perform wireless communication using a mobile phone line or a line via a satellite.

[0111] The input device 156 is a device that receives user operations such as the power switch 52 and the lamp lighting switch 53 described above. The display device 50 may include a touch panel and / or a microphone as the input device 156.

[0112] The processing device 151 detects when various switches of the display device 50 and the operation device 70 are pressed, and controls the operation of the display panel 155. For example, when the user starts pressing a switch, the processing device 151 detects a voltage value and / or a current value of a predetermined magnitude or more. Then, when the pressing of the switch ends, the processing device 151 detects that the voltage value and / or the current value detected until then has become zero, for example. The processing device 151 can detect the pressing of a plurality of switches in parallel at the same time.

[0113] The processing device 151 performs control to change the display content of the display panel 155 in response to the pressing of various switches of the display device 50 and the operation device 70. The processing device 151 outputs a signal corresponding to the pressing of various switches to the MCU 130 (FIG. 6) of the drive unit 30. For example, the processing device 151 outputs a signal indicating the selected assist mode to the MCU 130. The MCU 130 that has received the signal performs control to generate an assisting force corresponding to the selected assist mode in the electric motor 32.

[0114] The output signal of the speed sensor 25 (FIG. 1) is input to the MCU 130 of the drive unit 30. The MCU 130 can calculate the traveling speed of the bicycle 1 from the output signal of the speed sensor 25. The MCU 130 outputs traveling speed information indicating the traveling speed to the display device 50. The processing device 151 that has received the traveling speed information performs control to display the traveling speed on the display panel 155. The output signal of the speed sensor 25 may be directly input to the display device 50 without passing through the MCU 130.

[0115] The BMS 120 (FIG. 5) of the battery pack 20 controls various operations such as charging and discharging of the battery pack 20, and monitors various states of the battery pack 20. The BMS 120 monitors the voltage, current, temperature, SOC (State of Charge), etc. of the battery pack 20. The MCU 130 transmits and receives necessary information to and from the BMS 120. The MCU 130 receives battery information indicating the voltage, current, temperature, SOC, etc. of the battery pack 20 from the BMS 120.

[0116] The MCU 130 outputs SOC information indicating the SOC of the battery pack 20 to the display device 50. The processing device 151 controls the display regarding the remaining battery capacity of the display panel 155 according to the remaining battery capacity calculated based on the SOC information.

[0117] FIG. 5 is a block diagram showing an example of the hardware configuration of the battery pack 20.

[0118] The battery pack 20 includes a BMS 120, a battery module 126, and a sensor 127. The BMS 120 includes a processing device 121, a ROM 122, a RAM 123, a communication device 124, and a cell monitor 125. Since the descriptions of the configurations of the processing device 121, the ROM 122, and the RAM 123 overlap with the descriptions of the processing device 151, the ROM 152, and the RAM 153 of the display device 50, they are omitted here.

[0119] A computer program (or firmware) for causing the processing device 121 to execute processing is stored in the ROM 122. The computer program can be stored in the ROM 122 at the time of manufacturing the battery pack 20. The computer program may be provided to the battery pack 20 via a storage medium or an electrical communication line. Such a computer program may be sold as commercial software. The processing device 121 sequentially executes a computer program (the computer program stored in the ROM 122) describing a group of instructions for executing various processes, and realizes a desired process. The processing device 121 controls the operations of the battery pack 20 such as the charging operation and the discharging operation of the battery pack 20, and monitors the output current, the output voltage, the remaining amount, etc. of the battery pack 20.

[0120] The number of battery modules 126 included in the battery pack 20 is arbitrary, and one or more battery modules 126 are provided in the battery pack 20. Each of the battery modules 126 includes a plurality of battery cells 126a. The number of battery cells 126a included in each of the battery modules 126 is arbitrary.

[0121] The sensor 127 is a current sensor for detecting the current of the battery pack 20, a voltage sensor for detecting the voltage of the battery pack 20, a temperature sensor for detecting the temperature of the battery pack 20, and the like. The cell monitor 125 monitors the current, voltage, temperature, etc. of the battery pack 20 based on the output signal of the sensor 127. The cell monitor 125 outputs information indicating the current, voltage, temperature, etc. to the processing device 121. The sensor 127 may detect the current, voltage, temperature, etc. of each battery module 126.

[0122] The communication device 124 is a communication module for performing wired communication with the drive unit 30. The communication is performed using a communication method such as CAN (Controller Area Network), for example. The communication device 124 may perform wireless communication with the drive unit 30. The communication device 124 may perform wired or wireless communication with the display device 50.

[0123] FIG. 6 is a block diagram showing an example of the hardware configuration of the drive unit 30.

[0124] The drive unit 30 includes an MCU 130, an electric motor 32, and a sensor 137. The MCU 130 includes a processing device 131, a ROM 132, a RAM 133, a communication device 134, and a drive device 135. Since the descriptions of the configurations of the processing device 131, the ROM 132, and the RAM 133 overlap with the descriptions of the processing device 151, the ROM 152, and the RAM 153 of the display device 50, they are omitted here.

[0125] The ROM 132 stores a computer program (or firmware) for causing the processing device 131 to execute processing. The computer program can be stored in the ROM 132 during the manufacture of the drive unit 30. The computer program may be provided to the drive unit 30 via a storage medium or an electrical communication line. Such a computer program may be sold as commercial software. The processing device 131 sequentially executes a computer program (the computer program stored in the ROM 132) that describes a set of instructions for executing various processes, and realizes a desired process. The processing device 131 controls the operation of the drive unit 30.

[0126] The drive device 135 includes a power supply circuit that outputs power for driving the electric motor 32. The power supply circuit includes, for example, a smoothing circuit that smooths the DC voltage output from the battery pack 20, and an inverter circuit that generates a motor drive current.

[0127] The sensor 137 is a torque sensor that detects the torque generated on the rotating shaft including the pedal crankshaft 35, a rotation sensor that detects the rotation of the electric motor 32, and the like. The processing device 131 controls the operation of the drive device 135 based on the output signal of the sensor 137.

[0128] The processing device 131 controls the drive device 135 so that the electric motor 32 generates an assisting force corresponding to the magnitude of the torque detected by the torque sensor. The drive device 135 generates and outputs a motor drive current for driving the electric motor 32. The electric motor 32 supplied with the motor drive current rotates and generates an assisting force. The assisting force generated by the electric motor 32 is transmitted to the drive sprocket 38 (FIG. 1) via a speed reducer or the like. The rotation of the drive sprocket 38 is transmitted to the rear wheel 7 via the chain 23.

[0129] The communication device 134 is a communication module for performing wired communication with the battery pack 20 and the display device 50. The communication is performed using a communication method such as CAN, for example. The communication device 134 may perform wireless communication with the battery pack 20 and / or the display device 50.

[0130] [Time display system] Next, a time display system 10 for causing the display device 50 to display the current time will be described.

[0131] In the present embodiment, the battery pack 20 outputs time information indicating information related to time to the display device 50, and the display device 50 displays the current time based on the time information received from the battery pack 20.

[0132] FIG. 7 is a diagram showing an example of the operations of the battery pack 20 and the display device 50. FIG. 8 is a flowchart showing an example of the operations of the battery pack 20 and the display device 50.

[0133] The time display system 10 includes at least the display device 50. In the example shown in FIG. 7, the time display system 10 includes the display device 50 and the battery pack 20. The time display system 10 may include a drive unit 30.

[0134] The transmission and reception of information between the display device 50 and the battery pack 20 can be performed via the drive unit 30. The MCU 130 of the drive unit 30 outputs the information received from the display device 50 to the battery pack 20 and outputs the information received from the battery pack 20 to the display device 50. Transmitting and receiving information via the drive unit 30 is included in the display device 50 and the battery pack 20 transmitting and receiving information. The transmission and reception of information may be directly performed between the display device 50 and the battery pack 20.

[0135] The processing device 151 (Fig. 4) of the display device 50 transmits and receives information via the communication device 154. The processing device 121 (Fig. 5) of the battery pack 20 transmits and receives information via the communication device 124. The processing device 131 (Fig. 6) of the drive unit 30 transmits and receives information via the communication device 134.

[0136] In the example shown in Fig. 7, the processing device 121 of the battery pack 20 calculates the current time.

[0137] The method by which the processing device 121 calculates the current time is arbitrary. For example, the processing device 121 has a real-time clock (RTC) and continuously counts time. The RTC can be realized by hardware and / or software. The processing device 121 counts time to obtain a count value (the first value). In the ROM 122 of the battery pack 20, an offset value (the second value) for converting a count value that is not the current time into the current time is stored. The processing device 121 can calculate the current time using the count value and the offset value.

[0138] As a method of counting time, for example, time is counted based on Coordinated Universal Time (UTC).

[0139] When the processing device 121 of the battery pack 20 manufactured at the factory starts counting time, for example, from "January 1, 2023, 11:00:00 AM", the offset value is "1675249200" seconds. The offset value is stored in the ROM 122 of the battery pack 20.

[0140] In this case, for example, the count value at "January 1, 2023, 13:30:00 PM" is "26188200" seconds. Adding the offset value to this count value gives the epoch seconds "1701437400". Epoch seconds are also referred to as UNIX (registered trademark) seconds. Epoch seconds represent the number of seconds since January 1, 1970, 00:00:00. The current time can be calculated using this epoch second.

[0141] When the time zone is set, the current time in the set time zone can be calculated by further calculating the time difference from UTC. For example, Japan Standard Time is represented by a time 9 hours ahead of UTC (UTC+9). 9 hours is 32400 seconds. By adding 32400 seconds to the above epoch seconds, the epoch seconds corresponding to Japan Standard Time can be obtained. It is also possible to add 9 hours to the current time of UTC to obtain the current time of Japan Standard Time.

[0142] The processing device 121 of the battery pack 20 counts time by, for example, the method as described above, and calculates the current time using the count value and the offset value. The method of counting the above time is an example, and another method may be used.

[0143] The processing device 121 outputs time information 210 indicating the calculated current time to the display device 50 (step S101 in FIG. 8). The time information 210 may include information on the year, month, and day.

[0144] The processing device 151 of the display device 50 receives the time information 210 (step S102), and causes the display panel 155 to display the current time indicated by the time information 210 (step S103).

[0145] In the example shown in FIG. 3, the current time "13:30" is displayed in the upper right region 155a of the display panel 155. The display method of the current time is arbitrary, and it is displayed in an arbitrary shape at an arbitrary position on the display panel 155. The year, month, and day may be displayed on the display panel 155 together with the current time.

[0146] In the present embodiment, the display device 50 displays the current time based on the time information 210 output by the battery pack 20. Thereby, even if the display device 50 does not incorporate a battery cell, the display device 50 can display the current time. Thereby, the degree of freedom in the arrangement of the components in the display device 50 can be increased, and the battery cell replacement work can be made unnecessary.

[0147] Note that the present invention is also useful in a form in which a device other than the display device 50 (for example, a communication unit) incorporates a battery cell for calculating the current time. By applying the present invention to such a form, the display device 50 can display the current time even if a device other than the display device 50 does not incorporate a battery cell.

[0148] The battery pack 20 includes a plurality of battery cells 126a (FIG. 5) for supplying power to the electric motor 32. The processing device 121 of the battery pack 20 can continue to count time using the power output from the plurality of battery cells 126a provided in the battery pack 20.

[0149] The battery pack 20 may output the time information 210 when requested by the display device 50, or may automatically start outputting the time information 210 when the power of the electric assist bicycle 1 is turned on.

[0150] FIG. 9 is a diagram showing another example of the operations of the battery pack 20 and the display device 50.

[0151] In the example shown in FIG. 9, the processing device 121 of the battery pack 20 outputs to the display device 50 time information 210 indicating a count value and an offset value instead of the current time. In this example, the processing device 151 of the display device 50 calculates the current time based on the count value and the offset value indicated by the time information 210. The processing device 151 can calculate the current time using, for example, the same method as the method by which the above-described processing device 121 calculates the current time. The processing device 151 can perform current time display by causing the calculated current time to be displayed on the display panel 155.

[0152] In an embodiment in which the battery pack 20 does not output time information 210 indicating the current time, the processing device 121 of the battery pack 20 does not have to calculate the current time.

[0153] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing yet another example of the operations of the battery pack 20 and the display device 50.

[0154] In the example shown in FIG. 10, the ROM 152 of the display device 50 stores offset values in advance. The processing device 121 of the battery pack 20 outputs time information 210 indicating a count value to the display device 50. In this example, the processing device 151 of the display device 50 calculates the current time based on the count value indicated by the time information 210 and the offset value read from the ROM 152. The processing device 151 can perform current time display by causing the display panel 155 to display the calculated current time.

[0155] Next, the setting of the current time of the battery pack 20 will be described. The setting of the current time of the battery pack 20 may be performed by the user. For example, the user can set the current time by operating a plurality of switches of the display device 50 and / or the operation device 70. The processing device 151 of the display device 50 outputs current time information indicating the current time set by the user to the battery pack 20. The current time information may include information on the year, month, and day set by the user. The processing device 121 of the battery pack 20 can set the current time based on the received current time information.

[0156] The processing device 121 calculates an offset value based on the current count value and the current time, and stores the calculated offset value in the ROM 122. The processing device 121 can calculate the current time based on the calculated offset value and the count value. When the current time is not set in the battery pack 20, the calculation of the current time can be started using the calculated offset value.

[0157] Also, when the current time is already set in the battery pack 20, the processing device 121 can reset the current time based on the current time information received from the display device 50. The current time calculated by the processing device 121 may shift little by little over time. By resetting the current time held by the battery pack 20 to the current time set by the user, the shift of the current time held by the battery pack 20 can be corrected.

[0158] Further, the display device 50 may acquire current time information indicating the current time from an external device and set the current time of the battery pack 20. The external device can be, for example, a mobile terminal device 90, a personal computer, or other electrical equipment. For example, the mobile terminal device 90 outputs the current time information to the display device 50. The processing device 151 of the display device 50 outputs the current time information to the battery pack 20. The processing device 121 of the battery pack 20 can set the current time based on the received current time information. If the current time has already been set in the battery pack 20, the processing device 121 can reset the current time based on the current time information received from the display device 50.

[0159] The calculation of the offset value may be performed by the processing device 151 of the display device 50. In this case, the processing device 121 of the battery pack 20 outputs time information 210 indicating the count value to the display device 50. The processing device 151 acquires the current time information indicating the current time set by the user or the current time information output by the external device by the above method.

[0160] The processing device 151 calculates the offset value based on the acquired current time information and the count value. The processing device 151 outputs information indicating the calculated offset value to the battery pack 20. The processing device 121 of the battery pack 20 can set the offset value based on the information indicating the acquired offset value. If the offset value has already been set in the battery pack 20, the processing device 121 can reset the offset value based on the information received from the display device 50.

[0161] In addition, when the processing device 151 cannot obtain the time information 210 from the battery pack 20, it does not display the current time on the display panel 155. For example, in a model where the battery pack 20 does not output the time information 210, the processing device 151 cannot obtain the time information 210 from the battery pack 20, so it does not perform the current time display. In this case, the processing device 151 may display on the display panel 155 information indicating that the current time cannot be displayed.

[0162] In the example shown in FIG. 10 described above, the offset value was stored in advance in the ROM 152 of the display device 50. The offset value may be stored in advance in the ROM 132 of the drive unit 30.

[0163] FIG. 11 is a diagram showing an example of the operations of the battery pack 20, the drive unit 30, and the display device 50.

[0164] In the example shown in FIG. 11, the ROM 132 of the drive unit 30 stores the offset value in advance. The processing device 121 of the battery pack 20 outputs time information 210 indicating a count value to the display device 50. The processing device 131 of the drive unit 30 outputs offset value information 215 indicating the offset value to the display device 50.

[0165] In this example, the processing device 151 of the display device 50 calculates the current time based on the count value indicated by the time information 210 and the offset value indicated by the offset value information 215. The processing device 151 can perform the current time display by displaying the calculated current time on the display panel 155.

[0166] FIG. 12 is a diagram showing yet another example of the operations of the battery pack 20 and the display device 50.

[0167] In the example shown in FIG. 12, the ROM 152 of the display device 50 stores the table information 230. FIG. 13 is a diagram showing an example of the table information 230. The table information 230 shows the relationship between the individual information of the battery pack 20 and the offset value. The individual information is information for uniquely identifying the battery pack 20. The individual information indicates, for example, an identification number.

[0168] The ROM 122 of the battery pack 20 stores the individual information for identifying itself. The processing device 121 of the battery pack 20 outputs the time information 210 indicating the count value and the individual information 240 to the display device 50.

[0169] The processing device 151 of the display device 50 acquires the time information 210 and the individual information 240 output by the battery pack 20. The processing device 151 acquires the offset value corresponding to the individual information 240 based on the table information 230. The processing device 151 calculates the current time based on the count value indicated by the time information 210 and the offset value acquired from the table information 230. The processing device 151 can perform the current time display by causing the calculated current time to be displayed on the display panel 155.

[0170] When the individual information 240 output by the battery pack 20 is not in the table information 230, the processing device 151 cannot acquire the offset value and does not perform the current time display. In this case, the processing device 151 may cause the display panel 155 to display information indicating that the current time cannot be displayed.

[0171] FIG. 14 is a diagram showing another example of the operations of the battery pack 20, the drive unit 30, and the display device 50.

[0172] In the example shown in FIG. 14, the ROM 132 of the drive unit 30 stores the table information 230. The table information 230 shows the relationship between the individual information of the battery pack 20 and the offset value.

[0173] The processing device 121 of the battery pack 20 outputs time information 210 indicating a count value to the display device 50 and outputs individual information 240 to the drive unit 30.

[0174] The processing device 131 of the drive unit 30 acquires the individual information 240 output by the battery pack 20. Based on the table information 230, the processing device 131 acquires an offset value corresponding to the individual information 240. The processing device 131 outputs offset value information 215 indicating the offset value to the display device 50.

[0175] The processing device 151 of the display device 50 calculates the current time based on the count value indicated by the time information 210 and the offset value indicated by the offset value information 215. The processing device 151 can perform current time display by causing the calculated current time to be displayed on the display panel 155.

[0176] By having the ROM 132 of the drive unit 30 store the table information 230, it is possible to eliminate the need for the ROM 152 of the display device 50 to store the table information 230.

[0177] FIG. 15 is a diagram showing still another example of the operations of the battery pack 20, the drive unit 30, and the display device 50.

[0178] In the example shown in FIG. 15, the processing device 121 of the battery pack 20 outputs time information 210 indicating a count value and individual information 240 to the drive unit 30. The ROM 132 of the drive unit 30 stores the table information 230.

[0179] The processing device 131 of the drive unit 30 acquires the individual information 240 output by the battery pack 20. Based on the table information 230, the processing device 131 acquires an offset value corresponding to the individual information 240. The processing device 131 calculates the current time based on the count value indicated by the time information 210 and the offset value acquired from the table information 230.

[0180] The processing device 131 outputs time information 210a indicating the calculated current time to the display device 50. The processing device 151 of the display device 50 receives the time information 210a and can display the current time on the display panel 155 by displaying the current time indicated by the time information 210a.

[0181] By having the processing device 131 of the drive unit 30 calculate the current time, it is possible to eliminate the need for the processing device 151 of the display device 50 to calculate the current time.

[0182] Next, a charging device for charging the battery pack 20 will be described.

[0183] As described above, the battery pack 20 can be a portable battery that is detachable from the electric assist bicycle 1. FIG. 16 is a diagram showing a state in which the battery pack 20 is detached from the electric assist bicycle 1. In this example, the battery pack 20 is attached inside the down tube 12. The down tube 12 has a U-shaped cross section at least in part and has a cover 12a that covers the U-shaped portion. By opening the cover 12a, the battery pack 20 can be removed from the down tube 12 or attached to the down tube 12.

[0184] With the battery pack 20 removed from the electric assist bicycle 1, the battery pack 20 can be connected to an external charging device for charging.

[0185] FIG. 17 is a diagram showing the charging device 80. By connecting the plug 82 of the charging device 80 to a commercial power supply (e.g., an outlet) 89 and connecting the plug 81 of the charging device 80 to the receptacle 21 of the battery pack 20, the battery pack 20 can be charged.

[0186] Since the battery pack 20 is a detachable portable battery, even if a charging device for charging the battery pack 20 is not provided at the parking position, for example, the battery pack 20 can be carried to a place where there is a charging device, and the battery pack 20 can be charged.

[0187] The battery pack 20 may be charged while being attached to the electric assist bicycle 1. FIG. 18 is a diagram for explaining the charging of the battery pack 20 attached to the electric assist bicycle 1. In the example shown in FIG. 18, the plug 82 of the charging device 80 is connected to the commercial power supply 89, and the plug 81 of the charging device 80 is connected to the receptacle 281 provided on the electric assist bicycle 1, whereby the battery pack 20 can be charged.

[0188] FIG. 19 is a block diagram showing an example of the hardware configuration of the charging device 80. The charging device 80 includes a control device 180, a power supply circuit 186, and a sensor 187.

[0189] The control device 180 includes a processing device 181, a ROM 182, a RAM 183, and a communication device 184. Since the description of the configurations of the processing device 181, the ROM 182, and the RAM 183 overlaps with the description of the processing device 151, the ROM 152, and the RAM 153 of the display device 50, it is omitted here.

[0190] A computer program (or firmware) for causing the processing device 181 to execute processing is stored in the ROM 182. The computer program may be stored in the ROM 182 at the time of manufacturing the charging device 80. The computer program may be provided to the charging device 80 via a storage medium or an electrical communication line. Such a computer program may be sold as commercial software. The processing device 181 sequentially executes a computer program (the computer program stored in the ROM 182) describing a group of instructions for executing various processes, and realizes a desired process. The processing device 181 controls the charging operation of the charging device 80. The processing device 181 monitors the output current, output voltage, temperature, etc. of the charging device 80.

[0191] The power supply circuit 186 includes, for example, an AC / DC converter that converts an AC voltage supplied from a commercial power supply 89 into a DC voltage. The sensor 187 is a current sensor that detects the current of the power supply circuit 186, a voltage sensor that detects the voltage of the power supply circuit 186, a temperature sensor that detects the temperature of the power supply circuit 186, or the like. The processing device 181 monitors the current, voltage, temperature, etc. of the power supply circuit 186 based on the output signal of the sensor 187.

[0192] During charging of the battery pack 20, the battery pack 20 and the charging device 80 are electrically connected. The processing device 181 controls the operation of the power supply circuit 186. The power supply circuit 186 generates a DC current for charging the battery pack 20 and outputs it to the battery pack 20, and the battery pack 20 is charged.

[0193] The communication device 184 is a communication module for performing wired communication with the battery pack 20. The communication is performed using a communication method such as CAN, for example. The communication device 184 may perform wireless communication with the battery pack 20.

[0194] The communication device 184 may communicate with an external device other than the battery pack 20. For example, the communication device 184 may communicate with a home network system or the like. In this case, the communication device 184 can perform wired communication and / or wireless communication. The communication device 184 can perform wired communication compliant with a communication standard such as USB, IEEE1394 (registered trademark), or Ethernet (registered trademark), for example. The communication device 184 can perform wireless communication compliant with a Bluetooth (registered trademark) standard and / or a Wi-Fi (registered trademark) standard, for example. The communication device 184 may be a communication module capable of performing wireless communication compliant with a communication method of BLE or LPWA. The communication device 184 may perform wireless communication using a mobile phone line or a line via an artificial satellite.

[0195] Next, the setting of the current time of the battery pack 20 using the charging device 80 will be described.

[0196] The current time of the battery pack 20 may be set using the charging device 80. In this case, the processing device 181 of the charging device 80 can calculate the current time.

[0197] The charging device 80 may, for example, acquire current time information indicating the current time from an external device and set the current time of the charging device 80. The external device may be, for example, a mobile terminal device 90, a personal computer, or other electrical equipment. For example, the mobile terminal device 90 outputs current time information to the charging device 80. The processing device 181 of the charging device 80 can set the current time based on the received current time information. If the current time has already been set in the charging device 80, the processing device 181 can reset the current time based on the received current time information.

[0198] The charging device 80 may communicate with a home network system or the like. In this case, the charging device 80 may acquire current time information from other electrical equipment connected to the home network system. The charging device 80 may receive a signal from a GNSS (Global Navigation Satellite System) satellite and set the current time. A plurality of switches are provided in the charging device 80, and the user may set the current time by operating these switches.

[0199] The processing device 181 of the charging device 80 outputs current time information indicating the calculated current time to the battery pack 20. The processing device 121 of the battery pack 20 sets the current time based on the received current time information. Thereby, the current time can be set in the battery pack 20 based on the current time held by the charging device 80.

[0200] The processing device 121 calculates an offset value based on the current count value and the current time, and stores the calculated offset value in the ROM 122. The processing device 121 can calculate the current time based on the calculated offset value and the count value. If the current time is not set in the battery pack 20, the calculation of the current time can be started using the calculated offset value.

[0201] Also, if the current time is already set in the battery pack 20, the processing device 121 can reset the current time based on the current time information received from the charging device 80. The current time calculated by the processing device 121 may shift little by little over time. By resetting the current time held by the battery pack 20 to the current time held by the charging device 80, the shift of the current time held by the battery pack 20 can be corrected.

[0202] The calculation of the offset value may be performed by the processing device 181 of the charging device 80. In this case, the processing device 121 of the battery pack 20 outputs time information 210 indicating the count value to the charging device 80.

[0203] The processing device 181 calculates an offset value based on the current time and the count value. The processing device 181 outputs information indicating the calculated offset value to the battery pack 20. The processing device 121 of the battery pack 20 can set the offset value based on the information indicating the acquired offset value. If the offset value is already set in the battery pack 20, the processing device 121 can reset the offset value based on the information received from the charging device 80.

[0204] The current time of the battery pack 20 may be set by direct communication between an external device such as the mobile terminal device 90 and the battery pack 20. The external device can be, for example, the mobile terminal device 90, a personal computer, or other electrical equipment.

[0205] In this case, the communication device 124 of the battery pack 20 can perform wired communication and / or wireless communication. The communication device 124 can perform wired communication compliant with a communication standard such as USB, IEEE1394 (registered trademark), or Ethernet (registered trademark), for example. The communication device 124 can perform wireless communication compliant with the Bluetooth (registered trademark) standard and / or the Wi-Fi (registered trademark) standard, for example. The communication device 124 may be a communication module capable of performing wireless communication compliant with the communication methods of BLE or LPWA. The communication device 124 may perform wireless communication using a mobile phone line or a line via a satellite.

[0206] For example, the portable terminal device 90 outputs current time information to the battery pack 20. The processing device 121 of the battery pack 20 can set the current time based on the received current time information. If the current time has already been set in the battery pack 20, the processing device 121 can reset the current time based on the received current time information.

[0207] The battery pack 20 may communicate with a home network system or the like. In this case, the battery pack 20 may acquire current time information from other electrical devices connected to the home network system. The battery pack 20 may receive a signal from a GNSS (Global Navigation Satellite System) satellite and set the current time. A plurality of switches are provided in the battery pack 20, and the user may set the current time by operating these switches.

[0208] The processing device 121 calculates an offset value based on the current count value and the acquired current time information, and stores the calculated offset value in the ROM 122. The processing device 121 can calculate the current time based on the calculated offset value and the count value. If the current time has not been set in the battery pack 20, the calculation of the current time can be started using the calculated offset value.

[0209] Also, when the current time is already set in the battery pack 20, the processing device 121 can reset the current time based on the acquired current time information. The current time calculated by the processing device 121 may shift little by little over time. By resetting the current time held by the battery pack 20 to the current time acquired from an external device, the deviation of the current time held by the battery pack 20 can be corrected.

[0210] The calculation of the offset value may be performed by an external device such as the mobile terminal device 90. In this case, the processing device 121 of the battery pack 20 outputs time information 210 indicating a count value to the mobile terminal device 90, for example. The processing device of the mobile terminal device 90 calculates an offset value based on the current time and the count value. The processing device of the mobile terminal device 90 outputs information indicating the calculated offset value to the battery pack 20. The processing device 121 of the battery pack 20 can set the offset value based on the information indicating the acquired offset value. When the offset value is already set in the battery pack 20, the processing device 121 can reset the offset value based on the information received from the mobile terminal device 90.

[0211] Next, an embodiment of the electric assist bicycle 1 equipped with a plurality of battery packs 20 will be described. In order to increase the distance that the electric motor 32 can travel while generating an assist force, the electric assist bicycle 1 may be equipped with a plurality of battery packs 20. The display of the current time in such a case will be described.

[0212] FIG. 20 is a diagram showing a plurality of battery packs mounted on the electric assist bicycle 1. In the example shown in FIG. 20, as the plurality of battery packs 20, two battery packs 20a and 20b are mounted on the electric assist bicycle 1. The mounting positions of the two battery packs 20a and 20b are arbitrary. For example, one or more of the down tube 12, top tube 14, and seat tube 16 of the electric assist bicycle 1 are mounted with the battery packs 20a and 20b. Three or more battery packs 20 may be mounted on the electric assist bicycle 1. Here, as the processing device 121, it is assumed that the battery pack 20a includes a processing device 121a and the battery pack 20b includes a processing device 121b.

[0213] In this example, the processing device 151 of the display device 50 acquires the time information 210 from one of the battery packs 20a and 20b.

[0214] For example, the processing device 151 acquires the time information 210 from the battery pack 20 disposed at a predetermined position of the electric assist bicycle 1. For example, when the battery pack 20a is disposed on the down tube 12 and the battery pack 20b is disposed on the seat tube 16, the processing device 151 acquires the time information 210 from the battery pack 20a disposed on the down tube 12.

[0215] By acquiring the time information 210 from any one of the plurality of battery packs 20 instead of from the plurality of battery packs 20, even if there is a deviation in the current time among the plurality of battery packs 20, the current time can be displayed on the display device 50 without causing a processing error.

[0216] The method of selecting the battery pack 20 that acquires the time information 210 is not limited to the above method and is arbitrary. For example, among the plurality of battery packs 20, the time information 210 may be acquired from the battery pack 20 that is supplying power to the drive unit 30 and the display device 50.

[0217] Also, for example, when the battery pack 20 stores log information indicating the date and time set for the current time, the time information 210 may be acquired from the battery pack 20 with the shortest elapsed time from the set date and time of the current time among the plurality of battery packs 20. Also, for example, the time information 210 may be acquired from the battery pack 20 with the most advanced current time among the plurality of battery packs 20.

[0218] Also, when the current time is set in one battery pack 20 but not in the other battery pack 20, the time information 210 is acquired from the battery pack 20 in which the current time is set.

[0219] Also, when the current time is set in one battery pack 20 but not in the other battery pack 20, the current time of the battery pack 20 in which the current time is not set may be set based on the current time information output by the battery pack 20 in which the current time is set.

[0220] For example, assume that the current time is set in the battery pack 20a but not in the battery pack 20b. In this case, for example, the processing device 121a of the battery pack 20a outputs the current time information to the battery pack 20b. The processing device 121b of the battery pack 20b sets the current time based on the acquired current time information. Thereby, the current time can be set for the battery pack 20b in which the current time is not set.

[0221] Also, for example, the processing device 121a of the battery pack 20a may output the current time information to the display device 50. The processing device 151 of the display device 50 outputs the acquired current time information to the battery pack 20b. The processing device 121b of the battery pack 20b can set the current time based on the acquired current time information.

[0222] In the above-described embodiments, a two-wheeled electric assist bicycle has been exemplified as the electric assist bicycle 1, but the present invention is not limited thereto. For example, the electric assist bicycle 1 may be a three-wheeled electric assist bicycle.

[0223] In the above-described embodiments, the drive wheel to which the human power generated by the user stepping on the pedals and the assist power generated by the electric motor are transmitted was the rear wheel, but the present invention is not limited thereto. Depending on the form of the electric assist bicycle, the human power and the assist power may be transmitted to the front wheel, or may be transmitted to both the front wheel and the rear wheel. Further, the present invention may be applied to an electric assist bicycle provided with a hub motor on the front wheel.

[0224] The exemplary embodiments of the present invention have been described above. This specification discloses a time display system, a drive system, an electric assist vehicle, a battery pack, a time display method, and a computer program described in the following items.

[0225] [Item 1] A time display system 10 for an electric assist vehicle 1, a display device 50, one or more processing devices 151, 131, and comprising, the one or more processing devices 151, 131 obtain time information 210 indicating information regarding the time output by a battery pack 20 that supplies power to an electric motor 32 that generates a driving force for driving the electric assist vehicle 1, and based on the time information 210, cause the display device 50 to display the current time, the time display system 10.

[0226] When the display device 50 of the electric assist vehicle 1 has a current time display function, the display device 50 incorporates a battery cell such as a coin-type battery. By incorporating a battery cell in the display device 50, the processing device 151 of the display device 50 can perform an operation of the current time even when the battery pack 20 that supplies power to the electric motor 32 is removed from the electric assist vehicle 1.

[0227] However, various components need to be arranged in the space inside the housing of the display device 50, and there is a problem that other components are subject to placement restrictions in order to secure space for arranging the battery cells. In addition, the user may find it troublesome to replace the battery cells when the remaining amount of the battery cells runs out.

[0228] According to an embodiment of the present invention, one or more processing devices 151, 131 cause the display device 50 to display the current time based on the time information 210 output by the battery pack 20. Thereby, even if the display device 50 does not incorporate a battery cell, the display device 50 can display the current time. The degree of freedom in arranging the components within the display device 50 can be increased, and the battery cell replacement operation can be made unnecessary.

[0229] The battery pack 20 includes a plurality of battery cells, and can continue to count time using the current output from the plurality of battery cells.

[0230] [Item 2] The time display system 10 according to Item 1, wherein the time information 210 output by the battery pack 20 indicates the current time.

[0231] Thereby, the display device 50 can display the current time without the processing device other than the processing device 121 of the battery pack 20 calculating the current time.

[0232] [Item 3] One or more processing devices 151, 131 acquire current time information indicating the current time based on a user's operation of setting the current time for the display device 50, output the acquired current time information to the battery pack 20, The processing device 121 of the battery pack 20 sets the current time based on the current time information output by one or more processing devices 151, 131. The time display system 10 according to Item 2.

[0233] Accordingly, based on the current time set by the user, the current time can be set in the battery pack 20.

[0234] [Item 4] One or more processing devices 151, 131 acquire current time information indicating the current time based on the user's operation of setting the current time for the display device 50, output the acquired current time information to the battery pack 20, The processing device 121 of the battery pack 20 resets the current time to be calculated based on the current time information output by one or more processing devices 151, 131, in the time display system 10 described in Item 2.

[0235] The current time calculated by the processing device 121 of the battery pack 20 may gradually deviate over time. By resetting the current time held by the battery pack 20 to the current time set by the user, the deviation of the current time held by the battery pack 20 can be corrected.

[0236] [Item 5] The time information 210 output by the battery pack 20 indicates a first value related to a time that is not the current time, One or more processing devices 151, 131 calculate the current time using the first value and a second value for converting the first value to the current time, in the time display system 10 described in Item 1.

[0237] Accordingly, the current time can be calculated using the time information 210 indicating the first value (for example, a count value) output by the battery pack 20.

[0238] [Item 6] In the time display system 10 described in Item 5, the time information 210 output by the battery pack 20 indicates a second value.

[0239] Accordingly, the current time can be calculated using the information of the first value and the second value output by the battery pack 20.

[0240] [Item 7] Comprising storage devices 152 and 132 that store information indicating a second value, One or more processing devices 151 and 131 calculate the current time using the information indicating the second value read from the storage devices 152 and 132, in the time display system 10 described in Item 5.

[0241] Thereby, the current time can be calculated using the time information 210 indicating the first value output by the battery pack 20.

[0242] [Item 8] Comprising storage devices 152 and 132 that store table information 230 indicating the relationship between the individual information 240 of the battery pack 20 and the second value, One or more processing devices 151 and 131, acquire the individual information 240 output by the battery pack 20, and acquire the second value used for calculating the current time based on the acquired individual information 240 and the table information 230, in the time display system 10 described in Item 5.

[0243] Thereby, the second value can be acquired using the individual information 240 output by the battery pack 20.

[0244] [Item 9] The first value is a count value obtained by the processing device 121 of the battery pack 20 counting time, in the time display system 10 described in any one of Items 5 to 8.

[0245] Thereby, the current time can be calculated using the time information 210 indicating the count value output by the battery pack 20.

[0246] [Item 10] The second value is an offset value, in the time display system 10 described in any one of Items 5 to 8.

[0247] Thereby, the current time can be calculated using the offset value.

[0248] [Item 11] The processing device 121 of the battery pack 20 outputs information indicating a first value to one or more processing devices 151, 131, One or more processing devices 151, 131, Based on the user's operation of setting the current time on the display device 50, obtain current time information indicating the current time, Based on the obtained current time information and the first value obtained from the battery pack 20, calculate a second value, Output information indicating the calculated second value to the battery pack 20, The processing device 121 of the battery pack 20 sets the second value used for calculating the current time based on the information indicating the second value obtained from one or more processing devices 151, 131. The time display system 10 according to item 6.

[0249] Thereby, based on the current time set by the user, a second value (for example, an offset value) can be set in the battery pack 20.

[0250] [Item 12] The processing device 121 of the battery pack 20 outputs information indicating a first value to one or more processing devices 151, 131, One or more processing devices 151, 131, Based on the user's operation of setting the current time on the display device 50, obtain current time information indicating the current time, Based on the obtained current time information and the first value obtained from the battery pack 20, calculate a second value, Output information indicating the calculated second value to the battery pack 20, The processing device 121 of the battery pack 20 resets the second value used for calculating the current time to the second value obtained from one or more processing devices 151, 131. The time display system 10 according to item 6.

[0251] The current time calculated by the processing device 121 of the battery pack 20 may gradually deviate over time. By resetting the second value (for example, the offset value) held by the battery pack 20 to the second value calculated by one or more of the processing devices 151, 131, the deviation of the current time can be corrected.

[0252] [Item 13] When one or more of the processing devices 151, 131 cannot obtain the time information 210 from the battery pack 20, the time display system 10 described in any one of Items 1 to 12 does not cause the display device 50 to display the current time.

[0253] Thus, when the time information 210 cannot be obtained, the display device 50 can be prevented from displaying the current time.

[0254] [Item 14] The battery pack 20 is charged using the charging device 80, The processing device 181 of the charging device 80 outputs current time information indicating the current time to the battery pack 20, The processing device 121 of the battery pack 20 sets the current time based on the current time information output by the charging device 80, in the time display system 10 described in Item 2 or 3.

[0255] Thus, based on the current time held by the charging device 80, the current time can be set in the battery pack 20.

[0256] [Item 15] The battery pack 20 is charged using the charging device 80, The processing device 181 of the charging device 80 outputs current time information indicating the current time to the battery pack 20, The processing device 121 of the battery pack 20 resets the current time to be calculated based on the current time information output by the charging device 80, in the time display system 10 described in Item 2 or 3.

[0257] The current time calculated by the processing device 121 of the battery pack 20 may gradually deviate over time. By resetting the current time held by the battery pack 20 to the current time held by the charging device 80, the deviation of the current time can be corrected.

[0258] [Item 16] The battery pack 20 is charged using the charging device 80, the processing device 121 of the battery pack 20 outputs information indicating a first value to the charging device 80, the processing device 181 of the charging device 80 calculates a second value based on the current time and the first value obtained from the battery pack 20, outputs information indicating the calculated second value to the battery pack 20, The processing device 121 of the battery pack 20 resets the second value used for calculating the current time to the second value obtained from the charging device 80, in the time display system 10 described in item 6.

[0259] The current time calculated by the processing device 121 of the battery pack 20 may gradually deviate over time. By resetting the second value (for example, an offset value) held by the battery pack 20 to the second value calculated by the charging device 80, the deviation of the current time can be corrected.

[0260] [Item 17] One or more processing devices 151, 131 acquire current time information indicating the current time from the external device 90, output the current time information to the battery pack 20, The processing device 121 of the battery pack 20 resets the calculated current time based on the current time information output by one or more processing devices 151, 131, in the time display system 10 described in item 2.

[0261] The current time calculated by the processing device 121 of the battery pack 20 may gradually deviate over time. By resetting the current time held by the battery pack 20 to the current time obtained from the external device 90, the deviation of the current time can be corrected.

[0262] [Item 18] The processing device 121 of the battery pack 20 outputs information indicating a first value to one or more processing devices 151, 131. One or more processing devices 151, 131 acquire current time information indicating the current time from the external device 90. Based on the current time information acquired from the external device 90 and the first value acquired from the battery pack 20, calculate a second value. Output the calculated second value to the battery pack 20. The processing device 121 of the battery pack 20 resets the second value used for calculating the current time to the second value acquired from one or more processing devices 151, 131, in the time display system 10 described in item 6.

[0263] The current time calculated by the processing device 121 of the battery pack 20 may gradually deviate over time. By resetting the second value (for example, offset value) held by the battery pack 20 to the second value calculated by one or more processing devices 151, 131, the deviation of the current time can be corrected.

[0264] [Item 19] The processing device 121 of the battery pack 20 acquires current time information indicating the current time from the external device 90. The time display system 10 described in item 2, which resets the current time to be calculated based on the current time information acquired from the external device 90.

[0265] The current time calculated by the processing device 121 of the battery pack 20 may shift little by little over time. By resetting the current time held by the battery pack 20 to the current time held by the external device 90, the shift of the current time can be corrected.

[0266] [Item 20] The processing device 121 of the battery pack 20 outputs a first value to the external device 90, The processing device of the external device 90 calculates a second value based on the current time and the first value output by the battery pack 20, outputs the calculated second value to the battery pack 20, The processing device 121 of the battery pack 20 resets the second value used for calculating the current time to the second value output by the external device 90, in the time display system 10 described in item 6.

[0267] The current time calculated by the processing device 121 of the battery pack 20 may shift little by little over time. By resetting the offset value held by the battery pack 20 to the offset value calculated by the external device 90, the shift of the current time can be corrected.

[0268] [Item 21] The electric assist vehicle 1 can be equipped with a plurality of battery packs 20, One or more processing devices 151, 131 acquire time information 210 from one of the plurality of battery packs 20, in the time display system 10 described in any of items 1 to 20.

[0269] By adopting the time information 210 of one battery pack 20, even if there is a shift in the current time among the plurality of battery packs 20, the current time can be displayed on the display device 50 without causing a processing error.

[0270] [Item 22] The electric assist vehicle 1 can be equipped with a plurality of battery packs 20, When a plurality of battery packs 20 include a battery pack 20 with the current time set and a battery pack 20 with the current time not set, The processing device 121 of the battery pack 20 with the current time not set acquires current time information indicating the current time from the processing device 121 of the battery pack 20 with the current time set, and sets the current time based on the acquired current time information, for the time display system 10 described in item 1 or 2.

[0271] Thereby, the current time can be set for the battery pack 20 with the current time not set.

[0272] [Item 23] The electric assist vehicle 1 can be equipped with a plurality of battery packs 20, When a plurality of battery packs 20 include a battery pack 20 with the current time set and a battery pack 20 with the current time not set, one or more processing devices 151, 131 acquire current time information indicating the current time from the processing device 121 of the battery pack 20 with the current time set, output the acquired current time information to the processing device 121 of the battery pack 20 with the current time not set, and the processing device 121 of the battery pack 20 with the current time not set sets the current time based on the acquired current time information, for the time display system 10 described in item 1 or 2.

[0273] Thereby, the current time can be set for the battery pack 20 with the current time not set.

[0274] [Item 24] One or more processing devices 151, 131 include the processing device 151 provided in the display device 50, for the time display system 10 described in any one of items 1 to 23.

[0275] As a result, the processing device 151 of the display device 50 can cause the display device 50 to display the current time based on the time information 210 output by the battery pack 20.

[0276] [Item 25] A drive system 100 including the time display system 10 described in any one of Items 1 to 24.

[0277] As a result, it is possible to cause the display device 50 to display the current time, and it is possible to realize a drive system 100 that does not require the display device 50 to incorporate a battery cell.

[0278] [Item 26] An electric assist vehicle 1 including the time display system 10 described in any one of Items 1 to 24.

[0279] As a result, it is possible to cause the display device 50 to display the current time, and it is possible to realize an electric assist vehicle 1 that does not require the display device 50 to incorporate a battery cell.

[0280] [Item 27] A time display method for causing a display device 50 for an electric assist vehicle 1 to display the current time, which is executed by one or more computers, comprising: obtaining time information 210 indicating information regarding the time output by a battery pack 20 that supplies power to an electric motor 32 that generates a driving force for driving the electric assist vehicle 1; causing the display device 50 to display the current time based on the time information 210; A time display method including the above.

[0281] When the display device 50 of the electric assist vehicle 1 has a current time display function, the display device 50 incorporates a battery cell such as a coin-type battery. By incorporating a battery cell in the display device 50, the processing device 151 of the display device 50 can perform the calculation of the current time even when the battery pack 20 that supplies power to the electric motor 32 is removed from the electric assist vehicle 1.

[0282] However, various components need to be arranged in the space inside the housing of the display device 50, and there is a problem that other components are subject to arrangement restrictions in order to secure space for arranging the battery cells. In addition, when the remaining amount of the battery cells runs out, the user may find it troublesome to replace the battery cells.

[0283] According to an embodiment of the present invention, one or more processing devices 151, 131 cause the display device 50 to display the current time based on the time information 210 output by the battery pack 20. Thereby, even if the display device 50 does not incorporate a battery cell, the display device 50 can display the current time. The degree of freedom in arranging the components inside the display device 50 can be increased, and the battery cell replacement operation can be made unnecessary.

[0284] The battery pack 20 includes a plurality of battery cells, and can continue to count time using the current output by the plurality of battery cells.

[0285] [Item 28] A computer program that causes one or more computers to execute a process of causing a display device 50 for an electric assist vehicle 1 to display the current time, The computer program, obtains time information 210 indicating information regarding the time output by a battery pack 20 that supplies power to an electric motor 32 that generates a driving force for driving the electric assist vehicle 1, causes the display device 50 to display the current time based on the time information 210, and causes one or more computers to execute the computer program.

[0286] When the display device 50 of the electric assist vehicle 1 has a current time display function, the display device 50 incorporates a battery cell such as a coin-type battery. By incorporating a battery cell in the display device 50, the processing device 151 of the display device 50 can perform the calculation of the current time even when the battery pack 20 that supplies power to the electric motor 32 is removed from the electric assist vehicle 1.

[0287] However, various components need to be arranged in the space inside the housing of the display device 50, and there is a problem that other components are subject to arrangement restrictions in order to secure space for arranging the battery cells. In addition, the user may find it troublesome to replace the battery cells when the remaining amount of the battery cells runs out.

[0288] According to an embodiment of the present invention, one or more processing devices 151 and 131 cause the display device 50 to display the current time based on the time information 210 output by the battery pack 20. Thereby, even if the display device 50 does not incorporate a battery cell, the display device 50 can display the current time. The degree of freedom in arranging the components inside the display device 50 can be increased, and the battery cell replacement operation can be made unnecessary.

[0289] The battery pack 20 includes a plurality of battery cells, and can continue to count time using the current output by the plurality of battery cells.

[0290] [Item 29] A battery pack 20 used for supplying power to the electric motor 32 of the electric assist vehicle 1, a plurality of battery cells 126a, a processing device 121 that calculates the current time, and is provided with The processing device 121 outputs time information 210 indicating the calculated current time to a processing device 151 that controls the display device 50 of the electric assist vehicle 1. The battery pack 20.

[0291] Thereby, the display device 50 of the electric assist vehicle 1 can display the current time without incorporating a battery cell.

Industrial Applicability

[0292] The present invention is particularly useful in the field of electric assist vehicles.

Explanation of Signs

[0293] 1: Electrically assisted vehicle (electrically assisted bicycle), 2: Vehicle body frame, 3: Saddle, 4: Handlebar, 5: Meter unit, 6: Front wheel, 7: Rear wheel, 10: Time display system, 11: Head pipe, 12: Down tube, 12a: Cover, 13: Handlebar column, 14: Top tube, 15: Front fork, 16: Seat tube, 17: Seat post, 18: Chain stay, 19: Seat stay, 20: Battery pack, 21: Receptacle, 22: Headlamp, 23: Chain, 24: Bracket, 25: Speed sensor, 28: Transmission, 30: Drive unit, 32: Electric motor, 35: Pedal crankshaft, 36: Crank arm, 37: Pedal, 38: Drive sprocket, 41: Handlebar, 42: Handlebar stem, 43L: Left grip, 43R: Right grip, 44L: Brake lever, 44R: Brake lever, 45: Shift operating device, 50: Display device (meter), 52: Power switch, 53: Lamp lighting switch, 57: Electric wire, 70: Operating device, 71: Assist force setting switch, 72: Assist force setting switch, 73: Select switch, 74: Push walking switch, 77: Electric wire, 80: Charging device, 81: Plug, 82: Plug, 89: Commercial power supply (socket), 90: Portable terminal device, 100: Drive system, 120: BMS, 121: Processing device, 122: ROM, 123: RAM, 124: Communication device, 125: Cell monitor, 126: Battery module, 126a: Battery cell, 127: Sensor, 130: MCU, 131: Processing device, 132: ROM, 133: RAM, 134: Communication device, 135: Drive device, 137: Sensor, 150: Control device, 151: Processing device, 152: ROM, 153: RAM, 154: Communication device, 155: Display panel, 156: Input device, 180: Control device, 181: Processing device, 182: ROM, 183: RAM, 184: Communication device, 186: Power circuit, 187: Sensor, 210: Time information, 215: Offset value information, 230: Table information, 240: Individual information, 281: Receptacle

Claims

1. A time display system for an electric assist vehicle, comprising: a display device; one or more processing devices; wherein the one or more processing devices obtain time information indicating information regarding the time output by a battery pack that supplies power to an electric motor that generates a driving force for driving the electric assist vehicle, and based on the time information, cause the display device to display the current time, the time display system.

2. The time display system according to claim 1, wherein the time information output by the battery pack indicates the current time.

3. The one or more processing devices obtain current time information indicating the current time based on an operation of a user for setting the current time on the display device, output the obtained current time information to the battery pack, and a processing device of the battery pack sets the current time based on the current time information output by the one or more processing devices, the time display system according to claim 2.

4. The one or more processing devices obtain current time information indicating the current time based on an operation of a user for setting the current time on the display device, output the obtained current time information to the battery pack, and a processing device of the battery pack resets the calculated current time based on the current time information output by the one or more processing devices, the time display system according to claim 2.

5. The time information output by the battery pack indicates a first value regarding a time that is not the current time, and the one or more processing devices calculate the current time using the first value and a second value for converting the first value to the current time, the time display system according to claim 1.

6. The time display system according to claim 5, wherein the time information output by the battery pack indicates the second value.

7. comprising a storage device that stores information indicating the second value, and the one or more processing devices calculate the current time using the information indicating the second value read from the storage device, the time display system according to claim 5.

8. comprising a storage device that stores table information indicating the relationship between the individual information of the battery pack and the second value, and the one or more processing devices obtain the individual information output by the battery pack, The time display system according to claim 5, which obtains the second value used for the calculation of the current time based on the obtained individual information and the table information.

9. The time display system according to claim 5 or 6, wherein the first value is a count value obtained by the processing device of the battery pack counting time.

10. The time display system according to claim 5 or 6, wherein the second value is an offset value.

11. The processing device of the battery pack outputs information indicating the first value to the one or more processing devices, The one or more processing devices, obtain current time information indicating the current time based on an operation of the user for setting the current time on the display device, calculate the second value based on the obtained current time information and the first value obtained from the battery pack, output information indicating the calculated second value to the battery pack, The time display system according to claim 6, wherein the processing device of the battery pack sets the second value used for the calculation of the current time based on the information indicating the second value obtained from the one or more processing devices.

12. The processing device of the battery pack outputs information indicating the first value to the one or more processing devices, The one or more processing devices, obtain current time information indicating the current time based on an operation of the user for setting the current time on the display device, calculate the second value based on the obtained current time information and the first value obtained from the battery pack, output information indicating the calculated second value to the battery pack, The time display system according to claim 6, wherein the processing device of the battery pack resets the second value used for the calculation of the current time to the second value obtained from the one or more processing devices.

13. The time display system according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the one or more processing devices do not display the current time on the display device when the time information cannot be obtained from the battery pack.

14. The battery pack is charged using a charging device, the processing device of the charging device outputs current time information indicating the current time to the battery pack, The time display system according to claim 2 or 3, wherein the processing device of the battery pack sets the current time based on the current time information output by the charging device.

15. The battery pack is charged using a charging device, and the processing device of the charging device outputs current time information indicating the current time to the battery pack. The processing device of the battery pack resets the current time to be calculated based on the current time information output by the charging device. The time display system according to claim 2 or 3.

16. The battery pack is charged using a charging device, and the processing device of the battery pack outputs information indicating the first value to the charging device. The processing device of the charging device calculates the second value based on the current time and the first value obtained from the battery pack, outputs information indicating the calculated second value to the battery pack, and the processing device of the battery pack resets the second value used for calculating the current time to the second value obtained from the charging device. The time display system according to claim 6.

17. The one or more processing devices acquire current time information indicating the current time from an external device, output the current time information to the battery pack, and the processing device of the battery pack resets the current time to be calculated based on the current time information output by the one or more processing devices. The time display system according to claim 2.

18. The processing device of the battery pack outputs information indicating the first value to the one or more processing devices, and the one or more processing devices acquire current time information indicating the current time from an external device, calculate the second value based on the current time information obtained from the external device and the first value obtained from the battery pack, output the calculated second value to the battery pack, and the processing device of the battery pack resets the second value used for calculating the current time to the second value obtained from the one or more processing devices. The time display system according to claim 6.

19. The processing device of the battery pack acquires current time information indicating the current time from an external device, and resets the current time to be calculated based on the current time information obtained from the external device. The time display system according to claim 2.

20. The processing device of the battery pack outputs the first value to an external device, and the processing device of the external device calculates the second value based on the current time and the first value output by the battery pack. Output the calculated second value to the battery pack. The processing device of the battery pack resets the second value used for calculating the current time to the second value output by the external device. The time display system according to claim 6.

21. The electric assist vehicle can be equipped with a plurality of the battery packs. The one or more processing devices acquire the time information from one of the plurality of battery packs. The time display system according to claim 1 or 2.

22. The electric assist vehicle can be equipped with a plurality of the battery packs. When the plurality of battery packs include a battery pack with the current time set and a battery pack with the current time not set. The processing device of the battery pack with the current time not set. Acquires current time information indicating the current time from the processing device of the battery pack with the current time set. Sets the current time based on the acquired current time information. The time display system according to claim 1 or 2.

23. The electric assist vehicle can be equipped with a plurality of the battery packs. When the plurality of battery packs include a battery pack with the current time set and a battery pack with the current time not set. The one or more processing devices. Acquire current time information indicating the current time from the processing device of the battery pack with the current time set. Output the acquired current time information to the processing device of the battery pack with the current time not set. The processing device of the battery pack with the current time not set sets the current time based on the acquired current time information. The time display system according to claim 1 or 2.

24. The one or more processing devices include a processing device provided in the display device. The time display system according to claim 1 or 2.

25. A drive system including the time display system according to claim 1 or 2.

26. An electric assist vehicle including the time display system according to claim 1 or 2.

27. A time display method for causing one or more computers to display the current time on a display device for an electric assist vehicle, comprising: Acquiring time information indicating information regarding the time output by a battery pack that supplies power to an electric motor that generates a driving force for driving the electric assist vehicle. Based on the time information, causing the display device to display the current time. A time display method including

28. A computer program that causes one or more computers to execute a process of causing a display device for an electric assist vehicle to display the current time, wherein the computer program acquires time information indicating information regarding the time output by a battery pack that supplies power to an electric motor that generates a driving force for driving the electric assist vehicle, causes the display device to display the current time based on the time information, and causes the one or more computers to execute the computer program.

29. A battery pack used for supplying power to an electric motor of an electric assist vehicle, including a plurality of battery cells, and a processing device that calculates the current time, wherein the processing device outputs time information indicating the calculated current time to a processing device that controls a display device of the electric assist vehicle. ​

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