Electric unit activation system

Abstract

To achieve a reduction in cost.SOLUTION: A control unit includes: a first voltage adjustment circuit having a first voltage output terminal and a first control signal terminal that receives an on / off control signal; a first switch having a power-supply-side terminal connected to a battery, a ground-side terminal connected to the first control signal terminal, and a control terminal connected to the battery via a first resistance element; and a diode OR circuit including a first diode having an anode connected to the control terminal, a second diode having an anode connected to the first voltage output terminal, and a cathode of each diode connected to a first end of a power supply line. An operation unit includes: a second voltage adjustment circuit having a second voltage output terminal and a second control signal terminal that receives an on / off control signal; a second switch having a power-supply-side terminal connected to a second end of the power supply line, a ground-side terminal connected to the second control signal terminal, and a control terminal connected to the second end of the power supply line via a second resistance element; and an operation switch between the control terminal and the ground.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 2

Description

Technical Field

[0001] One aspect of the present invention relates to an electric unit starting system.

Background Art

[0002] There is an electric assist bicycle including an operation unit provided on a handlebar and a control unit provided on a vehicle body frame and connected to a battery (for example, Patent Document 1).

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] In the electric assist bicycle described in Patent Document 1, a start signal generation unit is provided in the control unit. The start signal generation unit generates a start signal for a voltage adjustment unit in response to a start instruction from a start instruction unit provided in the operation unit. The start instruction unit is connected to the start signal generation unit in the control unit via a dedicated line or a first communication wiring.

[0005] When a dedicated line is provided to connect the start instruction unit and the start signal generation unit, the cost increases. On the other hand, when the start instruction unit is connected to the start signal generation unit in the control unit via the first communication wiring, it is necessary to provide a circuit including transistors at both ends of the first communication wiring, so that the circuit scale becomes large and it becomes difficult to reduce the cost. Further, the communication method between the control unit and the operation unit may be restricted.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0006] An electric unit starting system according to one aspect of the present invention is A control unit, an operation unit, and a power line having a first end provided on the control unit and a second end provided on the operation unit, and is an electric unit starting system provided on an electric bicycle, wherein the control unit includes a first voltage adjustment circuit having a first voltage output terminal that outputs a first voltage adjusted based on a battery voltage, and a first control signal terminal that receives a first control signal for controlling on and off; a first semiconductor switch having a power supply side terminal connected to a battery, a ground side terminal connected to the first control signal terminal, and a control terminal connected to the battery through a first resistor element; includes a first diode having an anode connected to the control terminal of the first semiconductor switch, and a second diode having an anode connected to the first voltage output terminal, and a diode OR circuit in which a cathode of the first diode and a cathode of the second diode are connected to the first end of the power line; wherein the operation unit includes a second voltage adjustment circuit having a second voltage output terminal that supplies a second voltage adjusted based on the first voltage, and a second control signal terminal that receives a second control signal for controlling on and off; a second semiconductor switch having a power supply side terminal connected to the second end of the power line, a ground side terminal connected to the second control signal terminal, and a control terminal connected to the second end of the power line through a second resistor element; and includes an operation switch having a first end connected to the control terminal of the second semiconductor switch and a second end connected to ground.

[0007] According to the electric unit starting system with the above configuration, by providing the diode OR circuit, since no current flows through the second diode before the first voltage adjustment circuit is started, the battery voltage can be supplied to the first end of the operation switch through the first resistance element, the first diode, the power line, and the second resistance element. As a result, when the operation switch transitions to the on state, a current can flow from the battery through the first resistance element, the first diode, the power line, the second resistance element, and the operation switch to the ground. Therefore, the first semiconductor switch can be transitioned from the off state to the on state, and the first control signal can be output to the first control signal terminal to start the first voltage adjustment circuit. Further, since the second semiconductor switch can be transitioned from the off state to the on state by the current, after the first voltage adjustment circuit is started, the second control signal can be output to the second control signal terminal to start the second voltage adjustment circuit. That is, before the first voltage adjustment circuit is started, the power line can be used as a signal transmission line for transmitting a signal for starting the first voltage adjustment circuit, and after the first voltage adjustment circuit is started, the power line can be used as a power line for supplying power to the second voltage adjustment circuit. Thereby, without providing a dedicated line between the control unit and the operation unit, the control unit and the operation unit can be turned on by the operation switch in the operation unit, so that the cost increase due to the addition of the dedicated line can be suppressed. Also, for example, when a communication line is provided, it is not necessary to provide a circuit including a transistor at both ends of the communication line, so that an increase in the circuit scale can be suppressed, and it is possible to suppress the limitation of the communication method.

[0008] In the above-described electric unit starting system, preferably, the electric unit starting system further includes a first communication line and a second communication line each having a first end provided on the control unit and a second end provided on the operation unit. The control unit has a first communication terminal and a second communication terminal respectively connected to the first end of the first communication line and the first end of the second communication line, and further includes a first communication circuit operating based on the first voltage. The operation unit has a first communication terminal and a second communication terminal respectively connected to the second end of the first communication line and the second end of the second communication line, and further includes a second communication circuit operating based on the second voltage.

[0009] According to the electric unit starting system having the above configuration, since the first communication line and the second communication line can be provided independently of the start of the electric unit starting system, it is possible to effectively suppress an increase in circuit scale and a limitation of the communication method.

[0010] In the above-described electric unit starting system, preferably, the first communication circuit further has a first on-state maintaining terminal for maintaining the on-state of the control unit. The control unit further includes a third semiconductor switch having a power supply side terminal connected to the control terminal of the first semiconductor switch, a ground side terminal connected to the ground, and a control terminal connected to the first on-state maintaining terminal.

[0011] According to the electric unit starting system having the above configuration, the on and off of the third semiconductor switch can be controlled according to the level of the first on-state maintaining terminal. For example, by transitioning the third semiconductor switch from the off state to the on state, a current can flow from the battery through the first resistance element and the third semiconductor switch to the ground, so that the first semiconductor switch can be maintained in the on state. Also, for example, by transitioning the third semiconductor switch from the on state to the off state, the above current can be limited and the first semiconductor switch can be turned off.

[0012] In the electric unit starting system described above, preferably, the second communication circuit further has a second on-state maintenance terminal for maintaining the on state of the operation unit, and the operation unit includes a power supply side terminal connected to the control terminal of the second semiconductor switch, a ground side terminal connected to the ground, and a control terminal connected to the second on-state maintenance terminal, and further includes a fourth semiconductor switch having the above.

[0013] According to the electric unit starting system having the above configuration, the on and off of the fourth semiconductor switch can be controlled according to the level of the second on-state maintenance terminal. For example, by transitioning the fourth semiconductor switch from the off state to the on state, current can flow from the control unit to the ground through the second resistor element and the fourth semiconductor switch, so that the second semiconductor switch can be maintained in the on state. Also, for example, by transitioning the fourth semiconductor switch from the on state to the off state, the above current can be limited and the second semiconductor switch can be turned off.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0014]

Figure 1

Figure 2

Figure 3

Figure 4

Embodiments for Carrying Out the Invention

[0015] An electric assist bicycle according to one embodiment of the present invention is a bicycle that travels by human power while being assisted by a driving force from a motor.

[0016] Hereinafter, the electric unit starting system according to one embodiment of the present invention will be specifically described with reference to the drawings. However, the embodiments and modifications described below are merely examples of the present invention and do not limitatively interpret the technical scope of the present invention. In each drawing, the same components are denoted by the same reference numerals.

[0017] In this specification, for convenience of explanation, the direction of travel of the bicycle is referred to as the front, and the opposite side as the rear. Also, the directions perpendicular to the direction of travel of the bicycle, namely the right and left directions when the bicycle is viewed from behind, are referred to as the right side and the left side respectively, and these are collectively referred to as the left - right direction or the width direction. Further, the direction perpendicular to the direction of travel and the left - right direction of the bicycle is referred to as the up - down direction, which includes cases where it is not necessarily perpendicular to the direction of travel. That is, the up - down direction refers to the vertical direction, including those that are not strictly vertical.

[0018] FIG. 1 is a view showing the electric assist bicycle 301 of the present embodiment. As shown in FIG. 1, the electric assist bicycle 301 (electric bicycle) includes a frame 310, a front wheel 317, a rear wheel 318, a handle stem 321, a handle 322, a seat post 323, a saddle 324, a basket 331, a light 332, a power transmission mechanism 350, and a crank mechanism 360. In this specification, the front wheel 317 and the rear wheel 318 may be collectively referred to as wheels.

[0019] The frame 310 includes a front fork 311, a head pipe 312, a down tube 313, a seat tube 314, a seat stay 315, and a chain stay 316. The power transmission mechanism 350 includes sprockets 351 and 352 and a toothed belt 353. The crank mechanism 360 includes a crankshaft 361, two cranks 362, and two pedals 363.

[0020] Above the front hook 311 in the frame 310 is a cylindrical portion (not shown). The head pipe 312 has a cylindrical shape with an inner diameter larger than the outer diameter of the cylindrical portion of the front hook 311, and the cylindrical portion is rotatably inserted from below. A handle stem 321 is inserted and fixed into the through hole of the cylindrical portion from above. Thus, the handle stem 321 and the front hook 311 are integrally rotatable with respect to the head pipe 312.

[0021] A handle 322 is attached to the upper end of the handle stem 321. A basket 331 is provided in front of the head pipe 312. A light 332 is disposed below the basket 331.

[0022] The seat tube 314 has a cylindrical shape, and a seat post 323 is inserted from above so that the protruding amount can be adjusted. A saddle 324 is attached to the upper end of the seat post 323. A battery 341 is detachably provided between the seat tube 314 and the rear wheel 318.

[0023] The front end of the chain stay 316 has a cylindrical shape extending in the left - right direction, and a crankshaft 361 is rotatably inserted into the frame 310. Two cranks 362 are respectively attached to both left and right ends of the crankshaft 361 so as to extend in opposite directions to each other. Two pedals 363 are rotatably attached to the tips of the two cranks 362 respectively.

[0024] The rear wheel 318 includes, for example, a tire, a rim, a plurality of wire spokes (not shown), and a rear wheel hub 345. The rim has an annular shape, and a tire is mounted on its outer peripheral surface. The plurality of wire spokes connect the rear wheel hub 345 and the rim. The rear wheel hub 345 has a cylindrical shape extending in the left - right direction and includes a rear wheel shaft 320 inserted rotatably. The rear wheel shaft 320 is fixed at the intersection of the seat stay 315 and the chain stay 316. Thus, the rear wheel 318 is rotatable with respect to the frame 310 about the rear wheel shaft 320 as the central axis.

[0025] The sprockets 351 and 352 in the power transmission mechanism 350 are annular, and a plurality of teeth that engage with the teeth of the toothed belt 353 are formed on the outer peripheral surface. The toothed belt 353 is flexible and annular.

[0026] The sprocket 351 is connected to the right crank 362 and rotates together with the crank 362 about the crankshaft 361 as the central axis. The sprocket 352 is connected to the right side of the rear wheel hub 345 and rotates together with the rear wheel 318 about the rear wheel shaft 320 as the central axis.

[0027] The toothed belt 353 is wound around the outer peripheries of the sprockets 351 and 352. Thereby, the rotation of the crankshaft 361 is transmitted to the rear wheel 318 via the toothed belt 353.

[0028] The front wheel 317 includes, for example, a tire, a rim, a plurality of wire spokes (not shown), and a front wheel motor hub 344. The rim is annular, and a tire is mounted on its outer peripheral surface. The plurality of wire spokes connect the front wheel motor hub 344 and the rim. The front wheel motor hub 344 has a cylindrical shape extending in the left - right direction and includes a front wheel shaft 319 that is rotatably inserted. The front wheel shaft 319 is fixed to the lower end portion of the front fork 311.

[0029] Thereby, the front wheel 317 is rotatable with respect to the frame 310 about the front wheel shaft 319 as the central axis. Also, the front wheel motor hub 344 applies a rotational force to the front wheel 317 about the front wheel shaft 319 based on the electric power supplied from the battery 341.

[0030] In the power transmission mechanism 350, although the configuration in which power is transmitted by the toothed belt 353 has been described, it is not limited thereto. For example, a configuration in which power is transmitted by a chain may be used.

[0031] The electric assist bicycle 301 further includes an electric unit starting system 201. The electric unit starting system 201 includes a wiring 75, a control unit 101, and an operation unit 102.

[0032] The control unit 101 is provided, for example, on the frame 310 near the lower part of the battery 341. The operation unit 102 is provided at a position where it can be operated by the rider of the electric assist bicycle 301 during riding. In the present embodiment, the operation unit 102 is attached to, for example, the handle 322. Note that the operation unit 102 may be configured to be attached to the handle stem 321 or the down tube 313 or the like.

[0033] The wiring 75 electrically connects the control unit 101 and the operation unit 102. In the present embodiment, the wiring 75 is attached to the frame 310 so as to pass through a through hole formed in the down tube 313. Note that the wiring 75 may be configured to be attached to the frame 310 so as to be fixed along the outer peripheral surface of the down tube 313.

[0034] FIG. 2 is a circuit diagram of the control unit 101 and the operation unit 102 in the electric unit starting system 201. FIG. 3 is a diagram showing an example of the appearance of the operation unit 102 in the electric unit starting system 201.

[0035] As shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, the control unit 101 includes a voltage adjustment circuit 21A (first voltage adjustment circuit) and 21B, transistors 31 (first semiconductor switch) and 33 (third semiconductor switch), a diode OR circuit 40, a control unit 51 (first communication circuit), and resistor elements 81 (first resistor element), 111, 112, 113, 114, 115, and 116. The diode OR circuit 40 includes diodes 41 (first diode) and 42 (second diode).

[0036] The operation unit 102 includes a voltage adjustment circuit 22 (second voltage adjustment circuit), transistors 32 (second semiconductor switch), 34 (fourth semiconductor switch) and 35, diodes 43 and 44, a control unit 52 (second communication circuit), a start switch 61 (operation switch), and resistor elements 82 (second resistor element), 83, 84, 121, 122, 123, 124, 125, 126 and 127.

[0037] The wiring 75 includes a power supply and system startup line 70 (power line), communication lines 71 (first communication line) and 72 (second communication line), and a ground line 73.

[0038] Each of the power supply and system startup line 70, the communication lines 71 and 72, and the ground line 73 has a first end provided in the control unit 101 and a second end provided in the operation unit 102. The first end and the second end of the ground line 73 are connected to the grounds provided in the control unit 101 and the operation unit 102, respectively.

[0039] In this embodiment, the voltage refers to the voltage with respect to the ground potential. The battery 341 has a positive electrode that supplies a battery voltage Vb and a negative electrode connected to the ground, and is, for example, a secondary battery. The battery voltage Vb is, for example, 36 volts. Note that the battery 341 may be a primary battery.

[0040] The voltage adjustment circuit 21A in the control unit 101 is, for example, an integrated circuit, and outputs a voltage V1 adjusted based on the battery voltage Vb. The voltage adjustment circuit 21A has a battery voltage input terminal 1b to which the battery voltage Vb is supplied, a control signal terminal 1c (first control signal terminal) that receives a first control signal for controlling on and off, and a voltage output terminal 1s (first voltage output terminal) that outputs a voltage V1 (first voltage) adjusted based on the battery voltage Vb. The voltage V1 is, for example, 12 volts.

[0041] The transistor 31 is, for example, a PNP bipolar transistor. The transistor 31 has an emitter (power supply side terminal) connected to the battery voltage input terminal 1b of the voltage adjustment circuit 21A through the resistor element 111, a collector (ground side terminal) connected to the control signal terminal 1c of the voltage adjustment circuit 21A, and a base (control terminal) connected to the battery voltage input terminal 1b of the voltage adjustment circuit 21A through the resistor element 81.

[0042] The resistor element 116 has a first end connected to the collector of the resistor element 111 and a second end connected to the ground.

[0043] The voltage adjustment circuit 21B is, for example, an integrated circuit and outputs a voltage V3 adjusted based on the voltage V1. The voltage adjustment circuit 21B is connected to the voltage output terminal 1s in the voltage adjustment circuit 21A and has a voltage input terminal 2v to which the voltage V1 is supplied and a voltage output terminal 2s that outputs the voltage V3 adjusted based on the voltage V1. The voltage V3 is, for example, 5 volts.

[0044] The control unit 51 operates based on the voltage V1. In the present embodiment, the control unit 51 is, for example, an integrated circuit, operates based on the voltage V3 supplied from the voltage adjustment circuit 21B, and communicates with the control unit 52 in the operation unit 102.

[0045] The control unit 51 has a voltage input terminal 4v electrically connected to the voltage output terminal 2s of the voltage adjustment circuit 21B, a first communication terminal 4r and a second communication terminal 4t respectively connected to the first ends of the communication line 71 and the communication line 72, an on-state maintenance terminal 4m (first on-state maintenance terminal) for maintaining the on state of the control unit 101, and a ground terminal 4g connected to the ground.

[0046] Transistor 33 is, for example, an NPN bipolar transistor. Transistor 33 has a collector (power supply side terminal) connected to the base of transistor 31 through resistor element 112, a collector (ground side terminal) connected to ground, and a base (control terminal) connected to the on-state maintenance terminal 4m of control unit 51 through resistor element 114.

[0047] Resistor element 115 has a first end connected to the base of transistor 33 and a second end connected to the emitter of transistor 33.

[0048] Diode 41 in diode OR circuit 40 has an anode connected to the collector of transistor 33 through resistor element 113 and a cathode connected to node N1.

[0049] Diode 42 has an anode connected to the voltage output terminal 1s of voltage adjustment circuit 21A and a cathode connected to node N1. Node N1 is connected to the first end of power supply and system startup line 70.

[0050] Transistor 32 in operation unit 102 is, for example, a p-channel FET (Field Effect Transistor). Transistor 32 has a source (power supply side terminal) connected to the second end of power supply and system startup line 70, a drain (ground side terminal), and a gate (control terminal) connected to the second end of power supply and system startup line 70 through resistor element 82.

[0051] Voltage adjustment circuit 22 is, for example, an integrated circuit and outputs a voltage V2 (second voltage) adjusted based on voltage V1. Voltage adjustment circuit 22 has a voltage input terminal 3v (second control signal terminal) connected to the drain of transistor 32 and receiving a second control signal for controlling on and off, and a voltage output terminal 3s (second voltage output terminal) for supplying voltage V2 adjusted based on voltage V1.

[0052] The control unit 52 is, for example, an integrated circuit, operates based on the voltage V2, and communicates with the control unit 51 in the control unit 101. The control unit 52 includes a voltage input terminal 5v connected to the voltage output terminal 3s of the voltage adjustment circuit 22, a detection terminal 5d for detecting the operation of the activation switch 61, a first communication terminal 5t and a second communication terminal 5r respectively connected to the second ends of the communication line 71 and the communication line 72, an on-state maintenance terminal 5m (second on-state maintenance terminal) for maintaining the on state of the operation unit 102, and a ground terminal 5g connected to the ground.

[0053] The transistor 34 is, for example, an NPN bipolar transistor. The transistor 34 has a collector (power supply side terminal) connected to the gate of the transistor 32 through the resistor element 123, an emitter (ground side terminal) connected to the ground, and a base (control terminal) connected to the on-state maintenance terminal 5m of the control unit 52 through the resistor element 124.

[0054] The resistor element 125 has a first end connected to the base of the transistor 34 and a second end connected to the emitter of the transistor 34.

[0055] The transistor 35 is, for example, a PNP bipolar transistor. The transistor 35 has an emitter (power supply side terminal) connected to the detection terminal 5d of the voltage adjustment circuit 22, a collector (ground side terminal) connected to the ground through the resistor element 83, and a base (control terminal) connected to the voltage output terminal 3s of the voltage adjustment circuit 22 through the resistor element 84.

[0056] The resistor element 121 has a first end connected to the voltage output terminal 3s of the voltage adjustment circuit 22 and a second end connected to the emitter of the transistor 35.

[0057] The resistor element 122 has a first end and a second end connected to the base of the transistor 35.

[0058] Diode 44 has an anode connected to the second end of resistor element 122 and a cathode. Diode 43 has an anode connected to the collector of transistor 34 and a cathode connected to node N2.

[0059] Resistor element 126 has a first end connected to the second end of the power supply and system startup line 70 and a second end. Resistor element 127 has a first end connected to the cathode of diode 43 and the second end of resistor element 126 and a second end connected to node N2.

[0060] Startup switch 61 has a first end connected to node N2 and a second end connected to ground.

[0061] Startup switch 61 is, for example, a switch for momentary operation and is of the push-button type (see Fig. 3). For example, when the button of startup switch 61 is pressed by a passenger, the first end and the second end of startup switch 61 are electrically conductive. On the other hand, when the passenger releases the pressing of the button of startup switch 61, the first end and the second end of startup switch 61 are electrically insulated.

[0062] [Operation] Fig. 4 is a diagram showing an example of the time change of the voltages at nodes N1 and N2 and voltage output terminals 1s and 3s. Note that the vertical axis and the horizontal axis indicate voltage and time, respectively. Voltage changes C1, C2, C3, and C4 indicate the time changes of the voltages with respect to ground at voltage output terminal 1s, node N1, node N2, and voltage output terminal 3s, respectively.

[0063] As shown in Fig. 4, at time t0, startup switch 61 is turned on. As a result, node N2 is electrically connected to ground, so the voltage of node N2 becomes substantially zero volts from the battery voltage Vb as shown by voltage change C3.

[0064] Also, current starts to flow from the positive electrode of the battery 341 through the resistance elements 81, 112, and 113, the diode 41, the node N1, the power supply and system startup line 70, the resistance elements 126 and 127, the node N2, and the startup switch 61 to the ground. Therefore, a voltage corresponding to the current is generated across each terminal of the resistance elements 81, 112, 113, 126, and 127 and the diode 41, and the voltage of the node N1 drops as shown in the voltage change C1.

[0065] For example, when the voltage adjustment circuit 21A is in the off state, the voltage of the node N1 is adjusted to be equal to or lower than the voltage V1 by adjusting the resistance values of the resistance elements 81, 112, 113, 126, and 127. This adjustment is effective by adjusting the resistance value of the resistance element 113.

[0066] Also, current also starts to flow from the positive electrode of the battery 341 through the resistance elements 81, 112, and 113, the diode 41, the node N1, the power supply and system startup line 70, the resistance elements 82 and 123, the diode 43, the resistance element 127, the node N2, and the startup switch 61 to the ground.

[0067] The transistor 31 functions as a normally open semiconductor switch and is in the off state when the voltage across both ends of the resistance element 81 is equal to or lower than the threshold voltage of the transistor 31.

[0068] At the time t1 after the time t0, when the voltage across both ends of the resistance element 81 exceeds the threshold voltage of the transistor 31 due to the current flowing through the resistance element 81, the transistor 31 transitions to the on state.

[0069] As a result, current flows from the positive electrode of the battery 341 to ground through the resistance element 111, the emitter, base, and collector of the transistor 31, and the resistance element 116. The voltage of the control signal terminal 1c of the voltage adjustment circuit 21A increases due to the current flowing through the resistance element 116. The voltage of the control signal terminal 1c is applied to the control signal terminal 1c as the first control signal, and when the first control signal exceeds a predetermined threshold value, the voltage adjustment circuit 21A transitions from the off state to the on state. As shown in the voltage change C2, the voltage output from the voltage output terminal 1s in the voltage adjustment circuit 21A rises from zero volts to the voltage V1.

[0070] As the voltage V1 output from the voltage output terminal 1s increases, the voltage of the node N1 approaches the voltage V1, which is higher than the voltage of the cathode of the diode 41, as shown in the voltage change C1. The voltage adjustment circuit 21B and the control unit 51 transition from the off state to the on state based on the voltage V1 output from the voltage adjustment circuit 21A.

[0071] When the control unit 51 transitions to the on state, it outputs a predetermined voltage from the on-state maintenance terminal 4m. As a result, current flows from the on-state maintenance terminal 4m of the control unit 51 to ground through the resistance elements 114 and 115.

[0072] The transistor 33 functions as a normally open type semiconductor switch and is in the off state when the voltage across the resistance element 115 is less than or equal to the threshold voltage of the transistor 33.

[0073] After the control unit 51 transitions to the on state, when the voltage across the resistance element 115 exceeds the threshold voltage of the transistor 33 due to the current flowing through the resistance element 115, the transistor 33 transitions to the on state.

[0074] As a result, current flows from the positive electrode of the battery 341 to ground through the resistance elements 81 and 112 and the collector, base, and emitter of the transistor 33, so that the voltage across the resistance element 81 can be maintained at a voltage higher than the threshold voltage of the transistor 31.

[0075] That is, even if the start switch 61 is switched from on to off when the transistor 33 is in the on state, the on state of the transistor 31 can be maintained. That is, when the start switch 61 is a momentary operation switch, the on state of the control unit 101 can be maintained without the occupant continuously pressing the button of the start switch 61.

[0076] As described above, when the start switch 61 is turned on at time t0, a current starts to flow through the resistance element 82. The transistor 32 functions as a normally open type semiconductor switch and is in the off state when the voltage across both ends of the resistance element 82 is below the threshold voltage of the transistor 32.

[0077] At time t2 after time t0, when the voltage across both ends of the resistance element 82 exceeds the threshold voltage of the transistor 32 due to the current flowing through the resistance element 82, the transistor 32 transitions to the on state.

[0078] The voltage adjustment circuit 22 receives the voltage supplied to the voltage output terminal 3s as the second control signal. When the transistor 32 transitions to the on state and the voltage V1 is supplied from the control unit 101, the voltage adjustment circuit 22 transitions from the off state to the on state and outputs the voltage V2 from the voltage output terminal 3s.

[0079] Thereby, the voltage V2 is supplied to the voltage input terminal 5v of the control unit 52, and the control unit 52 transitions to the on state.

[0080] When the control unit 52 transitions to the on state, it outputs a predetermined voltage from the on state maintenance terminal 5m. Thereby, a current flows from the on state maintenance terminal 5m of the control unit 52 to the ground through the resistance elements 124 and 125. Further, the control unit 52 starts communication with the control unit 51 in the control unit 101 through, for example, the communication lines 71 and 72.

[0081] The transistor 34 functions as a normally open semiconductor switch and is in an off state when the voltage across the resistor element 125 is equal to or less than the threshold voltage of the transistor 34.

[0082] After the control unit 52 transitions to the on state, if the voltage across the resistor element 125 exceeds the threshold voltage of the transistor 34 due to the current flowing through the resistor element 125, the transistor 34 transitions to the on state.

[0083] As a result, current flows from the control unit 101 to ground through the resistor elements 82 and 123 and the collector, base, and emitter of the transistor 34, so that the voltage across the resistor element 82 can be maintained at a voltage higher than the threshold voltage of the transistor 32.

[0084] That is, even if the start switch 61 is switched from on to off when the transistor 34 is in the on state, the on state of the transistor 32 can be maintained. That is, when the start switch 61 is a momentary operation switch, the on state of the operation unit 102 can be maintained without the occupant continuously pressing the button of the start switch 61.

[0085] When the electric unit starting system 201 is in the on state, when the occupant presses the button of the start switch 61, current begins to flow from the voltage output terminal 3s of the voltage adjustment circuit 22 to ground through the resistor elements 84 and 122, the diode 44, the node N2, and the start switch 61.

[0086] The transistor 35 functions as a normally open semiconductor switch and is in an off state when the voltage across the resistor element 84 is equal to or less than the threshold voltage of the transistor 35.

[0087] When the voltage across the resistor element 84 exceeds the threshold voltage of the transistor 35 due to the current flowing through the resistor element 84, the transistor 35 transitions to the on state.

[0088] As a result, current flows from the voltage output terminal 3s of the voltage adjustment circuit 22 to the ground through the resistance element 121, the emitter, base, and collector of the transistor 35, and the resistance element 83. When the control unit 52 detects that the voltage of the detection terminal 5d has changed to a low level, it recognizes that the start switch 61 has been operated, and transmits a stop signal for transitioning the electric unit start system 201 to the off state to the control unit 51 through the communication lines 71 and 72.

[0089] When the control unit 51 receives the stop signal from the control unit 52, it reduces the voltage output from the on-state maintenance terminal 4m below a predetermined voltage, causing the transistor 33 to transition from the on state to the off state. As a result, the current flowing through the resistance element 81 decreases, causing the transistor 31 to transition from the on state to the off state. Consequently, the voltage of the control signal terminal 1c of the voltage adjustment circuit 21A becomes equal to or lower than a predetermined threshold value, and the voltage adjustment circuit 21A transitions from the on state to the off state.

[0090] [Modification Example] The bicycle 1 of the embodiment can be variously modified without departing from the gist of the invention. For example, the bicycle 1 may adopt the following modification examples.

[0091] In this embodiment, the configuration where the battery voltage Vb is +36 volts has been described, but the present invention is not limited thereto. The battery voltage Vb may be a negative voltage, for example, -36 volts. In this case, a PNP bipolar transistor, an NPN bipolar transistor, and an n-channel FET may be provided instead of the NPN bipolar transistor, the PNP bipolar transistor, and the p-channel FET.

[0092] Further, in this embodiment, the configuration where the transistors 31 and 35 are PNP bipolar transistors has been described, but the present invention is not limited thereto. The transistors 31 and 35 may be p-channel FETs.

[0093] In addition, in this embodiment, the configuration in which transistors 33 and 34 are NPN bipolar transistors has been described, but the present invention is not limited to this. The configuration in which transistors 33 and 34 are n-channel FETs may also be used.

[0094] In addition, in this embodiment, the configuration in which transistor 32 is a p-channel FET has been described, but the present invention is not limited to this. The configuration in which transistor 32 is a PNP bipolar transistor may also be used.

[0095] In addition, in this embodiment, the voltage adjustment circuit 21A has been described as having a configuration in which the battery voltage Vb is constantly supplied and transitions from an off state to an on state when the level of the control signal terminal 1c exceeds a predetermined threshold value, but the present invention is not limited to this. For example, as in the voltage adjustment circuit 22, a transistor 31 may be provided between the battery 341 and the voltage adjustment circuit 21A, and the battery voltage Vb supplied to the voltage adjustment circuit 21A may be interrupted by the transistor 31.

[0096] In addition, in this embodiment, the configuration in which a transistor 32 is provided between the voltage adjustment circuit 21A and the voltage adjustment circuit 22 and the voltage V1 supplied to the voltage adjustment circuit 22 is interrupted by the transistor 32 has been described, but the present invention is not limited to this. For example, like the voltage adjustment circuit 21A, the voltage adjustment circuit 22 may have a configuration in which, when the level of the control signal terminal exceeds a predetermined threshold value in a state where the voltage V1 is being supplied, it transitions from an off state to an on state.

[0097] Also, in this embodiment, the configuration in which the electric unit starting system 201 is provided in the electric assist bicycle 301 has been described, but the present invention is not limited thereto. The electric unit starting system 201 may be configured to be provided in an electric bicycle. Here, an electric bicycle is driven by the rider's power and the driving force of a motor, and travels on the ground by the rider's operation (driving). The rider's power and the driving force of the motor may be exerted simultaneously or at separate timings. A bicycle in which the rider's power and the driving force of the motor are exerted simultaneously is, for example, the electric assist bicycle 301. A bicycle in which the rider's power and the driving force of the motor are exerted at separate timings is capable of traveling only by the driving force of the motor. Also, the riding form of the rider on the electric bicycle may be a saddle-riding type or a kickboard type. Note that the electric bicycle is not limited to a two-wheeler, and may be a three-wheeler or the like.

[0098] The embodiments described above are for facilitating the understanding of the present invention and are not for limiting the interpretation of the present invention. Each element included in the embodiments and its arrangement, material, conditions, shape, size, etc. are not limited to those illustrated and can be appropriately changed. Also, it is possible to partially replace or combine the configurations shown in different embodiments.

Description of Reference Numerals

[0099] 1b... Battery voltage input terminal 1c... Control signal terminal (first control signal terminal) 1s... Voltage output terminal (first voltage output terminal) 2v... Voltage input terminal 2s... Voltage output terminal 3v... Voltage input terminal (second control signal terminal) 3s... Voltage output terminal (second voltage output terminal) 4v... Voltage input terminal 4m... On-state maintenance terminal (first on-state maintenance terminal) 4r... First communication terminal 4t... Second communication terminal 4g... Ground terminal 5v… Voltage input terminal 5m… On-state maintenance terminal (second on-state maintenance terminal) 5t… First communication terminal 5r… Second communication terminal 5g… Ground terminal 5d… Detection terminal 21A… Voltage adjustment circuit (first voltage adjustment circuit) 21B… Voltage adjustment circuit 22… Voltage adjustment circuit (second voltage adjustment circuit) 31… Transistor (first semiconductor switch) 32… Transistor (second semiconductor switch) 33… Transistor (third semiconductor switch) 34… Transistor (fourth semiconductor switch) 35… Transistor 40… Diode OR circuit 41… Diode (first diode) 42… Diode (second diode) 43, 44… Diodes 51… Control unit (first communication circuit) 52… Control unit (second communication circuit) 61… Start switch (operation switch) 70… Power supply and system startup line (power supply line) 71… Communication line (first communication line) 72… Communication line (second communication line) 73… Ground line 75… Wiring 81… Resistive element (first resistive element) 82… Resistive element (second resistive element) 101… Control unit 102… Operation unit 111, 112, 113, 114, 115, 116, 121, 122, 123, 124, 125, 126, 127… Resistive elements 201… Electric unit startup system 301… Electric assist bicycle 310… Frame 311… Front fork 312… Head pipe 313… Down tube 314… Seat tube 315… Seat stay 316… Chain stay 317… Front wheel 318… Rear wheel 319… Front wheel axle 320… Rear wheel axle 321… Handlebar stem 322… Handlebar 323… Seat post 324… Saddle 331… Basket 332… Light 341… Battery 344… Front wheel motor hub 345… Rear wheel hub 350… Power transmission mechanism 351, 352… Sprocket 353… Toothed belt 360… Crank mechanism 361… Crankshaft 362… Crank 363… Pedal N1, N2… Node Vb… Battery voltage

Claims

1. A control unit, an operation unit, and a power line having a first end provided on the control unit and a second end provided on the operation unit, the electric unit starting system provided on an electric bicycle, wherein the control unit has a first voltage adjustment circuit having a first voltage output terminal that outputs a first voltage adjusted based on a battery voltage and a first control signal terminal that receives a first control signal for controlling on and off, has a first semiconductor switch having a power supply side terminal connected to a battery, a ground side terminal connected to the first control signal terminal, and a control terminal connected to the battery through a first resistance element, includes a first diode having an anode connected to the control terminal of the first semiconductor switch and a second diode having an anode connected to the first voltage output terminal, and a diode OR circuit in which a cathode of the first diode and a cathode of the second diode are connected to the first end of the power line, wherein the operation unit has a second voltage adjustment circuit having a second voltage output terminal that supplies a second voltage adjusted based on the first voltage and a second control signal terminal that receives a second control signal for controlling on and off, has a second semiconductor switch having a power supply side terminal connected to the second end of the power line, a ground side terminal connected to the second control signal terminal, and a control terminal connected to the second end of the power line through a second resistance element, and includes an operation switch having a first end connected to the control terminal of the second semiconductor switch and a second end connected to ground. An electric unit starting system.

2. The electric unit starting system further includes a first communication line and a second communication line each having a first end provided on the control unit and a second end provided on the operation unit, wherein the control unit has a first communication terminal and a second communication terminal respectively connected to the first end of the first communication line and the first end of the second communication line, and further includes a first communication circuit that operates based on the first voltage, wherein the operation unit has a first communication terminal and a second communication terminal respectively connected to the second end of the first communication line and the second end of the second communication line, and further includes a second communication circuit that operates based on the second voltage. The electric unit starting system according to Claim 1.

3. The first communication circuit further has a first on-state maintenance terminal for maintaining the on state of the control unit. The control unit further includes a third semiconductor switch having a power supply side terminal connected to the control terminal of the first semiconductor switch, a ground side terminal connected to ground, and a control terminal connected to the first on-state maintenance terminal. The electric unit starting system according to claim 2.

4. The second communication circuit further has a second on-state maintenance terminal for maintaining the on state of the operation unit. The operation unit further includes a fourth semiconductor switch having a power supply side terminal connected to the control terminal of the second semiconductor switch, a ground side terminal connected to ground, and a control terminal connected to the second on-state maintenance terminal. The electric unit starting system according to claim 2.

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