Controller for human power-driven vehicles, component for human power-driven vehicles, and controller for electric components

Abstract

To provide a controller for human power-driven vehicles capable of preferably estimating a remaining battery capacity, a component for human power-driven vehicles, and a controller for electric components.SOLUTION: A controller is intended for human power-driven vehicles and includes a control unit to which electricity is supplied from a battery. When electricity is supplied from the battery, the control unit estimates the remaining battery capacity on the basis of an internal resistance related value of the battery and the temperature of the battery.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 6

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a control device for a human-powered vehicle, a component for a human-powered vehicle, and a control device for an electrically powered component. [Background technology]

[0002] Patent Document 1 discloses a method for calculating the remaining battery capacity of a battery. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 6-242193 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] An object of the present disclosure is to provide a control device for a human-powered vehicle, a component for a human-powered vehicle, and a control device for an electric component that can suitably estimate the remaining battery capacity of a battery. [Means for solving the problem]

[0005] A control device according to a first aspect of the present disclosure is a control device for a human-powered vehicle, and includes a control unit configured to receive power from a battery, and the control unit is configured to estimate the remaining battery capacity of the battery based on an internal resistance-related value of the battery and the temperature of the battery when power is being supplied from the battery. According to the control device of the first aspect, the control unit can suitably estimate the remaining battery capacity based on the internal resistance related value and the temperature of the battery.

[0006] In the control device of the second aspect according to the first aspect of the present disclosure, the control unit is configured to operate in a predetermined operation mode using a predetermined current, and to estimate the remaining battery capacity based on voltage information regarding the voltage of the battery in the predetermined operation mode and judgment information that is preset based on the internal resistance related value of the battery. According to the control device of the second aspect, the remaining battery capacity can be suitably estimated based on the voltage information and the determination information in a predetermined operation mode using a predetermined current.

[0007] In the control device of a third aspect according to the second aspect of the present disclosure, the control unit is configured to estimate the remaining battery capacity so that when the voltage information corresponds to first voltage information and the temperature is a first temperature, the remaining battery capacity is lower than when the voltage information corresponds to the first voltage information and the temperature is a second temperature, and the second temperature is higher than the first temperature. According to the control device of the third aspect, the remaining battery capacity can be estimated so that the lower the battery temperature is, the lower the remaining battery capacity becomes, even if the voltage information is the same.

[0008] In the control device of a fourth aspect according to the third aspect of the present disclosure, the control unit is configured to estimate the remaining battery capacity based on the voltage information corrected based on the temperature and the determination information. According to the control device of the fourth aspect, the voltage information is corrected based on the battery temperature, so that the battery temperature can be appropriately reflected in the estimation of the remaining battery capacity.

[0009] In a control device of a fifth aspect according to any one of the second to fourth aspects of the present disclosure, the judgment information includes a judgment threshold, and the control unit is configured to estimate the remaining battery capacity by comparing the voltage information with the judgment threshold. According to the control device of the fifth aspect, the remaining battery capacity can be estimated by comparing the voltage information with the determination threshold.

[0010] In a control device of a sixth aspect according to any one of the second to fifth aspects of the present disclosure, the predetermined operating modes include a first predetermined operating mode in which the predetermined current is a first predetermined current, and a second predetermined operating mode in which the predetermined current is a second predetermined current greater than the first predetermined current, and the voltage information relates to a first voltage which is the voltage in the first predetermined operating mode, and a second voltage which is the voltage in the second predetermined operating mode. According to the control device of the sixth aspect, the remaining battery capacity of the battery is estimated based on the voltage in two predetermined operation modes with different predetermined currents, so that the remaining battery capacity can be estimated more appropriately.

[0011] In the control device of the seventh aspect according to the sixth aspect of the present disclosure, the voltage information includes the first voltage after a first period has elapsed since the predetermined operation mode was set to the first predetermined operation mode, and the second voltage after a second period has elapsed since the predetermined operation mode was set to the second predetermined operation mode. According to the control device of the seventh aspect, the first voltage is the voltage after a first period has elapsed since the first predetermined operation mode was set, so the remaining battery capacity can be estimated using the stable first voltage. According to the control device of the seventh aspect, the second voltage is the voltage after a second period has elapsed since the second predetermined operation mode was set, so the remaining battery capacity can be estimated using the stable second voltage.

[0012] In the control device of an eighth aspect according to the sixth or seventh aspect of the present disclosure, the control unit includes a computing device, and the power consumption of the computing device in the second predetermined operating mode is greater than the power consumption of the computing device in the first predetermined operating mode. According to the control device of the eighth aspect, the second predetermined current can be made larger than the first predetermined current by increasing the power consumption of the arithmetic unit.

[0013] In a control device of a ninth aspect according to any one of the first to eighth aspects of the present disclosure, the control unit is configured to estimate whether the remaining battery capacity is a first battery remaining capacity, a second battery remaining capacity lower than the first battery remaining capacity, or a third battery remaining capacity lower than the second battery remaining capacity. According to the control device of the ninth aspect, it is possible to estimate which of at least three stages of remaining battery charge is in.

[0014] The control device of a tenth aspect according to any one of the first to ninth aspects of the present disclosure further includes a switching unit that switches a power supply state from the battery to the control unit. According to the control device of the tenth aspect, the remaining battery capacity can be suitably estimated by switching the state of power supply from the battery to the control unit using the switching unit.

[0015] The control device of an eleventh aspect according to any one of the first to tenth aspects of the present disclosure further comprises a temperature sensor for detecting the temperature. According to the control device of the eleventh aspect, the temperature of the battery can be suitably detected by the temperature sensor.

[0016] The control device of the twelfth aspect according to the eleventh aspect of the present disclosure further includes a circuit board on which the battery is provided, and the temperature sensor is provided on the circuit board. According to the control device of the twelfth aspect, the temperature sensor is mounted on the same circuit board as the battery, so the temperature of the battery can be suitably detected. According to the control device of the twelfth aspect, the temperature sensor is mounted on the same circuit board as the battery, so the control device can be made smaller.

[0017] The control device of a thirteenth aspect according to any one of the first to eleventh aspects of the present disclosure further includes a circuit board on which the battery is provided, and at least a portion of the control unit is provided on the circuit board. According to the control device of the thirteenth aspect, at least a part of the control unit is mounted on the same circuit board as the battery, so that power can be suitably supplied from the battery to the control unit. According to the control device of the thirteenth aspect, at least a part of the control unit is mounted on the same circuit board as the battery, so that the control device can be made smaller.

[0018] In the control device of the fourteenth aspect according to any one of the first to thirteenth aspects of the present disclosure, the battery includes a semi-solid battery using lithium titanate. According to the control device of the fourteenth aspect, it is possible to suitably estimate the remaining battery capacity of a battery including a semi-solid battery using lithium titanate. According to the control device of the fourteenth aspect, since the battery includes a semi-solid battery using lithium titanate, the battery can be made smaller. Therefore, the control device can be made smaller.

[0019] In a control device of a 15th aspect according to any one of the first to fourteenth aspects of the present disclosure, the control device further includes a power supply circuit for supplying power from the battery to a load, and the power supply circuit is configured to set the maximum output current of the battery to 100 mA or less. According to the control device of the fifteenth aspect, it is possible to suitably estimate the remaining battery capacity of a battery that supplies a current of 100 mA or less. A battery that supplies a current of 100 mA or less can be configured to be relatively small, and therefore can be suitably used in components for relatively small human-powered vehicles.

[0020] In the control device of the sixteenth aspect according to the fifteenth aspect of the present disclosure, the power supply circuit is configured to set a maximum output current of the battery to 0.1 mA or more. According to the control device of the sixteenth aspect, it is possible to suitably estimate the remaining battery capacity of a battery that supplies a maximum output current of 0.1 mA or more and 100 mA or less.

[0021] A component for a human-powered vehicle according to a seventeenth aspect of the present disclosure is a component for a human-powered vehicle, and includes a control device for a human-powered vehicle according to any one of the first to sixteenth aspects, and at least one of a power meter, a gear shift operating device, and a lamp. According to the component for a human-powered vehicle of the seventeenth aspect, the remaining battery charge of a battery used in at least one of a power meter, a gear shifting device, and a lamp can be suitably estimated.

[0022] In a component for a human-powered vehicle according to an eighteenth aspect of the present disclosure, the component for a human-powered vehicle includes the power meter and is provided on a crank of the human-powered vehicle. According to the component for a human-powered vehicle of the eighteenth aspect, the remaining battery charge of the battery used in the power meter can be suitably estimated.

[0023] A component for a human-powered vehicle of a 19th aspect according to the 17th or 18th aspect of the present disclosure further includes at least one of a transmitter configured to transmit information relating to the remaining battery charge estimated by the control unit, and a display configured to display the remaining battery charge estimated by the control unit. According to the component for a human-powered vehicle of the nineteenth aspect, information regarding the remaining battery charge can be output to at least one of the transmitter and the display.

[0024] A control device according to a twentieth aspect of the present disclosure is a control device for an electric component, and includes a control unit configured to receive power from a battery, and the control unit is configured to estimate the remaining battery capacity of the battery based on voltage information regarding the voltage of the battery when power is supplied from the battery to the control unit and judgment information that is preset based on an internal resistance-related value of the battery. According to the control device of the twentieth aspect, the remaining battery capacity can be suitably estimated based on the voltage information and the determination information.

[0025] A control device according to a 21st aspect of the present disclosure is a control device for an electric component, comprising a control unit configured to receive power from a battery including a semi-solid battery using lithium titanate, and the control unit configured to estimate a remaining battery capacity of the battery based on a value related to the internal resistance of the battery. According to the control device of the twenty-first aspect, the remaining battery capacity can be suitably estimated based on the internal resistance related value.

[0026] In the control device of the twenty-second aspect according to the twentieth or twenty-first aspect of the present disclosure, the electric component is provided in a human-powered vehicle. According to the control device of the twenty-second aspect, the remaining battery charge of a battery used in a component for a human-powered vehicle can be suitably estimated. [Effects of the Invention]

[0027] According to the control device for a human-powered vehicle, a component for a human-powered vehicle, and a control device for an electric component of the present disclosure, the remaining battery charge of a battery can be suitably estimated. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0028] [Figure 1] 1 is a side view of a human-powered vehicle including components for a human-powered vehicle equipped with a control device for a human-powered vehicle according to an embodiment. FIG. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing the electrical configuration of components for a human-powered vehicle according to an embodiment. [Figure 3] FIG. 3 is a schematic diagram showing the electrical configuration of the switching unit of FIG. 2. [Figure 4] 3 is a graph showing the relationship between the remaining battery charge and the voltage difference of the battery in FIG. 2. [Figure 5] 3 is a flowchart of a process executed by the control unit of FIG. 2 to estimate the remaining battery capacity of a battery. [Figure 6] 3 is a timing chart showing an example of changes in the state of each component of the control device when the control unit in FIG. 2 calculates a first voltage and a second voltage. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0029] <Embodiment> A control device 60 for a human-powered vehicle and a component 50 for a human-powered vehicle according to an embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. 1 to 6. FIG.

[0030] As shown in FIG. 1 , the human-powered vehicle 10 has at least one wheel and is a vehicle that can be propelled at least by human driving force. Examples of the human-powered vehicle 10 include various types of bicycles, such as mountain bikes, road bikes, city bikes, cargo bikes, hand bikes, and recumbents. The number of wheels that the human-powered vehicle 10 has is not limited. Examples of the human-powered vehicle 10 include unicycles and vehicles with two or more wheels. The human-powered vehicle 10 is not limited to vehicles that can be propelled solely by human driving force. Examples of the human-powered vehicle 10 include e-bikes that use not only human driving force but also the driving force of an electric motor for propulsion. E-bikes include electrically assisted bicycles whose propulsion is assisted by an electric motor. In the following embodiments, the human-powered vehicle 10 will be described as a bicycle.

[0031] The human-powered vehicle 10 includes, for example, a frame 12, a front wheel 14F, and a rear wheel 14R. A saddle 16 is attached to the frame 12. The human-powered vehicle 10 includes, for example, a front fork 18 and a handlebar 20. The front fork 18 is connected to the frame 12. A front wheel 14F is attached to the front fork 18. The handlebar 20 is connected to the front fork 18 via a stem 20S. The rear wheel 14R is attached to the frame 12.

[0032] The human-powered vehicle 10 further includes, for example, a crank 22 to which a human-powered driving force is input. The crank 22 includes, for example, a pair of crank arms 22A and a crank shaft 22B. For example, pedals 22C are connected to each of the crank arms 22A. The human-powered driving force is input to the crank arms 22A via the pedals 22C. The crank shaft 22B is, for example, rotatable relative to the frame 12. Each of the pair of crank arms 22A is provided at one end of the crank shaft 22B in the axial direction.

[0033] The human-powered vehicle 10 includes, for example, at least one first rotating body 24A connected to the crankshaft 22B. The at least one first rotating body 24A includes, for example, a front sprocket. The at least one first rotating body 24A may include a pulley or a bevel gear. The crank 22 outputs rotational force to the at least one first rotating body 24A. The crankshaft 22B may be connected to the front sprocket via a one-way clutch.

[0034] The human-powered vehicle 10 further includes, for example, a transmission member 24B and at least one second rotating body 24C. The transmission member 24B is configured to transmit the rotational force of the at least one first rotating body 24A to the at least one second rotating body 24C. The transmission member 24B includes, for example, a chain. The transmission member 24B may include, for example, a belt or a shaft. The at least one second rotating body 24C includes, for example, at least one rear sprocket. The at least one second rotating body 24C may include a pulley or a bevel gear. The chain is wound around, for example, a front sprocket and one rear sprocket. The at least one second rotating body 24C is connected to, for example, a rear wheel 14R. The rear wheel 14R is configured to rotate in conjunction with the rotation of the at least one second rotating body 24C.

[0035] The human-powered vehicle 10 includes, for example, at least one of a power meter 26, a gear shift operating device 28, and a lamp 30. The power meter 26 is configured to detect the human-powered driving force input to the human-powered vehicle 10. The power meter 26 is provided, for example, on the crank arm 22A. The power meter 26 may be provided, for example, on the crank shaft 22B. The power meter 26 has, for example, a strain gauge that detects the human-powered driving force input to the crank 22. The strain gauge is attached to the crank arm 22A. The power meter 26 has, for example, an acceleration sensor that detects the rotation of the crank 22.

[0036] The gear change operating device 28 transmits gear change commands to the transmission 32 of the human-powered vehicle 10. The transmission 32 is configured, for example, to switch the transmission member 24B between second rotors 24C having different numbers of teeth. The transmission 32 is, for example, an electric rear derailleur. The transmission 32 may also be an internal transmission. The gear change operating device 28 is, for example, provided on the handlebars 20 so that it can be operated by the user of the human-powered vehicle 10. The gear change operating device 28 is configured to output gear change signals to the transmission 32 via wired or wireless communication.

[0037] The lamps 30 are configured, for example, to illuminate the surroundings of the human-powered vehicle 10. The lamps 30 include, for example, front lamps. The front lamps are attached, for example, to the front forks 18 so as to illuminate the area ahead of the human-powered vehicle 10. The lamps 30 include, for example, light sources that are powered by electricity.

[0038] 1 and 2 operates, for example, with power supplied from a battery 64. The component 50 is configured, for example, as a small electronic device. The component 50 may be an IoT (Internet of Things) device or an M2M (Machine to Machine) device.

[0039] The component 50 for a human-powered vehicle includes, for example, a control device 60 for the human-powered vehicle and at least one of the power meter 26, the gear shift operating device 28, and the lamp 30. In this embodiment, the component 50 for a human-powered vehicle is provided, for example, on the crank 22 of the human-powered vehicle 10. In this embodiment, the component 50 for a human-powered vehicle includes the power meter 26.

[0040] The component 50 for a human-powered vehicle further includes at least one of a transmitter 52 and a display 54, for example. The transmitter 52 is configured to transmit information regarding the remaining battery charge estimated by the control unit 70, for example. The display 54 is configured to display the remaining battery charge estimated by the control unit 70, for example. The transmitter 52 communicates with components other than the component 50 via wireless or wired communication. Examples of components other than the component 50 include a cycle computer provided in the human-powered vehicle 10, a drive unit that assists in propulsion of the human-powered vehicle 10, and the transmission 32. The transmitter 52 transmits information regarding the component 50 to components other than the component 50, for example. If the component 50 includes a power meter 26, the information regarding the component 50 may include information regarding the human-powered driving force detected by the power meter 26. The transmitter 52 is configured to communicate with the control unit 70 of the control device 60, for example.

[0041] The display unit 54 displays, for example, information related to the component 50. The display unit 54 includes, for example, at least one of a display and an indicator light. The display unit 54 is configured to communicate with, for example, the control unit 70 of the control device 60.

[0042] The control device 60 is configured to control, for example, the power meter 26. At least a portion of the control device 60 is accommodated, for example, in the housing of the power meter 26. The transmitter 52 is provided, for example, in the housing of the power meter 26. The display 54 is provided, for example, in the housing of the power meter 26.

[0043] The control device 60 includes a control unit 70. The control unit 70 includes, for example, at least one arithmetic unit. Each arithmetic unit executes, for example, a program for performing various controls. The at least one arithmetic unit includes, for example, a central processing unit (CPU) or a micro processing unit (MPU). The control unit 70 may include one or more microcomputers. When the control unit 70 includes multiple arithmetic units, the multiple arithmetic units may be located separately in different locations. The control unit 70 may be configured to control, for example, the power meter 26. The control unit 70 may be configured to control at least one of the transmission unit 52 and the display unit 54 based on information related to the manual driving force detected by the power meter 26.

[0044] The control device 60 further includes, for example, a storage unit 72. The storage unit 72 stores, for example, programs for executing various controls and information used in the control processes. The storage unit 72 includes, for example, at least one of a nonvolatile memory and a volatile memory. The nonvolatile memory includes, for example, at least one of a read-only memory (ROM), an erasable programmable read-only memory (EPROM), an electrically erasable programmable read-only memory (EEPROM), and a flash memory. The volatile memory includes, for example, a random access memory (RAM).

[0045] The control device 60 further includes, for example, a circuit board 62. At least a portion of the control unit 70 is provided on, for example, the circuit board 62. The entire control unit 70 may be provided on the circuit board 62. At least a portion of the memory unit 72 is provided on the circuit board 62. The entire memory unit 72 may be provided on the circuit board 62. The circuit board 62 includes, for example, a printed circuit board. For example, a control circuit for the power meter 26 and sensors such as strain gauges and acceleration sensors may be mounted on the circuit board 62. The transmitter 52 may be provided on the circuit board 62. The transmitter 52 and the display unit 54 may be provided on the circuit board 62.

[0046] The circuit board 62 is provided with, for example, a battery 64. The circuit board 62 is mounted with, for example, a battery tab that removably supports the battery 64. For example, the battery 64 is attached to the battery tab, thereby providing the battery 64 on the circuit board 62. The battery 64 is configured to supply power to the component 50. The component 50 operates using, for example, power from the battery 64. The battery 64 is configured to supply power to the power meter 26.

[0047] The control device 60 further includes, for example, a power supply circuit 66. The power supply circuit 66 is a circuit for supplying power from the battery 64 to a load 68. The load 68 includes, for example, a control unit 70. The load 68 includes, for example, a power meter 26. The load 68 may include at least one of a transmitter 52 and a display unit 54. The power supplied to the load 68 via the power supply circuit 66 is controlled, for example, by the control unit 70. The power supply circuit 66 is provided on, for example, the circuit board 62.

[0048] The battery 64 includes, for example, a semi-solid battery that uses lithium titanate. The lithium titanate is used, for example, as a negative electrode active material of the battery 64. The battery 64 has a size that allows it to be mounted on the circuit board 62, for example.

[0049] The power supply circuit 66 is configured, for example, to set the maximum output current of the battery 64 to 100 mA or less. The power supply circuit 66 is configured, for example, to set the maximum output current of the battery 64 to 0.1 mA or more. The power supply circuit 66 is designed, for example, to keep the maximum output current of the battery 64 within the range of 0.1 mA or more and 100 mA or less, even when the load 68 operates so as to maximize its power consumption. A battery 64 set to have a maximum output current within the range of 0.1 mA or more and 100 mA or less can be configured compactly, and is therefore suitable for use in the component 50 mounted on the human-powered vehicle 10. For example, the component 50 can be made smaller by using a compact battery 64.

[0050] The control device 60 further includes, for example, a temperature sensor 74. The temperature sensor 74 detects, for example, the temperature of the battery 64. The temperature sensor 74 is provided, for example, on the circuit board 62. The temperature sensor 74 is configured, for example, to detect the temperature of the circuit board 62. The temperature of the battery 64 correlates with the temperature of the circuit board 62. The temperature sensor 74 is configured, for example, to detect the temperature of the circuit board 62 as the temperature of the battery 64. The temperature sensor 74 may be configured integrally with a temperature sensor included in the power meter 26. The temperature sensor included in the power meter 26 is, for example, a temperature sensor for correcting the output of a strain sensor included in the power meter 26. The temperature sensor 74 is connected, for example, to the control unit 70. The temperature sensor 74 transmits the detected temperature to the control unit 70.

[0051] The control device 60 further includes, for example, a switching unit 76. The switching unit 76 switches the power supply state from the battery 64 to the control unit 70. The switching unit 76 constitutes, for example, a part of the power supply circuit 66. The switching unit 76 is provided, for example, on the circuit board 62. The power supply state includes an ON state in which power supply from the battery 64 to the control unit 70 via the switching unit 76 is executed, and an OFF state in which power supply from the battery 64 to the control unit 70 via the switching unit 76 is stopped.

[0052] As shown in FIG. 3 , the switching unit 76 includes, for example, a switching circuit 78 and a control circuit 80. The switching circuit 78 includes, for example, a switching element that switches the power supply state. When the power supply state is in the off state, the switching element of the switching circuit 78 is off. When the power supply state is in the on state, the switching element of the switching circuit 78 is on. The switching element includes, for example, at least one of a metal-oxide-semiconductor field-effect transistor (MOSFET) and an insulated gate bipolar transistor (IGBT). The control circuit 80 controls the switching of the power supply state by the switching circuit 78 in response to an electrical signal from the control unit 70. The control circuit 80 includes, for example, a switching element different from the switching element of the switching circuit 78. The switching element of the control circuit 80 is switched on and off in response to the electrical signal from the control unit 70.

[0053] The control unit 70 and the switching unit 76 are connected by a first signal line 82 and a second signal line 84. The first signal line 82 is provided between the control unit 70 and the control circuit 80. The second signal line 84 is provided between the control unit 70 and the switching circuit 78. The control unit 70 transmits an electrical signal via the first signal line 82 to the control circuit 80 to instruct the control unit 70 to switch the power supply state.

[0054] When an electrical signal is input from the control unit 70 to the control circuit 80, the switching element of the switching circuit 78 is turned on. When the switching element of the switching circuit 78 is turned on, voltage information is output from the battery 64 to the control unit 70 via a second signal line 84. The voltage information includes, for example, the open circuit voltage of the battery 64. By turning off the power supply state except when estimating the remaining battery capacity of the battery 64, power can be saved.

[0055] The power supply circuit 66 includes, for example, a voltage dividing resistor 86. One end of the voltage dividing resistor 86 is connected to the second signal line 84, and the other end of the voltage dividing resistor 86 is connected to ground. The voltage dividing resistor 86 divides the voltage applied from the battery 64 to the control unit 70. The voltage of the battery 64 may be higher than the operating voltage of the control unit 70. Since the voltage applied to the control unit 70 is divided by the voltage dividing resistor 86, the control unit 70 can be protected in an appropriate manner.

[0056] The control unit 70 is configured to estimate the remaining battery capacity of the battery 64 when power is supplied from the battery 64 to the control unit 70. The state in which power is supplied from the battery 64 to the control unit 70 is, for example, a state in which the control unit 70 acquires voltage information from the battery 64 via the second signal line 84. The power supply circuit 66 may include a line, separate from the second signal line 84, for supplying driving power from the battery 64 to the control unit 70.

[0057] 2 is configured to estimate the remaining battery capacity of the battery 64 based on, for example, an internal resistance-related value of the battery 64. The internal resistance-related value relates to the internal resistance of the battery 64. The internal resistance-related value is, for example, a value that changes in accordance with changes in the internal resistance of the battery 64. The internal resistance-related value may be an internal resistance-related value corrected based on the temperature of the battery 64.

[0058] The control unit 70 is configured to receive power from the battery 64. The control unit 70 is configured to estimate the remaining battery capacity of the battery 64 based on the internal resistance related value of the battery 64 and the temperature of the battery 64, for example, in a state in which power is supplied from the battery 64.

[0059] The control unit 70 is configured to estimate the remaining battery capacity of the battery 64, for example, based on voltage information and determination information. The voltage information relates to, for example, the voltage of the battery 64 when power is supplied from the battery 64 to the control unit 70. The determination information is set in advance based on an internal resistance related value of the battery 64. The determination information is stored, for example, in the storage unit 72. The control unit 70 acquires the voltage information of the battery 64 when, for example, power is supplied from the battery 64 to the control unit 70 at a predetermined current.

[0060] The state in which power is supplied from the battery 64 to the control unit 70 corresponds to, for example, a predetermined operation mode. In the predetermined operation mode, for example, the state in which power is supplied from the battery 64 to the control unit 70 is maintained. When the predetermined operation mode is executed, for example, the battery 64 and the control unit 70 are maintained in an electrically connected state. For example, the control unit 70 estimates the remaining battery capacity in a state in which the battery 64 and the control unit 70 are electrically connected. For example, the control unit 70 estimates the remaining battery capacity without using the voltage of the battery 64 in a state in which the battery 64 and the control unit 70 are not electrically connected.

[0061] The control unit 70 operates in a predetermined operation mode using, for example, a predetermined current. The control unit 70 is configured to estimate the remaining battery capacity of the battery 64 based on, for example, voltage information and determination information. The voltage information relates to, for example, the voltage of the battery 64 in the predetermined operation mode. The determination information is set in advance based on an internal resistance-related value of the battery 64. The predetermined current is, for example, the current of power supplied from the battery 64 to the control unit 70 when the control unit 70 operates in the predetermined operation mode. The predetermined current depends, for example, on the power consumption when the control unit 70 operates in the predetermined operation mode. The control unit 70 is configured to estimate the remaining battery capacity using, for example, the predetermined current. The predetermined current may be stored in advance in the memory unit 72. The memory unit 72 stores, for example, the predetermined current calculated based on the specifications of the components included in the control unit 70. The memory unit 72 may also store measurement results of the predetermined current when the predetermined operation mode is executed before shipping the component 50. The control unit 70 may be configured to estimate the remaining battery capacity using the measurement result of the current supplied to the control unit 70 from the battery 64 in a predetermined operating mode as the predetermined current.

[0062] The predetermined operation mode includes, for example, a first predetermined operation mode and a second predetermined operation mode. The predetermined current in the first predetermined operation mode is a first predetermined current. The predetermined current in the second predetermined operation mode is a second predetermined current that is greater than the first predetermined current. The voltage information relates to, for example, a first voltage and a second voltage. The first voltage is a voltage in the first predetermined operation mode. The second voltage is a voltage in the second predetermined operation mode. Since the second predetermined current in the second predetermined mode is greater than the first predetermined current in the first predetermined mode, the second voltage is greater than the first voltage.

[0063] The control unit 70 includes, for example, an arithmetic unit 88. The power consumption of the arithmetic unit 88 in the second predetermined operation mode is greater than the power consumption of the arithmetic unit 88 in the first predetermined operation mode. The arithmetic unit 88 is, for example, an arithmetic unit included in the control unit 70. The arithmetic unit 88 includes, for example, a CPU 90, an ADC (Analog to Digital Converter) 92, and a DMA (Direct Memory Access) 94. The ADC 92 is configured to convert the voltage supplied from the second signal line 84 from an analog value to a digital value. The DMA 94, for example, uses power supplied from the ADC 92 to communicate various types of information with the storage unit 72 without going through the CPU 90.

[0064] The difference between the power consumption of the arithmetic device 88 in the first predetermined operation mode and the power consumption of the arithmetic device 88 in the second predetermined operation mode depends on the operation state of the arithmetic device 88. In the first predetermined operation mode, the control unit 70 puts the CPU 90 into a standby state and operates the ADC 92 and DMA 94. In the first predetermined operation mode, the CPU 90 is in, for example, a WFE (Wait For Event) state. In the second predetermined operation mode, the control unit 70 operates all of the CPU 90, ADC 92, and DMA 94.

[0065] When the control unit 70 operates in the predetermined operation mode, the voltage of the battery 64 decreases according to the predetermined current and the internal resistance. The first voltage is, for example, the voltage of the battery 64 that has decreased as a result of the predetermined operation mode being set to the first predetermined operation mode. The second voltage is, for example, the voltage of the battery 64 that has decreased as a result of the predetermined operation mode being set to the second predetermined operation mode. The voltage information includes, for example, the voltage difference between the first voltage and the second voltage. In this embodiment, the internal resistance-related value is, for example, the voltage difference between the first voltage and the second voltage.

[0066] The control unit 70 is configured to estimate the remaining battery capacity using the voltage difference between the first voltage and the second voltage. When the voltage difference between the first voltage and the second voltage is used to estimate the remaining battery capacity, the influence of error factors that affect the voltage is suppressed, so the remaining battery capacity can be estimated with high accuracy. Examples of error factors that can be suppressed by using the voltage difference between the first voltage and the second voltage include the offset error of the ADC 92, the operating current of the ADC 92, and the operating current of the DMA 94.

[0067] The voltage information includes, for example, a first voltage after a first period has elapsed since the predetermined operation mode was set to the first predetermined operation mode, and a second voltage after a second period has elapsed since the predetermined operation mode was set to the second predetermined operation mode. The first period is set, for example, as the period from when the predetermined operation mode was set to the first predetermined operation mode until the voltage stabilizes. The second period is set, for example, as the period from when the predetermined operation mode was set to the second predetermined operation mode until the voltage stabilizes. The first period and the second period are set, for example, in advance. The first voltage and the second voltage are set, for example, based on the capacitances of the capacitors included in the power supply circuit 66 and the battery 64. The second period is set, for example, to be the same period as the first period. The first period and the second period may be determined by the control unit 70 based on detected voltage values.

[0068] The control unit 70 uses the voltage obtained a first time period after the predetermined operation mode is set to the first predetermined operation mode as the first voltage, thereby reducing the influence of error factors when estimating the remaining battery capacity. The control unit 70 uses the voltage obtained a second time period after the predetermined operation mode is set to the second predetermined operation mode as the second voltage, thereby reducing the influence of error factors when estimating the remaining battery capacity. Factors that cause voltage errors when the first or second time period has not elapsed since the predetermined operation mode was set include, for example, variations in the capacitors included in the power supply circuit 66 and the capacitors included in the battery 64.

[0069] The first voltage is, for example, an average value of multiple voltages acquired in a first predetermined operation mode. The second voltage is, for example, an average value of multiple voltages acquired in a second predetermined operation mode. The number of voltages acquired in the first predetermined operation mode and the number of voltages acquired in the second predetermined operation mode are set in advance. The number of voltages acquired in the second predetermined operation mode is, for example, the same as the number of voltages acquired in the first predetermined operation mode.

[0070] The control unit 70 uses the average value of the multiple voltages acquired in the first predetermined operation mode as the first voltage, thereby reducing the influence of error factors when estimating the remaining battery capacity. The control unit 70 uses the average value of the multiple voltages acquired in the second predetermined operation mode as the second voltage, thereby reducing the influence of error factors when estimating the remaining battery capacity. Error factors that are reduced by using the average value of the multiple voltages include, for example, variations in the capacitors included in the power supply circuit 66 and the capacitors included in the battery 64.

[0071] The determination information includes, for example, a determination threshold. The control unit 70 is configured to estimate the remaining battery capacity by, for example, comparing the voltage information with the determination threshold. The determination threshold relates to, for example, a voltage difference. The determination information includes, for example, a plurality of determination thresholds. The determination thresholds include, for example, a first determination threshold and a second determination threshold that is greater than the first determination threshold.

[0072] The control unit 70 is configured to estimate whether the remaining battery capacity is the first battery remaining capacity, the second battery remaining capacity, or the third battery remaining capacity. The second battery remaining capacity is lower than the first battery remaining capacity. The third battery information is lower than the second battery remaining capacity. The second battery remaining capacity is set to, for example, a battery remaining capacity at which charging of the battery 64 is recommended. The third battery remaining capacity is set to, for example, a battery remaining capacity at which charging of the battery 64 is required immediately. The control unit 70 estimates that the remaining battery capacity is the first battery remaining capacity when the voltage difference is equal to or less than the first determination threshold. The control unit 70 estimates that the remaining battery capacity is the second battery remaining capacity when the voltage difference is greater than the first determination threshold and equal to or less than the second determination threshold. The control unit 70 estimates that the remaining battery capacity is the third battery remaining capacity when the voltage difference is greater than the second determination threshold.

[0073] FIG. 4 shows an example of the relationship between the remaining battery charge and an internal resistance-related value in the component 50. The internal resistance-related value shown in FIG. 4 is the voltage difference between the first voltage and the second voltage. FIG. 4 shows first to third examples of the relationship between the remaining battery charge and the voltage difference between the first voltage and the second voltage. Each of the first to third examples is the relationship between the remaining battery charge and the voltage difference between the first voltage and the second voltage measured using a different battery 64. The internal resistance of the battery 64 varies depending on the individual battery 64 and the state of the battery 64. The first example L1 shown by the dashed-dotted line indicates the battery 64 with the highest internal resistance among the manufacturing variations of the battery 64. The second example L2 shown by the dashed-dotted line indicates the battery 64 with the lowest internal resistance among the manufacturing variations of the battery 64. The third example L3 shown by the solid line indicates the battery 64 with a nominal internal resistance among the manufacturing variations of the battery 64. Each of the graphs of the first example L1, the second example L2, and the third example L3 may be a graph calculated using a predetermined relational expression or the like from measurement results of the remaining battery capacity, the first voltage, and the second voltage at any one or more remaining battery capacities. One of the first example L1, the second example L2, and the third example L3 may be a graph calculated based on measurement results, and the other two of the first example L1, the second example L2, and the third example L3 may be a graph calculated from one of the first example L1, the second example L2, and the third example L3, taking into account manufacturing variations of the battery 64, etc.

[0074] In all of the first to third examples, the voltage difference between the first and second voltages increases as the remaining battery charge decreases. For example, in battery 64, when the remaining battery charge becomes smaller than a predetermined remaining battery charge PB1, the increase in the voltage difference relative to the decrease in the remaining battery charge increases.

[0075] T1 in FIG. 4 indicates the first determination threshold. The first determination threshold is set, for example, based on the battery 64 with the largest internal resistance among the manufacturing variations of the batteries 64. For example, in the first example L1, the voltage difference when the remaining battery capacity is a first remaining capacity B1 is set as the first determination threshold. The first remaining capacity B1 is set, for example, to a value smaller than a predetermined remaining battery capacity PB1. By setting the first determination threshold based on the first remaining capacity B1 that is smaller than the predetermined remaining battery capacity PB1, the control unit 70 can appropriately determine the remaining battery capacity in a range where the increase in the voltage difference relative to the decrease in the remaining battery capacity is large. By setting the first determination threshold based on the battery 64 with the largest internal resistance among the manufacturing variations of the batteries 64, the control unit 70 can appropriately determine the remaining battery capacity even for the battery 64 with the largest internal resistance among the manufacturing variations of the batteries 64.

[0076] T2 in Fig. 4 indicates the second determination threshold. The second determination threshold is set, for example, based on the battery 64 with the smallest internal resistance among the manufacturing variations of the batteries 64. For example, in the second example L2, the voltage difference when the remaining battery charge is the second remaining charge B2 is set as the second determination threshold. The second remaining charge B2 is set, for example, to a value greater than 0. By setting the second determination threshold based on the battery 64 with the smallest internal resistance among the manufacturing variations of the batteries 64, the control unit 70 can determine the remaining battery charge in a range greater than 0, even for the battery 64 with the smallest internal resistance among the manufacturing variations of the batteries 64.

[0077] The determination threshold is, for example, stored in advance in the storage unit 72. The control unit 70 determines whether the remaining battery capacity is the first remaining battery capacity, the second remaining battery capacity, or the third remaining battery capacity, based on, for example, the voltage difference between the measured first voltage and the second voltage and the determination threshold stored in the storage unit 72.

[0078] The control unit 70 shown in FIG. 2 is configured to estimate the remaining battery capacity so that, for example, when the voltage information corresponds to the first voltage information and the temperature is a first temperature, the remaining battery capacity is lower than when the voltage information corresponds to the first voltage information and the temperature is a second temperature. The second temperature is higher than the first temperature. The internal resistance-related value of the battery 64 changes depending on the temperature of the battery 64. For example, the lower the temperature of the battery 64, the higher the internal resistance of the battery 64 tends to be. As the internal resistance changes depending on the temperature of the battery 64, the remaining battery capacity may differ even if the first voltage, the second voltage, or the voltage difference between the first and second voltages is the same.

[0079] The control unit 70 estimates the remaining battery capacity based on the voltage information corrected based on the temperature. For example, when the voltage information corresponds to the first voltage information and the temperature is the first temperature, the control unit 70 corrects the voltage information based on the temperature of the battery 64 so that the voltage difference between the first voltage and the second voltage is larger than when the voltage information corresponds to the first voltage information and the temperature is the second temperature. The control unit 70 is configured to estimate the remaining battery capacity based on the voltage information corrected based on the temperature and the determination information, for example.

[0080] The control unit 70 is configured to estimate the remaining battery capacity by, for example, comparing the voltage difference between the first voltage and the second voltage corrected based on temperature with a determination threshold. The determination threshold may include a determination threshold set for each of a plurality of temperature ranges. When the determination threshold includes a determination threshold set for each of a plurality of temperature ranges, the control unit 70 determines the determination threshold to be used based on, for example, temperature.

[0081] The control unit 70 estimates the remaining battery capacity using voltage information corrected based on temperature, thereby reducing the influence of error factors when estimating the remaining battery capacity. Error factors that are reduced by correcting the voltage information based on temperature include, for example, changes in the internal resistance of the battery 64 due to temperature.

[0082] The control unit 70 is configured, for example, to control the transmission unit 52 so as to transmit information relating to the estimated remaining battery capacity of the battery 64 from the transmission unit 52 to another component. The control unit 70 is configured, for example, to control the display unit 54 so as to display the information relating to the estimated remaining battery capacity of the battery 64 on the display unit 54. The information relating to the remaining battery capacity includes, for example, information relating to whether the remaining battery capacity is a first remaining battery capacity, a second remaining battery capacity, or a third remaining battery capacity.

[0083] The process of estimating the remaining battery charge executed by the control unit 70 will be described with reference to FIG. 5. For example, when the control unit 70 is in a standby state, the control unit 70 starts the process and proceeds to step S11 of the flowchart shown in FIG. 5. For example, when the flowchart of FIG. 5 ends, the control unit 70 repeats the process from step S11 after a predetermined period has elapsed until the control unit 70 enters the standby state and the power supply is stopped. For example, when the human-powered vehicle 10 is not traveling, the control unit 70 is set to the standby state. For example, when the human-powered vehicle 10 starts traveling, the control unit 70 transitions from the standby state to the normal operating state. If the control unit 70 transitions from the standby state to the normal operating state during the process of FIG. 5, the control unit 70 stops the process of FIG. 5.

[0084] In step S11, the control unit 70 acquires the temperature of the battery 64, and then proceeds to step S12. The control unit 70 acquires the temperature of the battery 64, for example, from the temperature sensor 74. In step S12, the control unit 70 sets the predetermined operation mode to the first predetermined operation mode, and then proceeds to step S13.

[0085] In step S13, the control unit 70 determines whether a first predetermined period has elapsed since the predetermined operation mode was set to the first predetermined operation mode. The first predetermined period is set to, for example, a time longer than the first period. The control unit 70 has, for example, a timer function that measures the elapsed period since the predetermined operation mode was set. The control unit 70 repeats the process of step S12 until the first predetermined period has elapsed since the predetermined operation mode was set to the first predetermined operation mode. When the first predetermined period has elapsed since the predetermined operation mode was set to the first predetermined operation mode, the control unit 70 proceeds to step S14.

[0086] In step S14, the control unit 70 acquires the first voltage and proceeds to step S15. For example, the control unit 70 acquires the voltage of the battery 64 multiple times at predetermined time intervals from when the first predetermined operation mode is set until a first predetermined period has elapsed. For example, the control unit 70 acquires the voltage of the battery 64 N1 times during the first predetermined period in the first predetermined operation mode. In step S14, the control unit 70 acquires, for example, the average value of the last M1 voltages among the N1 voltages acquired, as the first voltage. For example, the first predetermined period is set to a period from when the predetermined operation mode is set to the first predetermined operation mode until the voltage of the battery 64 can be acquired at least M1 times after the first period has elapsed. The period of acquisition of the voltage from the last of the N1 voltages that is not among the M1 voltages corresponds to the first period.

[0087] In step S15, the control unit 70 sets the predetermined operation mode to the second predetermined operation mode, and then proceeds to step S16.

[0088] In step S16, the control unit 70 determines whether a second predetermined period has elapsed since the predetermined operation mode was set to the second predetermined operation mode. The second predetermined period is set to, for example, a time longer than the second period. The control unit 70 may be configured to measure the elapsed time since the operation mode was set to the second predetermined operation mode in step S15. The control unit 70 repeats the process of step S16 until the second predetermined period has elapsed since the predetermined operation mode was set to the second predetermined operation mode. When the second predetermined period has elapsed since the predetermined operation mode was set to the second predetermined operation mode, the control unit 70 proceeds to step S17.

[0089] In step S17, the control unit 70 acquires the second voltage and proceeds to step S18. For example, the control unit 70 acquires the voltage of the battery 64 multiple times at predetermined time intervals from when the second predetermined operation mode is set until the second predetermined period has elapsed. In step S17, for example, the control unit 70 acquires the voltage of the battery 64 N2 times during the second predetermined period in the second predetermined operation mode. For example, the control unit 70 acquires the voltage of the battery 64 N2 times during the second predetermined period. For example, the control unit 70 acquires the average value of the last M2 voltages among the N2 voltages acquired as the second voltage. For example, the second predetermined period is set to a period from when the predetermined operation mode is set to the second predetermined operation mode until the voltage of the battery 64 can be acquired at least M2 times after the second period has elapsed. The value of N2 may be the same as the value of N1. The value of M2 may be the same as the value of M1. The last voltage acquisition period among the N2 voltages that does not fall within the M2 acquisitions corresponds to the second period.

[0090] In step S18, the control unit 70 calculates the internal resistance related value, and proceeds to step S19. For example, the control unit 70 calculates a value obtained by correcting the voltage difference between the first voltage and the second voltage based on the temperature of the battery 64 as the internal resistance related value.

[0091] In step S19, the control unit 70 estimates the remaining battery capacity, and then the process proceeds to step S20. The control unit 70 estimates the remaining battery capacity, for example, by comparing the internal resistance related value calculated in step S18 with the determination information.

[0092] In step S20, the control unit 70 outputs the remaining battery capacity and ends the processing in Fig. 5. For example, in step S20, the control unit 70 outputs information related to the remaining battery capacity to other components via the transmission unit 52. For example, in step S20, the control unit 70 causes the display unit 54 to display information related to the remaining battery capacity.

[0093] An example of the operation of each electronic component when the control unit 70 measures the first voltage and the second voltage will be described with reference to Figure 6. (a) of Figure 6 shows the operating current of the arithmetic device 88. (b) of Figure 6 shows the circuit current flowing from the battery 64 to the control unit 70 via the switching unit 76. (c) of Figure 6 shows the voltage of the battery 64. (d) of Figure 6 shows the power supply state by the switching unit 76. (e) of Figure 6 shows the operation of the ADC 92.

[0094] At time t10, the arithmetic unit 88 is set to a standby operation mode. In the standby operation mode, the CPU 90 is in a standby state, and the ADC 92 and DMA 94 are stopped. In the standby operation mode, the CPU 90 is in, for example, a WFE state. At time t10, the power supply state is, for example, an off state.

[0095] Time t11 indicates the time when the arithmetic unit 88 is set to the control operation mode. In the control operation mode, the CPU 90 starts operating, while the ADC 92 and DMA 94 stop operating. When the CPU 90 starts operating, the current flowing from the battery 64 to the control unit 70 via the switching unit 76 increases. When power supply from the battery 64 to the control unit 70 starts via the switching unit 76, the voltage of the battery 64 begins to drop. The CPU 90 starts operating at time t11 and switches the power supply state from the OFF state to the ON state.

[0096] Time t12 indicates the time when the arithmetic unit 88 is set to the first predetermined operating mode. At time t12, the CPU 90 starts the operation of the ADC 92 and DMA 94, and then transitions to a standby state. At time t12, the control unit 70 acquires the voltage of the battery 64 N1 times from the ADC 92. The operating current of the ADC 92 and DMA 94 is, for example, 1.7 mA or more and 1.9 mA or less. The circuit current in the first predetermined operating mode corresponds to the first predetermined current. After time t12, the circuit current decreases and then converges to a constant value.

[0097] Time t13 is the time when the first predetermined period has elapsed since time t12. At time t13, the arithmetic device 88 ends the first predetermined operation mode. The first predetermined operation mode is maintained from time t12 to time t13. At time t13, the CPU 90 starts operating, and the ADC 92 and DMA 94 stop operating. The CPU 90 switches the power supply state from the ON state to the OFF state. The CPU 90 acquires the voltage N1 times after time t13.

[0098] Time t14 is the time when the arithmetic device 88 transitions to a standby state. At time t14, the CPU 90 acquires as a first voltage the average value of the voltages acquired up to the last M1 times out of the N1 voltages acquired. After the CPU 90 acquires the first voltage, the arithmetic device 88 transitions to a standby state. The CPU 90 maintains the standby state until, for example, time t15.

[0099] Time t15 is the time when the arithmetic unit 88 is set to the control operation mode. The CPU 90, which starts operation at time t15, switches the power supply state from the OFF state to the ON state.

[0100] Time t16 indicates the time when the arithmetic unit 88 is set to the second predetermined operation mode. At time t16, the CPU 90 starts the operation of the ADC 92 and DMA 94. At time t16, the CPU 90 remains in an operating state. The circuit current in the second predetermined operation mode corresponds to the second predetermined current. After time t16, the circuit current increases and then converges to a constant value. In the second predetermined operation mode, the CPU 90 is operating, so the circuit current is greater than the circuit current in the first predetermined operation mode. Therefore, the voltage in the second predetermined operation mode drops significantly more than the voltage in the first predetermined operation mode. The ADC 92 and DMA 94, which have started operating, acquire the voltage of the battery 64 N2 times. The operating current of the CPU 90, ADC 92, and DMA 94 is, for example, between 9 mA and 11 mA.

[0101] Time t17 is the time when the second predetermined period has elapsed since time t16. At time t17, the arithmetic device 88 ends the second predetermined operation mode. From time t16 to time t17, the predetermined operation mode is maintained as the second predetermined operation mode. At time t17, the ADC 92 and DMA 94 end operation. The CPU 90 switches the power supply state from the ON state to the OFF state. After time t17, the CPU 90 acquires the voltage N2 times.

[0102] At time t18, the arithmetic device 88 transitions to a standby state. At time t18, the CPU 90 acquires, as a second voltage, the average value of the voltages acquired up to the last M2 times out of the N2 voltages acquired. After the CPU 90 acquires the second voltage, the arithmetic device 88 transitions to a standby state.

[0103] For example, after time t18, the control unit 70 estimates the remaining battery capacity from the voltage difference between the first voltage and the second voltage. After estimating the remaining battery capacity, the calculation device 88 may transition to a standby state.

[0104] Semi-solid batteries using lithium titanate have a low rate of change in OCV (Open Circuit Voltage) relative to changes in SOC (State of Charge). Therefore, if the remaining battery charge of a semi-solid battery using lithium titanate is estimated solely based on the OCV, the accuracy of the remaining battery charge estimation will be low due to the significant influence of OCV measurement errors caused by variations in the battery 64 and the environment. Semi-solid batteries using lithium titanate have a characteristic in which their internal resistance changes with changes in SOC. In semi-solid batteries using lithium titanate, the rate of change in internal resistance relative to changes in SOC is greater than the rate of change in OCV relative to changes in SOC. The control unit 70 of this embodiment can appropriately estimate the remaining battery charge of the battery 64 based on the determination information set using the internal resistance. In semi-solid batteries using lithium titanate, the rate of change in internal resistance relative to changes in SOC is particularly pronounced at low SOCs. Therefore, by setting the first and second determination thresholds to correspond to the low SOC region, the control unit 70 can appropriately estimate a decrease in the remaining battery charge.

[0105] <Example of change> The descriptions of the embodiments are intended to exemplify possible forms of a control device for a human-powered vehicle and components for a human-powered vehicle, and are not intended to limit the forms. A control device for a human-powered vehicle and components for a human-powered vehicle according to the present disclosure may take the form of, for example, modified examples of the embodiments shown below, or a combination of at least two mutually consistent modified examples. In the modified examples below, parts that are common to each embodiment are assigned the same reference numerals as in the respective embodiments, and their description will be omitted.

[0106] The internal resistance-related value may be the internal resistance of the battery 64. When power is supplied from the battery 64, the internal resistance of the battery 64 changes in correlation with, for example, the voltage of the battery 64. In this modified example, the control unit 70 is configured to estimate the internal resistance of the battery 64 based on, for example, the voltage or current in a predetermined operation mode. The control unit 70 may estimate the remaining battery capacity based on, for example, the internal resistance of the battery 64 in the predetermined operation mode and the determination information. In this modification, the control unit 70 is configured to determine the remaining battery capacity by, for example, comparing the internal resistance of the battery 64 with a determination threshold value. The control unit 70 is configured to calculate the internal resistance of the battery 64 using the following equation 1, for example. ΔV=(R+dR1+dR2)×(ΔI+dI)×(1+dG)+dADC…(Formula 1) ΔV indicates the voltage difference between the first voltage and the second voltage. R represents the internal resistance of the battery 64. dR1 indicates the amount of fluctuation due to variations in internal resistance caused by individual differences in the battery 64. dR2 indicates the amount of variation in internal resistance caused by the state of the battery 64. The state of the battery 64 includes, for example, the temperature of the battery 64. The state of the battery 64 may also include the remaining battery capacity of the battery 64. ΔI indicates the current difference between the first predetermined current and the second predetermined current. dI indicates the amount of fluctuation due to variations in the operating current of the arithmetic unit 88. dG indicates the amount of fluctuation due to the variation in the gain of the ADC 92. dADC indicates the amount of fluctuation due to measurement error of the ADC92. The control unit 70 may omit any term in Equation 1 when calculating the internal resistance of the battery 64. For example, the control unit 70 may calculate the internal resistance of the battery 64 from an equation that simplifies Equation 1, ie, ΔV=R×ΔI.

[0107] The internal resistance-related value may be a current. The control unit 70 is configured to operate, for example, in a first voltage operation mode in which the voltage is set to a first predetermined voltage and a second voltage operation mode in which the voltage is set to the first predetermined voltage. The control unit 70 is configured to estimate the remaining battery capacity based on a current difference between a first current in the first voltage operation mode and a second current in the second voltage operation mode. The control unit 70 estimates the remaining battery capacity by comparing the current difference with determination information set based on the relationship between the internal resistance and the current difference, for example.

[0108] The internal resistance-related value may be one of the first voltage, the second voltage, the first current in the modified example, and the second current in the modified example. Because the voltage and current vary depending on the internal resistance, even in the modified example that does not use the voltage difference and the current difference, the control unit 70 can suitably estimate the remaining battery capacity based on the internal resistance-related value.

[0109] The control unit 70 may be configured to estimate the remaining battery capacity when the voltage information corresponds to the first voltage information and the temperature of the battery 64 is at a first temperature so that the remaining battery capacity is equal to or greater than the remaining battery capacity when the voltage information corresponds to the first voltage information and the temperature of the battery 64 is at a second temperature. The control unit 70 may be configured to estimate the remaining battery capacity based on the temperature when the temperature of the battery 64 is within a predetermined temperature range, and to estimate the remaining battery capacity without using the temperature when the temperature of the battery 64 is outside the predetermined temperature range.

[0110] The control unit 70 may estimate the remaining battery capacity without using the temperature of the battery 64. In this modification, step S11 may be omitted from the processing of FIG.

[0111] The determination information may include at least one of a map and a relational expression instead of or in addition to the determination threshold. When the determination expression includes at least one of a map and a relational expression, the remaining battery capacity may be expressed as a numerical value such as a percentage.

[0112] In the embodiment, the control unit 70 uses the voltage difference between the first voltage and the second voltage as the voltage information, but it may use either one of the first voltage or the second voltage as the voltage information. In this modification, for example, it may use the voltage difference between the voltage between times t11 and t12 in FIG. 6 and either one of the first voltage or the second voltage as the voltage information.

[0113] The voltage information may include a first voltage before a first period has elapsed since the predetermined operation mode was set to the first predetermined operation mode, and a second voltage before a second period has elapsed since the predetermined operation mode was set to the second predetermined operation mode. The control unit 70 may acquire the first voltage regardless of the first period, or may acquire the second voltage regardless of the second period.

[0114] In the embodiment, the first voltage in the first predetermined operating mode and the second voltage in the second predetermined operating mode are different as a result of the change in the operating state of the computing device 88, but the voltage difference between the first voltage and the second voltage may be generated by other methods. For example, the power supply circuit 66 may be configured so that the battery 64 is connected to different resistances in the first predetermined operating mode and the second predetermined operating mode.

[0115] At least one of the battery 64, the temperature sensor 74, and the control device 60 does not have to be provided on the circuit board 62. In this modified example, at least one of the battery 64, the temperature sensor 74, and the control device 60 may be provided away from the component 50.

[0116] The battery 64 may be a battery other than a semi-solid battery using lithium titanate. For example, the battery 64 may be a lithium battery using graphite as the negative electrode active material. Even in a lithium battery using graphite as the negative electrode active material, the internal resistance changes in response to changes in SOC, so the control unit 70 can suitably estimate the remaining battery capacity based on the internal resistance-related value.

[0117] In the power supply circuit 66, the maximum output current of the battery 64 may be set to be greater than 100 mA. In the power supply circuit 66, the maximum output current of the battery 64 may be set to be less than 0.1 mA.

[0118] The component 50 may further include at least one of a gear shift operating device 28 and a lamp 30 instead of or in addition to the power meter 26 .

[0119] The component 50 does not have to include at least one of the transmitter 52 and the display 54. The control unit 70 may be configured to control the component 50 based on the remaining battery power of the battery 64. For example, when the remaining battery power becomes low, the control unit 70 controls the component 50 so that the power consumption of the component 50 becomes low.

[0120] The control device 60 may be a control device for an electric component. The electric component of this modified example is, for example, an electric component used in equipment other than the human-powered vehicle 10. The equipment other than the human-powered vehicle 10 may be, for example, outdoor equipment such as fishing gear, mountain climbing equipment, running equipment, and skiing equipment. The equipment other than the human-powered vehicle 10 may be a wristwatch, wireless earphones, a television remote control, an air conditioner remote control, etc. The electric component of this modified example may be provided in the human-powered vehicle 10. When the electric component is provided in the human-powered vehicle 10, the electric component is component 50. The control device for the electric component of this modified example includes a control unit configured to receive power from a battery, and the control unit is configured to estimate the remaining battery capacity of the battery based on voltage information related to the battery voltage when power is supplied to the control unit from the battery and determination information that is preset based on a value related to the battery's internal resistance. Other configurations may be changed as appropriate. The control device for an electric component in this modified example includes a control unit configured to receive power from a battery, for example, a semi-solid battery using lithium titanate, and the control unit is configured to estimate the remaining battery capacity of the battery based on a value related to the internal resistance of the battery, and other configurations may be changed as appropriate.

[0121] The phrase "at least one" as used herein means "one or more" of the desired options. As an example, the phrase "at least one" as used herein means "only one option" or "both of two options" when the number of options is two. As another example, the phrase "at least one" as used herein means "only one option" or "any combination of two or more options" when the number of options is three or more. [Explanation of symbols]

[0122] 10...human-powered vehicle, 22...crank, 26...power meter, 28...gear change operation device, 30...lamp, 50...component, 52...transmitter unit, 54...display unit, 60...control device, 62...circuit board, 64...battery, 66...power supply circuit, 68...load, 70...control unit, 74...temperature sensor, 76...switching unit, 88...computing unit.

Claims

1. A control device for a human-powered vehicle, a control unit configured to receive power from a battery; The control device is configured to estimate a remaining battery capacity of the battery based on an internal resistance related value of the battery and a temperature of the battery when power is supplied from the battery.

2. The control unit Operates in a predetermined operating mode at a predetermined current; 2. The control device according to claim 1, configured to estimate the remaining battery capacity based on voltage information relating to the voltage of the battery in the predetermined operation mode and determination information that is set in advance based on the internal resistance related value of the battery.

3. the control unit is configured to estimate the remaining battery capacity such that, when the voltage information corresponds to first voltage information and the temperature is a first temperature, the remaining battery capacity is lower than when the voltage information corresponds to the first voltage information and the temperature is a second temperature; The control device of claim 2 , wherein the second temperature is higher than the first temperature.

4. The control device according to claim 3 , wherein the control unit is configured to estimate the remaining battery capacity based on the voltage information corrected based on the temperature and the determination information.

5. the determination information includes a determination threshold value, The control device according to claim 2 , wherein the control unit is configured to estimate the remaining battery capacity by comparing the voltage information with the determination threshold value.

6. the predetermined operation modes include a first predetermined operation mode in which the predetermined current is a first predetermined current, and a second predetermined operation mode in which the predetermined current is a second predetermined current greater than the first predetermined current; The control device of claim 2 , wherein the voltage information relates to a first voltage, which is the voltage in the first predetermined operating mode, and a second voltage, which is the voltage in the second predetermined operating mode.

7. 7. The control device according to claim 6, wherein the voltage information includes the first voltage after a first period has elapsed since the predetermined operation mode was set to the first predetermined operation mode, and the second voltage after a second period has elapsed since the predetermined operation mode was set to the second predetermined operation mode.

8. the control unit includes a computing device, The control device of claim 6 , wherein the power consumption of the computing unit in the second predetermined operating mode is greater than the power consumption of the computing unit in the first predetermined operating mode.

9. 2. The control device according to claim 1, wherein the control unit is configured to estimate whether the remaining battery capacity is a first remaining battery capacity, a second remaining battery capacity that is lower than the first remaining battery capacity, or a third remaining battery capacity that is lower than the second remaining battery capacity.

10. The control device according to claim 1 , further comprising a switching unit that switches a power supply state from the battery to the control unit.

11. The control device according to claim 1 , further comprising a temperature sensor for detecting the temperature.

12. Further, a circuit board on which the battery is mounted is provided, The control device according to claim 11 , wherein the temperature sensor is provided on the circuit board.

13. Further, a circuit board on which the battery is mounted is provided, The control device according to claim 1 , wherein at least a portion of the control unit is provided on the circuit board.

14. The control device of claim 1 , wherein the battery includes a semi-solid battery using lithium titanate.

15. a power supply circuit for supplying power from the battery to a load; The control device according to claim 1 , wherein the power supply circuit is configured to set a maximum output current of the battery to 100 mA or less.

16. The control device according to claim 15, wherein the power supply circuit is configured to set a maximum output current of the battery to 0.1 mA or greater.

17. A component for a human-powered vehicle, A control device for a human-powered vehicle according to any one of claims 1 to 13; A component for a human-powered vehicle, comprising at least one of a power meter, a gear shift operating device, and a lamp.

18. The power meter is provided, 18. The component for a human-powered vehicle according to claim 17, wherein the component for a human-powered vehicle is provided on a crank of the human-powered vehicle.

19. 18. The component for a human-powered vehicle according to claim 17, further comprising at least one of a transmitter configured to transmit information relating to the remaining battery charge estimated by the controller, and a display configured to display the remaining battery charge estimated by the controller.

20. 1. A control device for an electrically powered component, comprising: a control unit configured to receive power from a battery; A control device wherein the control unit is configured to estimate the remaining battery capacity of the battery based on voltage information regarding the voltage of the battery when power is supplied from the battery to the control unit and judgment information that is set in advance based on an internal resistance related value of the battery.

21. 1. A control device for an electrically powered component, comprising: A control unit configured to receive power from a battery including a semi-solid battery using lithium titanate, The control device is configured to estimate a remaining battery capacity of the battery based on a value related to an internal resistance of the battery.

22. The control device according to claim 20 or 21, wherein the electrically powered component is provided in a human-powered vehicle.

Images