Component for human powered vehicle

Abstract

To provide a component for a human powered vehicle which can preferably utilize electric power generated by a power generation section.SOLUTION: A component for a human powered vehicle includes: an operation section which may be operated by a user; a power generation section configured to generate electric power in response to displacement of the operation section when the user operates the operation section; a transmission section configured to transmit a predetermined signal to another component by electric power generated by the power generation section; and a control section configured to control the transmission section so that the transmission section transmits the predetermined signal when the operation section is operated. The control section is configured to control the transmission section so as to change a transmission state of the predetermined signal according to an operation state of the operation section when the operation section is operated.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 5

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present disclosure relates to components for human-powered vehicles. [Background technology]

[0002] Patent Document 1 includes a power generating unit configured to generate electricity in response to the displacement of an operating unit. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Patent No. 6331677 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] One object of the present disclosure is to provide a component for a human-powered vehicle that can suitably utilize the electric power generated by the power generation unit. [Means for solving the problem]

[0005] A component according to a first aspect of the present disclosure is a component for a human-powered vehicle, comprising: an operating unit operable by a user; a power generation unit configured to generate power in accordance with the displacement of the operating unit when the user operates the operating unit; a transmitting unit configured to transmit a predetermined signal to other components using the power generated by the power generation unit; and a control unit configured to control the transmitting unit to transmit the predetermined signal when the operating unit is operated, wherein the control unit is configured to control the transmitting unit to change the transmission state of the predetermined signal in accordance with the operating state of the operating unit when the operating unit is operated. According to the component of the first aspect, the transmission state of the predetermined signal is changed in accordance with the operation state of the operation unit, thereby making it possible to make optimal use of the power generated by the power generation unit.

[0006] In a component of a second aspect according to the first aspect of the present disclosure, the operating unit is configured to be displaceable between a first operating position and a second operating position different from the first operating position, and the control unit is configured to control the transmitting unit so that the transmission state becomes a first transmitting state when the operating unit displaces from the first operating position to the second operating position, and to control the transmitting unit so that the transmission state becomes a second transmitting state when the operating unit displaces from the second operating position to the first operating position, and the power consumption of the transmitting unit in the second transmitting state is less than the power consumption of the transmitting unit in the first transmitting state. According to the component of the second aspect, when the operating portion is displaced from the second operating position to the first operating position, the amount of power consumed can be reduced.

[0007] In a component of a third aspect according to the first aspect of the present disclosure, the operating unit is configured to be displaceable between a first operating position and a second operating position different from the first operating position, and the control unit is configured to control the transmitting unit so that the transmission state becomes a first transmission state when the operating unit displaces from the first operating position to the second operating position, and to control the transmitting unit so that the transmission state becomes a second transmission state while the operating unit is maintained in the second operating position after displacing from the first operating position to the second operating position, and power consumption of the transmitting unit in the second transmission state is less than power consumption of the transmitting unit in the first transmission state. According to the component of the third aspect, when the operating unit is maintained in the second operating position, power consumption can be reduced.

[0008] In a component of a fourth aspect according to any one of the first to third aspects of the present disclosure, the operating unit is configured to be displaceable between a first operating position and a second operating position different from the first operating position, and the control unit is configured to control the transmitting unit to transmit the predetermined signal when the operating unit displaces from the first operating position to the second operating position, and to control the transmitting unit not to transmit the predetermined signal when the operating unit displaces from the second operating position to the first operating position. According to the component of the fourth aspect, when the operating section is displaced from the second operating position to the first operating position, the predetermined signal is not transmitted, thereby reducing power consumption.

[0009] In the component of the fifth aspect according to the first aspect of the present disclosure, the operating unit is configured to be displaceable between a first operating position and a second operating position different from the first operating position, and the control unit is configured to control the transmitting unit not to transmit the predetermined signal while the operating unit is maintained at the second operating position after being displaced from the first operating position to the second operating position. According to the component of the fifth aspect, when the operating section is maintained in the second operating position, the predetermined signal is not transmitted, thereby reducing power consumption.

[0010] A component according to a sixth aspect of the present disclosure is a component for a human-powered vehicle, comprising: an operating unit operable by a user; a power generation unit configured to generate power in response to the displacement of the operating unit when the user operates the operating unit; a transmitting unit configured to transmit a predetermined signal to other components; and a control unit configured to operate using power generated by the power generation unit, wherein the control unit is configured to control the transmitting unit to transmit the predetermined signal when the operating unit is operated, and is configured to switch the power consumption state of the control unit between a first power consumption state and a second power consumption state that consumes less power than the first power consumption state in response to the operating state of the operating unit. According to the component of the sixth aspect, the power consumption state can be switched between the first power consumption state and the second power consumption state depending on the operation state of the operation unit, so that the power generated by the power generation unit can be used optimally.

[0011] In the component of the seventh aspect according to the sixth aspect of the present disclosure, the operation unit is configured to be displaceable between a first operation position and a second operation position different from the first operation position, and the control unit is configured, when the operation unit displaces from the first operation position to the second operation position in the second power consumption state, to change the power consumption state from the second power consumption state to the first power consumption state, and then to change from the first power consumption state to the second power consumption state, and when the operation unit displaces from the second operation position to the first operation position, to change the power consumption state from the second power consumption state to the first power consumption state. According to the component of the seventh aspect, when the operating unit is displaced from the first operating position to the second operating position, the power consumption state can be changed from the second power consumption state to the first power consumption state, and then from the first power consumption state to the second power consumption state, thereby reducing power consumption.

[0012] In the component of the eighth aspect according to the seventh aspect of the present disclosure, the control unit is configured to change the power consumption state from the first power consumption state to the second power consumption state when the operation unit is maintained in the second operation position for a first predetermined time or more after changing the power consumption state from the second power consumption state to the first power consumption state. According to the component of the eighth aspect, when the operation unit is maintained in the second operation position for a first predetermined time or longer, the first power consumption state can be changed to the second power consumption state, thereby reducing power consumption.

[0013] In the component of the ninth aspect according to the eighth aspect of the present disclosure, the control unit is configured to, when the operation unit is displaced from the second operation position to the first operation position, change the power consumption state from the second power consumption state to the first power consumption state, and then, when the operation unit is maintained in the first operation position for a second predetermined time or more, change the power consumption state from the first power consumption state to the second power consumption state. According to the component of the ninth aspect, when the operation unit is maintained in the first operation position for a second predetermined time or longer, the first power consumption state can be changed to the second power consumption state, thereby reducing power consumption.

[0014] In a component of a tenth aspect according to a sixth aspect of the present disclosure, the operating unit is configured to be displaceable between a first operating position and a second operating position different from the first operating position, and the control unit is configured to change the power consumption state from the first power consumption state to the second power consumption state when the operating unit displaces from the second operating position to the first operating position, and to maintain the second power consumption state until the operating unit displaces from the first operating position to the second operating position. According to the component of the tenth aspect, the second power consumption state is maintained until the operation unit is displaced from the first operation position to the second operation position, thereby reducing power consumption.

[0015] In a component of an eleventh aspect according to any one of the seventh to tenth aspects of the present disclosure, the control unit is configured to control the transmitting unit to transmit the specified signal when the power consumption state is changed from the second power consumption state to the first power consumption state. According to the component of the eleventh aspect, when the power consumption state is changed from the second power consumption state to the first power consumption state, the transmitter is controlled to transmit the predetermined signal, so that the predetermined signal can be transmitted in an appropriate manner.

[0016] In a component of a twelfth aspect according to any one of the eighth to eleventh aspects of the present disclosure, the control unit is configured to control the transmitting unit to transmit the predetermined signal when the operating unit is displaced from the first operating position to the second operating position and / or when the operating unit is displaced from the second operating position to the first operating position. According to the component of the twelfth aspect, the transmitter is controlled to transmit a predetermined signal when the operating unit is displaced from the first operating position to the second operating position or when the operating unit is displaced from the second operating position to the first operating position, so that the predetermined signal can be transmitted appropriately depending on the operating state of the operating unit.

[0017] In a component of a thirteenth aspect according to any one of the first to twelfth aspects of the present disclosure, the control unit is configured to control the transmitting unit not to transmit the predetermined signal when the operating unit is operated and a predetermined condition for operating the other component is satisfied, and to control the transmitting unit to transmit the predetermined signal when the operating unit is operated and the predetermined condition is not satisfied. According to the component of the thirteenth aspect, when the operation unit is operated and a predetermined condition is satisfied, a predetermined signal is not transmitted, thereby reducing power consumption.

[0018] A component according to a fourteenth aspect of the present disclosure is a component for a human-powered vehicle, comprising: an operating unit operable by a user; a power generation unit configured to generate power in accordance with the displacement of the operating unit when the user operates the operating unit; a transmitting unit configured to transmit a predetermined signal to another component; and a control unit configured to operate using the power generated by the power generation unit, wherein the control unit is configured to control the transmitting unit not to transmit the predetermined signal when the operating unit is operated and predetermined conditions related to the other component are satisfied, and is configured to control the transmitting unit to transmit the predetermined signal when the operating unit is operated and the predetermined conditions are not satisfied. According to the component of the fourteenth aspect, when the operation unit is operated and a predetermined condition is satisfied, the predetermined signal is not transmitted, thereby reducing power consumption and allowing the component to optimally utilize the power generated by the power generation unit.

[0019] In the component of the fifteenth aspect according to the thirteenth or fourteenth aspect of the present disclosure, the other component includes a transmission configured to change the gear ratio of the human-powered vehicle, the predetermined signal includes a gear change command to operate the transmission to change the gear ratio, and the predetermined condition is satisfied when the gear ratio is equal to or less than a first gear ratio and equal to or greater than a second gear ratio that is greater than the first gear ratio. According to the component of the fifteenth aspect, the predetermined signal is not transmitted when the gear ratio is equal to or less than the first gear ratio and equal to or greater than the second gear ratio that is greater than the first gear ratio, thereby reducing power consumption.

[0020] In the component of aspect 16 according to aspect 13 or aspect 14 of the present disclosure, the other component includes a transmission configured to change the gear ratio of the human-powered vehicle, the transmission configured to be able to change the gear ratio in stages, the predetermined signal includes a gear change command that causes the transmission to operate to change the gear ratio to become the gear ratio corresponding to a gear change request, and the predetermined condition is satisfied when the gear change request is a gear change request that changes the gear ratio by two or more stages, and when the gear ratio after changing the gear ratio by two or more stages in accordance with the gear change request exceeds the maximum gear ratio and the minimum gear ratio. According to the component of the sixteenth aspect, when the gear change request is a gear change request that changes the gear ratio by two or more stages, and when the gear ratio after changing the gear ratio by two or more stages in accordance with the gear change request exceeds the maximum gear ratio or the minimum gear ratio, a predetermined signal is not transmitted, thereby reducing power consumption.

[0021] In the component of the seventeenth aspect according to the sixteenth aspect of the present disclosure, the transmission is configured to be able to change the gear ratio in stages, and the control unit is configured to control the transmission so as to make the operating speed of the transmission different when changing the gear ratio by one stage and when changing the gear ratio by two or more stages. According to the component of the seventeenth aspect, the transmission is controlled so that the operating speed of the transmission is different when the gear ratio is changed by one step and when the gear ratio is changed by two or more steps, so that the user can easily understand the gear ratio from the operating speed of the transmission.

[0022] In a component of an 18th aspect according to any one of the first to seventeenth aspects of the present disclosure, the other components include a first other component and a second other component different from the first other component, and the control unit is configured to transmit the specified signal when the operation unit is operated to operate the first other component differently from when the operation unit is operated to operate the second other component. According to the component of the 18th aspect, when the operating unit is operated to operate the first other component, a predetermined signal is transmitted differently from when the operating unit is operated to operate the second other component, so that a predetermined signal suitable for the first other component and the second other component can be transmitted.

[0023] A component according to a nineteenth aspect of the present disclosure is a component for a human-powered vehicle, comprising: an operating unit operable by a user; a power generation unit configured to generate power in accordance with the displacement of the operating unit when the user operates the operating unit; a transmitting unit configured to transmit a predetermined signal to other components; and a control unit configured to operate using the power generated by the power generation unit, wherein the other components include a first other component and a second other component different from the first other component, and the control unit is configured to transmit the predetermined signal differently when the operating unit is operated to operate the first other component than when the operating unit is operated to operate the second other component. According to the component of the nineteenth aspect, when the operation unit is operated to operate the first other component, a predetermined signal can be transmitted that is different from when the operation unit is operated to operate the second other component, so that the predetermined signal suitable for the first other component and the second other component can be transmitted, thereby allowing the components to suitably use the power generated by the power generation unit.

[0024] The component of the twentieth aspect according to any one of the first to nineteenth aspects of the present disclosure further includes an operation detection unit configured separately from the power generation unit and configured to detect an operation state of the operation unit. According to the component of the twentieth aspect, the operation state of the operation unit can be suitably detected by the operation detection unit.

[0025] In the component of aspect 21 according to any one of aspects 1 to 20 of the present disclosure, the power generation unit is configured to generate power by magnetostrictive power generation. According to the component of the twenty-first aspect, in a component including a power generation section that generates electricity by magnetostrictive power generation, the generated power can be used in an optimal manner.

[0026] In the component of the 22nd aspect according to the 21st aspect of the present disclosure, the power generating unit includes a swinging unit that swings in response to displacement of the operating unit and has a magnetostrictive member, and a coil that generates power in response to the swinging of the swinging unit. According to the component of the twenty-second aspect, the power generating section can generate electricity suitably using the oscillation section and the coil. [Effects of the Invention]

[0027] The components for human-powered vehicles of the present disclosure can suitably utilize the generated electricity. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0028] [Figure 1] 1 is a side view of a human-powered vehicle on which a component for a human-powered vehicle according to a first embodiment is mounted. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a component for the human-powered vehicle of FIG. 1. [Figure 3] FIG. 3 is a plan view showing the interior of the components for the human-powered vehicle of FIG. 2. [Figure 4] 3 is a cross-sectional view of a component for the human-powered vehicle of FIG. 2. [Figure 5] FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing the electrical configuration of the human-powered vehicle of FIG. 1. [Figure 6] 6 is a first part of a flowchart of a process executed by a control unit of a component for the human-powered vehicle of FIG. 5 to transmit a predetermined signal. [Figure 7] 6 is a second part of a flowchart of a process executed by the control unit of the component for the human-powered vehicle of FIG. 5 to transmit a predetermined signal. [Figure 8] 6 is a second part of a flowchart of a process executed by the control unit of the other component in FIG. 5 to execute a gear shift. [Figure 9] 10 is a timing chart showing the changes over time in each component of a human-powered vehicle and other components when the transmission performs one-stage gear change. [Figure 10]10 is a timing chart showing changes over time in each component of a human-powered vehicle and other components when a transmission performs multiple-stage gear changes. [Figure 11] 10 is a first part of a flowchart of a process executed by a control unit of a component for a human-powered vehicle according to a second embodiment, for transmitting a predetermined signal. [Figure 12] 10 is a second part of a flowchart of a process executed by a control unit of a component for a human-powered vehicle according to a second embodiment to transmit a predetermined signal. [Figure 13] 10 is a third part of the flowchart of the process executed by the control unit of the component for the human-powered vehicle of the second embodiment and transmitting a predetermined signal. [Figure 14] 10 is a flowchart of a process executed by a control unit of a component for a human-powered vehicle according to a third embodiment, for transmitting a predetermined signal. [Figure 15] 10 is a flowchart of a process executed by a control unit of a component for a human-powered vehicle according to a fourth embodiment, for transmitting a predetermined signal. [Figure 16] FIG. 11 is a block diagram showing the configuration of a power generation unit and a power storage unit of a fifth embodiment. [Figure 17] 10 is a flowchart of a process executed by a control unit of a component for a human-powered vehicle according to the fifth embodiment, for transmitting a predetermined signal. [Figure 18] 10 is a flowchart of a process executed by a control unit of a component for a human-powered vehicle according to a first modified example, for transmitting a predetermined signal. [Figure 19] FIG. 10 is a block diagram showing the configurations of a control unit, a power generation unit, and a power storage unit of a second modified example. [Figure 20] FIG. 10 is a schematic diagram showing the structure of a component for a human-powered vehicle according to a third modified example. [Figure 21] FIG. 10 is a schematic diagram showing the structure of a component for a human-powered vehicle according to a third modified example. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0029] First Embodiment 1 to 10, a first embodiment of a component 60 for a human-powered vehicle will be described.

[0030] A human-powered vehicle is a vehicle that has at least one wheel and can be propelled at least by human power. Human-powered vehicles include various types of bicycles, such as mountain bikes, road bikes, city bikes, cargo bikes, hand bikes, and recumbents. There is no limit to the number of wheels a human-powered vehicle has. Human-powered vehicles also include, for example, one-wheeled vehicles and vehicles with two or more wheels. Human-powered vehicles are not limited to vehicles that can be propelled solely by human power. Human-powered vehicles include E-bikes that use not only human power but also the driving force of an electric motor for propulsion. E-bikes include electrically assisted bicycles, the propulsion of which is assisted by an electric motor. In the following embodiments, the human-powered vehicle will be described as an electrically assisted bicycle.

[0031] The human-powered vehicle 10 includes at least one wheel 12 and a body 14. The at least one wheel 12 includes, for example, a front wheel 12F and a rear wheel 12R. The body 14 includes a frame 16. For example, a saddle 16A is attached to the frame 16.

[0032] The human-powered vehicle 10 further includes, for example, a crank 18 to which human-powered driving force is input. The crank 18 includes, for example, crank arms 20 and a crank shaft 22. The crank shaft 22 is rotatable with respect to, for example, the frame 16. The crank arms 20 are connected to, for example, pedals 24. The crank arms 20 are provided, for example, at each of the axial ends of the crank shaft 22.

[0033] A front fork 26 is connected to the frame 16. A front wheel 12F is attached to the front fork 26. A handlebar 28 is connected to the front fork 26 via a stem 30. A rear wheel 12R is supported by the frame 16. In this embodiment, the crank 18 is connected to the rear wheel 12R by a drive mechanism 32. The rear wheel 12R is driven by the rotation of the crankshaft 22. At least one of the front wheel 12F and the rear wheel 12R may be connected to the crank 18 by the drive mechanism 32.

[0034] The drive mechanism 32 includes at least one first rotating body 34 connected to the crankshaft 22. The at least one first rotating body 34 includes, for example, a front sprocket. The at least one first rotating body 34 may include a pulley or a bevel gear. The crankshaft 22 may be connected to the front sprocket via a one-way clutch.

[0035] The drive mechanism 32 further includes at least one second rotating body 36 and a transmission member 38. The transmission member 38 is configured to transmit the rotational force of the at least one first rotating body 34 to the at least one second rotating body 36. The transmission member 38 includes, for example, a chain. The transmission member 38 may also include a belt or a shaft. The at least one second rotating body 36 includes, for example, a rear sprocket. The at least one second rotating body 36 may also include a pulley or a bevel gear. The chain is wound around, for example, a front sprocket and a rear sprocket. The at least one second rotating body 36 is connected to, for example, the rear wheel 12R. The rear wheel 12R is configured to rotate in conjunction with the rotation of the at least one second rotating body 36.

[0036] The human-powered vehicle 10 includes, for example, a control system 40 for human-powered vehicles. The control system 40 includes, for example, a component 60 and another component 42. The component 60 is, for example, an operating device for operating the other component 42. The other component 42 is provided, for example, on the vehicle body 14.

[0037] The other components 42 include, for example, a transmission 42A configured to change the gear ratio of the human-powered vehicle 10. The transmission 42A is configured, for example, to be able to change the gear ratio in stages. The transmission 42A is configured to be able to change the gear ratio of the human-powered vehicle 10 according to the number of gears. The gear ratio of the human-powered vehicle 10 is, for example, the ratio of the rotational speed of the rear wheel 12R to the rotational speed of the crankshaft 22. The transmission 42A is provided, for example, on the frame 16. The transmission 42A includes, for example, at least one of a rear transmission 42R and a front transmission. The transmission 42A includes, for example, an external transmission. The transmission 42A includes, for example, a rear derailleur. The transmission 42A may include a front derailleur. The transmission 42A may include an internal transmission. The internal transmission is provided, for example, on the hub of the rear wheel 12R. The transmission 42A may include a CVT (Continuously Variable Transmission).

[0038] The transmission 42A includes, for example, an electric transmission. The transmission 42A includes, for example, an actuator 44 that is operated by electricity. The gear ratio is changed by driving the actuator 44. The actuator 44 includes, for example, an electric motor.

[0039] The transmission 42A includes, for example, a control unit 46. The control unit 46 includes a processing unit that executes a predetermined control program. For example, the processing unit included in the control unit 46 includes a CPU (Central Processing Unit) or an MPU (Micro Processing Unit). The control unit 46 is configured to control, for example, the actuator 44.

[0040] For example, the arithmetic processing units included in the control unit 46 may be provided in multiple locations that are separate from one another. When the arithmetic processing units are provided in multiple locations that are separate from one another, the respective parts of the arithmetic processing units may be connected to each other so that they can communicate with each other via a wireless communication device. The control unit 46 may include one or more microcomputers.

[0041] The other component 42 further includes, for example, a storage unit 48. The storage unit 48 is communicably connected to, for example, the control unit 46 via a wired or wireless connection. The storage unit 48 stores, for example, a control program and information used in the control process. The storage unit 48 includes, for example, a non-volatile memory and a volatile memory. The non-volatile memory includes, for example, at least one of a read-only memory (ROM), an erasable programmable read-only memory (EPROM), an electrically erasable programmable read-only memory (EEPROM), and a flash memory. The volatile memory includes, for example, a random access memory (RAM).

[0042] The other component 42 further includes, for example, a receiving unit 50. The receiving unit 50 is configured to be able to receive a signal from the component 60. The receiving unit 50 is configured to receive a signal from the component 60, for example, by wireless communication. The receiving unit 50 may also be configured to receive a signal from the component 60 by wired communication. The other component 42 may further include a transmitting unit. When the other component 42 includes a transmitting unit, the transmitting unit and the receiving unit 50 may be configured as a single communication unit.

[0043] The control system 40 further includes, for example, a battery 52 that supplies power to the other components 42. The battery 52 includes one or more battery elements. The battery element includes a rechargeable battery. The battery 52 supplies power to, for example, at least one of the actuator 44 and the control unit 46. The battery 52 may be provided in the other components 42, or may be provided in the human-powered vehicle 10 separately from the other components 42.

[0044] The component 60 for a human-powered vehicle includes an operating unit 62 that can be operated by a user, a power generation unit 64, a transmission unit 66, and a control unit 68. The component 60 is attached to the vehicle body 14, for example, at a position where the user can operate it by hand.

[0045] When the other component 42 includes a transmission 42A, the control system 40 may include a first component having an operating unit 62 for increasing the gear ratio, and a second component having an operating unit 62 for decreasing the gear ratio. When the other component 42 includes a transmission 42A, the component 60 may have an operating unit 62 for increasing the gear ratio, and an operating unit 62 for decreasing the gear ratio. When the component 60 includes multiple operating units 62, the component 60 may have power generation units 64 corresponding to each of the multiple operating units 62.

[0046] 2 and 3, the component 60 further includes, for example, a housing 70. The housing 70 is formed, for example, in a substantially rectangular parallelepiped shape. The shape of the housing 70 can be changed as appropriate. When the component 60 includes multiple operating units 62, the multiple operating units 62 may be provided in one housing 70, or each of the multiple operating units 62 may be provided in a separate housing 70.

[0047] The housing 70 is attached to the handlebar 28 shown in FIG. 1 , for example. The housing 70 is attached to the handlebar 28 by a clamp (not shown), for example. The housing 70 may be attached to a portion of the human-powered vehicle 10 around the handlebar 28, or may be attached to the frame 16. At least a portion of the housing 70 may be built into the frame 16. The housing 70 may be provided in an additional housing different from the housing 70. When the housing 70 is provided in an additional housing, multiple components 60 may be provided in the additional housing.

[0048] 2 to 4, the housing 70 includes, for example, a bottom portion 70A, a wall portion 70B, and a lid portion 70C. The bottom portion 70A and the wall portion 70B are, for example, integrally formed. The lid portion 70C may be integrally formed with the bottom portion 70A and the wall portion 70B, or may be formed separately from the bottom portion 70A and the wall portion 70B. The lid portion 70C is provided with, for example, a first through-hole 70X in which the operation unit 62 is disposed.

[0049] 4, the housing 70 includes, for example, a partition wall portion 70D. The partition wall portion 70D is disposed between the bottom portion 70A and the lid portion 70C. The partition wall portion 70D is provided with, for example, at least one second through-hole 70Y. In this embodiment, the partition wall portion 70D is provided with two second through-holes 70Y.

[0050] For example, a first space S1, a second space S2, and a third space S3 are formed inside the housing 70. The first space S1 is a space formed between the lid portion 70C and the partition wall portion 70D. The second space S2 is a space formed between the bottom portion 70A and the partition wall portion 70D. The third space S3 is a space inside the housing 70 where the partition wall portion 70D is not arranged. The third space S3 is a space formed between the bottom portion 70A and the lid portion 70C. The first space S1 and the second space S2 are connected to each other via the third space S3.

[0051] For example, at least a portion of the operation unit 62 is exposed from the housing 70. For example, the operation unit 62 is inserted into a first through-hole 70X of the cover 70C. For example, the operation unit 62 includes a first portion 62A. The first portion 62A includes a portion that is disposed outside the housing 70. For example, the operation unit 62 includes a second portion 62B. The second portion 62B is a portion that can come into contact with the power generation unit 64. For example, the operation unit 62 extends in the first direction D1. For example, the operation unit 62 is formed in a columnar shape. The first portion 62A is provided at one end in the first direction D1. For example, the operation unit 62 includes a third portion 62C. The third portion 62C is provided at the other end in the first direction D1. The second portion 62B is provided on a convex portion that protrudes in a direction intersecting the first direction D1.

[0052] The operation unit 62 is configured to be displaceable between, for example, a first operation position P1 and a second operation position P2 different from the first operation position P1. For example, at least a portion of the operation unit 62 is disposed in the third space S3. The operation unit 62 is disposed in the first through-hole 70X such that the first portion 62A is disposed outside the housing 70. The first portion 62A is disposed in the housing 70 to be movable in the first direction D1. For example, the operation unit 62 moves along the first direction D1 when the first portion 62A is operated by the user. When the first portion 62A is pushed by the user, the operation unit 62 moves from the lid portion 70C toward the bottom portion 70A. The operation unit 62 may be configured to move along the first direction D1 when the first portion 62A is pulled by the user. When the operating unit 62 is configured to move along the first direction D1 when the first part 62A is pulled by the user, for example, the first operating position P1 corresponds to the second operating position P2 shown in FIG. 4, and the second operating position P2 corresponds to the first operating position P1 shown in FIG. 4.

[0053] The component 60 includes, for example, a biasing member 78. The biasing member 78 is configured, for example, to bias the operating unit 62 from the bottom portion 70A toward the lid portion 70C. For example, when the first portion 62A is not pressed by the user, the biasing member 78 biases the operating unit 62 so that the first portion 62A is exposed from the housing 70 as shown in FIG. 4 . The biasing member 78 includes, for example, a coil spring. After the user presses the first portion 62A, causing the operating unit 62 to move from the lid portion 70C toward the bottom portion 70A, the biasing member 78 moves the operating unit 62 from the bottom portion 70A toward the lid portion 70C when the user releases their hand from the first portion 62A.

[0054] The first operation position P1 is, for example, the position of the operation unit 62 when no external force is applied to the operation unit 62. The first operation position P1 is determined, for example, by the biasing force of the biasing member 78. The second operation position P2 includes, for example, a position where the third portion 62C of the operation unit 62 is closest to the bottom 70A within the movable range of the operation unit 62. The second operation position P2 includes, for example, at least some of the positions where the second portion 62B of the operation unit 62 is closer to the bottom 70A than the swinging portion 72 of the power generation unit 64. The second operation position P2 includes, for example, all of the positions where the second portion 62B of the operation unit 62 is closer to the bottom 70A than the swinging portion 72 of the power generation unit 64.

[0055] The power generation unit 64 is configured to generate power in response to the displacement of the operating unit 62 when the user operates the operating unit 62, for example. The power generation unit 64 is configured to generate power by magnetostrictive power generation, for example. The power generation unit 64 is a vibration power generation device that uses the inverse magnetostrictive effect, for example. The power generation unit 64 includes, for example, a swinging unit 72 and a coil 74. The swinging unit 72 swings in response to the displacement of the operating unit 62, for example, and has a magnetostrictive member 76. The coil 74 generates power in response to the swinging of the swinging unit 72, for example. The power generation time of the power generation unit 64 depends on the movement speed of the operating unit 62, the force applied to the swinging unit 72 by the operating unit 62, and the vibration time of the swinging unit 72 due to the structure of the swinging unit 72, etc.

[0056] The power generation unit 64 is disposed in the first space S1, for example. The power generation unit 64 includes a support member 80 that supports the magnetostrictive member 76. The support member 80 includes a yoke 82, for example. The yoke 82 is attached to the housing 70, for example. The yoke 82 supports the magnetostrictive member 76, for example. The yoke 82 is formed to at least partially include a magnetic material. In this embodiment, the entire yoke 82 is formed from a magnetic material. The magnetic material is, for example, soft magnetic steel. The magnetic material may be, for example, SS400, which is a type of soft magnetic steel. The yoke 82 includes, for example, a first yoke portion 82A and a second yoke portion 82B connected to the first yoke portion 82A.

[0057] The first yoke portion 82A is formed, for example, to extend in the second direction D2. The second direction D2 is, for example, a direction intersecting the first direction D1. The second direction D2 is, for example, a direction perpendicular to the first direction D1. The first yoke portion 82A is attached, for example, to the wall portion 70B. The first yoke portion 82A has, for example, a connecting portion 82X. The connecting portion 82X is connected, for example, to the second yoke portion 82B. The second yoke portion 82B is formed, for example, to extend in the third direction D3. The third direction D3 is, for example, a direction intersecting the first direction D1 and the second direction D2. The third direction D3 is, for example, a direction perpendicular to the first direction D1 and the second direction D2. One end of the second yoke portion 82B is connected to the connecting portion 82X of the first yoke portion 82A. The first yoke portion 82A has, for example, a support portion 82Y. The support portion 82Y supports the magnetostrictive member 76.

[0058] The yoke 82 includes, for example, a plurality of yoke plates. The support member 80 further includes, for example, a support frame 84. At least a portion of the support frame 84 is disposed between the plurality of yoke plates. The support frame 84 is formed, for example, to include a non-magnetic material. The support frame 84 is formed, for example, at least partially from a non-magnetic material. The support frame 84 is formed, for example, entirely from a non-magnetic material. The support frame 84 is formed, for example, from stainless steel. The support frame 84 may include a magnetic material. It is sufficient that the support frame 84 as a whole has non-magnetic properties.

[0059] Support frame 84 includes a portion of first yoke portion 82A that is disposed between multiple yoke plates, and an arrangement portion 84A that is exposed from first yoke portion 82A. Arrangement portion 84A is formed to extend from first yoke portion 82A in third direction D3.

[0060] The magnetostrictive member 76 is formed to include a magnetostrictive material and is capable of swinging in a first direction D1. The magnetostrictive material is, for example, an Fe-Ga alloy. The magnetic permeability of the magnetostrictive member 76 changes as the magnetostrictive member 76 expands and contracts. The magnetostrictive member 76 changes its magnetization direction as the magnetostrictive member 76 expands and contracts. The magnetostrictive member 76 is capable of swinging in the first direction D1 relative to the housing 70, for example.

[0061] The magnetostrictive member 76 has, for example, a plate shape extending in the third direction D3. One end of the magnetostrictive member 76 in the third direction D3 is disposed between the first yoke parts 82A. The magnetostrictive member 76 is attached, for example, to a placement part 84A of the support frame 84. The magnetostrictive member 76 is attached to the placement part 84A by, for example, an adhesive member.

[0062] The support frame 84 is configured to be elastically deformable, for example. The support frame 84 is configured to oscillate in the first direction D1 by elastically deforming in the first direction D1, for example, with a portion disposed on the first yoke portion 82A as a fulcrum. The magnetostrictive member 76 oscillates in the first direction D1 together with the disposition portion 84A, for example.

[0063] The coil 74 generates electricity by the oscillation of the magnetostrictive member 76 in the first direction D1. The coil 74 is wound, for example, around at least one of the magnetostrictive member 76 and the arrangement portion 84A. In this embodiment, the coil 74 is wound around both the magnetostrictive member 76 and the arrangement portion 84A.

[0064] 3, the power generation unit 64 includes, for example, a magnetic flux forming member 86. In this embodiment, the magnetostrictive member 76 and the yoke 82 form a closed magnetic circuit M1. The magnetic flux forming member 86 is disposed between the yoke 82 and the magnetostrictive member 76 in the second direction D2 so that the magnetic flux of the closed magnetic circuit M1 passes through the magnetic flux forming member 86. The magnetic flux forming member 86 can increase the magnetic flux density of the magnetic flux passing through the magnetostrictive member 76, thereby increasing the generated voltage of the power generation unit 64. The magnetic flux forming member 86 includes, for example, a magnet.

[0065] 4, the operating unit 62 is provided on the housing 70 so that the second portion 62B can come into contact with at least one of the magnetostrictive member 76 and the arrangement portion 84A. The second portion 62B is, for example, a protrusion that is arranged to overlap with at least one of the magnetostrictive member 76 and the arrangement portion 84A when viewed from the first direction D1. In this embodiment, the second portion 62B is arranged to overlap with both the magnetostrictive member 76 and the arrangement portion 84A when viewed from the first direction D1. The second portion 62B can come into contact with at least one of the magnetostrictive member 76 and the arrangement portion 84A in the first direction D1, for example.

[0066] For example, when the first portion 62A of the operation unit 62 is operated by a user, the second portion 62B is configured to induce at least one of the magnetostrictive member 76 and the arrangement portion 84A of the power generation unit 64 to swing.

[0067] When the first portion 62A is pressed by the user while the operating unit 62 is located at the first operating position P1, the operating unit 62 moves from the first operating position P1 toward the second operating position P2. For example, the second portion 62B presses at least one of the magnetostrictive member 76 and the arrangement portion 84A as the operating unit 62 moves. When the second portion 62B presses at least one of the magnetostrictive member 76 and the arrangement portion 84A, the at least one of the magnetostrictive member 76 and the arrangement portion 84A moves in the first direction D1. When the second portion 62B moves further in the first direction D1 and passes through a portion corresponding to the magnetostrictive member 76 and the arrangement portion 84A, the magnetostrictive member 76 and the arrangement portion 84A vibrate. As the magnetostrictive member 76 vibrates, the magnetostrictive member 76 expands and contracts, changing the magnetic flux passing through the coil 74. The change in the magnetic flux passing through the coil 74 causes the coil 74 to generate electricity.

[0068] When the user releases the first portion 62A while the operating portion 62 is located at the second operating position P2, the biasing member 78 biases the operating portion 62, causing the operating portion 62 to move toward the first operating position P1. When the second portion 62B passes through the portion corresponding to the magnetostrictive member 76 and the arrangement portion 84A, the magnetostrictive member 76 and the arrangement portion 84A vibrate. As the magnetostrictive member 76 vibrates, it expands and contracts, causing a change in the magnetic flux passing through the coil 74. The change in the magnetic flux passing through the coil 74 causes the coil 74 to generate electricity.

[0069] The component 60 includes, for example, a power storage unit 88. The power storage unit 88 is provided, for example, in the circuit unit 90. The power storage unit 88 is supplied with, for example, power generated by the power generation unit 64. The power storage unit 88 includes, for example, a capacitor. The power storage unit 88 may include a battery instead of or in addition to the capacitor.

[0070] Two coil lead wires 74B are drawn out from the coil 74. The coil lead wires 74B electrically connect the coil 74 and the power storage unit 88. Each of the two coil lead wires 74B is connected to one end and the other end of the coil wire forming the coil 74. The coil lead wires 74B are arranged in the second through-hole 70Y of the partition wall portion 70D so as to extend from the first space S1 to the second space S2.

[0071] The component 60 includes, for example, a circuit section 90. The circuit section 90 is disposed, for example, in the second space S2. The circuit section 90 includes, for example, an electric board 90A. The electric board 90A has, for example, a plate shape extending in a direction perpendicular to the first direction D1. The electric board 90A is attached, for example, to the partition wall section 70D.

[0072] The control unit 68 is mounted on, for example, an electric board 90A. The control unit 68 includes a processing unit that executes a predetermined control program. The processing unit includes, for example, a CPU or an MPU. The control unit 68 may include one or more microcomputers. The control unit 68 may include multiple processing units that are separately disposed in multiple locations. The control unit 68 operates using power supplied from, for example, a power storage unit 88.

[0073] 5, the component 60 includes, for example, a storage unit 92. The storage unit 92 is mounted on, for example, an electrical board 90A. The storage unit 92 includes, for example, a non-volatile memory and a volatile memory.

[0074] The transmitter 66 is mounted on, for example, the electric board 90A. The transmitter 66 is configured to transmit a predetermined signal to the other component 42. The transmitter 66 is configured to transmit a predetermined signal to the other component 42 using power generated by the power generation unit 64. The transmitter 66 includes, for example, a wireless transmitter. The wireless transmitter is configured, for example, to output an operation signal to the other component 42. The communication method between the wireless transmitter and the other component 42 is not particularly limited, and may be short-range wireless communication such as Bluetooth (registered trademark), BLE (Bluetooth Low Energy; registered trademark), NFC (Near Field Communication), and ANT (registered trademark).

[0075] The component 60 further includes an operation detection unit 94 that is configured, for example, separately from the power generation unit 64 and detects the operation state of the operation unit 62. The operation detection unit 94 is disposed, for example, between the operation unit 62 and the bottom 70A in the third space S3. The operation detection unit 94 includes, for example, an element that consumes power. The operation detection unit 94 includes, for example, a tactile switch configured to be pressed in response to an operation of the operation unit 62. The operation detection unit 94 is electrically connected, for example, to the control unit 68. The operation detection unit 94 operates using power supplied from, for example, the power storage unit 88. The power of the power storage unit 88 may be supplied to the operation detection unit 94 via the control unit 68.

[0076] The operation detection unit 94 outputs a detection signal to the circuit unit 90 in response to, for example, movement of the operation unit 62. The operation detection unit 94 is configured to transmit the detection signal to the control unit 68 when, for example, the operation unit 62 is located at the second operation position P2. The detection signal is, for example, an ON signal. When the detection signal is an ON signal, the operation detection unit 94 is configured to not conduct electricity to the control unit 68 when, for example, the operation unit 62 is located at the first operation position P1, and to conduct electricity to the control unit 68 when the operation unit 62 is located at the second operation position P2.

[0077] The detection signal may be, for example, an OFF signal. When the detection signal is an OFF signal, the operation detection unit 94 is configured to, for example, conduct electricity to the control unit 68 when the operation unit 62 is located at the first operation position P1, and not conduct electricity to the control unit 68 when the operation unit 62 is located at the second operation position P2.

[0078] The control unit 68 is configured, for example, to control the transmitting unit 66 to transmit a predetermined signal when the operating unit 62 is operated. The control unit 68 is configured, for example, to control the transmitting unit 66 to change the transmission state of the predetermined signal depending on the operating state of the operating unit 62 when the operating unit 62 is operated. The predetermined signal includes, for example, an operation command for operating the other component 42. If the other component 42 includes the transmission 42A, the predetermined signal includes, for example, a gear shift command for operating the transmission 42A to change the gear ratio. If the other component 42 includes the transmission 42A and the operating unit 62 is an operating unit 62 for increasing the gear ratio, the predetermined signal includes, for example, a first gear shift command for increasing the gear ratio. If the other component 42 includes the transmission 42A and the operating unit 62 is an operating unit 62 for decreasing the gear ratio, the predetermined signal includes, for example, a second gear shift command for decreasing the gear ratio.

[0079] The transmission state includes, for example, a first transmission state and a second transmission state. The power consumption of the transmitter 66 in the second transmission state is, for example, less than the power consumption of the transmitter 66 in the first transmission state. The first transmission state is, for example, a state in which the transmitter 66 transmits a predetermined signal to the other component 42. The first transmission state may be, for example, a state in which the transmitter 66 periodically transmits an operation command to the other component 42. The first transmission state may be, for example, a state in which the transmitter 66 periodically transmits an operation command to the other component 42. The second transmission state is, for example, a state in which the transmitter 66 does not transmit a predetermined signal to the other component 42. The second transmission state is, for example, a state in which the transmitter 66 does not transmit any signal to the other component 42. The second transmission state may be a state in which the transmitter 66 does not transmit a predetermined signal and periodically transmits a signal other than the predetermined signal at a frequency lower than the transmission frequency of the predetermined signal in the first transmission state. Signals other than the predetermined signal include, for example, a signal for the component 60 to check the activation state of the other component 42, or a signal for establishing a communication state between the other component 42 and the component 60.

[0080] The control unit 68 is configured, for example, to control the transmitter 66 to maintain the transmission state in the second transmission state when the operation unit 62 is in the first operation position P1. The control unit 68 is configured, for example, to control the transmitter 66 to transmit a predetermined signal when the operation unit 62 is displaced from the first operation position P1 to the second operation position P2 and / or when the operation unit 62 is displaced from the second operation position P2 to the first operation position P1. In this embodiment, the control unit 68 is configured, for example, to control the transmitter 66 to transmit a predetermined signal when the operation unit 62 is displaced from the first operation position P1 to the second operation position P2 and / or when the operation unit 62 is displaced from the second operation position P2 to the first operation position P1.

[0081] The predetermined signal includes, for example, a first predetermined signal and a second predetermined signal. The first predetermined signal is, for example, a signal for driving the actuator 44 of the other component 42. The second predetermined signal is, for example, a signal for stopping the actuator 44 of the other component 42. The first predetermined signal may be the same as the second predetermined signal, or they may be different. When the first predetermined signal is the same as the second predetermined signal, for example, the control unit 46 of the other component 42 may determine whether the predetermined signal received by the receiving unit 50 is the first predetermined signal or the second predetermined signal.

[0082] The control unit 68 is configured, for example, to control the transmitter 66 so that the transmission state becomes the first transmission state when the operation unit 62 is displaced from the first operation position P1 to the second operation position P2. The control unit 68 is configured, for example, to control the transmitter 66 so that the transmission state becomes the first transmission state when the operation unit 62 is displaced from the first operation position P1 to the second operation position P2. The control unit 68 is configured, for example, to control the transmitter 66 so that the transmission state becomes the first transmission state in which the predetermined signal is transmitted when the operation unit 62 is displaced from the first operation position P1 to the second operation position P2. The control unit 68 is configured, for example, to control the transmitter 66 so that the transmission state becomes the first transmission state in which the predetermined signal is transmitted when the operation unit 62 is displaced from the first operation position P1 to the second operation position P2.

[0083] The control unit 68 is configured, for example, to control the transmitter 66 to maintain the transmission state in the second transmission state while the operation unit 62 is maintained at the second operation position P2 after the operation unit 62 has been displaced from the first operation position P1 to the second operation position P2. The control unit 68 is configured, for example, to control the transmitter 66 not to transmit a predetermined signal while the operation unit 62 is maintained at the second operation position P2 after the operation unit 62 has been displaced from the first operation position P1 to the second operation position P2.

[0084] The control unit 68 is configured, for example, to control the transmitter 66 so that the transmission state becomes the first transmission state when the operation unit 62 is displaced from the second operation position P2 to the first operation position P1. The control unit 68 is configured, for example, to control the transmitter 66 so that the transmission state becomes the first transmission state when the operation unit 62 is displaced from the second operation position P2 to the first operation position P1. The control unit 68 is configured, for example, to control the transmitter 66 so that the transmission of the predetermined signal continues for a second transmission period T2 when the operation unit 62 is displaced from the second operation position P2 to the first operation position P1. The second transmission period T2 may be the same as or different from the first transmission period T1.

[0085] The control unit 46 of the other component 42 is configured to drive the actuator 44 when the receiving unit 50 receives the predetermined signal. If the predetermined signal includes a gear shift command, the control unit 46 of the other component 42 is configured to drive the actuator 44 to change the gear ratio when the receiving unit 50 receives the predetermined signal.

[0086] For example, when the receiving unit 50 receives a first predetermined signal, the control unit 46 of the other component 42 drives the actuator 44. For example, after driving the actuator 44, the control unit 46 of the other component 42 is configured to control the actuator 44 to stop the actuator 44 when the receiving unit receives a second predetermined signal.

[0087] For example, when the predetermined signal includes a gear shift command, the control unit 46 of the other component 42 changes the number of gears to be changed based on the period from when the first predetermined signal is received until when the second predetermined signal is received. For example, when the predetermined signal includes the first gear shift command, the control unit 46 of the other component 42 is configured to control the actuator 44 to increase the gear ratio by one stage from when the first predetermined signal is received until when the second predetermined signal is received. For example, when the predetermined signal includes a second gear shift command, the control unit 46 of the other component 42 is configured to control the actuator 44 to decrease the gear ratio by one stage from when the first predetermined signal is received until when the second predetermined signal is received.

[0088] For example, when the control unit 46 of the other component 42 receives a second predetermined signal while changing the gear ratio by one step, the control unit 46 controls the actuator 44 to complete the change in the gear ratio that is currently being changed and then stop the actuator 44.

[0089] The process of transmitting a predetermined signal by the control unit 68 will be described with reference to Figures 6 and 7. For example, when power is supplied to the control unit 68, the control unit 68 starts the process and proceeds to step S11 of the flowchart shown in Figure 6. When the flowcharts of Figures 6 and 7 end, the control unit 68 repeats the process from step S11 after a predetermined period, for example, until the supply of power is stopped.

[0090] In step S11, the control unit 68 determines whether the operation unit 62 has been displaced from the first operation position P1 to the second operation position P2. The control unit 68 determines that the operation unit 62 has been displaced from the first operation position P1 to the second operation position P2, for example, in response to the output of the operation detection unit 94. For example, when a detection signal is input from the operation detection unit 94, the control unit 68 determines that the operation unit 62 has been displaced from the first operation position P1 to the second operation position P2. If the operation unit 62 has not been displaced from the first operation position P1 to the second operation position P2, the control unit 68 ends the processing of FIGS. 6 and 7. If the operation unit 62 has not been displaced from the first operation position P1 to the second operation position P2, for example, this occurs when the operation unit 62 is maintained at the first operation position P1. If the operation unit 62 has been displaced from the first operation position P1 to the second operation position P2, the control unit 68 proceeds to step S12.

[0091] In step S12, the control unit 68 sets the transmission state to the first transmission state, and proceeds to step S13. In step S12, the control unit 68 changes the transmission state from the second transmission state to the first transmission state. In step S13, the control unit 68 controls the transmission unit 66 to transmit a predetermined signal, and proceeds to step S14. In step S13, the control unit 68 causes the transmission unit 66 to transmit, for example, a first predetermined signal. In step S14, the control unit 68 controls the transmission unit 66 to stop transmitting the predetermined signal, and proceeds to step S15. The period from when transmission of the predetermined signal starts in step S13 to when transmission of the predetermined signal stops in step S14 corresponds to a first transmission period T1.

[0092] In step S15, the control unit 68 determines whether the operation unit 62 has been displaced from the second operation position P2 to the first operation position P1. For example, the control unit 68 determines that the operation unit 62 has been displaced from the first operation position P1 to the second operation position P2 in accordance with the output from the operation detection unit 94. For example, the control unit 68 determines that the operation unit 62 has been displaced from the first operation position P1 to the second operation position P2 when a detection signal is no longer input from the operation detection unit 94. If the operation unit 62 has been displaced from the second operation position P2 to the first operation position P1, the control unit 68 proceeds to step S16.

[0093] In step S16, the control unit 68 controls the transmission unit 66 to transmit a predetermined signal, and the process proceeds to step S17. In step S16, the control unit 68 causes the transmission unit 66 to transmit, for example, a second predetermined signal. In step S17, the control unit 68 controls the transmission unit 66 to stop transmitting the predetermined signal, and the process proceeds to step S18. In step S18, the control unit 68 changes the transmission state to the second transmission state, and ends the processing of FIGS. 6 and 7. The period from when transmission of the predetermined signal starts in step S16 to when transmission of the predetermined signal stops in step S17 corresponds to the second transmission period T2.

[0094] If the control unit 68 determines in step S15 that the operation unit 62 has not shifted from the second operation position P2 to the first operation position P1, the control unit 68 proceeds to step S19. In step S19, the control unit 68 changes the state from the first transmission state to the second transmission state, and proceeds to step S20. In step S20, the control unit 68 determines whether the operation unit 62 has shifted from the second operation position P2 to the first operation position P1. The control unit 68 repeats the processing of step S20 until the operation unit 62 shifts from the second operation position P2 to the first operation position P1. When the operation unit 62 shifts from the second operation position P2 to the first operation position P1, the control unit 68 proceeds to step S21. In step S21, the control unit 68 changes the state from the second transmission state to the first transmission state, and proceeds to the processing of step S16.

[0095] In step S14, after the transmission of the first predetermined signal is stopped, the transmission state is maintained in the second transmission state as long as the operation unit 62 is maintained in the second operation position P2, until the operation unit 62 is displaced from the second operation position P2 to the first operation position P1. In step S14, if the operation unit 62 is displaced from the second operation position P2 to the first operation position P1 after the transmission of the first predetermined signal is stopped and before the determination in step S15 is made, the transmission state may not be changed from the first transmission state to the second transmission state, but may be maintained in the first transmission state.

[0096] A process in which the control unit 46 of the other component 42 operates in response to receiving a predetermined signal will be described with reference to Fig. 8. For example, when power is supplied to the control unit 46, the control unit 46 starts the process and proceeds to step S31 of the flowchart shown in Fig. 8. When the flowchart of Fig. 8 ends, the control unit 46 repeats the process from step S31 after a predetermined period, for example, until the supply of power is stopped.

[0097] In step S31, the control unit 46 determines whether or not a predetermined signal has been received. In step S31, if the control unit 46 receives, for example, a first predetermined signal, it determines that the predetermined signal has been received. If the control unit 46 has not received the predetermined signal, it ends the processing of FIG. 8. If the control unit 46 has received the predetermined signal, it proceeds to step S32.

[0098] In step S32, the control unit 46 starts shifting gears, and proceeds to step S33. In step S32, the control unit 46 starts driving the actuator 44. In step S33, the control unit 46 determines whether or not a predetermined signal has been received. In step S33, for example, if the control unit 46 receives a second predetermined signal, the control unit 46 determines that the predetermined signal has been received. If the control unit 46 has not received the predetermined signal, the control unit 46 proceeds to step S33. In step S32 and subsequent steps, the control unit 46 changes the gear ratio by one stage at a time until the predetermined signal is received.

[0099] If the control unit 46 receives the predetermined signal in step S33, the control unit 46 proceeds to step S34. In step S34, the control unit 46 stops the gear shift and ends the processing in Fig. 8. In step S33, the control unit 46 stops the actuator 44, for example, after the gear shift that was being changed at the time the predetermined signal was received is completed.

[0100] The control unit 46 may determine the number of stages to change the gear ratio depending on the time from when the first predetermined signal is received in step S33 to when the second predetermined signal is received in step S34. The control unit 46 stops the actuator 44 when the gear change is completed to the number of stages determined depending on the time from when the first predetermined signal is received to when the second predetermined signal is received, for example.

[0101] The control unit 46 may be configured to stop the gear shifting if a stop condition is satisfied after the gear shifting has started, even before receiving the second predetermined signal. The stop condition is satisfied, for example, when the gear ratio reaches the maximum gear ratio or the minimum gear ratio that can be achieved by the transmission 42A. The control unit 46 may be configured to end the processing of FIG. 8 without starting the gear shifting if the control unit 46 receives the first predetermined signal including the first gear shift command in step S31 and the current gear ratio is the maximum gear ratio. The control unit 46 may be configured to end the processing of FIG. 8 without performing the gear shifting if the control unit 46 receives the first predetermined signal including the second gear shift command in step S31 and the current gear ratio is the minimum gear ratio.

[0102] FIG. 9 shows the changes in the state of each part of the component 60 when the operating part 62 is operated to change the gear ratio by one step.

[0103] Time t11 indicates the time when the operation unit 62 starts to move from the first operation position P1 to the second operation position P2. At time t11, the power generation unit 64 is stopped. At time t11, the transmission state of the transmission unit 66 is the first transmission state.

[0104] Time t12 indicates the time when the power generation unit 64 starts generating power in response to the displacement of the operating unit 62. Time t12 is the time when, for example, the second part 62B of the operating unit 62 flicks the swinging unit 72, causing the swinging unit 72 to start vibrating.

[0105] Time t13 indicates the time when the transmission state of the transmitter 66 is changed from the first transmission state to the second transmission state. From time t13, the transmitter 66 starts transmitting the first predetermined signal.

[0106] Time t14 indicates the time when the transmitter 66 stops transmitting the first predetermined signal due to the passage of the first transmission period T1 from time t13. At time t14, the transmission state of the transmitter 66 changes from the second transmission state to the first transmission state. After time t14, the control unit 46 of the other component 42 starts operating the actuator 44 based on the reception of the first predetermined signal. If the other component 42 includes a transmission 42A, a change in the gear ratio starts at time t14.

[0107] Time t15 indicates the time when the operating unit 62 starts to move from the second operating position P2 to the first operating position P1. Time t15 is, for example, the time when the user releases their hand from the operating unit 62. When the user releases their hand from the operating unit 62, the biasing force of the biasing member 78 returns the operating unit 62 from the second operating position P2 toward the first operating position P1. Time t15 is the time when the other component 42 is in the middle of the first stage of gear shifting.

[0108] Time t16 indicates the time when the power generation unit 64 starts to generate power in response to the displacement of the operating unit 62. Time t16 is the time when the second part 62B of the operating unit 62 flicks the swinging unit 72, causing the swinging unit 72 to start vibrating, for example.

[0109] Time t17 indicates the time when the transmission state of the transmitter 66 is changed from the first transmission state to the second transmission state. From time t17, the transmitter 66 starts transmitting the second predetermined signal.

[0110] Time t18 indicates the time when the transmitter 66 stops transmitting the second predetermined signal due to the passage of the second transmission period T2 from time t17. At time t18, the transmission state of the transmitter 66 changes from the first transmission state to the second transmission state. After time t18, the control unit 46 of the other component 42 stops the operation of the actuator 44 based on the reception of the second predetermined signal. If the other component 42 includes a transmission 42A, the change in the gear ratio is stopped at time t14. In FIG. 9, the first stage of gear shifting is being performed when the receiver 50 of the other component 42 receives the second predetermined signal, so the control unit 46 of the other component 42 stops the actuator 44 when the first stage of gear shifting is completed.

[0111] 10 shows the changes in the state of each part of component 60 when operating unit 62 is operated to change the gear ratio by two or more stages. Times t21, t22, t23, and t24 in FIG. 10 are the same as times t11, t12, t13, and t14 in FIG.

[0112] Time t25 indicates the time when the operating unit 62 starts to move from the second operating position P2 to the first operating position P1. Time t25 is, for example, the time when the user releases their hand from the operating unit 62. When the user releases their hand from the operating unit 62, the biasing force of the biasing member 78 returns the operating unit 62 from the second operating position P2 toward the first operating position P1. Time t25 is the time when the other component 42 is shifting to the sixth stage.

[0113] Time t26 indicates the time when the power generation unit 64 starts to generate power in response to the displacement of the operating unit 62. Time t26 is the time when, for example, the second part 62B of the operating unit 62 flicks the swinging unit 72, causing the swinging unit 72 to start vibrating.

[0114] Time t27 indicates the time when the transmission state of the transmitter 66 is changed from the first transmission state to the second transmission state. From time t27, the transmitter 66 starts transmitting the second predetermined signal.

[0115] Time t28 indicates the time when the transmitter 66 stops transmitting the second predetermined signal due to the passage of the second transmission period T2 from time t26. At time t28, the transmission state of the transmitter 66 changes from the first transmission state to the second transmission state. After time t28, the control unit 46 of the other component 42 stops the operation of the actuator 44 based on the reception of the second predetermined signal. If the other component 42 includes a transmission 42A, the change in the gear ratio is stopped at time t24. In FIG. 10, the sixth gear shift is being performed when the receiver 50 of the other component 42 receives the second predetermined signal, and therefore the control unit 46 of the other component 42 stops the actuator 44 when the sixth gear shift is completed.

[0116] Second Embodiment A component 60 for a human-powered vehicle according to a second embodiment will be described with reference to Figure 5 and Figures 11 to 13. With respect to the component 60 for a human-powered vehicle according to the second embodiment, the same components as those in the first embodiment are designated by the same reference numerals as those in the first embodiment, and redundant explanations will be omitted.

[0117] The control unit 68 of this embodiment is configured to switch the power consumption state of the control unit 68 between a first power consumption state and a second power consumption state that consumes less power than the first power consumption state, for example, depending on the operation state of the operation unit 62.

[0118] The second power consumption state is, for example, a state in which fewer functions are active than in the first power consumption state. For example, the first power consumption state is a state in which a boot program can be loaded, and the second power consumption state is a state in which the boot program cannot be loaded. The second power consumption state is, for example, a deep sleep state.

[0119] The control unit 68 is configured, for example, so that when the operation unit 62 is displaced from the first operation position P1 to the second operation position P2 in the second power consumption state, the control unit 68 changes the power consumption state from the second power consumption state to the first power consumption state, and then changes the power consumption state from the first power consumption state to the second power consumption state; and when the operation unit 62 is displaced from the second operation position P2 to the first operation position P1, the control unit 68 changes the power consumption state from the second power consumption state to the first power consumption state.

[0120] The control unit 68 is configured to, for example, change the power consumption state from the first power consumption state to the second power consumption state if the operation unit 62 is maintained at the second operation position P2 for a first predetermined time TX or longer after changing the power consumption state from the second power consumption state to the first power consumption state.

[0121] For example, when the operation unit 62 is displaced from the second operation position P2 to the first operation position P1, the control unit 68 is configured to change the power consumption state from the first power consumption state to the second power consumption state if the operation unit 62 is maintained at the first operation position P1 for a second predetermined time TY or more after changing the power consumption state from the second power consumption state to the first power consumption state.

[0122] The control unit 68 is configured to, for example, change the power consumption state from the first power consumption state to the second power consumption state when the operation unit 62 is displaced from the second operation position P2 to the first operation position P1, and to maintain the second power consumption state until the operation unit 62 is displaced from the first operation position P1 to the second operation position P2.

[0123] The control unit 68 is configured to, for example, control the transmitter 66 to transmit a predetermined signal when changing the power consumption state from the second power consumption state to the first power consumption state. For example, when changing the power consumption state from the second power consumption state to the first power consumption state, the control unit 68 controls the transmitter 66 to transmit a predetermined signal, and then changes the power consumption state from the second power consumption state to the first power consumption state. For example, when the operation unit 62 is displaced from the first operation position P1 to the second operation position P2, the control unit 68 controls the transmitter 66 to transmit a predetermined signal, and then changes the power consumption state from the second power consumption state to the first power consumption state. For example, when the operation unit 62 is displaced from the second operation position P2 to the first operation position P1, the control unit 68 controls the transmitter 66 to transmit a predetermined signal, and then changes the power consumption state from the second power consumption state to the first power consumption state.

[0124] The process of transmitting a predetermined signal by the control unit 68 will be described with reference to Figures 11 to 13. For example, when power is supplied to the control unit 68, the control unit 68 starts the process and proceeds to step S41 of the flowchart shown in Figure 11. When the flowcharts of Figures 11 to 13 end, the control unit 68 repeats the process from step S41 after a predetermined period, for example, until the supply of power is stopped.

[0125] In step S41, the control unit 68 determines whether the operation unit 62 has been displaced from the first operation position P1 to the second operation position P2. The control unit 68 determines that the operation unit 62 has been displaced from the first operation position P1 to the second operation position P2, for example, in response to the output of the operation detection unit 94. For example, when a detection signal is input from the operation detection unit 94, the control unit 68 determines that the operation unit 62 has been displaced from the first operation position P1 to the second operation position P2. If the operation unit 62 has not been displaced from the first operation position P1 to the second operation position P2, the control unit 68 ends the processes of FIGS. 11 to 13. If the operation unit 62 has not been displaced from the first operation position P1 to the second operation position P2, this occurs, for example, when the operation unit 62 is maintained at the first operation position P1. If the operation unit 62 has been displaced from the first operation position P1 to the second operation position P2, the control unit 68 proceeds to step S42.

[0126] In step S42, the control unit 68 sets the power consumption state to the first power consumption state, and proceeds to step S43. In step S42, the control unit 68 changes the power consumption state from the second power consumption state to the first power consumption state. In step S43, the control unit 68 controls the transmission unit 66 to transmit a predetermined signal, and proceeds to step S44. In step S43, the control unit 68 causes the transmission unit 66 to transmit, for example, a first predetermined signal. In step S44, the control unit 68 controls the transmission unit 66 to stop transmitting the predetermined signal, and proceeds to step S45. The period from when transmission of the predetermined signal starts in step S43 to when transmission of the predetermined signal stops in step S44 corresponds to a first transmission period T1.

[0127] In step S45, the control unit 68 determines whether the operation unit 62 has been maintained at the second operation position P2 for at least a first predetermined time TX. For example, if a detection signal from the operation detection unit 94 is maintained for at least the first predetermined time TX, the control unit 68 determines that the operation unit 62 has been maintained at the second operation position P2 for at least the first predetermined time TX. If the operation unit 62 is displaced from the first operation position P1 to the second operation position P2 and then displaced to the second operation position P2 before the first predetermined time TX has elapsed, the control unit 68 determines that the operation unit 62 has not been maintained at the second operation position P2 for at least the first predetermined time TX. If the operation unit 62 has been displaced from the second operation position P2 to the first operation position P1, the control unit 68 proceeds to step S46.

[0128] In step S46, the control unit 68 controls the transmission unit 66 to transmit a predetermined signal, and the process proceeds to step S47. In step S46, the control unit 68 causes the transmission unit 66 to transmit, for example, a second predetermined signal. In step S47, the control unit 68 controls the transmission unit 66 to stop transmitting the predetermined signal, and the process proceeds to step S48. The period from when transmission of the predetermined signal starts in step S46 to when transmission of the predetermined signal stops in step S47 corresponds to the second transmission period T2.

[0129] In step S48, the control unit 68 determines whether the operation unit 62 has been displaced from the second operation position P2 to the first operation position P1. If the operation unit 62 has been displaced from the second operation position P2 to the first operation position P1, the control unit 68 proceeds to step S42. If the operation unit 62 has not been displaced from the second operation position P2 to the first operation position P1, the control unit 68 proceeds to step S49.

[0130] In step S49, the control unit 68 determines whether the operation unit 62 has been maintained at the first operation position P1 for a second predetermined time TY or more. If the operation unit 62 has not been maintained at the first operation position P1 for the second predetermined time TY or more, the control unit 68 proceeds to step S48. If the operation unit 62 has been maintained at the first operation position P1 for the second predetermined time TY or more, the control unit 68 proceeds to step S50. In step S50, the control unit 68 changes the power consumption state from the first power consumption state to the second power consumption state, and ends the processing of FIGS. 11 to 13.

[0131] If, in step S45, the control unit 68 determines that the operation unit 62 has not been maintained at the second operation position P2 for at least the first predetermined time TX, the control unit 68 proceeds to step S51. In step S51, the control unit 68 changes the power consumption state from the first power consumption state to the second power consumption state, and proceeds to step S52. In step S52, the control unit 68 determines whether the operation unit 62 has shifted from the second operation position P2 to the first operation position P1. The control unit 68 repeats the processing of step S52 until the operation unit 62 has shifted from the second operation position P2 to the first operation position P1. When the operation unit 62 has shifted from the second operation position P2 to the first operation position P1, the control unit 68 proceeds to step S53. In step S53, the control unit 68 sets the power consumption state to the first power consumption state, and proceeds to the processing of step S46.

[0132] Third Embodiment A component 60 for a human-powered vehicle according to the third embodiment will be described with reference to Figure 14. With regard to the component 60 for a human-powered vehicle according to the third embodiment, the same components as those in the first and second embodiments are designated by the same reference numerals as those in the first and second embodiments, and redundant description will be omitted.

[0133] The control unit 68 of this embodiment is configured to, for example, control the transmission unit 66 so as not to transmit a predetermined signal when the operation unit 62 is operated and a predetermined condition for operating the other component 42 is satisfied. The control unit 68 of this embodiment is configured to, for example, control the transmission unit 66 so as to transmit a predetermined signal when the operation unit 62 is operated and a predetermined condition is not satisfied.

[0134] The predetermined condition is satisfied, for example, when the gear ratio is equal to or less than the first gear ratio and equal to or greater than a second gear ratio that is greater than the first gear ratio. The predetermined condition when the gear shift command is the first gear shift command differs from the predetermined condition when the gear shift command is the second gear shift command. For example, when the gear shift command includes a second gear shift command, the predetermined condition is satisfied when the gear ratio is equal to or less than the first gear ratio. For example, when the gear shift command includes a second gear shift command, the predetermined condition is satisfied when the gear ratio is equal to or greater than the second gear ratio. The first gear ratio is, for example, the minimum gear ratio that can be achieved by the gear device 42A. The first gear ratio may be a gear ratio greater than the minimum gear ratio that can be achieved by the gear device 42A. The second gear ratio is, for example, the maximum gear ratio that can be achieved by the gear device 42A. The second gear ratio may be a gear ratio smaller than the maximum gear ratio that can be achieved by the gear device 42A. At least one of the first gear ratio and the second gear ratio may be variable.

[0135] The process of the control unit 68 transmitting a predetermined signal will be described with reference to Fig. 14. For example, when power is supplied to the control unit 68, the control unit 68 starts the process and proceeds to step S61 of the flowchart shown in Fig. 14. When the flowchart of Fig. 14 ends, the control unit 68 repeats the process from step S61 after a predetermined period, for example, until the supply of power is stopped.

[0136] In step S61, the control unit 68 determines whether the operation unit 62 has been displaced from the first operation position P1 to the second operation position P2. If the operation unit 62 has not been displaced from the first operation position P1 to the second operation position P2, the control unit 68 ends the processing in Fig. 14. If the operation unit 62 has been displaced from the first operation position P1 to the second operation position P2, the control unit 68 proceeds to step S62.

[0137] In step S62, the control unit 68 determines whether the current gear ratio matches the stored gear ratio. The control unit 68, for example, acquires the current gear ratio from the control unit 46 of the other component 42 through communication with the other component 42. The control unit 68, for example, determines whether the acquired current gear ratio matches the gear ratio stored in the storage unit 92 of the component 60. The control unit 46 of the other component 42 may acquire the current gear ratio from a sensor that detects position information of the transmission device 42A, or may acquire the gear ratio stored in the storage unit 48 of the other component 42 as the current gear ratio. The control unit 68 may, for example, be configured to control the storage unit 92 to store a transmission history of a predetermined signal. The control unit 68, for example, acquires the stored gear ratio from the transmission history of the predetermined signal stored in the storage unit 92. If the current gear ratio does not match the stored gear ratio, the control unit 68 ends the processing of FIG. 14 . If the current gear ratio matches the stored gear ratio, the control unit 68 proceeds to step S63.

[0138] In step S63, the control unit 68 determines whether or not a predetermined condition is satisfied. If the predetermined condition is satisfied, the control unit 68 proceeds to step S64. In step S64, the control unit 68 stores the power generated by the power generation unit 64 in the power storage unit 88, and ends the processing in FIG.

[0139] If the predetermined condition is not satisfied in step S63, the control unit 68 proceeds to step S65. In step S65, the control unit 68 transmits a predetermined signal and ends the processing of FIG.

[0140] Step S62 may be omitted. When step S62 is omitted, if the answer is YES in step S61, the process proceeds to step S63. In step S65, the control unit 68 may store the power generated by the power generation unit 64 in the power storage unit 88 after transmitting a predetermined signal.

[0141] <Fourth embodiment> A component 60 for a human-powered vehicle according to a fourth embodiment will be described with reference to Figures 5 and 15. With regard to the component 60 for a human-powered vehicle according to the fourth embodiment, the same components as those of the first to third embodiments are designated by the same reference numerals as those of the first to third embodiments, and redundant description will be omitted.

[0142] The control unit 68 of this embodiment is configured to control the transmission unit 66 not to transmit a predetermined signal when, for example, the operation unit 62 is operated and a predetermined condition for operating the other component 42 is satisfied. The control unit 68 of this embodiment is configured to control the transmission unit 66 to transmit a predetermined signal when, for example, the operation unit 62 is operated and a predetermined condition is not satisfied. The predetermined signal of this embodiment includes, for example, a gear shift command that operates the transmission device 42A to change the gear ratio to achieve a gear ratio corresponding to the gear shift request. The control unit 68 generates a gear shift request that executes one or more gear shifts depending on, for example, the operation time of the operation unit 62. For example, the longer the operation unit 62 is maintained in the second operation position P2, the greater the number of gear shifts that the control unit 68 generates in the gear shift request.

[0143] The predetermined condition in this embodiment is satisfied, for example, when the gear change request is a gear change request to change the gear ratio by two or more stages, and when the gear ratio after changing the gear ratio by two or more stages in response to the gear change request exceeds the maximum gear ratio and the minimum gear ratio. The predetermined condition is satisfied, for example, when the gear ratio is a first predetermined gear ratio, and the gear change request is a gear change request in a predetermined gear change direction. The first predetermined gear ratio is, for example, a gear ratio one stage smaller than the maximum gear ratio and a gear ratio one stage larger than the minimum gear ratio. When the first predetermined gear ratio is a gear ratio one stage smaller than the maximum gear ratio, the predetermined gear change direction is a gear change in the direction in which the gear ratio increases. When the first predetermined gear ratio is a gear ratio one stage larger than the maximum gear ratio, the predetermined gear change direction is a gear change in the direction in which the gear ratio decreases.

[0144] The control unit 68 is configured to control the transmission unit 66 to transmit a shift signal, for example, when the gear ratio is a first predetermined gear ratio and the shift request is a request for shifting in a predetermined direction. The shift signal includes, for example, a shift command for shifting the gear ratio by only one stage. When the shift request is a request for changing the gear ratio by two or more stages and the gear ratio after changing the gear ratio by two or more stages in accordance with the shift request is equal to or less than the maximum gear ratio or equal to or greater than the minimum gear ratio, the control unit 68 transmits, for example, multiple shift signals corresponding to the shift request. When the shift request is a request for changing the gear ratio by two or more stages and the gear ratio after changing the gear ratio by two or more stages in accordance with the shift request exceeds the maximum gear ratio or the minimum gear ratio, the control unit 68 transmits, for example, fewer shift signals than corresponding to the shift request.

[0145] The predetermined signal of this embodiment corresponds to, for example, a plurality of shift signals that are transmitted when the shift request is for changing the gear ratio by two or more stages until the gear ratio reaches a gear ratio that satisfies the shift request. The predetermined signal of this embodiment does not correspond to, for example, a shift signal that is transmitted when the shift request is for changing the gear ratio by one or more stages. The predetermined signal of this embodiment does not correspond to, for example, a shift signal that is transmitted fewer times than the number of shift signals that correspond to the shift request when the shift request is for changing the gear ratio by two or more stages and the gear ratio after changing the gear ratio by two or more stages in accordance with the shift request exceeds the maximum gear ratio or the gear ratio.

[0146] The process of the control unit 68 transmitting a predetermined signal will be described with reference to Fig. 15. For example, when power is supplied to the control unit 68, the control unit 68 starts the process and proceeds to step S71 of the flowchart shown in Fig. 15. When the flowchart of Fig. 15 ends, the control unit 68 repeats the process from step S71 after a predetermined period, for example, until the supply of power is stopped.

[0147] In step S71, the control unit 68 determines whether the operation unit 62 has been displaced from the first operation position P1 to the second operation position P2. If the operation unit 62 has not been displaced from the first operation position P1 to the second operation position P2, the control unit 68 ends the processing. If the operation unit 62 has been displaced from the first operation position P1 to the second operation position P2, the control unit 68 proceeds to step S72.

[0148] In step S72, the control unit 68 determines whether the gear ratio is the first predetermined gear ratio. If the gear ratio is the first predetermined gear ratio, the control unit 68 proceeds to step S73. In step S73, the control unit 68 determines whether to shift gears in a predetermined shift direction. For example, if the operating unit 62 for shifting gears in the predetermined shift direction is operated in step S71, the control unit 68 determines that the gear will be shifted in the predetermined shift direction. If the gear will be shifted in the predetermined shift direction, the control unit 68 proceeds to step S74.

[0149] In step S74, control unit 68 transmits a gear shift signal and proceeds to step S75. In step S75, control unit 68 stores the power generated by power generation unit 64 in power storage unit 88 and ends the processing of FIG. 15. If step S72 is YES and step S74 is YES, transmission 42A can only shift the gear ratio by one stage. If step S72 is YES and step S74 is YES, control unit 68 uses, for example, the power of power generation unit 64 when operating unit 62 is displaced from first operating position P1 to second operating position P2 to transmit the gear shift signal, and stores in power storage unit 88 the power of power generation unit 64 when operating unit 62 is displaced from second operating position P2 to first operating position P1.

[0150] If the speed ratio is not the first predetermined speed ratio in step S72, the control unit 68 proceeds to step S76. If the speed ratio is not changed in the predetermined speed change direction in step S73, the control unit 68 proceeds to step S76.

[0151] In step S76, the control unit 68 transmits a gear shift signal and proceeds to step S77. In step S77, the control unit 68 determines whether the gear ratio is a second predetermined gear ratio. The second predetermined gear ratio is, for example, the maximum gear ratio or the minimum gear ratio. If the gear ratio is the second predetermined gear ratio, the control unit 68 ends the processing of FIG. 15.

[0152] If the gear ratio is not the second predetermined gear ratio in step S77, the control unit 68 proceeds to step S78. In step S78, the control unit 68 determines whether or not the gear ratio is the requested gear ratio. The requested gear ratio is a gear ratio that is set in accordance with a gear change request that is set in accordance with the time from when the operating unit 62 is displaced from the first operating position P1 to the second operating position P2 to when it is displaced from the second operating position P2 to the first operating position P1. If the gear ratio is the requested gear ratio, the control unit 68 ends the processing of FIG. 15. If the gear ratio is not the requested gear ratio, the control unit 68 proceeds to step S76.

[0153] If step S72 is NO and if step S73 is NO, transmission 42A can change the gear ratio in two or more stages in the predetermined direction. Control unit 68 repeats the transmission of the gear change signal by the processing of steps S76, S77, and S78 until the gear ratio reaches the second predetermined gear ratio or the requested gear ratio.

[0154] Step S74 may be omitted from Fig. 15. When step S74 is omitted from Fig. 15, the control unit 68 proceeds to step S75 if the determination in step S73 is YES.

[0155] Fifth Embodiment A component 60 for a human-powered vehicle according to a fifth embodiment will be described with reference to Figures 5, 16, and 17. With respect to the component 60 for a human-powered vehicle according to the fifth embodiment, components common to those of the first to fourth embodiments are assigned the same reference numerals as those of the first to fourth embodiments, and redundant explanations will be omitted.

[0156] The other components 42 of this embodiment include a first other component and a second other component different from the first other component. The control unit 68 is configured to transmit a predetermined signal when the operating unit 62 is operated to operate the first other component, in a manner that differs from when the operating unit 62 is operated to operate the second other component. The first other component is one of the front derailleur and the rear derailleur 42R, and the second other component is the other of the front derailleur and the rear derailleur 42R. The rear derailleur 42R has, for example, three or more gear stages. The front derailleur has, for example, fewer gear stages than the rear derailleur 42R. The front derailleur has, for example, two gear stages. In this embodiment, the first other component is the front derailleur, and the second other component is the rear derailleur 42R.

[0157] The operation unit 62 includes, for example, a first operation unit 62X for the first other component and a second operation unit 62Y for the second other component. The control unit 68 transmits a third predetermined signal in accordance with the operation state of the first operation unit 62X. The control unit 68 transmits, for example, a first predetermined signal and a second predetermined signal in accordance with the operation state of the second operation unit 62Y. The third predetermined signal includes, for example, a gear shift command for shifting the gear ratio by one stage. The third predetermined signal may be the same as the first predetermined signal. Upon receiving the third predetermined signal, the front derailleur drives the actuator 44 to, for example, change the gear ratio by only one stage.

[0158] The predetermined signals in this embodiment include a first predetermined signal, a second predetermined signal, and a third predetermined signal. When the first operating unit 62X is operated, the third predetermined signal is transmitted, and when the second operating unit 62Y is operated, the first predetermined signal and the second predetermined signal are transmitted. Therefore, when the first operating unit 62X is operated, a predetermined signal is transmitted differently from when the second operating unit 62Y is operated.

[0159] The power generation unit 64 includes, for example, a first power generation unit 64A that generates power in response to operation of the first operating unit 62X, and a second power generation unit 64B that generates power in response to operation of the second operating unit 62Y. The power storage unit 88 includes, for example, a first power storage unit 88A that stores the power generated by the first power generation unit 64A, and a second power storage unit 88B that stores the power generated by the second power generation unit 64B.

[0160] The power generated by the first power generation unit 64A can be stored in, for example, the first power storage unit 88A and the second power storage unit 88B. The power generated by the second power generation unit 64B can be stored in, for example, only the second power storage unit 88B. The component 60 includes, for example, a switching unit 96 for storing the power generated by the first power generation unit 64A in one of the first power storage unit 88A and the second power storage unit 88B. By controlling the switching unit 96, the control unit 68 can select between a state in which the power generated by the first power generation unit 64A is stored in the first power storage unit 88A and a state in which the power generated by the first power generation unit 64A is stored in the second power storage unit 88B. The control unit 68 may be configured to control the switching unit 96 to store the power generated by the first power generation unit 64A in both the first power storage unit 88A and the second power storage unit 88B.

[0161] The process of the control unit 68 transmitting a predetermined signal will be described with reference to Fig. 17. For example, when power is supplied to the control unit 68, the control unit 68 starts the process and proceeds to step S81 of the flowchart shown in Fig. 17. When the flowchart of Fig. 17 ends, the control unit 68 repeats the process from step S81 after a predetermined period, for example, until the supply of power is stopped.

[0162] In step S81, the control unit 68 determines whether the second operation unit 62Y has been displaced from the first operation position P1 to the second operation position P2. If the second operation unit 62Y has been displaced from the first operation position P1 to the second operation position P2, the control unit 68 proceeds to step S82. In step S82, the control unit 68 transmits a first predetermined signal, and then proceeds to step S83.

[0163] In step S83, the control unit 68 determines whether the second operation unit 62Y has been displaced from the second operation position P2 to the first operation position P1. If the second operation unit 62Y has not been displaced from the second operation position P2 to the first operation position P1, the control unit 68 repeats the process of step S83. If the second operation unit 62Y has been displaced from the second operation position P2 to the first operation position P1, the control unit 68 proceeds to step S84. In step S84, the control unit 68 transmits a second predetermined signal and ends the process of FIG. 17.

[0164] If the second operation unit 62Y has not been displaced from the first operation position P1 to the second operation position P2 in step S81, the control unit 68 proceeds to step S85. In step S85, the control unit 68 determines whether the first operation unit 62X has been displaced from the first operation position P1 to the second operation position P2. If the second operation unit 62Y has not been displaced from the first operation position P1 to the second operation position P2, the control unit 68 ends the processing of FIG. 17. If the second operation unit 62Y has been displaced from the first operation position P1 to the second operation position P2, the control unit 68 proceeds to step S86. In step S86, the control unit 68 transmits a third predetermined signal and ends the processing of FIG. 17.

[0165] The power generated by the first power generation unit 64A when the first operating unit 62X is displaced from the second operating position P2 to the first operating position P1 is stored, for example, in the second power storage unit 88B. For example, after the first operating unit 62X is displaced from the first operating position P1 to the second operating position P2, the control unit 68 controls the switching unit 96 so that the power generated by the first power generation unit 64A is stored in the second power storage unit 88B.

[0166] <Example of change> The descriptions of each embodiment are intended to exemplify possible forms of components for human-powered vehicles and are not intended to limit the forms. Components for human-powered vehicles according to the present disclosure may take the form of, for example, modified examples of the embodiments described below, or a combination of at least two mutually consistent modified examples. In the following modified examples, parts common to each embodiment are designated by the same reference numerals as in each embodiment, and descriptions thereof will be omitted.

[0167] Transmission 42A may be configured to be able to change the gear ratio in stages, and control unit 68 may be configured to control transmission 42A so that the operating speed of transmission 42A is different when changing the gear ratio by one stage than when changing the gear ratio by two or more stages. For example, control unit 68 may send an operation command to transmission 42A to make the operating speed of transmission 42A faster when changing the gear ratio by two or more stages than when changing the gear ratio by one stage. For example, if actuator 44 includes a motor, transmission 42A may shorten the time required to complete one stage of gear shifting by changing the rotational speed of the motor.

[0168] The control unit 68 may be configured to control the transmitter 66 so that the transmission state becomes the first transmission state only when the operation unit 62 is displaced from the first operation position P1 to the second operation position P2 or when the operation unit 62 is displaced from the second operation position P2 to the first operation position P1. In the first embodiment, the control unit 68 may be configured to control the transmitter 66 so that the predetermined signal is transmitted only when the operation unit 62 is displaced from the first operation position P1 to the second operation position P2 or when the operation unit 62 is displaced from the second operation position P2 to the first operation position P1. For example, the control unit 68 is configured to control the transmitter 66 so that the transmission state becomes the second transmission state when the operation unit 62 is displaced from the second operation position P2 to the first operation position P1. For example, the control unit 68 is configured to control the transmitter 66 so that the predetermined signal is not transmitted when the operation unit 62 is displaced from the second operation position P2 to the first operation position P1. For example, the control unit 68 is configured to control the transmitter 66 to transmit a predetermined signal when the operating unit 62 is displaced from the first operating position P1 to the second operating position P2, and not to transmit the predetermined signal when the operating unit 62 is displaced from the second operating position P2 to the first operating position P1. In this modified example, for example, the predetermined signal includes a gear change command to change the number of gears by only one stage. In this modified example, for example, when the operating unit 62 is operated, the control unit 68 causes the transmission 42A to change the number of gears by only one stage, regardless of the time that the operating unit 62 is maintained in the second operating position P2. A process in which the control unit 68 transmits a predetermined signal in this modified example will be described with reference to Fig. 18. For example, when power is supplied to the control unit 68, the control unit 68 starts the process and proceeds to step S91 of the flowchart shown in Fig. 18. When the flowchart in Fig. 18 ends, the control unit 68 repeats the process from step S91 after a predetermined period, for example, until the supply of power is stopped. In step S91, the control unit 68 determines whether the operation unit 62 has been displaced from the first operation position P1 to the second operation position P2. If the operation unit 62 has not been displaced from the first operation position P1 to the second operation position P2, the control unit 68 ends the process. If the operation unit 62 has been displaced from the first operation position P1 to the second operation position P2, the control unit 68 transmits a predetermined signal in step S92 and proceeds to step S93. In step S93, the control unit 68 stops transmitting the predetermined signal and ends the process of FIG. 18.

[0169] When the transmitting unit 66 is connected to the receiving unit 50 by an electric wire, the first transmitting state may be a powered state, and the second transmitting state may be a powered-off state.

[0170] The first transmission state may be a state in which the transmitter 66 can transmit a signal via an amplifier circuit, and the second transmission state may be a state in which the transmitter 66 can transmit a signal without using an amplifier circuit. Not using an amplifier circuit reduces the power consumption of the transmitter 66. Therefore, even if a signal is periodically transmitted in the second transmission state at the same frequency as the predetermined signal in the first transmission state, the power consumption of the transmitter 66 in the second transmission state can be less than the power consumption in the first transmission state.

[0171] The component 60 may include an additional power storage unit 88X shown in FIG. 19. The power stored in the power storage unit 88 is supplied to the control unit 68 in the first power consumption state. The power stored in the additional power storage unit 88X is supplied to the control unit 68 in the second power consumption state. In this modified example, the component 60 may include an additional power generation unit 64X that supplies power to the additional power storage unit 88X. The additional power generation unit 64X is configured similarly to the power generation unit 64, for example. The additional power generation unit 64X may be configured to generate power from vibrations while the human-powered vehicle 10 is traveling. The component 60 may not include the additional power generation unit 64X, and surplus power from the power storage unit 88 may be supplied to the additional power storage unit 88X.

[0172] The configuration of the operation unit 62 can be modified as appropriate as long as it is capable of causing the power generation unit 64 to generate power. The operation unit 62 may be, for example, the operation unit 100 shown in FIGS. 20 and 21 . The operation unit 100 is configured such that a portion of the operation unit 100 is configured to rotate in a direction different from the swing direction of the swing unit 72. The operation unit 100 includes a first portion 102, a second portion 104, and a third portion 106. The first portion 102 includes, for example, a portion disposed outside the housing 70. The second portion 104 is, for example, a portion that can come into contact with the power generation unit 64. The third portion 106 is a portion that transmits the movement of the first portion 102 to the third portion 106. The third portion 106 is configured to move in a direction intersecting the first direction D1 when a user presses the first portion 102 in the first direction D1. The second portion 104 is configured to rotate when the third portion 106 moves in a direction intersecting the first direction D1. As the second part 104 rotates, the second part 104 comes into contact with the swinging part 72, causing the swinging part 72 to vibrate. In this modified example, the operation detection unit 94 is configured to detect, for example, movement of the third part 106 in a direction intersecting with the first direction D1. The operation detection unit 94 may also be configured to detect the position of the third part 106 in the direction intersecting with the first direction D1.

[0173] The other components 42 may include at least one of an adjustable seat post, a suspension, an assist unit, a braking device, and a lamp, instead of or in addition to the gear shifter 42A. The adjustable seat post is configured, for example, to change the height of the saddle 16A relative to the frame 16 in response to a predetermined signal. The suspension includes, for example, at least one of a front suspension and a rear suspension. The suspension is configured, for example, to change the maximum length of the suspension in response to a predetermined signal. The assist unit is configured, for example, to change the ratio of the motor driving force to the human-powered driving force in response to a predetermined signal. The braking device includes, for example, at least one of a front braking device that brakes the front wheel 12F and a rear braking device that brakes the rear wheel 12R. The braking device is configured, for example, to change the braking force applied to the human-powered vehicle 10 in response to a predetermined signal. The lamp is configured, for example, to change the illumination state of the light source in response to a predetermined signal.

[0174] A component 60 for a human-powered vehicle includes an operating unit 62 that can be operated by a user, a power generation unit 64 configured to generate power in accordance with the displacement of the operating unit 62 when the user operates the operating unit 62, a transmitting unit 66 configured to transmit a predetermined signal to another component 42 using the power generated by the power generation unit 64, and a control unit 68 configured to control the transmitting unit 66 to transmit the predetermined signal when the operating unit 62 is operated, and other components may be omitted as long as the control unit 68 is configured to control the transmitting unit 66 to change the transmission state of the predetermined signal in accordance with the operating state of the operating unit 62 when the operating unit 62 is operated.

[0175] A component 60 for a human-powered vehicle includes an operating unit 62 that can be operated by a user, a power generation unit 64 that is configured to generate power in response to the displacement of the operating unit 62 when the user operates the operating unit 62, a transmitting unit 66 that is configured to transmit a predetermined signal to other components 42, and a control unit 68 that is configured to operate using power generated by the power generation unit 64, wherein the control unit 68 is configured to control the transmitting unit 66 to transmit the predetermined signal when the operating unit 62 is operated, and is configured to switch the power consumption state of the control unit 68 between a first power consumption state and a second power consumption state that consumes less power than the first power consumption state in response to the operating state of the operating unit 62, and other components may be omitted.

[0176] The power generating unit 64 can be modified as appropriate as long as it is configured to generate electricity in response to the displacement of the operation unit 62. The power generating unit 64 may include a magnet and a coil whose relative position changes depending on the displacement of the operation unit 62. The power generating unit 64 may also include a piezoelectric element to which pressure is applied depending on the displacement of the operation unit 62.

[0177] A component 60 for a human-powered vehicle includes an operating unit 62 that can be operated by a user, a power generation unit 64 that is configured to generate power in response to the displacement of the operating unit 62 when the user operates the operating unit 62, a transmitting unit 66 that is configured to transmit a predetermined signal to other components 42, and a control unit 68 that is configured to operate using the power generated by the power generation unit 64, and the control unit 68 is configured to control the transmitting unit 66 so that the predetermined signal is not transmitted when the operating unit 62 is operated and a predetermined condition related to the other components 42 is satisfied, and to control the transmitting unit 66 so that the predetermined signal is transmitted when the operating unit 62 is operated and the predetermined condition is not satisfied, so long as other components may be omitted.

[0178] A component 60 for a human-powered vehicle includes an operating unit 62 that can be operated by a user, a power generation unit 64 that is configured to generate power in response to the displacement of the operating unit 62 when the user operates the operating unit 62, a transmitting unit 66 that is configured to transmit a predetermined signal to other components 42, and a control unit 68 that is configured to operate using the power generated by the power generation unit 64, wherein the other components 42 include a first other component and a second other component that is different from the first other component, and the control unit 68 is configured to transmit a predetermined signal when the operating unit 62 is operated to operate the first other component in a manner that is different from when the operating unit 62 is operated to operate the second other component, and other configurations may be omitted.

[0179] 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.

[0180] As used in this specification, ordinal numbers such as "first, second, and third" are used merely to distinguish between multiple elements having the same name and do not have any special meaning. [Explanation of symbols]

[0181] 10...human-powered vehicle, 42...other components, 42A...transmission device, 60...component, 62,100...operation unit, 64...power generation unit, 66...transmission unit, 68...control unit, 72...oscillating unit, 74...coil, 76...magnetostrictive member, 94...operation detection unit.

Claims

1. A component for a human-powered vehicle, an operation unit operable by a user; a power generation unit configured to generate power in response to a displacement of the operation unit when the user operates the operation unit; a transmitting unit configured to transmit a predetermined signal to another component using the power generated by the power generating unit; a control unit configured to control the transmission unit to transmit the predetermined signal when the operation unit is operated, The control unit is configured to control the transmission unit to change a transmission state of the predetermined signal in accordance with an operation state of the operation unit when the operation unit is operated.

2. the operating portion is configured to be displaceable between a first operating position and a second operating position different from the first operating position, The control unit When the operation unit is displaced from the first operation position to the second operation position, the transmission unit is controlled so that the transmission state becomes a first transmission state, When the operation unit is displaced from the second operation position to the first operation position, the transmission unit is controlled so that the transmission state becomes a second transmission state, The component of claim 1 , wherein the power consumption of the transmitter in the second transmission state is less than the power consumption of the transmitter in the first transmission state.

3. the operating portion is configured to be displaceable between a first operating position and a second operating position different from the first operating position, The control unit When the operation unit is displaced from the first operation position to the second operation position, the transmission unit is controlled so that the transmission state becomes a first transmission state, the transmitter is controlled so as to maintain the transmission state in a second transmission state while the operation unit is maintained in the second operation position after being displaced from the first operation position to the second operation position, The component of claim 1 , wherein the power consumption of the transmitter in the second transmission state is less than the power consumption of the transmitter in the first transmission state.

4. the operating portion is configured to be displaceable between a first operating position and a second operating position different from the first operating position, The control unit When the operation unit is displaced from the first operation position to the second operation position, the transmission unit is controlled to transmit the predetermined signal; The component of claim 1 , configured to control the transmitter not to transmit the predetermined signal when the operating portion is displaced from the second operating position to the first operating position.

5. the operating portion is configured to be displaceable between a first operating position and a second operating position different from the first operating position, 2. The component of claim 1, wherein the control unit is configured to control the transmitting unit not to transmit the predetermined signal while the operating unit is maintained in the second operating position after being displaced from the first operating position to the second operating position.

6. A component for a human-powered vehicle, an operation unit operable by a user; a power generation unit configured to generate power in response to a displacement of the operation unit when the user operates the operation unit; a transmitter configured to transmit a predetermined signal to other components; a control unit configured to operate using the power generated by the power generation unit, The control unit When the operation unit is operated, the transmission unit is controlled to transmit the predetermined signal, A component configured to switch a power consumption state of the control unit between a first power consumption state and a second power consumption state that consumes less power than the first power consumption state, depending on an operation state of the operation unit.

7. the operating portion is configured to be displaceable between a first operating position and a second operating position different from the first operating position, 7. The component of claim 6, wherein the control unit is configured to, when the operation unit is displaced from the first operating position to the second operating position in the second power consumption state, change the power consumption state from the second power consumption state to the first power consumption state, and then change the power consumption state from the first power consumption state to the second power consumption state when the operation unit is displaced from the second operating position to the first operating position.

8. 8. The component of claim 7, wherein the control unit is configured to change the power consumption state from the first power consumption state to the second power consumption state if the operation unit is maintained in the second operation position for a first predetermined time or more after changing the power consumption state from the second power consumption state to the first power consumption state.

9. 9. The component of claim 8, wherein the control unit is configured to change the power consumption state from the first power consumption state to the second power consumption state when the operation unit is moved from the second operation position to the first operation position, and then change the power consumption state from the first power consumption state to the second power consumption state when the operation unit is maintained in the first operation position for a second predetermined time or more.

10. the operating portion is configured to be displaceable between a first operating position and a second operating position different from the first operating position, 7. The component of claim 6, wherein the control unit is configured to change the power consumption state from the first power consumption state to the second power consumption state when the operation unit is displaced from the second operation position to the first operation position, and to maintain the second power consumption state until the operation unit is displaced from the first operation position to the second operation position.

11. The component of claim 7 , wherein the control unit is configured to control the transmission unit to transmit the predetermined signal when the power consumption state is changed from the second power consumption state to the first power consumption state.

12. 9. The component of claim 8, wherein the control unit is configured to control the transmitting unit to transmit the predetermined signal when the operating unit is displaced from the first operating position to the second operating position and when the operating unit is displaced from the second operating position to the first operating position.

13. The control unit When the operation unit is operated and a predetermined condition for operating the other component is satisfied, the transmission unit is controlled so as not to transmit the predetermined signal; The component according to claim 1 , configured to control the transmitter to transmit the predetermined signal when the operating unit is operated and the predetermined condition is not satisfied.

14. A component for a human-powered vehicle, an operation unit operable by a user; a power generation unit configured to generate power in response to a displacement of the operation unit when the user operates the operation unit; a transmitter configured to transmit a predetermined signal to other components; a control unit configured to operate using the power generated by the power generation unit, The control unit When the operation unit is operated and a predetermined condition related to the other component is satisfied, the transmission unit is controlled so as not to transmit the predetermined signal; a component configured to control the transmitter to transmit the predetermined signal when the operating unit is operated and the predetermined condition is not satisfied.

15. the other components include a transmission configured to change a gear ratio of the human-powered vehicle; the predetermined signal includes a gear change command that operates the transmission device to change the gear ratio, The component of claim 14 , wherein the predetermined condition is met when the transmission ratio is less than or equal to a first transmission ratio and greater than or equal to a second transmission ratio that is greater than the first transmission ratio.

16. the other components include a transmission configured to change a gear ratio of the human-powered vehicle; The transmission is configured to be able to change the gear ratio in stages, the predetermined signal includes a gear change command that operates the transmission device to change the gear ratio to the gear ratio corresponding to a gear change request, 15. The component according to claim 14, wherein the predetermined condition is satisfied when the gear change request is a gear change request that changes the gear ratio by two or more stages, and when the gear ratio after changing the gear ratio by two or more stages in response to the gear change request exceeds a maximum gear ratio and a minimum gear ratio.

17. The transmission is configured to be able to change the gear ratio in stages, 17. The component according to claim 16, wherein the control unit is configured to control the transmission device so that an operating speed of the transmission device is different when the gear ratio is changed by one stage and when the gear ratio is changed by two or more stages.

18. the other components include a first other component and a second other component different from the first other component; The component of claim 1 , wherein the control unit is configured to transmit the predetermined signal when the operation unit is operated to operate the first other component in a manner different from when the operation unit is operated to operate the second other component.

19. A component for a human-powered vehicle, an operation unit operable by a user; a power generation unit configured to generate power in response to a displacement of the operation unit when the user operates the operation unit; a transmitter configured to transmit a predetermined signal to other components; a control unit configured to operate using the power generated by the power generation unit, the other components include a first other component and a second other component different from the first other component; The control unit is configured to transmit the specified signal differently when the operation unit is operated to operate the first other component than when the operation unit is operated to operate the second other component.

20. The component according to claim 1 , further comprising an operation detection unit configured separately from the power generation unit and configured to detect an operation state of the operation unit.

21. The component according to claim 1 , wherein the power generation unit is configured to generate electricity by magnetostrictive power generation.

22. The power generation unit is a swinging unit that swings in response to displacement of the operating unit and has a magnetostrictive member; The component according to claim 21 , further comprising: a coil that generates electricity by the oscillation of the oscillation portion.

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