Control systems for human-powered vehicles.
The control system for human-powered vehicles addresses the challenge of battery convenience by managing component operation based on battery status, enhancing user convenience and usability.
Patent Information
- Application Number
- JP2022065670
- Authority / Receiving Office
- JP · JP
- Patent Type
- Patents
- Current Assignee / Owner
- Filing Date
- 2022-04-12
- Publication Date
- 2025-09-10
- Estimated Expiration
- 2042-04-12
AI Technical Summary
Conventional control systems for human-powered vehicles face challenges in improving battery convenience, particularly in managing battery charge levels and optimizing component operation based on battery status.
A control system for human-powered vehicles that includes a component powered by a first battery, an operating device powered by a second battery, and a control unit that manages component operation based on the operating state and remaining battery charge of both batteries.
Enhances user convenience by allowing easy monitoring of battery charge levels and optimizing component operation, thereby improving the overall usability of human-powered vehicles.
Smart Images

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Abstract
Description
[Technical Field]
[0001] The present invention relates to the technology of control systems for human-powered vehicles. [Background technology]
[0002] Conventionally, control systems for human-powered vehicles are known. For example, Patent Document 1 discloses a technology for a control system equipped with an electric transmission. A signal corresponding to the operation of an operating unit is input to the electric transmission via wireless communication. The electric transmission changes the gear ratio in response to the signal from the operating unit. The power consumption mode of the electric transmission is switched to a sleep mode with low power consumption if no signal is output from the operating unit after a predetermined time has elapsed. The operating unit is configured to be able to communicate wirelessly by receiving power from a battery, for example. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]
[0003] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2000-95181 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]
[0004] In conventional control systems, improvements in convenience are desired in relation to batteries.
[0005] An object of the present disclosure is to provide a control system that can improve convenience. [Means for solving the problem]
[0006] A control system according to a first aspect of the present disclosure is a control system for a human-powered vehicle, comprising: a component of the human-powered vehicle including a first communication unit and powered by a first battery; an operating device including a second communication unit configured to communicate with the first communication unit and powered by a second battery different from the first battery, configured to operate the component of the human-powered vehicle; and a control unit configured to control the component depending on the operating state of the operating device and the remaining battery charge of at least one of the first battery and the second battery. According to the control system of the first aspect, the user can easily check the remaining battery charge based on the control of the components according to the operating state and the remaining battery charge, thereby improving convenience.
[0007] In the control system of a second aspect according to the first aspect, the operating state includes a first operating state, and the control unit operates the component when the remaining battery charge is equal to or greater than a first threshold and the operating state is the first operating state, and does not operate the component when the remaining battery charge is less than the first threshold and the operating state is the first operating state. According to the control system of the second aspect, if the component does not operate when the operating state is the first operating state, the user can know that the remaining battery charge is less than the first threshold.
[0008] In the control system of a third aspect according to the second aspect, the operating state includes a second operating state different from the first operating state, and the control unit activates the component when the remaining battery charge is less than the first threshold and the operating state is the second operating state. According to the control system of the third aspect, when the remaining battery charge is less than the first threshold, the user can operate the component by placing the operating device in the second operating state.
[0009] In a control system of a fourth aspect according to the second or third aspect, the operating state includes a third operating state different from the first operating state, and when the operating state is the third operating state, the control unit operates the component regardless of the remaining battery charge. According to the control system of the fourth aspect, the user can operate the component by placing the operating device in the third operating state, regardless of the remaining battery charge.
[0010] In the control system of the fifth aspect according to the fourth aspect, the component includes an electric transmission, the operating device includes a gearshift operating device configured to operate the electric transmission, the first operating state includes one of an operating state related to an upshift and an operating state related to a downshift of the gearshift operating device, and the third operating state includes the other of an operating state related to an upshift and an operating state related to a downshift of the gearshift operating device. The control system of the fifth aspect allows a user to operate a component to increase or decrease the transmission ratio of the human-powered vehicle regardless of the remaining battery charge.
[0011] In the control system of the sixth aspect according to the fifth aspect, the first operating state includes an operating state related to an upshift of the gearshift operating device, and the third operating state includes an operating state related to a downshift of the gearshift operating device. The control system of the sixth aspect allows a user to operate a component to reduce the transmission ratio of the human-powered vehicle regardless of the remaining battery charge.
[0012] A control system according to a seventh aspect of the present disclosure is a control system for a human-powered vehicle, comprising: a component of the human-powered vehicle; an operating device supplied with power from a battery and configured to operate the component; and a control unit configured to control the component depending on an operating state of the operating device and the remaining battery charge of the battery, wherein the components include a first component and a second component different from the first component, the battery includes a first battery and a second battery different from the first battery, the operating device includes a first operating device supplied with power from the first battery and configured to operate the first component, and a second operating device supplied with power from the second battery and configured to operate the second component, and the control unit does not operate the first component depending on the operating state of the second operating device when the remaining battery charge of the first battery is equal to or greater than a first threshold, and operates the first component depending on the operating state of the second operating device when the remaining battery charge of the first battery is less than the first threshold. According to the control system of the seventh aspect, when the remaining battery charge of the first battery is at its lowest level, the first component can be operated by operating the second operating device instead of the first operating device, thereby improving convenience.
[0013] In the control system of the eighth aspect according to the seventh aspect, the first component includes one of an electric transmission, an electric seat post, an electric suspension, and a drive unit, and the second component includes one of the electric transmission, the electric seat post, the electric suspension, and the drive unit that is different from the first component. According to the control system of the eighth aspect, the user can check the remaining battery charge of the first battery that supplies power to the first operating device configured to operate one of the electric transmission, the electric seat post, the electric suspension, and the drive unit.
[0014] In the control system of the ninth aspect according to the eighth aspect, the first component includes the electric transmission, and the second component includes the drive unit. According to the control system of the ninth aspect, when the remaining charge of the first battery is less than the first threshold, the electric transmission can be operated in accordance with the operating state of the second operating device configured to operate the drive unit.
[0015] A control system according to a tenth aspect of the present disclosure is a control system for a human-powered vehicle, the control system including: a component of the human-powered vehicle that includes a first communication unit and is supplied with power from a first battery; an operation device that includes a second communication unit configured to communicate with the first communication unit and is supplied with power from a second battery different from the first battery, and is configured to operate the component of the human-powered vehicle; and a control unit configured, in response to a user command, to set a mode related to power consumption of the component to one of a first power consumption mode and a second power consumption mode that consumes less power than the first power consumption mode. and the control unit is configured to intermittently receive a signal from the second communication unit by wireless communication when a mode related to power consumption of the component is set to the second power consumption mode. . According to the control system of the tenth aspect, the power consumption of the components can be changed in response to a user command, thereby improving convenience. Furthermore, the power consumption of the first battery and the second battery can be reduced.
[0016] The present disclosure 11th Aspect Control System a control system for a human-powered vehicle, the control system including: a component of the human-powered vehicle including a first communication unit and supplied with power from a first battery; an operation device including a second communication unit configured to communicate with the first communication unit, supplied with power from a second battery different from the first battery, and configured to operate the component of the human-powered vehicle; and a control unit configured to set a mode related to power consumption of the component to one of a first power consumption mode and a second power consumption mode that consumes less power than the first power consumption mode in response to a command from a user, the control unit configured to switch the mode to the second power consumption mode when the operation device is not operated for a predetermined time or longer while set in the first power consumption mode. . According to the control system of the eleventh aspect, The power consumption of components can be changed according to user commands, improving convenience. . [Effects of the Invention]
[0017] The control system of the present disclosure can improve convenience. [Brief explanation of the drawings]
[0018] [Figure 1] 1 is a side view showing a human-powered vehicle including a control system according to a first embodiment. [Figure 2] FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing an example of a control system according to a first embodiment. [Figure 3] A diagram showing the components and relationships of an electronic device. [Figure 4] 4 is a flowchart showing a control flow in the first embodiment. [Figure 5] 10 is a flowchart showing a control flow in the second embodiment. [Figure 6] 10 is a flowchart showing a control flow in a third embodiment. [Figure 7] 10 is a flowchart showing a control flow in the fourth embodiment. [Figure 8] FIG. 11 is a block diagram showing an example of a control system according to a fifth embodiment. [Figure 9] FIG. 13 is a block diagram showing an example of a control system according to a sixth embodiment. [Figure 10] 13 is a flowchart showing a control flow in the sixth embodiment. [Figure 11] FIG. 13 is a block diagram showing an example of a control system according to a seventh embodiment. [Figure 12] FIG. 20 is a diagram showing an example of a combination of a first component and a second component in the eighth embodiment. [Figure 13] 20 is a flowchart showing a control flow in the tenth embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0019] (First embodiment) A human-powered vehicle 10 including a control system 20 for a human-powered vehicle according to a first embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. 1 to 4. The human-powered vehicle 10 has at least one wheel and is a vehicle that can be propelled at least by human driving force. Examples of the human-powered vehicle 10 include various types of bicycles, such as mountain bikes, road bikes, city bikes, cargo bikes, hand bikes, and recumbent bikes. The number of wheels that the human-powered vehicle 10 has is not limited. Examples of the human-powered vehicle 10 include unicycles and vehicles with two or more wheels. The human-powered vehicle 10 is not limited to vehicles that can be propelled solely by human driving force. The human-powered vehicle 10 also includes E-bikes that use not only human driving force but also the driving force of an electric motor for propulsion. E-bikes include electrically assisted bicycles whose propulsion is assisted by an electric motor. In the following embodiments, the human-powered vehicle 10 will be described as a bicycle.
[0020] The human-powered vehicle 10 includes a crank 11 , a frame 12 , a seat 13 , a handlebar 14 , a front fork 15 , a front wheel 16 , a rear wheel 17 , an electric transmission 18 , a battery 19 , and a control system 20 .
[0021] 1 includes a crankshaft 11a that is rotatable relative to the frame 12, and a pair of crank arms 11b that are provided at both axial ends of the crankshaft 11a. Pedals 11c are connected to the pair of crank arms 11b, respectively.
[0022] A seat 13 is attached to the frame 12 via a seat post 13a. The seat post 13a includes an electric seat post. The frame 12 rotatably supports a handlebar 14 and a front fork 15. The handlebar 14 is configured to be gripped by a user. When the handlebar 14 rotates relative to the frame 12, the front fork 15 rotates, changing the direction of travel of the human-powered vehicle 10. A cycle computer 14a and a gear shift operating device 14b are attached to the handlebar 14. One gear shift operating device 14b is attached to the left and right of the handlebar 14 so that the user can operate them with their right and left hands.
[0023] The front wheel 16 is rotatably attached to the front fork 15. The front wheel 16 includes a rim 16a to which a tire is attached, a plurality of spokes 16b, and a disc rotor 16c. The rear wheel 17 is configured to rotate relative to the frame 12. The rear wheel 17 includes a rim 17a to which a tire is attached, a plurality of spokes 17b, and a disc rotor 17c.
[0024] The electric transmission 18 changes the gear ratio of the human-powered vehicle 10. The gear ratio indicates the ratio of the rotational speed of the rear wheel 17 to the rotational speed of the crankshaft 11a. The gear ratio is calculated by dividing the number of teeth on the front sprocket with which the chain engages by the number of teeth on the rear sprocket with which the chain engages. The electric transmission 18 includes an external gear shifter. The external gear shifter includes at least one of a front derailleur 18a and a rear derailleur 18b. In this embodiment, the electric transmission 18 includes the front derailleur 18a and the rear derailleur 18b. The front derailleur 18a is configured to drive an electric motor when one of the two gear shift operating devices 14b is operated by the user, thereby shifting the chain between the multiple front sprockets. The rear derailleur 18b is configured to drive an electric motor when the other of the two gear shift operating devices 14b is operated by the user, thereby shifting the chain between the multiple rear sprockets.
[0025] The battery 19 shown in FIGS. 1 to 3 supplies power to devices. The devices include components mounted on the human-powered vehicle 10 and peripheral devices of the human-powered vehicle 10. The battery 19 includes, for example, at least one of a non-rechargeable battery and a rechargeable battery. The rechargeable battery is charged by power from an external power source. The battery 19 includes a first battery 19a and a second battery 19b.
[0026] The first battery 19a supplies power to the components 21 shown in Figures 2 and 3. In this embodiment, the first battery 19a supplies power to the rear derailleur 18b. When the first battery 19a supplies power to multiple devices, the first battery 19a may include multiple batteries that respectively supply power to the multiple devices. The first battery 19a may include a single battery that supplies power to the multiple devices.
[0027] The second battery 19b supplies power to the operating device 26 shown in FIGS. 2 and 3. In this embodiment, the second battery 19b supplies power to the gear shift operating device 14b, which is configured to operate the rear derailleur 18b. The gear shift operating device 14b is able to output wireless signals by receiving power from the first battery 19a. The second battery 19b is a battery different from the first battery 19a. When the second battery 19b supplies power to multiple devices, it may include multiple batteries that respectively supply power to the multiple devices. The second battery 19b may include a single battery that supplies power to the multiple devices.
[0028] The control system 20 includes a component 21 of the human-powered vehicle 10 that includes a first communication unit 24 and receives power from a first battery 19a; an operation device 26 that includes a second communication unit 31 configured to communicate with the first communication unit 24 and receives power from a second battery 19b different from the first battery 19a and is configured to operate the component 21 of the human-powered vehicle 10; and control units 25b and 32b configured to control the component 21 in accordance with the operation state of the operation device 26 and the remaining battery charge of at least one of the first battery 19a and the second battery 19b. In this embodiment, the control units 25b and 32b include at least one of a first control unit 25b configured to execute control of the component 21 and a second control unit 32b configured to execute control of the operation device 26. FIGS. 2 and 3 show an example of the control system 20. The control system 20 shown in FIGS. 2 and 3 includes the component 21 and the operation device 26.
[0029] In this embodiment, the component 21 includes the rear derailleur 18b. The component 21 includes a first battery holding unit 22, a first remaining battery capacity detection unit 23, a first communication unit 24, and a first control device 25.
[0030] The first battery holding unit 22 is provided inside the rear derailleur 18b. The first battery holding unit 22 holds the first battery 19a. The first remaining battery charge detection unit 23 is configured to detect the remaining battery charge of the battery 19. In this embodiment, the first remaining battery charge detection unit 23 is configured to detect the remaining battery charge of at least the first battery 19a. The first remaining battery charge detection unit 23 is configured to be able to communicate with the first control unit 25b via wire or wirelessly. The first remaining battery charge detection unit 23 outputs a signal corresponding to the remaining battery charge of the battery 19 to the first control unit 25b. The signal output from the first remaining capacity detection unit 23 may include first remaining capacity information indicating the remaining battery capacity of the battery 19 itself, or may include second remaining capacity information different from the first remaining capacity information. The second remaining capacity information includes, for example, information used by the first control unit 25b to detect and / or calculate the state of the remaining battery capacity of the battery 19. For example, if the signal output from the first remaining capacity detection unit 23 includes second remaining capacity information indicating the voltage value of the battery 19, the first control unit 25b can calculate the remaining battery capacity of the battery 19 based on the voltage value. The first remaining capacity detection unit 23 may be an external device separate from the devices included in the control system 20. The first remaining capacity detection unit 23 includes, for example, a logic circuit or an arithmetic processing unit included in the first control unit 25b.
[0031] The first communication unit 24 is connected to the operating device 26 via wireless communication. A wireless signal is input to the first communication unit 24 from the operating device 26. The first communication unit 24 may be configured to communicate using an existing communication standard such as Bluetooth (registered trademark) or ANT+ (registered trademark), or may be configured to communicate using a unique communication standard. The first communication unit 24 includes, for example, a wireless communication circuit and an antenna. The first communication unit 24 is electrically connected to the first control unit 25b.
[0032] The first control device 25 includes a first storage unit 25a and a first control unit 25b. The first storage unit 25a stores various control programs and information used in various control processes. The first storage unit 25a includes, for example, a non-volatile memory and a volatile memory. The first storage unit 25a is electrically connected to the first control unit 25b.
[0033] The first control unit 25b is configured to execute control related to the component 21. The first control unit 25b includes an arithmetic processing unit that executes a predetermined control program. The arithmetic processing unit includes, for example, a CPU (Central Processing Unit) or an MPU (Micro Processing Unit). The first control unit 25b may include one or more microcomputers. The first remaining amount detection unit 23 may include the arithmetic processing unit included in the first control unit 25b.
[0034] The operating device 26 constitutes the gear shift operating device 14b that allows the user to operate the rear derailleur 18b. The operating device 26 includes a base portion 27, a second battery holding portion 28, an operating portion 29, a detection portion 30, a second communication portion 31, and a second control device 32.
[0035] 3 is detachably attached to the handlebar 14. The second battery holding portion 28 is provided inside the base portion 27. The second battery holding portion 28 holds the second battery 19b.
[0036] The operating unit 29 is configured to be operated by the user with the hand or finger. The operating unit 29 includes at least one of a lever and a button. The lever includes at least one of a lever that swings relative to a predetermined member and a lever that rotates around a predetermined rotation axis. The button includes at least one of a push button and a touch panel. In this embodiment, the operating unit 29 includes two levers that are configured to swing relative to the base unit 27. In this embodiment, the base unit 27 includes a base portion that is detachably attached to the handlebar 14, a free end portion, and a grip portion that connects the base portion and the free end portion, and the levers are disposed on the free end portion.
[0037] The detector 30 shown in FIG. 2 is configured to detect various types of information. In this embodiment, the detector 30 includes a second remaining battery capacity detector 30a and an operation state detector 30b. The second remaining battery capacity detector 30a is configured similarly to the first remaining battery capacity detector 23, except that it is connected to the second control unit 32b and is configured to detect the remaining battery capacity of at least the second battery 19b. The second remaining battery capacity detector 30a outputs a signal corresponding to the remaining battery capacity of the battery 19 to the second control unit 32b. The second remaining battery capacity detector 30a may be an external device separate from the devices included in the control system 20. The second remaining battery capacity detector 30a includes, for example, a logic circuit or an arithmetic processing device included in the second control unit 32b.
[0038] The operation state detection unit 30b is configured to detect the operation state of the operation device 26. The operation state of the operation device 26 includes at least one of the operation state of the lever and the operation state of the button. The operation state of the lever includes a state in which the lever is swung to the operation position for less than a predetermined time, a state in which the lever is swung to the operation position for a predetermined time or more, and a state in which the lever is swung to the operation position multiple times within the predetermined time. The operation state detection unit 30b detects the operation state of the lever based on the amount of movement of the lever, etc. If the button includes a push button, the operation state of the button includes a state in which the push button is on for less than a predetermined time, a state in which the push button is on for a predetermined time or more, and a state in which the push button is on multiple times within the predetermined time.If the button includes a button displayed on a touch panel, the operation state of the button includes a state in which the button is touched for less than a predetermined time, a state in which the button is touched for a predetermined time or more, and a state in which the button is touched multiple times within the predetermined time.The operation state detection unit 30b detects the operation state of the button based on a signal output when the button is on, etc.The operation state detection unit 30b is configured by an arithmetic processing unit included in the second control unit 32b.
[0039] The operation state detection unit 30b is configured to communicate with the second control unit 32b via a wired or wireless connection. The operation state detection unit 30b outputs a signal corresponding to the operation state of the operating device 26 to the second control unit 32b. The signal output from the operation state detection unit 30b may include first operation information that directly indicates the operation state, or may include second operation information that is different from the first operation information. The second operation information includes information used by the second control unit 32b to detect and / or calculate the operation state. For example, if the signal output from the operation state detection unit 30b includes second operation information that indicates the amount of movement of a lever, the second control unit 32b can detect the operation state of the operating device 26 based on the amount of movement.
[0040] The second communication unit 31 has the same configuration as the first communication unit 24 of the component 21. For example, a wireless signal related to the remaining battery charge of the first battery 19a is input to the second communication unit 31 from the first communication unit 24. The second communication unit 31 can output a wireless signal related to the remaining battery charge of the second battery 19b and a wireless signal related to the operating state of the operating device 26 to the first communication unit 24.
[0041] The second control device 32 includes a second storage unit 32a and a second control unit 32b. The second storage unit 32a stores various control programs and information used in various control processes. The second storage unit 32a includes, for example, a non-volatile memory and a volatile memory.
[0042] The second control unit 32b is configured to execute control related to the operation device 26. The second control unit 32b includes an arithmetic processing unit that executes a predetermined control program. The arithmetic processing unit includes, for example, a CPU (Central Processing Unit) or an MPU (Micro Processing Unit). The second control unit 32b may include one or more microcomputers.
[0043] At least one of the first control unit 25b and the second control unit 32b controls the component 21 depending on the remaining battery power and the operation state of the operating device 26. In this embodiment, the second control unit 32b controls the component 21. An example of the control executed by the second control unit 32b will be described. FIG. 4 is used to describe the example of the control executed by the second control unit 32b. The second control unit 32b starts a first control flow according to the flowchart shown in FIG. 4 when a predetermined condition is satisfied. For example, the second control unit 32b starts the first control flow when the operation state detection unit 30b detects a predetermined operation state.
[0044] In step S1, the second control unit 32b acquires the remaining battery charge and the operation state of the operating device 26. The second control unit 32b acquires the remaining battery charge of at least one of the first battery 19a and the second battery 19b. In this embodiment, the second control unit 32b acquires the remaining battery charge of the first battery 19a and the second battery 19b. The second control unit 32b requests information regarding the remaining battery charge of the first battery 19a from the first control unit 25b via the first communication unit 24 and the second communication unit 31. The first control unit 25b inputs a wireless signal regarding the remaining battery charge to the second control unit 32b via the first communication unit 24 and the second communication unit 31. The second control unit 32b acquires the remaining battery charge of the first battery 19a based on the wireless signal from the first control unit 25b. The second control unit 32b acquires the remaining battery charge of the second battery 19b based on a signal from the second remaining charge detection unit 30a. Based on the signal from the operation state detection unit 30b, the second control unit 32b acquires the operation state of the operation device 26. After performing the process of step S1, the second control unit 32b proceeds to step S2.
[0045] In step S2, the second control unit 32b controls the component 21 according to the remaining battery charge acquired in step S1 and the operation state of the operation device 26. The second control unit 32b changes the operation state of the component 21 corresponding to the operation state of the operation device 26 according to the remaining battery charge. For example, when the remaining battery charge is equal to or greater than a preset threshold, the second control unit 32b activates the component 21 according to the operation state. When the remaining battery charge is less than a preset threshold, the second control unit 32b does not activate the component 21 regardless of the operation state. After performing the process of step S2, the second control unit 32b ends the first control flow.
[0046] By having the second control unit 32b execute the first control flow, the user can check the remaining battery charge based on the operating state of the component 21 when operating the operation device 26. The user can easily check the remaining battery charge without looking at the display. The user can prevent problems caused by the depletion of the battery 19 by charging or replacing the battery 19 according to the checked remaining battery charge. For example, the user can charge or replace the battery 19 before the battery runs out and it becomes impossible to change the gear ratio of the human-powered vehicle 10.
[0047] The device that executes the first control flow is not limited to the second control unit 32b. Another control unit may execute the first control flow. For example, the first control unit 25b may execute the first control flow. When the first control unit 25b executes the first control flow, in step S1, a wireless signal related to the operation state of the operating device 26 and a wireless signal related to the remaining battery power of the second battery 19b are output from the second communication unit 31 to the first communication unit 24. The first control unit 25b acquires the operation state and the remaining battery power of the second battery 19b based on the wireless signals output to the first communication unit 24.
[0048] (Second embodiment) A control system 20 according to a second embodiment will be described. The control system 20 according to the second embodiment will be described with reference to Figs. 3 to 5. The same components as those in the first embodiment will be assigned the same reference numerals as those in the first embodiment, and redundant description will be omitted.
[0049] In this embodiment, the operating state includes a first operating state. The first operating state includes at least one of an operating state related to an upshift of the gearshift operating device 14b and an operating state related to a downshift. The operating state related to an upshift includes, for example, a state in which one of the two operating units 29 shown in FIG. 3 is swung into an operating position for less than a predetermined time. The operating state related to a downshift includes, for example, a state in which the other of the two operating units 29 shown in FIG. 3 is swung into an operating position for less than a predetermined time.
[0050] The second control unit 32b activates the component 21 when the remaining battery charge is equal to or greater than the first threshold and the operation state is the first operation state, and does not activate the component 21 when the remaining battery charge is less than the first threshold and the operation state is the first operation state. FIG. 5 is used to explain an example of control executed by the second control unit 32b. The second control unit 32b starts a second control flow according to the flowchart shown in FIG. 5 when a predetermined condition is satisfied. The condition for starting the second control flow is the same as in the first embodiment.
[0051] In step S11, the second control unit 32b performs the same process as in step S1 shown in Fig. 4 to acquire the remaining battery charge and the operation state of the operation device 26. After performing the process of step S11, the second control unit 32b proceeds to step S12.
[0052] In step S12, the second control unit 32b acquires a predetermined first threshold by reading information stored in the second storage unit 32a. If the remaining battery charge of at least one of the first battery 19a and the second battery 19b acquired in step S11 is less than the first threshold and the operation state of the operation device 26 acquired in step S11 is the first operation state, the second control unit 32b proceeds to step S13. If the remaining battery charge of the first battery 19a and the second battery 19b acquired in step S11 is equal to or greater than the first threshold or if the operation state acquired in step S11 is not the first operation state, the second control unit 32b proceeds to step S14.
[0053] The second control unit 32b may proceed to step S13 if the remaining battery charge of the first battery 19a acquired in step S11 is less than the first threshold and the operation state of the operation device 26 acquired in step S11 is the first operation state, without comparing the remaining battery charge of the second battery 19b with the first threshold in step S12. The second control unit 32b may proceed to step S13 if the remaining battery charge of the second battery 19b acquired in step S11 is less than the first threshold and the operation state acquired in step S11 is the first operation state, without comparing the remaining battery charge of the first battery 19a with the first threshold in step S12. The second control unit 32b may proceed to step S13 only if the remaining battery charges of the first battery 19a and the second battery 19b acquired in step S11 are each less than the first threshold when the operation state acquired in step S11 is the first operation state.
[0054] In step S13, the second control unit 32b does not operate the component 21. For example, the second control unit 32b does not cause the second communication unit 31 to output a wireless signal. After performing the process of step S12, the second control unit 32b ends the second control flow.
[0055] In step S14, if the remaining battery power of the first battery 19a and the second battery 19b acquired in step S11 is equal to or greater than the first threshold and the operation state of the operation device 26 acquired in step S11 is the first operation state, the second control unit 32b proceeds to step S15. If the remaining battery power of at least one of the first battery 19a and the second battery 19b acquired in step S11 is less than the first threshold or the operation state acquired in step S11 is not the first operation state, the second control unit 32b proceeds to step S13.
[0056] In step S14, the second control unit 32b may proceed to step S15 if the remaining battery charge of the first battery 19a is equal to or greater than the first threshold and the operation state of the operation device 26 is the first operation state, without comparing the remaining battery charge of the second battery 19b with the first threshold. In step S14, the second control unit 32b may proceed to step S15 if the remaining battery charge of the second battery 19b is equal to or greater than the first threshold and the operation state of the operation device 26 is the first operation state, without comparing the remaining battery charge of the first battery 19a with the first threshold.
[0057] In step S15, the second control unit 32b operates the component 21. For example, the second control unit 32b outputs a wireless signal corresponding to the first operation state to the second communication unit 31. The wireless signal from the second communication unit 31 is input to the first communication unit 24. The component 21 is operated in response to the wireless signal input to the first communication unit 24. For example, when the operation device 26 is operated so that the operation state of the operation device 26 becomes an operation state related to downshifting, the component 21 is operated to decrease the gear ratio of the human-powered vehicle 10. After performing the process of step S15, the second control unit 32b ends the second control flow.
[0058] By having the second control unit 32b execute the second control flow, the user can confirm that the remaining battery charge is equal to or greater than the first threshold, based on the fact that the component 21 operates when the operation device 26 is in the first operation state. The user can confirm that the remaining battery charge is less than the first threshold, based on the fact that the component 21 does not operate when the operation device 26 is in the first operation state. The second control flow may be executed by the first control unit 25b, instead of the second control unit 32b.
[0059] (Third embodiment) A control system 20 according to a third embodiment will be described. The control system 20 according to the third embodiment will be described with reference to Figs. 3 to 6. The same reference numerals as those in the first and second embodiments are used for the components common to the first and second embodiments, and redundant description will be omitted.
[0060] In this embodiment, the first operating state includes an operating state related to upshifting and an operating state related to downshifting of the gearshift operating device 14b. The operating state includes a second operating state different from the first operating state. The second operating state includes a state in which at least one of the two levers shown in FIG. 3 is swung to the operating position for a predetermined time or longer, and a state in which at least one of the two levers is swung to the operating position multiple times within the predetermined time. The second control unit 32b activates the component 21 when the remaining battery charge is less than the first threshold and the operating state is the second operating state.
[0061] An example of control executed by the second control unit 32b will be described. Fig. 6 is used to explain the example of control executed by the second control unit 32b. The second control unit 32b starts a third control flow according to the flowchart shown in Fig. 6 when a predetermined condition is satisfied. The condition for starting the third control flow is the same as in the first embodiment.
[0062] In step S21, the second control unit 32b performs the same process as in step S1 shown in Fig. 4 to acquire the remaining battery charge and the operation state of the operating device 26. After performing the process of step S21, the second control unit 32b proceeds to step S22.
[0063] 5, in step S22, if the remaining battery charge acquired in step S21 is less than the first threshold and the operation state of the operation device 26 acquired in step S21 is the first operation state, the second control unit 32b proceeds to step S23. If the remaining battery charge acquired in step S21 is equal to or greater than the first threshold or if the operation state acquired in step S21 is not the first operation state, the second control unit 32b proceeds to step S24.
[0064] In step S23, the second control unit 32b does not operate the component 21. After performing the process of step S23, the second control unit 32b ends the third control flow.
[0065] In step S24, if the remaining battery power of the first battery 19a and the second battery 19b acquired in step S21 is equal to or greater than the first threshold and the operation state of the operation device 26 acquired in step S21 is the first operation state, the second control unit 32b proceeds to step S25. If the remaining battery power of at least one of the first battery 19a and the second battery 19b acquired in step S21 is less than the first threshold or the operation state acquired in step S21 is not the first operation state, the second control unit 32b proceeds to step S26.
[0066] In step S24, the second control unit 32b may proceed to step S25 if the remaining battery charge of the first battery 19a is equal to or greater than the first threshold and the operation state of the operation device 26 is the first operation state, without comparing the remaining battery charge of the second battery 19b with the first threshold.In step S24, the second control unit 32b may proceed to step S25 if the remaining battery charge of the second battery 19b is equal to or greater than the first threshold and the operation state of the operation device 26 is the first operation state, without comparing the remaining battery charge of the first battery 19a with the first threshold.
[0067] In step S25, the second control unit 32b operates the component 21. For example, the second control unit 32b causes the second communication unit 31 to output a wireless signal corresponding to the first operation state. After performing the process of step S25, the second control unit 32b ends the third control flow.
[0068] In step S26, if the remaining battery charge of at least one of the first battery 19a and the second battery 19b acquired in step S21 is less than the first threshold and the operation state of the operation device 26 acquired in step S21 is the second operation state, the second control unit 32b proceeds to step S25. If the remaining battery charge of the first battery 19a and the second battery 19b acquired in step S21 is equal to or greater than the first threshold or the operation state acquired in step S21 is not the second operation state, the second control unit 32b proceeds to step S27.
[0069] In step S26, the second control unit 32b may proceed to step S25 if the remaining battery charge of the first battery 19a is less than the first threshold and the operation state of the operation device 26 is the second operation state, without comparing the remaining battery charge of the second battery 19b with the first threshold. In step S26, the second control unit 32b may proceed to step S25 if the remaining battery charge of the second battery 19b is less than the first threshold and the operation state of the operation device 26 is the second operation state, without comparing the remaining battery charge of the first battery 19a with the first threshold. When the operation state of the operation device 26 is the second operation state, the second control unit 32b may proceed to step S25 only if the remaining battery charges of the first battery 19a and the second battery 19b are each less than the first threshold.
[0070] In step S27, the second control unit 32b does not operate the component 21. After performing the process of step S27, the second control unit 32b ends the third control flow.
[0071] By having the second control unit 32b execute the third control flow, the user can activate the component 21 by changing the operation state of the operation device 26 to the second operation state when the remaining battery charge is less than the first threshold. For example, when the remaining battery charge is less than the first threshold, the user can change the gear ratio of the human-powered vehicle 10 by continuously operating the lever of the gear change operation device 14b. The third control flow may be executed by the first control unit 25b instead of the second control unit 32b.
[0072] (Fourth embodiment) A control system 20 according to a fourth embodiment will be described. The control system 20 according to the fourth embodiment will be described using Fig. 4, Fig. 6, and Fig. 7. The same reference numerals as those in the first to third embodiments will be used for the components common to the first to third embodiments, and redundant description will be omitted.
[0073] In this embodiment, the component 21 includes the electric transmission 18. The operating device 26 includes a shift operating device 14b configured to operate the electric transmission 18. The operating states include a first operating state and a third operating state.
[0074] The first operating state includes one of an operating state related to upshifting of the gearshift operating device 14b and an operating state related to downshifting. The third operating state is different from the first operating state. The third operating state includes the other of an operating state related to upshifting of the gearshift operating device 14b and an operating state related to downshifting.
[0075] When the operation state is the third operation state, the second control unit 32b activates the component 21 regardless of the remaining battery charge. An example of the control executed by the second control unit 32b will be described below. FIG. 7 is used to describe the example of the control executed by the second control unit 32b. The second control unit 32b starts a fourth control flow according to the flowchart shown in FIG. 7 when a predetermined condition is satisfied. The condition for starting the fourth control flow is the same as in the first embodiment.
[0076] Steps S31 to S34 are the same as steps S21 to S24 shown in Fig. 6. In step S35, the second control unit 32b activates the component 21. When moving from step S34 to step S35, the second control unit 32b causes the second communication unit 31 to output a wireless signal corresponding to the first operation state. When moving from step S36 to step S35, the second control unit 32b causes the second communication unit 31 to output a wireless signal corresponding to the third operation state. After performing the process of step S35, the second control unit 32b ends the fourth control flow.
[0077] In step S36, if the operation state of the operation device 26 acquired in step S31 is the third operation state, the second control unit 32b proceeds to step S35. If the operation state acquired in step S31 is not the third operation state, the second control unit 32b proceeds to step S37.
[0078] In step S37, the second control unit 32b does not operate the component 21. After performing the process of step S37, the second control unit 32b ends the fourth control flow.
[0079] By having the second control unit 32b execute the fourth control flow, the user can easily check the remaining battery charge based on whether the component 21 is operable when the operation state of the operation device 26 is set to the first operation state. The user can operate the component 21 according to the third operation state regardless of the remaining battery charge. The fourth control flow may be executed by the first control unit 25b instead of the second control unit 32b.
[0080] Tables 1 and 2 show the relationship between the operation states for upshifting, the operation states for downshifting, and whether or not gear shifting is possible in this embodiment.
[0081] [Table 1] In Table 1, the first operating state includes an operating state related to a downshift. The third operating state includes an operating state related to an upshift. The user can operate the component 21 to increase the gear ratio of the human-powered vehicle 10 by operating the gear change operating device 14b, regardless of the remaining battery charge.
[0082] [Table 2] In Table 2, the first operating state includes an operating state related to an upshift. The third operating state includes an operating state related to a downshift. The user can operate the component 21 to decrease the gear ratio of the human-powered vehicle 10 by operating the gear change operating device 14b, regardless of the remaining battery charge.
[0083] In the fourth control flow, when the remaining battery charge is less than the first threshold value and the operation state of the operation device 26 is the second operation state, the second control unit 32b may operate the component 21 by causing the second communication unit 31 to output a wireless signal corresponding to the first operation state.
[0084] (Fifth embodiment) A control system 40 according to a fifth embodiment will be described. The control system 40 according to the fifth embodiment will be described with reference to Figs. 4 to 8. The same reference numerals as those in the first to fourth embodiments will be used to designate components common to the first to fourth embodiments, and redundant description will be omitted.
[0085] The control system 40 includes a component 41 and an operating device 42. In this embodiment, the component 41 includes at least one of the electric transmission 18, an electric suspension 41a, an electric seat post 41b, and a drive unit 41c.
[0086] The electric suspension 41a is configured to absorb shocks applied to the human-powered vehicle 10. The electric suspension 41a includes an electric actuator. The electric suspension 41a is configured so that its operating parameters can be changed by driving the electric actuator. The operating parameters include a damping rate, a stroke amount, and a lockout state. The electric suspension 41a is provided on at least one of the front wheel 16 and the rear wheel 17.
[0087] The electric seat post 41b is configured to change the height of the seat 13. The electric seat post 41b includes an electric actuator. The electric actuator includes an electric motor, a solenoid, and the like. The electric seat post 41b is configured to be able to extend and retract the seat post 13a by driving the electric actuator. The height of the seat 13 relative to the frame 12 changes as the seat post 13a extends and retracts.
[0088] The drive unit 41c is configured to provide propulsive force to the human-powered vehicle 10. The drive unit 41c is configured to provide propulsive force to the human-powered vehicle 10 in response to human-powered driving force input to the human-powered vehicle 10. The drive unit 41c is disposed, for example, near the bottom bracket of the human-powered vehicle 10. The drive unit 41c may be disposed near the front wheel 16 and the rear wheel 17. The drive unit 41c includes an electric motor. The electric motor is provided in a power transmission path of the human-powered driving force from the pedals 11c to the rear wheel 17, or to transmit rotation to the front wheel 16. In addition to the electric motor, the drive unit 41c may also include a reducer that connects the electric motor to the crank 11.
[0089] The operation device 42 includes at least one of a gear shift operation device 14b, a suspension operation device 42a, a seat post operation device 42b, and an assist operation device 42c. The suspension operation device 42a is configured to allow the user to perform an operation to change the operating parameters of the electric suspension 41a. The seat post operation device 42b is configured to allow the user to perform an operation to change the height of the seat 13. The assist operation device 42c is configured to allow the user to perform an operation to switch the assist mode of the drive unit 41c.
[0090] At least one of the first control unit 25b of the component 41 and the second control unit 32b of the operation device 42 executes one of the control flows from the first control flow shown in Fig. 4 to the fourth control flow shown in Fig. 7. For example, the second control unit 32b of the operation device 42 executes the first control flow.
[0091] By executing the control flow, at least one of the electric transmission 18, the electric suspension 41a, the electric seat post 41b, and the drive unit 41c is controlled according to the remaining battery charge and the operating state of the operating device 26. For example, if the remaining battery charge of the first battery 19a is less than a first threshold, the electric suspension 41a is activated by operating the suspension operating device 42a for a predetermined period of time or longer. The user can easily check the remaining battery charge of the battery 19 that supplies power to the electric suspension 41a.
[0092] (Sixth embodiment) A control system 50 according to a sixth embodiment will be described. The control system 50 according to the sixth embodiment will be described using Fig. 2, Fig. 9, and Fig. 10. The same reference numerals as those in the first to fifth embodiments will be used to designate components common to the first to fifth embodiments, and redundant description will be omitted.
[0093] The control system 50 of this embodiment differs from the control systems 20 of the first to fifth embodiments in that the operating device that can operate the first component 61 is switched depending on the remaining battery power.
[0094] In this embodiment, the battery 49 supplies power to the operating device 70. The battery 49 includes, for example, at least one of a non-rechargeable battery and a rechargeable battery. The battery 49 includes a first battery 49a and a second battery 49b different from the first battery 49a. The first battery 49a supplies power to the first operating device 71. The second battery 49b supplies power to the second operating device 75.
[0095] The control system 50 includes a component 60 of the human-powered vehicle 10, an operating device 70 that receives power from a battery 49 and is configured to operate the component 60, and a control unit that is configured to control the component 60 in accordance with the operating state of the operating device 70 and the remaining battery charge of the battery 49. In this embodiment, the control unit includes a first control unit 62b that is configured to execute control related to a first component 61 of the component 60. The operating state of the operating device 70 includes at least the operating state of a second operating device 75. FIG. 9 shows an example of the control system 50. The control system 50 shown in FIG. 9 includes the component 60 and the operating device 70.
[0096] The component 60 includes a first component 61 and a second component 63 that is different from the first component 61. The first component 61 is mounted on the human-powered vehicle 10. The first component 61 includes an electric transmission 18. The electric transmission 18 is equipped with a first control device 62.
[0097] The first control device 62 includes a first storage unit 62a and a first control unit 62b. The first storage unit 62a is configured similarly to the first storage unit 25a shown in Fig. 2. The first control unit 62b is configured to execute control related to the first component 61. The first control unit 62b includes an arithmetic processing unit, similar to the first control unit 25b shown in Fig. 2.
[0098] The first component 61 is configured to be able to communicate with the first operating device 71 by wire or wirelessly. For example, an operating signal is input to the first component 61 from the first operating device 71. The first component 61 is configured to be able to communicate with the second operating device 75 by wire or wirelessly. For example, an operating signal is input to the first component 61 from the second operating device 75.
[0099] The second component 63 is mounted on the human-powered vehicle 10. The second component 63 includes a drive unit 41c. The drive unit 41c is equipped with a second control device 64. The second control device 64 includes a second memory unit 64a and a second control unit 64b. The second memory unit 64a is configured similarly to the first memory unit 62a. The second control unit 64b is configured to execute control related to the second component 63. The second control unit 64b, like the first control unit 62b, includes an arithmetic processing device. The second component 63 is connected to a second operating device 75. The second component 63 is not connected to the first operating device 71.
[0100] The operating device 70 includes a first operating device 71 that receives power from the first battery 49a and is configured to operate the first component 61, and a second operating device 75 that receives power from the second battery 49b and is configured to operate the second component 63. The first operating device 71 includes a gearshift operating device 14b. The gearshift operating device 14b includes a first battery holding unit 72, a first detection unit 73, and a third control device 74.
[0101] The first battery holding unit 72 holds the first battery 49a. The first detection unit 73 has a configuration similar to that of the detection unit 30 shown in Fig. 2. The first detection unit 73 includes a remaining battery level detection unit that detects the remaining battery level of the first battery 49a, and an operation state detection unit that detects the operation state of the first operating device 71. The operation state of the first operating device 71 includes at least one of the operation state of the lever and the operation state of the button of the first operating device 71, similar to the operation state of the operating device 26 in the first embodiment.
[0102] The third control device 74 includes a third storage unit 74a and a third control unit 74b. The third storage unit 74a is configured similarly to the first storage unit 62a. The third control unit 74b is configured to execute control related to the first operating device 71. Like the first control unit 62b, the third control unit 74b includes an arithmetic processing unit.
[0103] The second operating device 75 includes, for example, an assist operating device 42c. The assist operating device 42c includes a second battery holding unit 76, a second detecting unit 77, and a fourth control device 78.
[0104] The second battery holding unit 76 holds the second battery 49b. The second detection unit 77 has a configuration similar to that of the detection unit 30 shown in FIG. 2. The second detection unit 77 includes a remaining battery level detection unit that detects the remaining battery level of the second battery 49b, and an operation state detection unit that detects the operation state of the second operating device 75. The operation state of the second operating device 75 includes at least one of the operation state of the lever and the operation state of the button of the second operating device 75, similar to the operation state of the operating device 26 in the first embodiment.
[0105] The fourth control device 78 includes a fourth storage unit 77a and a fourth control unit 77b. The fourth storage unit 77a is configured similarly to the first storage unit 62a. The fourth control unit 77b is configured to execute control related to the second operating device 75. The fourth control unit 77b includes an arithmetic processing unit, similar to the first control unit 62b.
[0106] In this embodiment, the first operating device 71 of the operating device 70 outputs an operating signal corresponding to the operating state detected by the first detecting unit 73 to the first component 61. The second operating device 75 outputs an operating signal corresponding to the operating state detected by the second detecting unit 77 to the first component 61 and the second component 63.
[0107] The second control device 64 activates the second component 63 in response to an operation signal from the second operating device 75. For example, the second control device 64 changes the assist mode. The first control device 62 controls the first component 61 in response to the remaining battery charge of the first battery 49a and the operation signal from the second operating device 75. The first control unit 62b of the first control device 62 does not activate the first component 61 in response to the operation state of the second operating device 75 when the remaining battery charge of the first battery 49a is equal to or greater than a first threshold, and activates the first component 61 in response to the operation state of the second operating device 75 when the remaining battery charge of the first battery 49a is less than the first threshold.
[0108] An example of control executed by the first control unit 62b will be described below. Fig. 10 is used to describe the example of control executed by the first control unit 62b. The first control unit 62b starts a fifth control flow according to the flowchart shown in Fig. 10 when a predetermined condition is satisfied. For example, the first control unit 62b starts a fourth control flow when an operation signal is output from the second operation device 75 to the first component 61.
[0109] In step S41, the first control unit 62b acquires the remaining battery charge of the first battery 49a and the operation state of the second operating device 75. The first control unit 62b acquires the operation state of the second operating device 75 based on an operation signal output from the second operating device 75. The first control unit 62b requests information regarding the remaining battery charge of the first battery 49a from the first operating device 71. The third control unit 74b inputs a signal regarding the remaining battery charge to the first component 61. The first control unit 62b acquires the remaining battery charge of the first battery 49a based on the signal from the third control unit 74b. After performing the process of step S41, the first control unit 62b proceeds to step S42.
[0110] In step S42, if the remaining battery charge acquired in step S41 is equal to or greater than the first threshold, the first control unit 62b proceeds to step S43. If the remaining battery charge acquired in step S41 is less than the first threshold, the first control unit 62b proceeds to step S44.
[0111] In step S43, the first control unit 62b does not operate the first component 61 in accordance with the operation state of the second operation device 75 acquired in step S41. After performing the process of step S43, the first control unit 62b ends the fifth control flow.
[0112] In step S44, the first control unit 62b operates the first component 61 in accordance with the operating state of the second operating device 75 acquired in step S41. For example, in accordance with an operation to change the assist mode of the drive unit 41c from the first assist mode to a second assist mode different from the first assist mode, the first control unit 62b operates the electric motor of the electric transmission 18 so as to reduce the gear ratio of the human-powered vehicle 10. After performing the processing of step S44, the first control unit 62b ends the fifth control flow.
[0113] By the first control unit 62b executing the fifth control flow, the user can confirm that the remaining battery charge of the first battery 49a is less than the first threshold value based on the first component 61 operating in response to the operation of the second operating device 75.
[0114] When an operation signal is output from the first operating device 71, the first control unit 62b may execute a control flow similar to the fifth control flow. By executing the control flow, the first control unit 62b activates the first component 61 in response to the operation signal from the first operating device 71 if the remaining battery charge of the first battery 49a is equal to or greater than a first threshold, and does not activate the first component 61 in response to the operation signal from the first operating device 71 if the remaining battery charge of the first battery 49a is less than the first threshold. The user can activate the first component 61 regardless of the remaining battery charge of the first battery 49a by selectively using the first operating device 71 and the second operating device 75.
[0115] (Seventh embodiment) A control system 80 according to a seventh embodiment will be described. The control system 80 according to the seventh embodiment will be described with reference to Fig. 10 and Fig. 11. The same reference numerals as those in the first to sixth embodiments will be used to designate components common to the first to sixth embodiments, and redundant description will be omitted.
[0116] In this embodiment, the control system 80 is configured such that the fifth control flow shown in Fig. 10 is executed by the fourth control unit 98b of the operating device 70, rather than the first control unit 62b of the component 60. The third control device 74 of the first operating device 71 shown in Fig. 11 includes a third storage unit 74a and a third control unit 94b. The third control unit 94b is configured to be able to communicate with the fourth control unit 98b of the second operating device 75 via wired or wireless communication. For example, the third control unit 94b outputs a signal corresponding to the remaining battery power of the first battery 49a to the fourth control unit 98b at predetermined time intervals.
[0117] The fourth control device 78 of the second operating device 75 includes a fourth storage unit 78a and a fourth control unit 98b. When the second detection unit 77 detects a predetermined operating state, the fourth control unit 98b executes the fifth control flow shown in Fig. 10. In step S44 of the fifth control flow, the fourth control unit 98b outputs an operating signal to the first component 61, thereby operating the first component 61 in accordance with the operating state of the second operating device 75.
[0118] (Eighth embodiment) A control system 80 according to an eighth embodiment will be described. Fig. 12 will be used to describe the control system 80 according to the eighth embodiment. The same reference numerals as those in the first to seventh embodiments will be used to designate components common to the first to seventh embodiments, and redundant description will be omitted.
[0119] In this embodiment, the first component 61 includes one of the electric transmission 18, the electric seat post 41b, the electric suspension 41a, and the drive unit 41c. The second component 63 includes one of the electric transmission 18, the electric seat post 41b, the electric suspension 41a, and the drive unit 41c, which is different from the first component 61.
[0120] Fig. 12 shows an example of a combination of the first component 61 and the second component 63 in this embodiment. In this embodiment, one or two combinations are selected from the combinations shown in Fig. 12. For example, one combination is selected in which the first component 61 is the drive unit 41c and the second component 63 is the electric transmission 18.
[0121] 12, the two combinations are selected so that the components do not overlap. For example, a combination in which the first component 61 is the electric transmission 18 and the second component 63 is the drive unit 41c, and a combination in which the first component 61 is the electric seat post 41b and the second component 63 is the electric suspension 41a are selected.
[0122] By selecting a combination of the first component 61 and the second component 63, the user can easily check the remaining battery charge of the first battery 19a required to operate at least one component of the electric transmission 18, the electric suspension 41a, the electric seat post 41b, and the drive unit 41c.
[0123] (Ninth embodiment) A control system 20 according to a ninth embodiment will be described. Fig. 2 will be used to describe the control system 20 according to the ninth embodiment. The same reference numerals as those in the first to eighth embodiments will be used to designate components common to the first to eighth embodiments, and redundant description will be omitted.
[0124] In this embodiment, the control system 20 includes a component 21 of the human-powered vehicle 10 that includes a first communication unit 24 and receives power from a first battery 19a; an operation device 26 that includes a second communication unit 31 configured to communicate with the first communication unit 24 and receives power from a second battery 19b different from the first battery 19a and is configured to operate the component 21 of the human-powered vehicle 10; and control units 25b and 32b configured to set the power consumption mode of the component 21 to one of a first power consumption mode and a second power consumption mode that consumes less power than the first power consumption mode in response to a user command. In this embodiment, the control units 25b and 32b include at least one of a first control unit 25b configured to execute control of the component 21 and a second control unit 32b configured to execute control of the operation device 26. FIG. 2 shows an example of the control system 20. In the control system 20 shown in FIG. 2, the component 21 includes, for example, an electric transmission 18. The operating device 26 includes a transmission operating device 14 b configured to operate the electric transmission 18 .
[0125] The electric transmission 18 has a plurality of modes related to power consumption. The plurality of modes include a first power consumption mode and a second power consumption mode. In the first power consumption mode, the first control unit 25b operates the electric motor in response to operation of the operating device 26, thereby changing the gear ratio of the human-powered vehicle 10. In the second power consumption mode, the first control unit 25b does not operate the electric motor in response to operation of the operating device 26.
[0126] When the operation device 26 is not operated for a predetermined time or longer while the component 21 is set to the first power consumption mode, the first control unit 25b automatically switches the mode of the component 21 to the second power consumption mode. The first control unit 25b switches between the first power consumption mode and the second power consumption mode in response to a user command. For example, when the operation device 26 is operated while the component 21 is set to the second power consumption mode, the first control unit 25b switches the mode of the component 21 to the first power consumption mode.
[0127] When a predetermined operation is performed on a predetermined device while component 21 is set to the first power consumption mode, first control unit 25b switches the mode of component 21 to the second power consumption mode. For example, when the lever of gear shift operating device 14b is moved to the operating position for a predetermined period of time or longer, first control unit 25b switches the mode of component 21 to the second power consumption mode.
[0128] The first control unit 25b may switch the mode of the component 21 to the second power consumption mode in response to an operation on a device other than the gear shift operating device 14b. The first control unit 25b may switch the mode of the component 21 to the second power consumption mode in response to an operation on a smartphone, for example. When the mode of the component 21 is switched to the second power consumption mode in response to an operation on the smartphone, the first communication unit 24 is configured to be able to communicate with a communication unit of the smartphone. For example, the smartphone outputs a signal to the first communication unit 24 when a predetermined app is launched and a predetermined button is touched. The first control unit 25b switches the mode related to power consumption of the component 21 to the second power consumption mode based on the signal output to the first communication unit 24.
[0129] The first control unit 25b switches the mode related to power consumption of the component 21 to the second power consumption mode in response to a command from the user, thereby quickly switching to the second power consumption mode.
[0130] (Tenth embodiment) A control system 20 according to a tenth embodiment will be described. The control system 20 according to the tenth embodiment will be described with reference to Fig. 2 and Fig. 13. The same reference numerals as those in the first to ninth embodiments will be used to designate components common to the first to ninth embodiments, and redundant description will be omitted.
[0131] In this embodiment, the control unit is configured to intermittently receive a signal from the second communication unit 31 via wireless communication when the mode related to power consumption of the component 21 is set to the second power consumption mode. In this embodiment, the control unit includes a first control unit 25b configured to execute control related to the component 21.
[0132] An example of control executed by first control unit 25b will be described below. Fig. 13 is used to explain the example of control executed by first control unit 25b. First control unit 25b starts a sixth control flow according to the flowchart shown in Fig. 13 when a predetermined condition is satisfied. For example, first control unit 25b starts the sixth control flow when power supply from a predetermined power source starts.
[0133] In step S51, if the mode of component 21 is the second power consumption mode, first control unit 25b proceeds to step S52. If the mode of component 21 is not the second power consumption mode, first control unit 25b ends the sixth control flow.
[0134] In step S52, the first control unit 25b intermittently receives a signal from the second communication unit 31. For example, the first control unit 25b outputs a predetermined signal to the second communication unit 31 of the operating device 26, thereby controlling the second communication unit 31 to output a signal from the second communication unit 31 to the first communication unit 24 at predetermined time intervals. After performing the process of step S52, the first control unit 25b ends the sixth control flow.
[0135] The first control unit 25b executes the sixth control flow, thereby reducing the amount of power consumed by the battery 19 in the second power consumption mode. The reception interval of the intermittent reception in the second power consumption mode may be changed in response to a predetermined operation of an operating device.
[0136] Even when the mode of the component 21 is the first power consumption mode, the first control unit 25b may be configured to intermittently receive a signal from the second communication unit 31. When the first control unit 25b intermittently receives a signal from the second communication unit 31 in the first power consumption mode, the reception interval of the intermittent reception in the second power consumption mode is longer than the reception interval of the intermittent reception in the first power consumption mode.
[0137] (Variation) The description of each embodiment is merely an example of a form that the present invention can take, and is not intended to limit the present invention. For example, the present invention can take the form of a modified example of each embodiment shown below, or a combination of at least two modified examples that are not mutually contradictory.
[0138] For example, the configuration of the human-powered vehicle 10 in each embodiment is an example, and the human-powered vehicle 10 may include various devices not shown in each embodiment, or may be configured not to include some of the various devices shown in each embodiment.
[0139] The various thresholds used in the control exemplified in each embodiment are not limited and may be set arbitrarily. The various thresholds may be changed arbitrarily by operating a predetermined operating device, etc. The first thresholds used in the controls of the second to fifth embodiments are not related to each other, and different values may be set for each control.
[0140] The configurations illustrated in each embodiment may be combined with each other to the extent that they are not mutually contradictory. The process contents and process order of the flowcharts illustrated in each embodiment are examples, and the process contents and process order can be changed as appropriate within the scope of the present invention.
[0141] 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" if 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" if the number of options is three or more. The term "system" used in this specification may be read as "device." [Explanation of symbols]
[0142] 10...human-powered vehicle, 14b...speed change operation device, 18...electric transmission, 19...battery, 19a...first battery, 19b...second battery, 20...control system, 21...component, 24...first communication unit, 25b...first control unit, 26...operation device, 31...second communication unit, 32b...second control unit, 41a...electric suspension, 41b...electric seat post, 41c...drive unit, 49...battery, 49a...first battery, 49b...second battery, 50...control system, 60...component, 61...first component, 62b...first control unit, 63...second component, 70...operation device, 71...first operation device, 75...second operation device, 98b...fourth control unit
Claims
1. 1. A control system for a human-powered vehicle, comprising: a component of the human-powered vehicle including a first communication unit and powered by a first battery; an operating device including a second communication unit configured to communicate with the first communication unit, powered by a second battery different from the first battery, and configured to operate components of the human-powered vehicle; a control unit configured to control the component in accordance with an operation state of the operating device and a remaining battery charge of at least one of the first battery and the second battery; Including, Control system.
2. the operation state includes a first operation state, The control unit activating the component when the remaining battery charge is equal to or greater than a first threshold and the operation state is the first operation state; When the remaining battery charge is less than the first threshold and the operation state is the first operation state, the component is not operated. The control system of claim 1 .
3. the operation state includes a second operation state different from the first operation state, The control unit activating the component when the remaining battery charge is less than the first threshold and the operating state is the second operating state; The control system of claim 2 .
4. the operation state includes a third operation state different from the first operation state, The control unit When the operation state is the third operation state, the component is operated regardless of the remaining battery charge.
4. A control system according to claim 2 or 3.
5. the component includes an electric transmission; the operating device includes a shift operating device configured to operate the electric transmission, the first operation state includes one of an operation state related to an upshift and an operation state related to a downshift of the gear shift operation device, the third operation state includes the other of an operation state related to an upshift of the gear shift operation device and an operation state related to a downshift, The control system of claim 4.
6. the first operation state includes an operation state related to an upshift of the gear change operation device, The third operation state includes an operation state related to a downshift of the gear shift operation device. The control system of claim 5 .
7. 1. A control system for a human-powered vehicle, comprising: a component of the human-powered vehicle; an operating device powered by the battery and configured to operate the component; a control unit configured to control the component according to an operation state of the operating device and the remaining battery charge of the battery; Equipped with the components include a first component and a second component different from the first component; the batteries include a first battery and a second battery different from the first battery; the operating device includes a first operating device that is powered by the first battery and configured to operate the first component, and a second operating device that is powered by the second battery and configured to operate the second component; The control unit When the remaining battery charge of the first battery is equal to or greater than a first threshold, the first component is not operated in accordance with the operation state of the second operating device; When the remaining battery charge of the first battery is less than a first threshold, actuating the first component in accordance with the operation state of the second operating device. Control system.
8. the first component includes one of an electronic derailleur, an electronic seat post, an electronic suspension, and a drive unit; the second component includes any one of the electric transmission, the electric seat post, the electric suspension, and the drive unit, which is different from the first component; The control system of claim 7.
9. the first component includes the electric transmission; the second component includes the drive unit; The control system of claim 8.
10. 1. A control system for a human-powered vehicle, comprising: a component of the human-powered vehicle including a first communication unit and powered by a first battery; an operating device including a second communication unit configured to communicate with the first communication unit, powered by a second battery different from the first battery, and configured to operate components of the human-powered vehicle; a control unit configured to set a mode related to power consumption of the component to one of a first power consumption mode and a second power consumption mode in which power consumption is lower than that of the first power consumption mode in response to a user command; Including, the control unit is configured to intermittently receive a signal from the second communication unit via wireless communication when a mode related to power consumption of the component is set to the second power consumption mode. Control system.
11. A control system for a human-powered vehicle, comprising: a component of the human-powered vehicle including a first communication unit and powered by a first battery; an operating device including a second communication unit configured to communicate with the first communication unit, powered by a second battery different from the first battery, and configured to operate components of the human-powered vehicle; a control unit configured to set a mode related to power consumption of the component to one of a first power consumption mode and a second power consumption mode in which power consumption is lower than that of the first power consumption mode in response to a user command; Including, the control unit is configured to switch the mode to the second power consumption mode when the operation device is not operated for a predetermined time or longer in the first power consumption mode. Control system.
Citation Information
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