Components and control systems for human-powered vehicles

Abstract

To provide a component which enables a user to check the residual quantity of a first battery easily.SOLUTION: A component includes: a wireless communication unit configured to perform wireless communication with an electronic device having a notification part; a battery holding part configured to hold a first battery; and a control unit configured to control the wireless communication unit. The control unit causes the wireless communication unit to automatically output a wireless signal regarding a residual quantity of the first battery according to the residual quantity of the first battery.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 2

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to components and technology for control systems for human-powered vehicles. [Background technology]

[0002] Components and control systems for human-powered vehicles are known. For example, Patent Document 1 discloses a control system technology having a component including 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 according to the signal from the operating unit. The operating unit is configured to be able to communicate wirelessly when power is supplied from a power source. The power source includes, for example, a battery. [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 components and control systems, the remaining battery charge is not automatically reported, making it difficult for the user to check the remaining charge.

[0005] An object of the present disclosure is to provide a component and a control system for a human-powered vehicle that allows a user to easily check the remaining battery charge. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] A control device according to a first aspect of the present disclosure is a component for a human-powered vehicle, and includes a wireless communication unit configured to wirelessly communicate with an electronic device having a notification unit, a battery holding unit configured to hold a first battery, and a control unit configured to control the wireless communication unit, wherein the control unit automatically outputs a wireless signal related to the remaining charge of the first battery to the wireless communication unit according to the remaining charge of the first battery, and causes the notification unit to perform a notification operation according to the remaining charge of the first battery. Notification status changes Conduct The notification unit includes a plurality of devices, and a change in the notification state of the notification unit includes switching the device that notifies the remaining amount. . According to the component of the first aspect, a wireless signal regarding the remaining charge of the first battery is automatically sent to the electronic device according to the remaining charge of the first battery, without the user having to perform any operation to notify the remaining charge of the battery, so that the user can easily check the remaining charge via the electronic device.

[0007] In the component of the second aspect according to the first aspect, the control unit is operated by power supplied from the first battery. According to the component of the second aspect, the user can easily check the remaining charge of the first battery that supplies power to the control unit.

[0008] In the component of the third aspect according to the first aspect or the second aspect, the wireless signal includes a first command for causing the alarm unit to start an alarm. According to the component of the third aspect, the electronic device can start notifying the remaining charge of the first battery depending on the remaining charge of the first battery.

[0009] In the component of the fourth aspect according to any one of the first to third aspects, the wireless signal includes a second command for changing the notification state of the notification unit. According to the component of the fourth aspect, the user can easily check the remaining charge of the first battery by changing the notification state.

[0010] In a component according to any one of the first to fourth aspects, the control unit causes the wireless communication unit to output a wireless signal when the remaining charge of the first battery is less than a first threshold. According to the component of the fifth aspect, the user can easily confirm that the remaining charge of the first battery is less than the first threshold.

[0011] In a component of a sixth aspect according to any one of the first to fifth aspects, the control unit causes the wireless communication unit to output a wireless signal when the remaining charge of the first battery decreases from a second threshold or more to less than the second threshold. According to the component of the sixth aspect, the user can easily confirm that the remaining charge of the first battery has fallen below the second threshold.

[0012] The component of the seventh aspect according to any one of the first to sixth aspects constitutes at least one of an operating device, an electric derailleur, an electric seat post, an electric suspension, a drive unit, an air pressure detection device, a power meter, a lamp, a display, and a cycle computer. According to the component of the seventh aspect, the user can check the remaining charge of the first battery by a wireless signal output from at least one wireless communication unit of the operating device, electric gear shifter, electric seat post, electric suspension, drive unit, air pressure detection device, power meter, lamp, display, and cycle computer.

[0013] 1st to 3rd 6 In the component of the eighth aspect according to any one of the aspects, an operating unit is further provided for operating other components mounted on the human-powered vehicle, and the control unit outputs an operating signal to the wireless communication unit in response to operation of the operating unit. According to the component of the eighth aspect, the control unit can control notification of the remaining charge of the first battery and control operations of other components.

[0014] In a component of the ninth aspect according to the eighth aspect, the operation signal includes a gear shift signal. According to the component of the eighth aspect, the control unit can perform control relating to notification of the remaining charge of the first battery and control relating to the gear shift operation.

[0015] A control system for a human-powered vehicle according to a tenth aspect of the present disclosure includes an electronic device and a component according to any one of the first to ninth aspects. According to the control system for a human-powered vehicle of the tenth aspect, a wireless signal regarding the remaining charge of the first battery is automatically sent to the electronic device in accordance with the remaining charge of the first battery, without the user having to perform any operation to notify the user of the remaining charge of the battery, so the user can easily check the remaining charge via the electronic device.

[0016] In the control system for a human-powered vehicle of the eleventh aspect according to the tenth aspect, the electronic device includes at least one of a portable communication device, a display, a cycle computer, a vibration generator, a light generator, and a sound generator. According to the control system for a human-powered vehicle of the tenth aspect, the user can check the remaining charge of the first battery by receiving notifications from at least one of the portable communication device, the display, the cycle computer, the vibration generator, the light generator, and the sound generator. [Effects of the Invention]

[0017] The components and control system of the present disclosure allow the user to easily check the remaining charge of the first battery. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0018] [Figure 1] 1 is a side view showing a human-powered vehicle including components according to a first embodiment. [Figure 2] 1 is a block diagram illustrating an example of a component and an electronic device. [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] 13 is a flowchart showing a control flow in the fifth embodiment. [Figure 9] FIG. 13 is a block diagram showing an example of a component and an electronic device according to a sixth embodiment. [Figure 10] FIG. 20 is a block diagram showing an example of a component according to the seventh embodiment. [Figure 11] FIG. 13 is a block diagram showing an example of a control system according to an eighth embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0019] (First embodiment) A human-powered vehicle 1 including a component 90 according to a first embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. 1 to 4. The human-powered vehicle 1 is a vehicle that has at least one wheel and can be propelled at least by human-powered driving force. Examples of the human-powered vehicle 1 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 1 has is not limited. Examples of the human-powered vehicle 1 include unicycles and vehicles with two or more wheels. The human-powered vehicle 1 is not limited to vehicles that can be propelled solely by human-powered driving force. The human-powered vehicle 1 also includes E-bikes that use not only human-powered 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 1 will be described as a bicycle.

[0020] The human-powered vehicle 1 includes a crank 10, a frame 20, a seat 30, a handlebar 40, a fork 50, a front wheel 60, a rear wheel 70, a first battery 80, and a component 90.

[0021] 1 includes a crankshaft 11 that is rotatable relative to a frame 20, and a pair of crank arms 12 that are provided at both axial ends of the crankshaft 11. Pedals 13 are connected to the pair of crank arms 12, respectively.

[0022] A seat 30 is attached to the frame 20 via a seat post 31. The seat post 31 includes an electric seat post. The frame 20 rotatably supports a handlebar 40 and a fork 50. The handlebar 40 is configured so that it can be grasped by a user. When the handlebar 40 rotates relative to the frame 20, the fork 50 rotates, and the direction of travel of the human-powered vehicle 1 changes. A cycle computer 41 and the like are attached to the handlebar 40.

[0023] The front wheel 60 is rotatably attached to the fork 50. The front wheel 60 includes a rim 61 to which a tire is attached, a plurality of spokes 62, and a disc rotor 63. An air pressure detection device 64 that detects information related to the air pressure of the tire is provided on the valve of the tire of the front wheel 60. The rear wheel 70 is configured to rotate relative to the frame 20. The rear wheel 70 includes a rim 71 to which a tire is attached, a plurality of spokes 72, and a disc rotor 73. An air pressure detection device 74 is provided on the valve of the tire of the rear wheel 70.

[0024] The first battery 80 shown in FIGS. 1 to 3 supplies power to devices. The devices include components mounted on the human-powered vehicle 1 and peripheral devices of the human-powered vehicle 1. In this embodiment, the first battery 80 supplies power to the components 90. The first battery 80 includes, for example, at least one of a non-rechargeable battery and a rechargeable battery. The rechargeable battery is charged with power from an external power source. When supplying power to multiple devices, the first battery 80 may include multiple batteries that respectively supply power to the multiple devices. The first battery 80 may include one battery that supplies power to the multiple devices.

[0025] The component 90 is a component 90 for a human-powered vehicle and includes a wireless communication unit 95 configured to wirelessly communicate with an electronic device 200 having an alarm unit 202, a battery holding unit 92 configured to hold a first battery 80, and a control unit 96b configured to control the wireless communication unit 95. An example of the component 90 is shown in FIGS. 1 to 3. The component 90 shown in FIGS. 1 to 3 constitutes a shifter for performing a gear shift operation to change the gear ratio of the human-powered vehicle 1. The gear ratio indicates the ratio of the rotational speed of the rear wheel 70 to the rotational speed of the crankshaft 11. The gear ratio is calculated by dividing the number of teeth of the front sprocket with which the chain engages by the number of teeth of the rear sprocket with which the chain engages. As shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, the component 90 includes a base unit 91, a battery holding unit 92, an operation unit 93, a remaining battery charge detection unit 94, a wireless communication unit 95, and a control device 96.

[0026] The base unit 91 shown in FIG. 3 is detachably attached to the handlebar 40. The battery holder 92 is provided inside the base unit 91. The operating unit 93 includes a lever configured to swing relative to the base unit 91. The user can perform gear shifting operations by swinging the operating unit 93 in a predetermined direction. The gear shifting operation activates the electric transmission 100 provided in the human-powered vehicle 1.

[0027] The electric transmission 100 shown in FIG. 1 changes the gear ratio of the human-powered vehicle 1. The electric transmission 100 includes an external derailleur. The external derailleur includes at least one of a front derailleur and a rear derailleur. In this embodiment, the electric transmission 100 includes a front derailleur and a rear derailleur. The front derailleur is configured to drive an electric motor in conjunction with a gear shifting operation, thereby shifting the chain between multiple front sprockets. The rear derailleur is configured to drive an electric motor in conjunction with a gear shifting operation, thereby shifting the chain between multiple rear sprockets.

[0028] The remaining charge detection unit 94 shown in FIG. 2 is configured to detect the remaining charge of the first battery 80. The remaining charge detection unit 94 is configured to be able to communicate with the control unit 96b via wired or wireless communication. The remaining charge detection unit 94 outputs a signal corresponding to the remaining charge of the first battery 80 to the control unit 96b. The signal output from the remaining charge detection unit 94 may include first remaining charge information indicating the remaining charge of the first battery 80 itself, or may include second remaining charge information different from the first remaining charge information. The second remaining charge information includes, for example, information used by the control unit 96b to at least one of detect and calculate the remaining charge state of the first battery 80. For example, if the signal output from the remaining charge detection unit 94 includes second remaining charge information indicating the voltage value of the first battery 80, the control unit 96b can calculate the remaining charge of the first battery 80 based on the voltage value. The remaining charge detection unit 94 may be located separately from the component 90.

[0029] The wireless communication unit 95 is connected to the electronic device 200 by wireless communication. The wireless communication unit 95 can output a wireless signal to the electronic device 200. The wireless communication unit 95 may be configured to communicate according to an existing communication standard such as Bluetooth (registered trademark) and ANT+ (registered trademark), or may be configured to communicate according to a unique communication standard.

[0030] The control device 96 includes a storage unit 96a and a control unit 96b. The storage unit 96a stores various control programs and information used in various control processes. The storage unit 96a includes, for example, a non-volatile memory and a volatile memory.

[0031] The control unit 96b is configured to execute control related to the component 90. The control unit 96b 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 control unit 96b may include one or more microcomputers.

[0032] The control unit 96b is operated by power supplied from the first battery 80. The control unit 96b is configured to be able to communicate with the wireless communication unit 95 via wired or wireless communication. The control unit 96b controls the wireless communication unit 95 by outputting a signal to the wireless communication unit 95. For example, the control unit 96b controls the wireless communication unit 95 to cause the wireless communication unit 95 to output a wireless signal related to the remaining charge of the first battery 80 to the electronic device 200.

[0033] The electronic device 200 shown in FIGS. 2 and 3 is configured to be able to notify various types of information. The electronic device 200 includes at least one of a component mounted on the human-powered vehicle 1 and a peripheral device of the human-powered vehicle 1. In this embodiment, the electronic device 200 includes a peripheral device of the human-powered vehicle 1. The electronic device 200 includes a smartphone. Power is supplied to the electronic device 200 from a second battery 280 different from the first battery 80. In this embodiment, the second battery 280 is built into the electronic device 200. The electronic device 200 includes a wireless communication unit 201 and a notification unit 202.

[0034] The wireless communication unit 201 has the same configuration as the wireless communication unit 95 of the component 90. The alarm unit 202 is configured to notify various types of information. The alarm unit 202 includes at least one of a vibration generating unit 202a, a light generating unit 202b, and a sound generating unit 202c. In this embodiment, the alarm unit 202 includes the vibration generating unit 202a, the light generating unit 202b, and the sound generating unit 202c.

[0035] The vibration generating unit 202a generates vibrations. The vibration generating unit 202a includes, for example, an electric motor equipped with an eccentric weight. The light generating unit 202b generates light. The light generating unit 202b includes, for example, a display unit that displays information and an illumination unit that emits light. The light generating unit 202b includes, for example, at least one of a liquid crystal panel, an organic EL panel, and a light-emitting diode. The sound generating unit 202c generates sound. The sound generating unit 202c includes, for example, at least one of a buzzer and a speaker.

[0036] In this embodiment, the control unit 96b automatically outputs a wireless signal related to the remaining charge of the first battery 80 to the wireless communication unit 95 in accordance with the remaining charge of the first battery 80. An example of control performed by the control unit 96b will be described below. FIG. 4 is used to describe the example of control performed by the control unit 96b. The control unit 96b starts a first control flow according to the flowchart shown in FIG. 4 when a predetermined condition is satisfied. For example, in a case where one of the wireless communication unit 95 of the component 90 and the wireless communication unit 201 of the electronic device 200 constantly outputs a predetermined wireless signal, the control unit 96b starts the first control flow when the other of the wireless communication unit 95 of the component 90 and the wireless communication unit 201 of the electronic device 200 receives the predetermined wireless signal. The control unit 96b repeatedly executes the first control flow at predetermined time intervals until the predetermined condition is satisfied. For example, the control unit 96b repeatedly executes the first control flow at predetermined time intervals until one of the component 90 and the electronic device 200 no longer responds to a request from the other of the component 90 and the electronic device 200 due to the component 90 and the electronic device 200 becoming separated from each other, etc.

[0037] In step S1, the control unit 96b acquires the remaining amount of the first battery 80 based on a signal from the remaining amount detection unit 94. After performing the process of step S1, the control unit 96b proceeds to step S2.

[0038] In step S2, the control unit 96b controls the wireless communication unit 95 in accordance with the remaining amount of the first battery 80 acquired in step S1. For example, if the remaining amount satisfies a predetermined condition, the control unit 96b causes the wireless communication unit 95 to output a wireless signal related to the remaining amount acquired in step S1. After performing the process of step S2, the control unit 96b ends the first control flow.

[0039] The wireless signal output from the wireless communication unit 95 in step S2 is input to the electronic device 200. The notification unit 202 of the electronic device 200 operates in response to the wireless signal from the wireless communication unit 95 to perform a notification operation of notifying information related to the remaining charge. When notifying information related to the remaining charge, the vibration generation unit 202a of the notification unit 202 generates a vibration with a pattern corresponding to the remaining charge of the first battery 80 acquired by the control unit 96b in step S1, for example. The light generation unit 202b displays information such as a number indicating the remaining charge. The light generation unit 202b may emit light of a color or pattern corresponding to the remaining charge. For example, the light generation unit 202b may emit blue light when the remaining charge is 10% or more and red light when the remaining charge is less than 10%. The light generation unit 202b may turn on a light when the remaining charge is 10% or more and flash the light when the remaining charge is less than 10%. The sound generation unit 202c may generate a sound including a message indicating the remaining charge. The sound generating unit 202c may generate different types of buzzer sounds depending on the remaining amount.

[0040] By the control unit 96b executing the first control flow, information relating to the remaining charge of the first battery 80 is automatically reported from the notification unit 202 according to the remaining charge of the first battery 80. The notification from the notification unit 202 allows the user to easily check the remaining charge of the first battery 80. By charging or replacing the first battery 80 according to the checked remaining charge, the user can prevent problems caused by the depletion of the first battery 80. For example, the user can replace the first battery 80 before the battery runs out and it becomes impossible to change the gear ratio of the human-powered vehicle 1.

[0041] (Second embodiment) A component 90 of the second embodiment will be described. Fig. 5 is used to describe the component 90 of the second embodiment. The same reference numerals as in the first embodiment are used for the configurations common to the first embodiment, and redundant description will be omitted.

[0042] In this embodiment, the wireless signal output by the wireless communication unit 95 includes a first command for starting an alert to the alert unit 202. The alert unit 202 is configured to be able to start an alert operation based on the wireless signal including the first command.

[0043] An example of control executed by the control unit 96b will be described. Figure 5 is used to describe the example of control executed by the control unit 96b. The control unit 96b starts a second control flow according to the flowchart shown in Figure 5 when a predetermined condition is satisfied. The control unit 96b repeatedly executes the second control flow at predetermined time intervals until the predetermined condition is satisfied. The conditions for starting the second control flow and the conditions for repeatedly executing it are the same as those in the first embodiment.

[0044] In step S11, the control unit 96b acquires the remaining charge of the first battery 80 based on a signal from the remaining charge detection unit 94. After performing the process of step S11, the control unit 96b proceeds to step S12.

[0045] In step S12, the control unit 96b controls the wireless communication unit 95 in accordance with the remaining charge of the first battery 80 acquired in step S11. For example, when the remaining charge satisfies a predetermined condition, the control unit 96b causes the wireless communication unit 95 to output a wireless signal including a first command. After performing the process of step S12, the control unit 96b ends the second control flow.

[0046] Execution of the second control flow by the control unit 96b initiates a notification operation in accordance with the remaining charge of the first battery 80. The start of the notification operation allows the user to easily check the remaining charge of the first battery 80.

[0047] (Third embodiment) A component 90 of the third embodiment will be described. Fig. 6 is used to describe the component 90 of the third embodiment. The same reference numerals as those in the first and second embodiments are used for the configurations common to the first and second embodiments, and redundant description will be omitted.

[0048] In the present embodiment, the wireless signal output by the wireless communication unit 95 includes a second command for changing the notification state of the notification unit 202. The change in the notification state includes, for example, at least one of changing the number of times the remaining charge of the first battery 80 is notified, changing the color for indicating the remaining charge, changing the volume, and changing the device for notifying the remaining charge. When changing the notification state, the notification unit 202 causes the wireless communication unit 95 to output a wireless signal including the second command. When the wireless signal is input, the electronic device 200 changes the notification state after the input of the wireless signal to a state different from the notification state before the input of the wireless signal.

[0049] For example, the vibration generating unit 202a changes the number of times the remaining amount is notified by changing the number of times a vibration pattern corresponding to the remaining amount of the first battery 80 is repeatedly generated. When displaying information such as numbers indicating the remaining amount, the light generating unit 202b changes the color indicating the remaining amount by changing at least one of the color of the numbers and the color of the background. When illuminating with a pattern corresponding to the remaining amount, the light generating unit 202b changes the color indicating the remaining amount by changing the color of the illumination. The sound generating unit 202c changes the number of times the remaining amount is notified by changing the number of times a sound is generated. The sound generating unit 202c may change the volume.

[0050] When the notification unit 202 includes at least two of the vibration generating unit 202a, the light generating unit 202b, and the sound generating unit 202c, the notification state may be changed by switching the device that notifies the remaining amount. For example, the notification unit 202 may switch from a state in which the remaining amount is notified by sound from the vibration generating unit 202a to a state in which the remaining amount is notified by vibration from the vibration generating unit 202a.

[0051] If the electronic device 200 includes multiple devices, the notification unit 202 may change the notification state by changing the device that notifies the remaining charge. For example, if the electronic device 200 includes a smartphone and a cycle computer 41, the notification unit 202 may switch from a state in which either the smartphone or the cycle computer 41 notifies the remaining charge to a state in which either the smartphone or the cycle computer 41 notifies the remaining charge.

[0052] An example of control executed by the control unit 96b will be described. FIG. 6 is used to describe the example of control executed by the control unit 96b. The control unit 96b starts a third control flow according to the flowchart shown in FIG. 6 when a predetermined condition is satisfied. The control unit 96b repeatedly executes the third control flow at predetermined time intervals until the predetermined condition is satisfied. The conditions for starting the third control flow and the conditions for repeatedly executing it are the same as those in the first embodiment.

[0053] In step S21, the control unit 96b acquires the remaining charge of the first battery 80 based on a signal from the remaining charge detection unit 94. After performing the process of step S21, the control unit 96b proceeds to step S22.

[0054] In step S22, the control unit 96b controls the wireless communication unit 95 in accordance with the remaining charge of the first battery 80 acquired in step S21. For example, when the remaining charge satisfies a predetermined condition, the control unit 96b causes the wireless communication unit 95 to output a wireless signal including the second command. After performing the process of step S22, the control unit 96b ends the third control flow.

[0055] By the control unit 96b executing the third control flow, the notification state of the notification unit 202 is changed according to the remaining charge of the first battery 80. For example, the notification unit 202 outputs a sound once when the remaining charge of the first battery 80 is less than 10%, twice when it is less than 5%, and three times when it is less than 3%. By changing the notification state, the user can easily check the remaining charge.

[0056] (Fourth embodiment) A component 90 of the fourth embodiment will be described. Fig. 7 is used to describe the component 90 of the fourth embodiment. The same reference numerals as those in the first to third embodiments are used for the configurations common to the first to third embodiments, and redundant description will be omitted.

[0057] In this embodiment, the control unit 96b causes the wireless communication unit 95 to output a wireless signal when the remaining charge of the first battery 80 is less than a first threshold. An example of control performed by the control unit 96b will be described. FIG. 7 is used to describe the example of control performed by the control unit 96b. The control unit 96b starts a fourth control flow according to the flowchart shown in FIG. 7 when a predetermined condition is satisfied. The control unit 96b repeatedly executes the fourth control flow at predetermined time intervals until the predetermined condition is satisfied. The conditions for starting the fourth control flow and the conditions for repeatedly executing it are the same as those in the first embodiment.

[0058] In step S31, the control unit 96b acquires the remaining charge of the first battery 80 based on a signal from the remaining charge detection unit 94. After performing the process of step S31, the control unit 96b proceeds to step S32.

[0059] In step S32, the control unit 96b acquires a predetermined first threshold value by reading information stored in the storage unit 96a. If the remaining amount acquired in step S31 is less than the first threshold value, the control unit 96b proceeds to step S33. If the remaining amount is equal to or greater than the first threshold value, the control unit 96b ends the fourth control flow.

[0060] In step S33, the control unit 96b causes the wireless communication unit 95 to output a wireless signal relating to the remaining amount acquired in step S31. After performing the process of step S33, the control unit 96b ends the fourth control flow.

[0061] By the control unit 96b executing the fourth control flow, when the remaining charge of the first battery 80 is less than the first threshold, information regarding the remaining charge is automatically notified from the notification unit 202. The notification from the notification unit 202 allows the user to easily confirm that the remaining charge of the first battery 80 is less than the first threshold.

[0062] (Fifth embodiment) A component 90 of the fifth embodiment will be described. FIG. 8 is used to describe the component 90 of the fifth embodiment. The same reference numerals as those in the first to fourth embodiments are used for the configurations common to the first to fourth embodiments, and redundant description will be omitted.

[0063] In this embodiment, the control unit 96b causes the wireless communication unit 95 to output a wireless signal when the remaining charge of the first battery 80 decreases from equal to or greater than the second threshold to less than the second threshold. An example of control executed by the control unit 96b will be described below. FIG. 8 is used to describe the example of control executed by the control unit 96b. The control unit 96b starts a fifth control flow according to the flowchart shown in FIG. 8 when a predetermined condition is satisfied. The control unit 96b repeatedly executes the fifth control flow at predetermined time intervals until the predetermined condition is satisfied. The conditions for starting the fifth control flow and the conditions for repeatedly executing it are the same as those in the first embodiment.

[0064] In step S41, the control unit 96b acquires the remaining charge of the first battery 80 based on a signal from the remaining charge detection unit 94. The control unit 96b stores the acquired remaining charge in the storage unit 96a. After performing the process of step S41, the control unit 96b proceeds to step S42.

[0065] In step S42, the control unit 96b reads information stored in the memory unit 96a to acquire the remaining charge of the first battery 80 stored in the memory unit 96a during the previous execution of the fifth control flow, and a predetermined second threshold. The control unit 96b compares the remaining charge of the first battery 80 acquired in steps S41 and S42 with the second threshold acquired in step S42. If the remaining charge decreases from equal to or greater than the second threshold to less than the second threshold, the control unit 96b proceeds to step S43. If the remaining charge does not decrease from equal to or greater than the second threshold to less than the second threshold, the control unit 96b ends the fifth control flow.

[0066] In step S43, the control unit 96b causes the wireless communication unit 95 to output a wireless signal relating to the remaining amount acquired in step S41. After performing the process of step S43, the control unit 96b ends the fifth control flow.

[0067] By the control unit 96b executing the fifth control flow, when the remaining charge of the first battery 80 falls below the second threshold, information regarding the remaining charge is automatically notified from the notification unit 202. The notification from the notification unit 202 allows the user to easily confirm that the remaining charge of the first battery 80 has fallen below the second threshold.

[0068] (Sixth embodiment) A component 300 according to the sixth embodiment will be described. The component 300 according to the sixth embodiment will be described with reference to Fig. 1 and Fig. 4 to Fig. 9. 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.

[0069] In this embodiment, the component 300 constitutes a component mounted on the human-powered vehicle 1. As shown in Fig. 9, the component 300 constitutes at least one of an operating device 311, an electric transmission 100, an electric seat post 312, an electric suspension 313, a drive unit 314, air pressure detection devices 64 and 74, a power meter 315, a lamp 316, a display 317, and a cycle computer 41.

[0070] The operation device 311 is configured to receive input from the user. The operation device 311 includes, for example, an operation device for gear shifting, an operation device for a seat post, an operation device for suspension, an operation device for assisting, etc. The operation device 311 is provided on the frame 20, the handlebar 40, etc. The operation device 311 includes an operation unit configured to be operated by the user's hand or finger. The operation unit 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 button displayed on a touch panel. The operation device 311 is supplied with power from the first battery 80, and can output an operation signal in response to a user's operation to other components.

[0071] The operation signals include, for example, a speed change signal related to the speed ratio of the human-powered vehicle 1, a brake signal related to the brakes, an operation signal related to the height of the seat 30, an operation signal related to the operating parameters, and an operation signal related to the assist mode.

[0072] A shift signal is output to the electric transmission 100, thereby operating the electric transmission 100. A brake signal is output to a brake device, thereby operating the brake device. An operation signal related to the height of the seat 30 is output to the electric seat post 312, thereby operating the electric seat post 312. An operation signal related to an operation parameter is output to the electric suspension 313, thereby changing the operation parameter of the electric suspension 313. An operation signal related to an assist mode is output to the drive unit 314, thereby changing the operation mode of the drive unit 314.

[0073] The electric seat post 312 is configured to change the height of the seat 30. The electric seat post 312 includes an electric actuator. The electric actuator includes an electric motor, a solenoid, and the like. The electric seat post 312 is configured to be able to extend and retract the seat post 31 by driving the electric actuator. As the seat post 31 extends and retracts, the height of the seat 30 relative to the frame 20 changes.

[0074] The electric suspension 313 is configured to absorb shocks applied to the human-powered vehicle 1. The electric suspension 313 includes an electric actuator. The electric suspension 313 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 313 is provided on at least one of the front wheel 60 and the rear wheel 70.

[0075] The drive unit 314 is configured to provide propulsive force to the human-powered vehicle 1. The drive unit 314 is configured to provide propulsive force to the human-powered vehicle 1 in response to human-powered driving force input to the human-powered vehicle 1. The drive unit 314 is disposed, for example, near the bottom bracket of the human-powered vehicle 1. The drive unit 314 may be disposed near the front wheel 60 and the rear wheel 70. The drive unit 314 includes an electric motor. The electric motor is provided in a power transmission path of the human-powered driving force from the pedals 13 to the rear wheel 70, or to transmit rotation to the front wheel 60. In addition to the electric motor, the drive unit 314 may also include a reducer that connects the electric motor to the crank 10.

[0076] The air pressure detecting devices 64, 74 shown in Figures 1 and 9 are provided on the tire valves of the front wheel 60 and the rear wheel 70. The air pressure detecting devices 64, 74 output signals corresponding to the air pressures of the tires to other devices via wireless communication. Each of the air pressure detecting devices 64, 74 is equipped with a first battery 80. For example, each of the air pressure detecting devices 64, 74 has a built-in battery.

[0077] The power meter 315 shown in FIG. 9 is configured to detect the amount of work input to the human-powered vehicle 1. The power meter 315 is attached to at least one of the crankshaft 11, the crank arm 12, the pedal 13, and the rear wheel 70. The power meter 315 detects the amount of work, for example, by measuring the distortion of a component to which the power meter 315 is attached. The power meter 315 outputs a signal corresponding to the amount of work to another device via wireless communication. The power meter 315 is equipped with a first battery 80. For example, the power meter 315 has a built-in battery.

[0078] The lamps 316 are configured to emit light. The lamps 316 are attached to at least one of the frame 20 and the handlebars 40. The lamps 316 include at least one of a front lamp that emits light ahead of the human-powered vehicle 1 and a rear lamp that emits light behind the human-powered vehicle 1. The lamps 316 are equipped with a first battery 80. For example, the lamps 316 have a built-in battery.

[0079] The display 317 is configured to display various types of information. The display 317 is attached to the handlebar 40 or the like. The display 317 includes, for example, a liquid crystal display, an organic EL display, or the like.

[0080] 1 and 9 is configured to display various types of information and / or output sounds related to the various types of information. The cycle computer 41 is equipped with a first battery 80. For example, the cycle computer 41 may have a built-in battery.

[0081] 9 constitutes at least one of a component mounted on the human-powered vehicle 1 and a peripheral device of the human-powered vehicle 1. The electronic device 400 constitutes at least one of the portable communication device 411, the electric transmission 100, the electric seat post 312, the electric suspension 313, the drive unit 314, the air pressure detection devices 64, 74, the power meter 315, the lamp 316, the display 317, and the cycle computer 41. In this embodiment, the devices constituted by the electronic device 400 are different from the components 300.

[0082] The portable communication device 411 is configured to be able to communicate with other devices. The portable communication device 411 can output the results of arithmetic processing and the like by at least one of displaying a message on a display unit, generating vibrations using a vibration function, outputting light from a lamp, and outputting sound from a speaker. The portable communication device 411 may be provided in the human-powered vehicle 1, or may be carried by the user of the human-powered vehicle 1. The portable communication device 411 includes, for example, a smartphone, a tablet terminal, etc.

[0083] In this embodiment, the control unit 96b executes at least one of the first to fifth control flows shown in Figures 4 to 8. By executing the control flow, the control unit 96b causes an electronic device 400 different from the component 300 to notify the remaining charge of the first battery 80 that supplies power to the component 300.

[0084] In this embodiment, the user can easily check the remaining charge of the first battery 80, which is located in a difficult-to-check location. For example, the remaining charge of the first battery 80 built into the air pressure detection device 64, 74 shown in FIG. 1 can be easily checked on the cycle computer 41 mounted on the handlebar 40.

[0085] (Seventh embodiment) A component 500 according to the seventh embodiment will be described. The component 500 according to the seventh embodiment will be described with reference to Fig. 3 and Fig. 10. 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.

[0086] The component 500 further includes an operating unit 507 for operating other components C mounted on the human-powered vehicle 1. In this embodiment, the other components C include at least one of the electric transmission 100, the electric seat post 312, the electric suspension 313, and the drive unit 314. In this embodiment, the other components C include at least the electric transmission 100.

[0087] 10 shows an example of a component 500. The component 500 shown in FIG. 10 includes a battery holding unit 92, a remaining charge detection unit 94, a control device 96, an operation unit 507, an operation state detection unit 508, and a wireless communication unit 509.

[0088] The operating unit 507 includes at least one of a lever and a button. The operating unit 507 includes at least one of a gear shift operating unit for operating the electric transmission 100, a seat post operating unit for operating the electric seat post 312, a suspension operating unit for operating the electric suspension 313, and an assist operating unit for operating the drive unit 314. In this embodiment, the operating unit 507 includes at least a gear shift operating unit. The gear shift operating unit includes the shifter operating unit 93 shown in FIG. 3.

[0089] The operation state detection unit 508 shown in FIG. 10 is configured to detect the operation of the operation unit 507. The operation of the operation unit 507 includes at least one of a lever operation and a button operation. In this embodiment, the operation of the operation unit 507 includes at least a lever operation. The lever operation includes an operation of moving the lever from a standby position to an operating position. The operation state detection unit 508 detects the lever operation based on the amount of movement of the lever, the movement acceleration, etc. The button operation includes an operation of turning the button on. The operation state detection unit 508 detects the button operation based on a signal, etc., that is output when the button is turned on.

[0090] The operation state detection unit 508 is configured to be able to communicate with the control unit 96b via wired or wireless communication. The operation state detection unit 508 outputs a signal corresponding to the operation of the operation unit 507 to the control unit 96b. The signal output from the operation state detection unit 508 may include first operation information that directly indicates that the operation unit 507 has been operated, or may include second operation information that is different from the first operation information. The second operation information includes information used by the control unit 96b to detect and / or calculate the operation of the operation unit 507. For example, if the signal output from the operation state detection unit 508 includes second operation information that indicates the amount of movement of a lever, the control unit 96b can detect the operation of the operation unit 507 based on the amount of movement.

[0091] The wireless communication unit 509 is connected to another component C via wireless communication. The wireless communication unit 509 is configured to be able to output an operation signal to the other component C. In this embodiment, the operation signal includes a gear shift signal. The wireless communication unit 509 can output the gear shift signal to the electric transmission 100.

[0092] In this embodiment, the control unit 96b outputs an operation signal to the wireless communication unit 95 in response to the operation of the operation unit 507. For example, the control unit 96b detects the operation of the operation unit 507 based on a signal from the operation state detection unit 508. When the control unit 96b detects the operation of the operation unit 507, it outputs an operation signal to the wireless communication unit 95. For example, when the control unit 96b detects the operation of the shifter operation unit 93, it outputs a gear shift signal to the wireless communication unit 95. The operation signal is input to another component C. The other component C operates in response to the operation signal. For example, the electric transmission 100 changes the gear ratio of the human-powered vehicle 1 in response to the gear shift signal.

[0093] If the other components C include the electric seat post 312, the control unit 96b may continuously output an operation signal related to the height of the seat 30 to the wireless communication unit 95 while detecting the operation of the seat post operating unit. The electric seat post 312 changes the height of the seat 30 by operating in response to the operation signal from the wireless communication unit 509.

[0094] If the other component C includes an electric suspension 313, when the control unit 96b detects an operation of an operation unit for the suspension, the control unit 96b may output an operation signal related to an operation parameter to the wireless communication unit 509. The electric suspension 313 operates in response to the operation signal from the wireless communication unit 509, thereby changing the operation parameter.

[0095] If the other component C includes the drive unit 314, when the control unit 96b detects an operation of an operating unit for assisting, the control unit 96b may output an operation signal related to the assist mode to the wireless communication unit 509. The drive unit 314 switches the assist mode in response to the operation signal from the wireless communication unit 509.

[0096] The control unit 96b causes the wireless communication unit 95 to output an operation signal, so that control relating to the operation of the other components C and control relating to notification of the remaining capacity of the first battery 80 can be collectively performed by the control unit 96b.

[0097] (Eighth embodiment) A control system 600 according to an eighth embodiment will now be described. Figs. 4 to 11 will be used to describe the control system 600 according to the eighth embodiment. The control system 600 is applied to a human-powered vehicle 1 that includes the same configuration as the first embodiment. Configurations that are common to the first to seventh embodiments are assigned the same reference numerals as the first to seventh embodiments, and duplicated descriptions will be omitted.

[0098] 11, the control system 600 includes an electronic device 610 and a component 90. Instead of the component 90, the control system 600 may include either the component 300 shown in FIG. 9 or the component 500 shown in FIG. 10.

[0099] 11 is provided on the human-powered vehicle 1. For example, the electronic device 610 is provided on the handlebar 40. The electronic device 610 includes at least one of a portable communication device 411, a display 317, a cycle computer 41, a vibration generating device 611, a light generating device 612, and a sound generating device 613.

[0100] The vibration generating device 611 generates vibrations. The vibration generating device 611 includes the wireless communication unit 201, an electric motor with an eccentric weight, and the like. The light generating device 612 generates light. The light generating device 612 includes the wireless communication unit 201, and a display unit that displays information. The light generating device 612 may include an illumination unit that emits light instead of the display unit. The sound generating device 613 generates sound. The sound generating device 613 includes the wireless communication unit 201 and a buzzer. The sound generating device 613 may include a speaker instead of the buzzer.

[0101] The control unit 96b executes at least one of the first to fifth control flows shown in Figures 4 to 8. By executing the control flow, the control unit 96b causes the electronic device 610 to notify information about the remaining charge on the handlebar 40, which is relatively close to the face of the user seated on the seat 30. The user can easily check the remaining charge of the first battery 80.

[0102] (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.

[0103] For example, the configuration of the human-powered vehicle 1 in each embodiment is an example, and the human-powered vehicle 1 may include various devices not shown in each embodiment, or may not include some of the various devices shown in each embodiment. For example, the human-powered vehicle 1 may not include the air pressure detection devices 64, 74.

[0104] The various thresholds used in the control illustrated 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.

[0105] The configurations illustrated in each embodiment may be combined with each other to the extent that they are not mutually inconsistent. For example, 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.

[0106] 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. [Explanation of symbols]

[0107] 1...human-powered vehicle, 41...cycle computer, 64...air pressure detection device, 74...air pressure detection device, 80...first battery, 90...component, 92...battery holding section, 93...operation section, 95...wireless communication section, 96b...control section, 100...electric transmission, 200...electronic device, 202...alarm section, 311...operation device, 312...electric seat post, 313...electric suspension, 314...drive unit, 315...power meter, 316...lamp, 317...display, 411...portable communication device, 600...control system, 611...vibration generator, 612...light generator, 613...sound generator, C...other component

Claims

1. A component for a human-powered vehicle, a wireless communication unit configured to wirelessly communicate with an electronic device having a notification unit; a battery holding portion configured to hold a first battery; a control unit configured to control the wireless communication unit, the control unit automatically outputs a wireless signal related to the remaining charge of the first battery to the wireless communication unit in accordance with the remaining charge of the first battery; causing the notification unit to perform a notification operation according to the remaining charge of the first battery so as to change a notification state; The notification unit includes a plurality of devices, and the change in the notification state of the notification unit includes switching the device that notifies the remaining amount. component.

2. The component of claim 1 , wherein the control unit is operated by power supplied from the first battery.

3. The component according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the wireless signal includes a first command for causing the alarm unit to start an alarm.

4. The component according to claim 1 , wherein the wireless signal includes a second command for changing the notification state of the notification unit.

5. The component according to claim 1 , wherein the control unit causes the wireless communication unit to output the wireless signal when the remaining charge of the first battery is less than a first threshold value.

6. The component according to claim 1 , wherein the control unit causes the wireless communication unit to output the wireless signal when the remaining charge of the first battery decreases from a second threshold or more to a value less than the second threshold.

7. The component according to any one of claims 1 to 6, which constitutes at least one of an operating device, an electronic derailleur, an electronic seat post, an electronic suspension, a drive unit, an air pressure detection device, a power meter, a lamp, a display, and a cycle computer.

8. an operating unit for operating other components mounted on the human-powered vehicle; The component according to claim 1 , wherein the control unit causes the wireless communication unit to output an operation signal in response to an operation of the operation unit.

9. The component of claim 8 , wherein the operating signal includes a gear shift signal.

10. the electronic device; A control system for a human-powered vehicle, comprising: a component according to any one of claims 1 to 9.

11. 11. The control system for a human-powered vehicle according to claim 10, wherein the electronic device includes at least one of a portable communication device, a display, a cycle computer, a vibration generator, a light generator, and a sound generator.

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