Control device for human-powered vehicles, control system for human-powered vehicles, and human-powered vehicles

Abstract

To provide a control device for a human-powered vehicle, a control system for a human-powered vehicle and a human-powered vehicle which can contribute to usability.SOLUTION: The control device for a human-powered vehicle is provided with: a housing; a power receiving part configured so that electric power from an electric power source is inputted thereto and provided in the housing; a radio receiving part configured to receive information corresponding to output of at least one detection device provided in the human-powered vehicle by radio communication and provided in the housing; an interface electrically connected to at least one of an electric transmission, an electric adjustable seat post, an electric brake and an electric suspension through a first electric cable and provided in the housing; and a control part, provided in the housing, which is configured to control the at least one of the electric transmission, the electric adjustable seat post, the electric brake and the electric suspension, in accordance with information, where the housing is configured separately from a drive unit.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 2

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a control device for a human-powered vehicle, a control system for a human-powered vehicle, and a human-powered vehicle.

Background Art

[0002] For example, the control device for a human-powered vehicle disclosed in Patent Document 1 controls various components according to information corresponding to the output of a detection device.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] One object of the present disclosure is to provide a control device for a human-powered vehicle, a control system for a human-powered vehicle, and a human-powered vehicle that can improve user-friendliness.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0005] A control device according to a first aspect of the present disclosure is a control device for a human-powered vehicle, comprising: a housing; a power receiving unit provided in the housing, configured to receive power from a power source provided in the human-powered vehicle, to which propulsion is provided by a drive unit including an electric motor; a wireless receiving unit provided in the housing, configured to receive information by wireless communication corresponding to the output of at least one detection device provided in the human-powered vehicle; an interface provided in the housing, electrically connected via a first electrical cable to at least one of an electric transmission, an electric adjustable seat post, an electric brake, and an electric suspension; and a control unit provided in the housing, configured to control at least one of the electric transmission, the electric adjustable seat post, the electric brake, and the electric suspension in accordance with the information, wherein the housing is configured separately from the drive unit. According to the control device on the first side, information corresponding to the output of at least one detection device is received via wireless communication, and usability is improved by eliminating the communication line between at least one detection device and the control unit.

[0006] In a control device according to a second aspect of the first aspect of this disclosure, the power receiving unit is configured to be connected to the drive unit via a second electrical cable, and power from the power supply is input to the power receiving unit via the drive unit and the second electrical cable. According to the control device on the second side, the control device can be linked to the drive unit.

[0007] In a control device according to a third aspect of the second aspect of this disclosure, the power receiving unit includes a second electrical connector to which the second electrical cable is detachably connected. The control device on the third side facilitates the replacement of the second electrical cable and the control device itself.

[0008] In a control device according to a fourth aspect of any one of the first to third aspects of this disclosure, the control unit is configured to communicate with at least one of the electric transmission, the electric adjustable seatpost, the electric brake, and the electric suspension via the interface. According to the control device on the fourth side, power supply and communication can be performed using a common wire through power line carrier communication, thus simplifying the structure of the electrical cables connected to the interface.

[0009] A control device of a fifth aspect according to any one of the first to fourth aspects of this disclosure, wherein the interface includes a first electrical connector to which the first electrical cable is detachably connected. The control device on the fifth side facilitates the replacement of the first electrical cable and the control device itself.

[0010] A control device of a sixth aspect according to a third aspect of the present disclosure, wherein the interface includes a first electrical connector to which the first electrical cable is detachably configured, the housing having a first end and a second end, the first electrical connector being configured such that the first electrical cable is connected by moving the first electrical cable in a first direction from the first end toward the second end, and the second electrical connector being configured such that the second electrical cable is connected by moving the second electrical cable substantially in the first direction. According to the control device on the sixth side, when the first electrical cable is connected to the first electrical connector and the second electrical cable is connected to the second electrical connector, it is easy to arrange the first electrical cable and the second electrical cable so that they extend substantially along the first direction.

[0011] In a control device of the seventh aspect according to any one of the first to sixth aspects of this disclosure, the interface is configured to supply power to at least one of the electric transmission, the electric adjustable seatpost, the electric brake, and the electric suspension. According to the control device on the seventh side, the control device can be linked with at least one of the following: an electric gear shift, an electric adjustable seatpost, an electric brake, and an electric suspension.

[0012] In a control device of the eighth aspect according to any one of the first to seventh aspects of this disclosure, the at least one detection device includes at least one of a vehicle speed detection device, a human power driving force detection device, and a crank rotation state detection device. According to the control device on the eighth side, at least one of the electric transmission, electric adjustable seat post, electric brake, and electric suspension is suitably controlled in accordance with information output from at least one of the vehicle speed detection device, human power driving force detection device, and crank rotation state detection device.

[0013] In a control device according to a ninth aspect of the present disclosure, the wireless receiver and the control unit are arranged in the housing space of the housing. According to the control device on the ninth side, the wireless receiver and control unit are suitably protected by the housing.

[0014] A control system for a human-powered vehicle according to the tenth aspect of this disclosure comprises a control device according to any one of the first to ninth aspects, the drive unit, and at least one of the electric transmission, the electric adjustable seatpost, the electric brake, and the electric suspension. According to the control system on the tenth side, usability can be improved.

[0015] A human-powered vehicle according to the 11th aspect of this disclosure comprises a control system for human-powered vehicles according to the 10th aspect. According to the 11th side of the human-powered vehicle, usability can be improved. [Effects of the Invention]

[0016] The control device for a human-powered vehicle, the control system for a human-powered vehicle, and the human-powered vehicle of this disclosure can improve usability.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0017] [Figure 1] Side view of a human - powered vehicle including a control device for a human - powered vehicle and a control system for a human - powered vehicle according to an embodiment. [Figure 2] Block diagram showing the electrical configuration of the human - powered vehicle of FIG. 1. [Figure 3] Front view of the control device for a human - powered vehicle of FIG. 1. [Figure 4] Side view of the control device for a human - powered vehicle of FIG. 1. [Figure 5] Side view of the control device for a human - powered vehicle of FIG. 1. [Figure 6] Cross - sectional view taken along line D6 - D6 of FIG. 3.

Modes for Carrying Out the Invention

[0018] <Embodiment> Referring to FIGS. 1 to 6, a control device 80 for a human - powered vehicle, a control system 40 for a human - powered vehicle, and a human - powered vehicle 10 according to the present disclosure will be described.

[0019] A human - powered vehicle is a vehicle having at least one wheel and capable of being driven by at least human - driving force. The human - powered vehicle includes various types of bicycles such as mountain bikes, road bikes, city bikes, cargo bikes, hand bikes, and recumbent bikes. The number of wheels of the human - powered vehicle is not limited. The human - powered vehicle includes, for example, vehicles having one wheel and vehicles having two or more wheels. The human - powered vehicle is not limited to a vehicle that can be driven only by human - driving force. The human - powered vehicle includes an E - bike that uses the driving force of an electric motor in addition to human - driving force for propulsion. The E - bike includes an electric - assist bicycle whose propulsion is assisted by an electric motor. Hereinafter, in the embodiment, the human - powered vehicle will be described as an electric - assist bicycle.

[0020] The human-powered vehicle 10 includes a crank 12 into which human power is input. The human-powered vehicle 10 further includes wheels 14 and a body 16. The wheels 14 include a rear wheel 14A and a front wheel 14B. The body 16 includes a frame 18, a front fork 20, a handlebar 22, and a stem 24. The body 16 may further include a suspension and at least one of a luggage rack. The frame 18 includes, for example, at least one of a top tube, a down tube, a seat tube, a seat stay, and a chain stay. The body 16 further includes a seat post attached to the seat tube. If the human-powered vehicle 10 includes an electrically adjustable seat post 48, the electrically adjustable seat post 48 includes a seat post.

[0021] The crank 12 includes an input shaft 12A that is rotatable relative to the frame 18, and crank arms 12B, 12 provided at the axial ends of the input shaft 12A, respectively. C The input shaft 12A is the crank shaft. Pedals 26A and 26B are connected to each of the crank arms 12B and 12C, respectively.

[0022] The rear wheel 14A is driven by the rotation of the crank 12. The rear wheel 14A is supported by the frame 18. The crank 12 is connected to the rear wheel 14A by a drive mechanism 28. The drive mechanism 28 includes a first rotating body 30 connected to an input shaft 12A. The input shaft 12A may be connected to rotate integrally with the first rotating body 30, or it may be connected via a first one-way clutch. The first one-way clutch is configured to allow the first rotating body 30 to rotate forward when the crank 12 rotates forward, and to allow relative rotation between the crank 12 and the first rotating body 30 when the crank 12 rotates backward. The first rotating body 30 includes a sprocket, pulley, or bevel gear. The drive mechanism 28 further includes a second rotating body 32 and a connecting member 34. The connecting member 34 transmits the rotational force of the first rotating body 30 to the second rotating body 32. The connecting member 34 includes, for example, a chain, a belt, or a shaft.

[0023] The second rotating body 32 is connected to the rear wheel 14A. The second rotating body 32 includes a sprocket, pulley, or bevel gear. Preferably, a second one-way clutch is provided between the second rotating body 32 and the rear wheel 14A. The second one-way clutch is configured to allow the rear wheel 14A to rotate forward when the second rotating body 32 rotates forward, and to allow relative rotation between the second rotating body 32 and the rear wheel 14A when the second rotating body 32 rotates backward.

[0024] A front wheel 14B is attached to the frame 18 via a front fork 20. A handlebar 22 is connected to the front fork 20 via a stem 24. In this embodiment, a rear wheel 14A is connected to the crank 12 by a drive mechanism 28. At least one of the rear wheel 14A and the front wheel 14B may be connected to the crank 12 by the drive mechanism 28.

[0025] The human-powered vehicle 10 is equipped with a control system 40 for human-powered vehicles. The control system 40 for human-powered vehicles comprises a control device 80, a drive unit 42, and a component 44 of a different type from the drive unit 42. For example, the control system 40 for human-powered vehicles comprises a control device 80, a drive unit 42, and at least one of an electric transmission 46, an electric adjustable seat post 48, an electric brake 50, and an electric suspension 52. For example, component 44 includes at least one of an electric transmission 46, an electric adjustable seat post 48, an electric brake 50, and an electric suspension 52.

[0026] The human-powered vehicle 10 is propelled by a drive unit 42 which includes an electric motor 42A. The electric motor 42A is, for example, a brushless motor. The electric motor 42A is configured to transmit rotational force to at least one of the front wheels 14B and to the power transmission path of the human-powered driving force from the pedals 26A, 26B to the rear wheels 14A. The power transmission path of the human-powered driving force from the pedals 26A, 26B to the rear wheels 14A also includes the rear wheels 14A. In this embodiment, the electric motor 42A is mounted on the frame 18 of the human-powered vehicle 10 and is configured to transmit rotational force to the first rotating body 30.

[0027] The drive unit 42 further comprises a housing 42B. An electric motor 42A is provided in the housing 42B of the drive unit 42. The housing 42B is provided on the frame 18. The housing 42B is, for example, detachably attached to the frame 18. The drive unit 42 may be provided with a reduction gear connected to the output shaft of the electric motor 42A. In this embodiment, the housing 42B rotatably supports the input shaft 12A. In this embodiment, the power transmission path between the electric motor 42A and the input shaft 12A is preferably provided with a third one-way clutch that suppresses the transmission of the rotational force of the crank 12 to the electric motor 42A when the input shaft 12A is rotated in the direction in which the human-powered vehicle 10 moves forward. If an electric motor 42A is provided on at least one of the rear wheels 14A and the front wheels 14B, the electric motor 42A may be provided on the hub and together with the hub constitute a hub motor.

[0028] The drive unit 42 further includes a control unit 42C. The control unit 42C includes an arithmetic processing unit that executes a predetermined control program. The arithmetic processing unit included in the control unit 42C includes, for example, a CPU (Central Processing Unit) or an MPU (Micro Processing Unit). The arithmetic processing units included in the control unit 42C may be located in multiple locations that are far apart from each other. The control unit 42C may include one or more microcomputers.

[0029] For example, the control unit 42C further includes a storage unit. The storage unit stores a predetermined control program and information used for control processing. The storage unit includes, for example, non-volatile memory and volatile memory. The non-volatile memory includes, for example, at least one of ROM (Read-Only Memory), EPROM (Erasable Programmable Read Only Memory), EEPROM (Electrically Erasable Programmable Read-Only Memory), and flash memory. The volatile memory includes, for example, RAM (Random Access Memory).

[0030] The electric transmission 46 is installed in the transmission path for human-powered vehicles 10 and is configured to change the gear ratio. The electric transmission 46 has multiple gear stages. The gear ratios corresponding to each gear stage are different from each other. The number of gear stages is, for example, in the range of 3 to 30. Gear ratio This is the ratio of the rotational speed of the drive wheel to the rotational speed of the input shaft 12A. In this embodiment, the drive wheel is the rear wheel 14A. The electric transmission 46 includes, for example, a front derailleur, a rear derailleur, and at least one internal gear hub. If the electric transmission 46 includes an internal gear hub, the internal gear hub is provided, for example, on the hub of the rear wheel 14A. The internal gear hub may include a CVT (Continuously Variable Transmission).

[0031] If the electric transmission 46 includes a front derailleur, the electric transmission 46 includes a first rotating body 30, the first rotating body 30 includes a plurality of front sprockets. If the electric transmission 46 includes a rear derailleur, the electric transmission 46 includes a second rotating body 32, the second rotating body 32 includes a plurality of rear sprockets. The electric transmission 46 includes an electric transmission configured to be operated by an actuator. The actuator includes an electric actuator. The actuator includes, for example, an electric motor. The relationship between the gear ratio, the rotational speed of the drive wheel, and the rotational speed of the input shaft 12A is expressed by equation (1). Equation (1): Gear ratio = rotational speed of drive wheels / rotational speed of input shaft

[0032] The rotational speed of the drive wheel and the rotational speed of the input shaft 12A may both be rotations per unit time. The rotational speed of the drive wheel may be replaced with the number of teeth on the front sprocket, and the rotational speed of the input shaft 12A may be replaced with the number of teeth on the rear sprocket.

[0033] The electrically adjustable seatpost 48 includes an electric actuator. The electrically adjustable seatpost 48 further includes a drive circuit that controls the power supplied to the electric actuator. The electric actuator includes an electric motor. The electric motor included in the electric actuator may be replaced with a solenoid. The drive circuit drives the electric actuator in response to a control signal from the control device 80. The electrically adjustable seatpost 48 is mounted on the seat tube and configured to change the height of the saddle. The electrically adjustable seatpost 48 includes an electric seatpost in which the seatpost extends and retracts by the force of the electric actuator, or a mechanical seatpost in which the seatpost extends by the force of at least one of a spring and / or air, and retracts by human force, by controlling a valve with the force of the electric actuator. The mechanical seatpost includes a hydraulic seatpost, or a hydraulic and pneumatic seatpost.

[0034] For example, the electric brake 50 is provided on, for example, the frame 18 and the front fork 20 and is configured to apply braking force to the wheel 14. The electric brake 50 may be a disc brake, a rim brake, or a roller brake.

[0035] The electric suspension 52 includes an electric actuator for operating the electric suspension 52. The electric suspension 52 further includes a drive circuit that controls the power supplied to the electric actuator. The electric actuator includes an electric motor. The electric motor included in the electric actuator may be replaced with a solenoid. The drive circuit drives the electric actuator in response to a control signal from the control device 80.

[0036] The electric suspension 52 includes at least one of a rear suspension system and a front suspension system. 。 The electric suspension 52 absorbs the impact applied to the wheel 14. The electric suspension 52 may be a hydraulic suspension or an air suspension. The electric suspension 52 includes a first part and a second part fitted into the first part and movable relative to the first part. The operating states of the electric suspension 52 include, for example, a locked state in which relative movement between the first part and the second part is restricted, and an unlocked state in which relative movement between the first part and the second part is permitted. An electric actuator switches the operating states of the electric suspension 52. The locked state of the electric suspension 52 may include a state in which the first part and the second part move slightly relative to each other when a strong force is applied to the wheel 14. The operating states of the electric suspension 52 may include, in place of or in addition to the locked and unlocked states, at least one of a plurality of operating states with different damping forces and a plurality of operating states with different stroke amounts.

[0037] The rear suspension system is configured to be installed on the frame 18 of the human-powered vehicle 10. The rear suspension is installed between the frame body of the frame 18 and the swing arm that supports the rear wheel 14A. The rear suspension system absorbs the shocks applied to the rear wheel 14A. The electric suspension 52 is configured to be installed between the frame 18 of the human-powered vehicle 10 and the front wheel 14B. The front suspension is installed on the front fork 20. The front suspension absorbs the shocks applied to the front wheel 14B.

[0038] The human-powered vehicle 10 is equipped with at least one detection device 54. For example, the at least one detection device 54 includes at least one of a vehicle speed detection device 56, a human-powered driving force detection device 58, and a crank rotation state detection device 60.

[0039] For example, the control unit 42C includes a control device for the electric motor 42A. The control device for the electric motor 42A includes, for example, a drive circuit for the electric motor 42A. The drive circuit includes, for example, an inverter. For example, the control unit 42C is configured to control the electric motor 42A in accordance with information S corresponding to the output of at least one detection device 54. For example, the control unit 42C is configured to control the electric motor 42A in accordance with information S corresponding to at least one output of the vehicle speed detection device 56, the human power driving force detection device 58, and the crank rotation state detection device 60. The information S used to control the electric motor 42A includes at least one of the following: information regarding the vehicle speed of the human powered vehicle 10, information regarding the human power driving force, and information regarding the rotational speed of the input shaft 12A.

[0040] For example, the detection device 54 is connected to the drive unit 42 in a communicative manner. For example, the detection device 54 outputs information S to the drive unit 42 via wired communication. The detection device 54 may also be configured to output information S to the drive unit 42 via wireless communication.

[0041] For example, the drive unit 42 further includes a wireless transmitter 42D. The wireless transmitter 42D transmits information S to the wireless receiver 86 of the control device 80 via wireless communication. The wireless transmitter 42D may be provided in the detection device 54. The wireless transmitter 42D may be configured to perform wireless communication of a proprietary communication standard, or it may be configured to perform wireless communication of an existing communication standard such as Bluetooth®.

[0042] For example, the human-powered vehicle 10 further includes a power source 36. For example, the power source 36 is a battery. The power source 36 includes one or more battery elements. The battery elements include rechargeable batteries. For example, the power source 36 is configured to supply power to the control unit 42C of the drive unit 42. For example, the power source 36 is communicated with the control unit 42C of the drive unit 42 by wire or wireless means. 。 The power supply 36 can communicate with the control unit 42C of the drive unit 42, for example, by power line communication (PLC), CAN (Controller Area Network), or UART (Universal Asynchronous Receiver / Transmitter).

[0043] The vehicle speed detection device 56 is configured to detect information regarding the vehicle speed of the human-powered vehicle 10. In this embodiment, the vehicle speed detection device 56 is configured to detect information regarding the rotational speed of at least one wheel 14 of the human-powered vehicle 10. The vehicle speed detection device 56 is configured, for example, to detect a magnet provided on at least one wheel 14 of the human-powered vehicle 10. The vehicle speed detection device 56 is configured, for example, to output a predetermined number of detection signals while one of the at least one wheel 14 rotates once. The predetermined number is, for example, 1. The vehicle speed detection device 56 outputs a signal corresponding to the rotational speed of the wheel 14. The control unit 42C can calculate the vehicle speed of the human-powered vehicle 10 based on the signal corresponding to the rotational speed of the wheel 14 and information regarding the circumference of the wheel 14. For example, the control unit 42C stores information regarding the circumference of the wheel 14.

[0044] The human-powered driving force detection device 58 is configured to detect information regarding human-powered driving force. The human-powered driving force detection device 58 is provided, for example, on the frame 18, drive unit 42, crank 12, or pedals 26A, 26B of the human-powered vehicle 10. The human-powered driving force detection device 58 may also be provided on the housing 42B of the drive unit 42. The human-powered driving force detection device 58 includes, for example, a torque sensor. The torque sensor is configured to output a signal corresponding to the torque applied to the crank 12 by the human-powered driving force. The torque sensor is preferably provided upstream of the first one-way clutch in the power transmission path, for example, if a first one-way clutch is provided in the power transmission path. The torque sensor includes strain sensors, magnetostrictive sensors, or pressure sensors. The strain sensor includes strain gauges.

[0045] The torque sensor is provided in a component included in the power transmission path, or in the vicinity of a component included in the power transmission path. Components included in the power transmission path include, for example, the input shaft 12A, a component that transmits human-powered driving force between the input shaft 12A and the first rotating body 30, crank arms 12B, 12C, or pedals 26A, 26B. The human-powered driving force detection device 58 can have any configuration as long as it can acquire information about human-powered driving force, and may include, for example, a sensor that detects the pressure applied to the pedals 26A, 26B, or a sensor that detects the tension of the chain. The human-powered driving force detection device 58 may be included in the drive unit 42.

[0046] The crank rotation state detection device 60 is configured to detect information regarding the rotational speed of the input shaft 12A. The crank rotation state detection device 60 is provided, for example, on the frame 18 or drive unit 42 of the human-powered vehicle 10. The crank rotation state detection device 60 may also be provided on the housing 42B of the drive unit 42. The crank rotation state detection device 60 is configured to include a magnetic sensor that outputs a signal corresponding to the strength of the magnetic field. An annular magnet whose magnetic field strength changes in the circumferential direction is provided on the input shaft 12A, a member that rotates in conjunction with the input shaft 12A, or in the power transmission path between the input shaft 12A and the first rotating body 30. The member that rotates in conjunction with the input shaft 12A may include the output shaft of the electric motor 42A.

[0047] The crank rotation state detection device 60 outputs a signal corresponding to the rotational speed of the input shaft 12A. For example, if a first one-way clutch is not provided between the input shaft 12A and the first rotating body 30, the magnet may be provided on the first rotating body 30. The crank rotation state detection device 60 can have any configuration as long as it can acquire information regarding the rotational speed of the input shaft 12A, and may include an optical sensor, acceleration sensor, gyro sensor, or torque sensor instead of a magnetic sensor. The crank rotation state detection device 60 may be included in the drive unit 42.

[0048] For example, at least one detection device 54 includes at least one operating device 62. At least one operating device 62 is provided, for example, on the handlebar 22. The operating device 62 is configured to control the component 44 by transmitting information S according to the operating state of the operating device 62. At least one operating device 62 includes at least one of a gear shift operating device 64, a seatpost operating device 66, a brake operating device 68, and a suspension operating device 70. For example, if the control system 40 includes an electric gear shift 46, at least one operating device 62 includes a gear shift operating device 64. For example, if the control system 40 includes an electric adjustable seatpost 48, at least one operating device 62 includes a seatpost operating device 66. For example, if the control system 40 includes an electric brake 50, at least one operating device 62 includes a brake operating device 68. For example, if the control system 40 includes an electric suspension 52, at least one operating device 62 includes a suspension operating device 70.

[0049] The gear shift control device 64 includes a gear shift operating member and at least one of a sensor and an electrical switch that outputs information according to the operating state of the gear shift operating member. The gear shift control device 64 outputs shift-up information and shift-down information according to the operating state of the gear shift operating member.

[0050] The seatpost operating device 66 includes a seatpost operating member and at least one of a sensor and an electrical switch that outputs information according to the operating state of the seatpost operating member. The seatpost operating device 66 outputs information for changing the height of the seatpost according to the operating state of the seatpost operating member.

[0051] The brake operating device 68 includes a brake lever and a brake sensor that outputs information corresponding to the operating state of the brake lever. The brake sensor includes, for example, a magnetic sensor, an optical sensor, or a potentiometer. The brake operating device 68 outputs information for generating braking force according to the operating state of the brake lever.

[0052] The suspension operating device 70 includes a suspension operating member and at least one of a sensor and an electrical switch that outputs information corresponding to the operating state of the suspension operating member. The suspension operating device 70 outputs information for changing the operating state of the suspension operating device 70 according to the operating state of the suspension operating member.

[0053] The control device 80 for a human-powered vehicle comprises a housing 82, a power receiving unit 84, a wireless receiving unit 86, an interface 88, and a control unit 90. The power receiving unit 84 is provided in the housing 82. The wireless receiving unit 86 is provided in the housing 82. The control unit 90 is provided in the housing 82. For example, the wireless receiving unit 86 and the control unit 90 are arranged in the housing space 82S of the housing 82. For example, the entire wireless receiving unit 86 is arranged in the housing space 82S. For example, the entire control unit 90 is housed in the housing space 82S. For example, at least a part of the power receiving unit 84 is arranged in the housing space 82S. For example, at least a part of the interface 88 is arranged in the housing space 82S.

[0054] The housing 82 is configured separately from the drive unit 42. For example, the housing 82 is configured separately from the housing 42B of the drive unit 42. For example, the housing 82 is provided independently of the housing 42B of the drive unit 42. For example, the housing 82 is provided in a different location from the housing 42B of the drive unit 42 in the human-powered vehicle 10. For example, the housing 82 is provided in the internal space of the frame 18. For example, the housing 82 is provided in the vicinity of the drive unit 42. For example, the housing 82 is provided on the seat tube. For example, the housing 82 is located in the internal space of the seat tube. For example, the housing 82 is located in the internal space of the seat tube between the seat post and the drive unit 42.

[0055] For example, the control unit 90 is configured to perform power line carrier communication (PLC) with at least one of the electric transmission 46, electric adjustable seatpost 48, electric brake 50, and electric suspension 52 via interface 88. The control unit 90 may also be configured to perform CAN communication with at least one of the electric transmission 46, electric adjustable seatpost 48, electric brake 50, and electric suspension 52 via interface 88.

[0056] Interface 88 is electrically connected to component 44 via a first electrical cable 40A. Interface 88 is electrically connected to at least one of the electric transmission 46, electric adjustable seatpost 48, electric brake 50, and electric suspension 52 via the first electrical cable 40A. For example, the first electrical cable 40A includes a power line for transmitting power and a communication line for transmitting communication signals. The first electrical cable 40A may be an electrical cable compatible with power line carrier communication (PLC). 1 Electrical cable 40 A This is composed of, for example, a 4-core or 5-core electrical cable, or a 2-core electrical cable.

[0057] For example, interface 88 includes a first electrical connector 88A to which a first electrical cable 40A is detachably connected. For example, the first electrical connector 88A is provided in the housing 82 so as to be exposed from the housing space 82S. For example, interface 88 is configured to supply power to component 44 via the first electrical cable 40A and the first electrical connector 88A. For example, interface 88 is configured to supply power to at least one of the electric transmission 46, electric adjustable seatpost 48, electric brake 50, and electric suspension 52. For example, interface 88 is configured to supply power to at least one of the electric transmission 46, electric adjustable seatpost 48, electric brake 50, and electric suspension 52 via the first electrical connector 88A.

[0058] If the control system 40 includes multiple components 44, the multiple components 44 may be connected in parallel by a first electrical cable 40A connected to a single first electrical connector 88A. The control device 80 may have multiple first electrical connectors 88A.

[0059] The power receiving unit 84 is configured to receive power from a power source 36 provided in the human-powered vehicle 10. For example, the power receiving unit 84 is configured to connect to the drive unit 42 via a second electrical cable 40B. Power is input to the power receiving unit 84 from the power source 36 via the drive unit 42 and the second electrical cable 40B. The second electrical cable 40B is configured to transmit power. The second electrical cable 40B is, for example, made of a two-core electrical cable.

[0060] For example, the power receiving unit 84 includes a second electrical connector 84A to which a second electrical cable 40B is detachably connected. For example, the second electrical connector 84A is provided in the housing 82 so as to be exposed from the housing space 82S. For example, the power receiving unit 84 is configured to receive power from the power supply 36 via the second electrical cable 40B and the second electrical connector 84A. Preferably, the second electrical cable 40B is configured to be detachably connected to the drive unit 42.

[0061] For example, the housing 82 has a first end 82A and a second end 82B. For example, the first electrical connector 88A is configured such that the first electrical cable 40A is connected by moving the first electrical cable 40A in a first direction A1 from the first end 82A to the second end 82B. For example, the second electrical connector 84A is configured such that the second electrical cable 40B is connected by moving the second electrical cable 40B substantially in the first direction A1.

[0062] The first electrical connector 88A is in the first direction A1 2 By moving the first electrical cable 40A, the configuration is such that the first electrical cable 40A is connected to the first electrical connector 88A. .example For example, the second electrical connector 84A is in the first direction A1 1 By moving the second electrical cable 40B, the configuration is such that the second electrical cable 40B is connected to the second electrical connector 84A. The first direction A11 is parallel to the first direction A1. When viewed from a predetermined direction perpendicular to the first direction A11, the first direction A12 intersects the first direction A11 at a predetermined angle, but this predetermined angle is small. Therefore, the first direction A12 is effectively parallel to the first direction A11.

[0063] For example, when the control device 80 is attached to the human-powered vehicle 10, the opening of the first electrical connector 88A is positioned to face the drive unit 42. For example, when the control device 80 is attached to the human-powered vehicle 10, the opening of the second electrical connector 84A is positioned to face the drive unit 42.

[0064] The control unit 90 includes an arithmetic processing unit that executes a predetermined control program. The arithmetic processing unit included in the control unit 90 includes, for example, a CPU or an MPU. The arithmetic processing units included in the control unit 90 may be located in multiple locations that are far apart from each other. The control unit 90 may include one or more microcomputers.

[0065] For example, the control device 80 further includes a storage unit 92. The storage unit 92 stores a predetermined control program and information used for control processing. The storage unit 92 includes, for example, non-volatile memory and volatile memory. The non-volatile memory includes, for example, at least one of ROM, EPROM, EEPROM, and flash memory. The volatile memory includes, for example, RAM.

[0066] The control unit 90 is configured to control the component 44 in accordance with information S corresponding to the output of at least one detection device 54. The control unit 90 is located in the housing 82 and is configured to control at least one of the electric transmission 46, electric adjustable seat post 48, electric brake 50, and electric suspension 52 in accordance with the information S. The information S used to control the component 44 includes information about the vehicle speed of the human-powered vehicle 10 and information about the human-powered driving force. , enter The information includes at least one of the following: information relating to the rotational speed of the force shaft 12A, and information relating to the operation of the operating device 62. The control unit 90 may be configured to convert the information S received by the wireless receiver 86 into information suitable for the component 44 and output it from the interface 88.

[0067] The wireless receiver 86 is configured to receive information S via wireless communication corresponding to the output of at least one detection device 54 provided on the human-powered vehicle 10. The control unit 90 creates information for controlling the component 44 in accordance with the information S received by the wireless receiver 86, and transmits the created information to the component 44 corresponding to the created information via the first electrical cable 40A. The component 44 controls the electric actuator in accordance with the received information. The wireless receiver 86 may be configured to perform wireless communication using a proprietary communication standard, or it may be configured to perform wireless communication using an existing communication standard such as Bluetooth.

[0068] For example, the communication standard of the control device 80 and the communication standard of component 44 are the same. For example, the communication standard of the drive unit 42 and the communication standard of component 44 are one of the following: power line communication (PLC), CAN, and UART. The second electrical cable 40B corresponds to the communication standard of component 44.

[0069] For example, the control unit 90 automatically controls the component 44 in accordance with at least one of the following: information regarding the vehicle speed of the human-powered vehicle 10, information regarding the human-powered driving force, and information regarding the rotational speed of the input shaft 12A. The control unit 90 is configured to automatically control at least one of the electric transmission 46, electric adjustable seat post 48, electric brake 50, and electric suspension 52 in accordance with at least one of the following: information regarding the vehicle speed of the human-powered vehicle 10, information regarding the human-powered driving force, and information regarding the rotational speed of the input shaft 12A. Any method may be used for the control unit 90 to automatically control at least one of the electric transmission 46, electric adjustable seat post 48, electric brake 50, and electric suspension 52 in accordance with at least one of the following: information regarding the vehicle speed of the human-powered vehicle 10, information regarding the human-powered driving force, and information regarding the rotational speed of the input shaft 12A, and a general method can be used, so a detailed explanation is omitted.

[0070] For example, the memory unit 92 stores an automatic gear shift control program that causes the control unit 90 to instruct the electric gear shifter 46 to perform automatic gear shifting. For example, the memory unit 92 stores an automatic seatpost control program that causes the control unit 90 to instruct the electric adjustable seatpost 48 to automatically adjust the length of the electric adjustable seatpost 48. For example, the memory unit 92 stores an automatic brake control program that causes the control unit 90 to instruct the electric brake 50 to perform automatic braking. For example, the memory unit 92 stores an automatic suspension control program that causes the control unit 90 to instruct the electric suspension 52 to automatically change the operating state of the electric suspension 52.

[0071] For example, the control unit 90 automatically controls the component 44 based on a control program stored in the memory unit 92. The automatic gear shift control program is, for example, a program for the control unit 90 to control the electric gear shift 46 based on at least one of the following: information regarding the vehicle speed of the human-powered vehicle 10, information regarding the human-powered driving force, and information regarding the rotational speed of the input shaft 12A. The automatic seatpost control program is, for example, a program for the control unit 90 to control the electric adjustable seatpost 48 based on at least one of the following: information regarding the vehicle speed of the human-powered vehicle 10, information regarding the human-powered driving force, and information regarding the rotational speed of the input shaft 12A. The automatic brake control program is, for example, a program for the control unit 90 to control the electric brake 50 based on at least one of the following: information regarding the vehicle speed of the human-powered vehicle 10, information regarding the human-powered driving force, and information regarding the rotational speed of the input shaft 12A. The automatic suspension control program is, for example, a program for the control unit 90 to control the electric suspension 52 based on at least one of the following: information regarding the vehicle speed of the human-powered vehicle 10, information regarding the human-powered driving force, and information regarding the rotational speed of the input shaft 12A.

[0072] <Example of changes> The description of embodiments is illustrative of possible forms of control devices, control systems, and human-powered vehicles for human-powered vehicles according to this disclosure, and is not intended to limit their forms. Control devices, control systems, and human-powered vehicles for human-powered vehicles according to this disclosure may take the following forms, for example, modifications of the embodiments shown below, and combinations of at least two non-inconsistent modifications. In the following modifications, parts common to the embodiments are denoted by the same reference numerals as in the embodiments and their descriptions are omitted.

[0073] The control unit 42C of the drive unit 42 may generate information for controlling at least one of the electric gear shifter 46, electric adjustable seatpost 48, electric brake 50, and electric suspension 52, and transmit the information generated by the control unit 42C of the drive unit 42 to the control unit 90.

[0074] The wireless transmission unit 42D may be provided in the detection device 54 instead of the drive unit 42.

[0075] At least one operating device 62 may be configured to transmit an operation signal corresponding to the operating state of the operating device 62 to the control device 80 without going through the control unit 42C. If at least one operating device 62 is configured to transmit an operation signal corresponding to the operating state of the operating device 62 to the component 44 without going through the control unit 42C, then at least one operating device 62 includes a wireless transmitter 42D. The wireless transmitter 42D may be provided in each of the gear shift operating device 64, seatpost operating device 66, brake operating device 68, and suspension operating device 70.

[0076] As used herein, the expression "at least one" means "one or more" of the desired options. For example, as used herein, "at least one" means "only one option" or "both of the two options" if there are two options. As another example, as used herein, "at least one" means "only one option" or "a combination of two or more any options" if there are three or more options. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0077] 10...Human-powered vehicle, 36...Power supply, 40...Control system, 40A...First electrical cable, 40B...Second electrical cable, 42...Drive unit, 42A...Electric motor, 46...Electric transmission, 48...Electric adjustable seatpost, 50...Electric brake, 52...Electric suspension, 54...Detection device, 56...Vehicle speed detection device, 58...Human-powered driving force detection device, 60...Crank rotation state detection device, 80...Control device, 82...Housing, 82S...Accommodation space, 82A...First end, 82B...Second end, 84...Power receiving unit, 84A...Second electrical connector, 86...Wireless receiving unit, 88...Interface, 88A...First electrical connector, 90...Control unit.

Claims

1. A control device for a human-powered vehicle, The aforementioned human-powered vehicle is A power source provided in the aforementioned human-powered vehicle, The human-powered vehicle is provided with at least one detection device, A drive unit is provided which includes an electric motor and provides propulsion to the human-powered vehicle, and which has a wireless transmitting unit configured to receive power from the power supply and transmit information corresponding to the output of at least one detection device, The control device is A housing, which is configured separately from the aforementioned drive unit, The power receiving unit provided in the housing is configured to receive power from the aforementioned power supply via the drive unit and the second electrical cable, A wireless receiving unit provided in the housing is configured to receive the information transmitted wirelessly from the wireless transmitting unit, An interface provided in the housing is electrically connected to supply power via a first electrical cable to at least one of the electric gear shift, electric adjustable seatpost, electric brake, and electric suspension, A control device comprising a control unit provided in the housing, configured to control at least one of the electric transmission, the electric adjustable seatpost, the electric brake, and the electric suspension via the interface and the first electrical cable using power line carrier communication, in accordance with the aforementioned information.

2. The control device according to claim 1, wherein the power receiving unit includes a second electrical connector on which the second electrical cable is detachably connected.

3. The control device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the interface includes a first electrical connector on which the first electrical cable is detachably connected.

4. The interface includes a first electrical connector on which the first electrical cable is detachably connected. The housing has a first end and a second end, The first electrical connector is configured such that the first electrical cable is connected by moving the first electrical cable in a first direction from the first end toward the second end. The control device according to claim 2, wherein the second electrical connector is configured such that the second electrical cable is connected by substantially moving the second electrical cable in the first direction.

5. The control device according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the at least one detection device includes at least one of a vehicle speed detection device, a human power driving force detection device, and a crank rotation state detection device.

6. The control device according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the wireless receiving unit and the control unit are arranged in the housing space of the housing.

7. A control device according to any one of claims 1 to 6, The aforementioned drive unit, A control system for a human-powered vehicle, comprising the electric transmission, the electric adjustable seatpost, the electric brake, and at least one of the electric suspension.

8. A human-powered vehicle comprising the control system for a human-powered vehicle described in claim 7.

Images