Power supply device for human-powered vehicle

Abstract

This invention discloses a power supply device for a manually operated vehicle. The power supply device includes a base, a first electrical connection port, a second electrical connection port, and a third electrical connection port. The first electrical connection port is disposed on the base and has a first connection configuration. The second electrical connection port is disposed on the base and has a second connection configuration. The third electrical connection port is disposed on the base and has a third connection configuration. The first, second, and third connection configurations have the same shape.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to a power supply device for a human-powered vehicle. The power supply device is configured to supply power to one or more electrical components. Prior Technology

[0002] In recent years, some human-powered vehicles (such as bicycles) have incorporated electrical components or devices to make it easier for riders to operate the vehicle. Examples of these electrical components include suspensions, transmission devices (such as derailleurs, geared hubs, etc.), control mechanisms, and seatposts. These electrical components use power from an onboard power source, such as a battery, which is typically connected via cables to a junction box that connects to two or more electrical components via cables. Summary of the Invention

[0003] Generally, the present invention relates to various features of a power supply device for a human-powered vehicle. This power supply device is configured to supply power to one or more electrical components.

[0004] Considering the level of known technology and according to a first aspect of the present invention, a power supply device for a manually driven vehicle is provided. The power supply device mainly includes a base, a first electrical connection port, a second electrical connection port, and a third electrical connection port. The first electrical connection port is disposed on the base and has a first connection configuration. The second electrical connection port is disposed on the base and has a second connection configuration. The third electrical connection port is disposed on the base and has a third connection configuration. The first connection configuration, the second connection configuration, and the third connection configuration have the same shape.

[0005] Using the power supply device according to the first state, the power supply device can be connected to a plurality of electrical components without using a junction box to electrically connect the power supply device to the electrical components.

[0006] According to a second embodiment of the invention, the power supply device according to the first embodiment further includes a battery and an electronic controller. The battery is disposed on the base. The electronic controller is disposed on the base and operatively connected to the battery.

[0007] Using the power supply device according to the second state, electrical signals can be transmitted via the wires between at least two electrical components.

[0008] According to a third embodiment of the invention, the power supply device according to the second embodiment is configured to further include an operating member. The electronic controller is configured to re-drive the operating member to a predetermined set value when the operating member is operated.

[0009] Using the power supply device according to the third state, it can be manually reset to a predetermined setting value.

[0010] According to a fourth embodiment of the present invention, the power supply device according to the third embodiment is configured such that the operating member is movably attached to the third electrical connection port.

[0011] Using the power supply device according to the fourth state, the rider or user can easily reset a predetermined setting value by operating the operating component.

[0012] According to a fifth embodiment of the present invention, the power supply device according to the fourth embodiment is configured such that the operating member has a connector configured to selectively mate with the first electrical connection port, the second electrical connection port, and the third electrical connection port.

[0013] Using the power supply device according to the fifth state, the operating component can be selectively coupled to any of the first, second, and third electrical connection ports.

[0014] According to a sixth embodiment of the present invention, the power supply device according to the fourth embodiment is configured such that the operating member is disposed away from the base.

[0015] Using the power supply device according to the sixth state, a predetermined setting value can be remotely reset.

[0016] According to a seventh embodiment of the present invention, the power supply device is configured according to any one of the first to sixth embodiments, such that the base is configured as at least one of the seat upright and the internal space of the human-powered vehicle.

[0017] By using the power supply device according to the seventh state, the power supply device can be controlled and protected.

[0018] According to an eighth embodiment of the present invention, the power supply device is configured according to any one of the first to seventh embodiments, such that the base includes a housing having a columnar shape.

[0019] Using the power supply device according to the eighth state, the power supply device can be appropriately configured on the human-powered vehicle.

[0020] According to a ninth embodiment of the present invention, the power supply device is configured according to any one of the first to eighth embodiments, such that the first electrical connection port, the second electrical connection port, and the third electrical connection port extend from the base along a first direction parallel to the longitudinal direction of the base.

[0021] Using the power supply device according to the ninth state, cables connected to the first, second, and third electrical connection ports of the power supply device can be appropriately configured.

[0022] According to a tenth aspect of the present invention, the power supply device according to the ninth aspect is configured such that it further includes an identification structure configured to distinguish the third electrical connection port from the first electrical connection port and the second electrical connection port.

[0023] Using the power supply device according to the tenth state, the third electrical connection port can be easily distinguished from the first electrical connection port and the second electrical connection port.

[0024] According to an eleventh embodiment of the present invention, the power supply device according to the tenth embodiment is configured such that the first electrical connection port has a first distal end, the second electrical connection port has a second distal end, and the third electrical connection port has a third distal end. When viewed along a second direction perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the base, the third distal end is offset from the first and second distal ends. The identification structure includes a step defined by the third distal end and the first and second distal ends.

[0025] Using the power supply device according to the eleventh state, the third electrical connection port can be easily distinguished from the first electrical connection port and the second electrical connection port.

[0026] According to a twelfth embodiment of the present invention, the power supply device is configured according to any one of the first to eleventh embodiments, such that each of the first electrical connection port, the second electrical connection port and the third electrical connection port has a cylindrical receiving hole.

[0027] Using the power supply device according to the twelfth state, a cylindrical electrical connector containing the power supply device can be used.

[0028] According to a thirteenth embodiment of the present invention, the power supply device according to the twelfth embodiment is configured such that each of the receiving holes of the first electrical connection port, the second electrical connection port, and the third electrical connection port has a central axis that corresponds to a vertex of a triangle when viewed from a first direction parallel to the longitudinal direction of the base.

[0029] Using the power supply device according to the thirteenth state, the cables connected to the first, second, and third electrical connection ports of the power supply device can be miniaturized.

[0030] According to a fourteenth embodiment of the present invention, the power supply device according to the thirteenth embodiment is configured such that the triangle includes a first side, a second side, and a third side. The first side and the second side have the same length.

[0031] Using the power supply device according to the fourteenth state, the cables connected to the first, second, and third electrical connection ports of the power supply device can be miniaturized.

[0032] According to a fifteenth aspect of the present invention, the power supply device according to the fourteenth aspect is configured such that the length of the third side is different from the length of the first side.

[0033] Using the power supply device according to the fifteenth state, the cables connected to the first, second, and third electrical connection ports of the power supply device can be miniaturized.

[0034] According to a sixteenth embodiment of the present invention, the power supply device configured according to any one of the twelfth to fifteenth embodiments is such that the first electrical connection port has a first receiving hole, sized to receive a first cable having a first maximum diameter. The second electrical connection port has a second receiving hole, sized to receive a second cable having a second maximum diameter. The third electrical connection port has a third receiving hole, sized to receive a third cable having a third maximum diameter. The first maximum diameter, the second maximum diameter, and the third maximum diameter are equal.

[0035] Using the power supply device according to the sixteenth state, cables of similar size can be connected to the first, second, and third electrical connection ports of the power supply device.

[0036] According to a seventeenth embodiment of the present invention, the power supply device according to any one of the first to sixteenth embodiments further includes an indicator configured to indicate information about the power supply device.

[0037] By using the power supply device according to the seventeenth state, the remaining power can be easily determined.

[0038] According to an eighteenth embodiment of the present invention, the power supply device according to any one of the first to seventeenth embodiments further includes a communicator configured to output information about the power supply device.

[0039] Using the power supply device according to the eighteenth state, information about the power supply device can be provided to the rider or user on a remote indicator (such as a display or speaker).

[0040] According to a nineteenth embodiment of the present invention, the power supply device according to the eighteenth embodiment is configured such that the communicator includes a wireless communication device that wirelessly outputs information about the power supply device.

[0041] By using the power supply device according to the nineteenth state, the wiring between the power supply device and a remote indicator (such as a display or speaker) can be eliminated.

[0042] According to a twentieth state of the present invention, the power supply device is configured according to any of the seventeenth to nineteenth states, such that the information includes an operating state of the power supply device and a power supply capacity of the power supply device.

[0043] By using the power supply device according to the twentieth state, the operating state of the power supply device and the power supply capacity of the power supply device can be easily determined.

[0044] Furthermore, those skilled in the art will gain a clearer understanding of the other objects, features, forms, and advantages of the disclosed power supply device from the following preferred embodiments of the power supply device, while referring to the accompanying drawings. Simple Explanation of the Diagram

[0045] Reference will now be made to the accompanying drawings, which form part of this invention:

[0046] Figure 1 is a side view of a bicycle according to a first embodiment, having a power supply device for powering power supply components (a front derailleur and a rear derailleur);

[0047] Figure 2 shows a simplified wiring diagram illustrating the power supply device electrically coupled to the front derailleur and the rear derailleur.

[0048] Figure 3 is a simplified block diagram of an electric transmission system including the power supply device illustrated in Figures 1 and 2;

[0049] Figure 4 is a perspective view of the power supply device according to the first specific embodiment;

[0050] Figure 5 is a cross-sectional view of the power supply device illustrated in Figure 4;

[0051] Figure 6 is a partial perspective view of a connection end of the power supply device illustrated in Figures 4 and 5;

[0052] Figure 7 is an end view of the connection terminal of the power supply device illustrated in Figures 4 to 6;

[0053] Figure 8 is an enlarged perspective view of the connection end of the power supply device, as illustrated in Figures 4 to 7, with the housing partially cut open;

[0054] Figure 9 is a cross-sectional view of the connection end of the power supply device as seen along section line 9-9 as shown in Figure 7;

[0055] Figure 10 is a cross-sectional view of the connection end of the power supply device as seen along section line 10-10 as shown in Figure 7;

[0056] Figure 11 is a cross-sectional view of the connection end of the power supply device similar to that in Figure 9, but with an electrical connector disposed at a third electrical connection port in a non-electrical connection position;

[0057] Figure 12 is a cross-sectional view of the connection end of the power supply device similar to that in Figure 11, but the electrical connector is arranged at the third electrical connection port at an electrical connection position;

[0058] Figure 13 is a perspective view of the power supply device according to a second specific embodiment;

[0059] Figure 14 is a cross-sectional view of the power supply device illustrated in Figure 13; and

[0060] Figure 15 is a partial perspective view of a power supply device illustrated in Figures 13 and 14. Implementation

[0061] The selected specific embodiments will now be explained with reference to the accompanying drawings. Those skilled in the art of human-powered vehicles will understand from the following description of specific embodiments that the following description of specific embodiments of the invention is merely illustrative and not intended to limit the invention, which is defined by the claims and appendices thereof listed below.

[0062] Please refer to Figure 1, which illustrates a human-powered vehicle B used in a specific embodiment. The human-powered vehicle B has an electric transmission system 10 according to the illustrated embodiment. As used herein, "human-powered vehicle" refers to a vehicle that can be driven at least by human power, but excludes vehicles that use power other than human power. In particular, vehicles that use only an internal combustion engine as their driving force are not included in the category of human-powered vehicles. It is generally assumed that human-powered vehicles are miniaturized, lightweight vehicles that do not require a permit for road use. There is no limitation on the number of wheels on the human-powered vehicle B. The human-powered vehicle B includes, for example, unicycles and vehicles with three or more wheels. The human-powered vehicle B includes, for example, various types of bicycles, such as mountain bikes, road bikes, city bikes, freight bikes, and recumbent bikes, as well as electric-assisted bicycles (E-bikes). In the following specific embodiments, the human-powered vehicle B refers to a bicycle.

[0063] As shown in Figure 1, the human-powered vehicle B is a multi-purpose road bike or gravel bike, but it is not limited to this type of road bike. The human-powered vehicle B mainly includes a frame F, a fork FF, a front wheel FW, a rear wheel RW, handlebars H, and a drivetrain DT. The drivetrain DT basically includes a crankshaft CS, a pair of crank arms, a pair of pedals PD, a plurality of front sprockets FS, a plurality of rear sprockets RS, and a chain CN. The crank arms CA are fixed to opposite ends of the crankshaft CS. Each of the pedals PD is rotatably coupled to the distal end of a corresponding crank arm CA. The front sprockets FS are mounted on one of the crank arms CA. The rear sprockets RS are mounted on a rear hub of the rear wheel RW. In a first embodiment, the chain CN rotates around the drivetrain DT, the front sprockets FS, and the rear sprockets RS. The driving force applied to the pedals PD by the rider of the human-powered vehicle B is transmitted to the rear wheel RW via the front sprockets FS, the chain CN, and the rear sprockets RS. Alternatively, the human-powered vehicle B may include an electric drive unit to assist the rider's driving force. In other words, the human-powered vehicle B may be an electric bicycle.

[0064] In this specification, the manually driven vehicle B further includes an electric rear derailleur RD for moving the chain CN between the rear sprockets RS, and an electric front derailleur FD for moving the chain CN between the front sprockets FS. Each of the rear derailleur RD and the front derailleur FD is operated by a user operating device OD. Although the user operating device OD is exemplified for controlling both the rear derailleur RD and the front derailleur FD, it will be understood from the present invention that each of the rear derailleur RD and the front derailleur FD can be controlled by a separate user operating device. In this specification, the user operating device OD is an electric brake with hydraulic braking function. The rear derailleur RD and the front derailleur FD are examples of vehicle assemblies, and more specifically, examples of electric bicycle assemblies.

[0065] As shown in Figures 1 and 2, a power supply device 12 is provided for the manually driven vehicle B according to a first embodiment. Essentially, the power supply device 12 includes a base 14. Preferably, as shown in Figure 1, the base 14 constitutes at least one of a seat upright SP disposed on the manually driven vehicle B and an internal space. In this specification, the base 14 of the power supply device 12 is disposed on the seat upright SP of the manually driven vehicle B, as shown in Figure 1. However, the base 14 of the power supply device 12 is shaped such that the base 14 of the power supply device 12 can be disposed within the internal space of the frame F of the manually driven vehicle B.

[0066] As shown in Figure 3, the power supply unit 12, the operating device OD, the rear derailleur RD, and the front derailleur FD are part of the electric shifting system 10. The user operating device OD can communicate with the rear derailleur RD and the front derailleur FD using wireless or wired communication. In this specification, the operating device OD is a bicycle shifter that communicates wirelessly with the power supply unit 12, as explained below. However, the user operating device OD can also be connected to the power supply unit 12 via a cable to control the shifting of the rear derailleur RD and the front derailleur FD.

[0067] In a first specific embodiment, the power supply device 12 further includes an operating member 16. In this specification, the operating member 16 is positioned remotely from the base 14. For example, the operating member 16 is positioned on the handlebar H, as shown in FIG1. ​​The operating member 16 includes a user input 16a (button) manually operated by the rider or user. However, the operating member 16 is not limited to the specific embodiment illustrated (i.e., a push-button operating member). For example, the operating member 16 may be a rotary operating member or a pull-type operating member. Alternatively, the operating member 16 may be an electrically operated member, rather than a mechanical operating member as shown in this specification. In this specification, it is explained below that the operating member 16 is used to restart certain programs, settings, parameters, etc. However, in some cases, the operating member 16 may be omitted, as explained below.

[0068] Referring to Figures 3, 5, and 8, the power supply device 12 further includes a battery 20 and an electronic controller 22. The battery 20 is disposed on the base 14. In this specification, the electronic controller 22 is also disposed on the base 14. The electronic controller 22 is operatively connected to the battery 20. Thus, power from the battery 20 can be distributed to one or more electrical components of the manually driven vehicle B. Furthermore, the electronic controller 22 is used to control each electrical component inserted into the power supply device 12 (e.g., the rear derailleur RD and the front derailleur FD), as explained below.

[0069] The preferred configuration is that the base 14 comprises a housing 24 in the shape of a cylinder. As used in this specification, the term "cylindrical" refers to an elongated structure (e.g., a cylinder, column, or rod) with an outer surface having a circular cross-section, a polygonal cross-section, or a circular-polygonal cross-section (e.g., a rounded rectangle). In any case, as described in this specification, the housing 24 is tubular with a hollow interior that is open at one end and closed at the other. The battery 20 and the electronic controller 22 are disposed within the housing 24. The base 14 further includes an end cap 26 attached to the open end of the housing 24 and thereby closed by the open end of the housing 24. The end cap 26 is attached to the housing 24 by adhesive, welding, or other suitable fasteners. If desired and / or as agreed, the end cap 26 can be detachably attached to the housing 24 by appropriate connections (e.g., threaded connections, bayonet connections, etc.). The preferred configuration is that the housing 24 and the end cap 26 form a waterproof enclosure. The housing 24 and the end cap 26 are preferably made of rigid plastic.

[0070] Battery 20 is an example of a power source that provides power to one or more electrical components of the human-powered vehicle B. Battery 20 is preferably a rechargeable battery having one or more battery cells. For example, battery 20 may be a lithium-ion battery. However, other types of power sources can be used instead of battery 20. For example, battery 20 may be replaced by power sources such as hydrogen fuel cells or capacitors.

[0071] The electronic controller 22 is preferably configured as a microcomputer or central processing unit (CPU), which includes at least one processor 30 and at least one computer storage device or memory 32. The electronic controller 22 is formed from one or more semiconductor chips mounted on a circuit board PCB. As used in this specification, the term "electronic controller" refers to the hardware that executes software programs and does not include personnel.

[0072] Although illustrated as a single element in Figure 3, those skilled in the art will understand that one or more components may include or comprise one or more circuit boards containing one or any number of integrated circuits for performing the activities described herein. The electronic controller 22 may be one or more integrated circuits with firmware to enable the circuitry to perform the activities described herein. Of course, any number of other analog and / or digital components capable of performing the functions described below may be provided in place of or in combination with the controller element described herein. As shown in Figure 3, the processor 30 and memory 32 are disposed on a single circuit board PCB, which in this illustrated embodiment is a printed circuit board.

[0073] Memory 32 constitutes the storage of settings, programs, data, calculations, and / or results of processor 30. Memory 32 can be any computer storage device or any non-transitory computer-readable medium, with the sole exception of transient propagation signals. For example, memory 32 may include, for example, non-volatile memory and volatile memory, and may include read-only memory (ROM) devices, random access memory (RAM) devices, hard disks, flash drives, etc.

[0074] Furthermore, the electronic controller 22 includes a power line communication (PLC) circuit 34 for power line communication, enabling electrical components to receive power and data on the same electrical conductor. In other words, the power line communication (PLC) carries data on a conductor that is also used to transmit or distribute power to an electrical component. Moreover, power line communication uses unique identification information, such as a unique identifier assigned to each electrical component.

[0075] Furthermore, the electronic controller 22 includes a reset or redrive circuit 36 ​​for re-driving the processor 30 and / or memory 32. In this way, specific programs, settings, parameters, etc., are reset to preset settings or preset values. The redrive circuit 36 ​​is activated in response to the operation of the operating member 16. In other words, when the operating member 16 is operated, the redrive circuit 36 ​​is activated to output a reset or redrive signal to the processor 30, which clears the memory 32 and / or restarts the program. For example, the redrive signal can cause the processor 30 to execute a program to re-drive the processor 30 and / or clear the memory 32 to a predetermined setting value. Thus, the electronic controller 22 is configured to redrive the operating member 16 to a predetermined setting value when the operating member 16 is operated.

[0076] In the illustrated embodiment, the power supply device 12 further includes a communicator 38, which is configured to output information about the power supply device 12. In this specification, the communicator 38 is disposed on the circuit board PCB, which also includes the electronic controller 22. A communicator is a hardware device capable of transmitting analog or digital signals via a communication line or wirelessly. Examples of communicators include NICs (Network Interface Cards), Wi-Fi devices, and access points. In the illustrated embodiment, the communicator 38 includes a wireless communication device, which is configured to wirelessly output information about the power supply device 12. As used herein, the terms "wireless communication device" and "wireless communicator" include a receiver, a transmitter, a transceiver, or a transmitter-receiver, as well as any single or combined device capable of transmitting and / or receiving wireless communication signals, including speed control signals or other signals of control, command, or certain functions of controlled components. The wireless communication signal may be a radio frequency (RF) signal with a frequency in the 2.4 GHz band, specifically from 2.480 to 2.499 GHz, more specifically from 2.490 to 2.499 GHz, an ultra-wideband communication signal, or Bluetooth communication, or any other type of signal understood in the field of human-powered vehicles as suitable for short-range wireless communication. If only wireless output information is required, the communicator 38 may be a one-way wireless communication device such as a transmitter. However, in this first embodiment, the communicator 38 may be a two-way wireless communication device.

[0077] In a preferred configuration, the power supply device 12 further includes an indicator (e.g., a bicycle recorder CC or a noise generator mounted on the circuit board PCB) that provides information about the power supply device 12. In a first embodiment, this information preferably includes, in particular, the operating status and power supply capacity of the power supply device 12. For example, information from the communicator 38 can be conveyed to the user or rider audibly via a noise generator (speaker or buzzer) provided by the bicycle recorder CC or visually via a display provided by the bicycle recorder CC. Additionally, information about the power supply device 12 can be conveyed audibly to the user or rider via a noise generator (speaker or buzzer) mounted on the circuit board PCB. This noise generator can use different sounds to indicate the operating status and power supply capacity of the power supply device 12. For example, the power supply capacity can be the remaining charge in the battery 20.

[0078] In this specification, the rear derailleur RD and the front derailleur FD communicate with the user operating device OD via a communicator 38 to wirelessly receive shift signals and wirelessly transmit data. Alternatively, for example, each of the rear derailleur RD and the front derailleur FD may include a wireless communicator configured to perform bidirectional wireless communication with the user operating device OD to wirelessly receive shift signals and wirelessly transmit data. The electronic controller 22 is programmed to process a signal from an upshift switch of the operating device OD into an upshift signal and a signal from a downshift switch of the operating device OD into a downshift signal, for selectively shifting the rear derailleur RD and the front derailleur according to a pre-stored synchronized shift table in memory 32.

[0079] The optimal configuration allows communicator 38 to wirelessly communicate with other devices, such as smartphones or personal computers, to update memory 32 stored in the electronic controller 22 or in the memory of the rear derailleur RD and / or the front derailleur FD. The wireless control signal of communicator 38 can be transmitted at a specific frequency and / or with an identification code such as a specific code to distinguish it from other wireless control signals. Thus, the rear derailleur RD and the front derailleur FD can identify which control signals to apply and which to not apply. Therefore, the rear derailleur RD and the front derailleur FD can ignore control signals from other wireless communicators.

[0080] As shown in Figures 2 and 3, the power supply device 12 can be electrically connected to the first vehicle assembly BC1 (i.e., the rear derailleur RD in this specific embodiment) via a first cable 42 to provide power to the first vehicle assembly BC1. Additionally, the power supply device 12 can be electrically connected to the second vehicle assembly BC2 (i.e., the front derailleur FD in this specific embodiment) via a second cable 44 to provide power to the second vehicle assembly BC2. In this specification, the first and second cables 42 and 44 also utilize power line communication to transmit data signals between the power supply device 12 and the first and second vehicle assemblies BC1 and BC2. As shown in Figure 3, if the operating member 16 is disconnected from the power supply device 12, the power supply device 12 can be electrically connected to the third vehicle assembly BC3 (e.g., a motorized seatpost, motorized shock absorber, etc.) via a third cable 46 to provide power to the third vehicle assembly BC3. Preferably, each of the first, second, and third cables 42, 42, and 46 has a rated current carrying capacity greater than 1.0 amp and less than 3.5 amps. In this specification, each of the first, second, and third cables 42, 42, and 46 has a rated current carrying capacity of 3.0 amps. The preferred configuration is that each of the first, second, and third cables 42, 42, and 46 has a rated voltage greater than 8.4 volts and less than 35 volts. In this specification, each of the first, second, and third cables 42, 42, and 46 has a rated voltage of 30 volts.

[0081] As shown in Figures 4 to 10, in a first embodiment, the power supply device 12 further includes a first electrical connection port 50, a second electrical connection port 52, and a third electrical connection port 54. The first electrical connection port 50, the second electrical connection port 52, and the third electrical connection port 54 are disposed on the base 14. Specifically, the first electrical connection port 50, the second electrical connection port 52, and the third electrical connection port 54 are integrally formed with the end cap 26. However, the first electrical connection port 50, the second electrical connection port 52, and the third electrical connection port 54 can be attached to the base 14 individually or as a whole. As shown in Figure 6, the first electrical connection port 50, the second electrical connection port 52, and the third electrical connection port 54 extend from the base 14 along a first direction D1 parallel to the longitudinal direction A1 of the base 14.

[0082] The first electrical connection port 50 has a cylindrical first receiving hole 60. The second electrical connection port 52 has a cylindrical second receiving hole 62. The third electrical connection port 54 has a cylindrical third receiving hole 64. In other words, each of the first electrical connection port 50, the second electrical connection port 52, and the third electrical connection port 54 has a cylindrical receiving hole 60, 62, or 64. More specifically, the third receiving hole 64 has a discontinuous cylindrical shape, while the first receiving hole 60 and the second receiving hole 62 have a continuous cylindrical shape. A centering hole 66 is located between the first receiving hole 60 and the second receiving hole 62. The hole 66 is longitudinally connected to the third receiving hole 64, such that the hole 66 communicates with the third receiving hole 64.

[0083] The first receiving hole 60 is sized to accommodate a first cable 42 with a first maximum diameter d1 as shown in Figures 2 and 6. In this specification, the first cable 42 has a first electrical connector 42a at one end and a second electrical connector 42b at the other end. The first maximum diameter d1 of the first cable 42 is defined by the first electrical connector 42a. The first and second electrical connectors 42a and 42b may be the same or different. The second receiving hole 62 is sized to accommodate a second cable 44 with a second maximum diameter d2 as shown in Figures 2 and 6. In this specification, the second cable 44 has a first electrical connector 44a at one end and a second electrical connector 44b at the other end. The second maximum diameter d2 of the second cable 44 is defined by the first electrical connector 44a. The first and second electrical connectors 44a and 44b may be the same or different. The third receiving hole 64 is sized to accommodate a third cable 46 with a third maximum diameter d3 as shown in Figures 2 and 6. In this specification, the third cable 46 has a first electrical connector 46a at one end and a second electrical connector 46b at the other end. The third maximum diameter d3 of the third cable 46 is defined by the first electrical connector 46a. The first and second electrical connectors 46a and 46b may be the same or different. The first maximum diameter d1, the second maximum diameter d2, and the third maximum diameter d3 are equal. Preferably, each of the first, second, and third receiving holes 60, 62, and 64 has a maximum diameter of less than five centimeters. Preferably, the maximum diameter of the first, second, and third receiving holes 60, 62, and 64 is greater than 2.5 centimeters, and preferably less than 3.5 centimeters. In this specification, the maximum diameter of the first, second, and third receiving holes 60, 62, and 64 is three centimeters.

[0084] In this specification, the first electrical connectors 42a, 44a, and 46a of the first, second, and third cables 42, 44, and 46 are electrically connected to one of the first, second, and third electrical connection ports 50, 52, and 54, respectively, while the second electrical connectors 42b, 44b, and 46b of the first, second, and third cables 42, 44, and 46 are electrically connected to different electrical components. However, all of the second electrical connectors 42b, 44b, and 46b of the first, second, and third cables 42, 44, and 46 may be connected to the same electrical component. Similarly, any two of the second electrical connectors 42b, 44b, and 46b of the first, second, and third cables 42, 44, and 46 may be connected to the same electrical component.

[0085] The first electrical connection port 50 has a first connection configuration 70. The second electrical connection port 52 has a second connection configuration 72. The third electrical connection port 54 has a third connection configuration 74. The first connection configuration 70, the second connection configuration 72, and the third connection configuration 74 have the same shape. In particular, the first connection configuration 70 has a first electrical connector 80 disposed in a first receiving hole 60. The first electrical connector 80 includes an insulator body 80a and an electrical conductor 80b protruding from the opposite end of the insulator body 80a. The electrical conductor 80b is electrically connected to the battery 20 via an electronic controller 22. Similarly, the second connection configuration 72 has a second electrical connector 82 disposed in a second receiving hole 62. The second electrical connector 82 includes an insulator body 82a and an electrical conductor 82b protruding from the opposite end of the insulator body 82a. The electrical conductor 82b is electrically connected to the battery 20 via an electronic controller 22. The third connection configuration 74 has a third electrical connector 84 disposed in a third receiving hole 64. The third electrical connector 84 includes an insulator body 84a and an electrical conductor 84b protruding from the opposite end of the insulator body 84a. The electrical conductor 84b is electrically connected to the battery 20 via an electronic controller 22. Therefore, the term "connection configuration" as used in this specification refers to an electrical port configuration that allows and / or prevents connection to a mating connector. In this specification, the electrical connectors 80, 82, and 84 of the first, second, and third receiving holes 60, 62, and 64 and the first, second, and third electrical ports 50, 52, and 54 have the same connection configuration, allowing them to be connected to the same mating electrical connector, respectively. Thus, each of the first electrical connectors 42a, 44a, and 46a of the first, second, and third cables 42, 44, and 46 can be connected to any of the first, second, and third electrical ports 50, 52, and 54.

[0086] As shown in Figure 7, each of the receiving holes 60, 62, and 64 of the first electrical connection port 50, the second electrical connection port 52, and the third electrical connection port 54 has a central axis V1, V2, and V3, respectively, which corresponds to the vertex of triangle T when viewed from a first direction parallel to the longitudinal direction A1 of the base 14. In this specification, the triangle includes a first side S1, a second side S2, and a third side S3. The first side S1 and the second side S2 have the same length L1. The third side S3 has a length L2 different from the length L1 of the first side S1.

[0087] As shown in Figures 5 to 12, in a first embodiment, the power supply device 12 further includes an electrical contact 90 disposed on the base 14. Specifically, the electrical contact 90 is a leaf spring contact attached to the end cap 26 of the base 14. The electrical contact 90 is disposed in the hole 66, with a portion of the electrical contact 90 extending into the third receiving hole 64 of the third electrical connection port 54. The electrical contact 90 is electrically connected to the electronic controller 22. As shown in Figures 9 and 10, the electrical contact 90 is configured to extend into the third receiving hole 64 of the third electrical connection port 54. As shown in Figures 11 and 12, the operating member 16 is movably attached to the third electrical connection port 54. In this embodiment, the operating member 16 can be operated to perform a re-drive operation. Alternatively, any of the first electrical connectors 42a, 44a, and 46a of the first, second, and third cables 42, 44, and 46 can be connected to the third electrical connector 84 disposed in the third receiving hole 64 of the third electrical connection port 54.

[0088] When the third electrical connector 84 is electrically connected to any of the first electrical connectors 42a, 44a, and 46a of the first, second, and third cables 42, 44, and 46, the electrical contact 90 is not electrically connected to the electrical conductor 84b of the third electrical connector 84 due to the external insulation of the first electrical connectors 42a, 44a, or 46a. However, the operating member 16 has a connector 16b configured to selectively mate with the first electrical connection port 50, the second electrical connection port 52, and the third electrical connection port 54. The connector 16b is made of a conductive material (e.g., metal). When the connector 16b of the operating member 16 is configured in the first receiving hole 60 of the first electrical connection port 50 or the second receiving hole 62 of the second electrical connection port 52, the connector 16b of the operating member 16 does not make any electrical connection with the electrical contact 90.

[0089] However, when the connector 16b of the operating member 16 is positioned in the third receiving hole 64 of the third electrical connection port 54, the connector 16b of the operating member 16 will be electrically connected to the electrical contact 90. When the connector 16b of the operating member 16 is pushed in far enough to contact the electrical conductor 84b of the third electrical connector 84, an electrical connection is formed between the electrical contact 90 and the electrical conductor 84b of the third electrical connector 84 through the connector 16b. In this specification, as shown in FIG2, the operating member 16 includes a cable 16c (Bowden cable) with one end connected to the connector 16b and the other end connected to the user input 16a (e.g., a button). Therefore, pressing the user input 16a will move the connector 16b from the non-electrically connected position (FIG. 11) to the electrically connected position (FIG. 12). In the electrically connected position (FIG. 12), the re-drive circuit 36 ​​is activated to begin the re-drive process.

[0090] Please refer to Figures 9 to 13, which illustrate a power supply device 112 according to a second embodiment. In this specification, the power supply device 112 is identical to the power supply device 12, except that the end cap 26 of the power supply device 12 has been replaced by an end cap 126. Therefore, the power supply device 112 has a base 114 including a housing 24 and an end cap 126. Due to the degree of similarity between these first and second embodiments, portions of the second embodiment that are identical to those of the first embodiment will be assigned the same reference numerals as those of the first embodiment. Furthermore, for simplicity, descriptions of portions of the second embodiment that are identical to those of the first embodiment may be omitted.

[0091] In a second embodiment, the end cap 126 of the power supply device 112 further includes a first electrical connection port 150, a second electrical connection port 152, and a third electrical connection port 154. In this specification, the power supply device 112 further includes an identification structure 155, which distinguishes the third electrical connection port 154 from the first electrical connection port 150 and the second electrical connection port 152.

[0092] Specifically, the first electrical connection port 150 has a first distal end 150a, the second electrical connection port 152 has a second distal end 152a, and the third electrical connection port 154 has a third distal end 154a. When viewed from a second direction perpendicular to the longitudinal direction A1 of the base 14, the third distal end 154a is offset from the first distal end 150a and the second distal end 152a. Thus, the identification structure 155 includes a step defined by the third distal end 154a and the first distal end 150a and the second distal end 152a.

[0093] Except for the longitudinal length of the first and second electrical connection ports 150 and 152, they are substantially the same as the first and second electrical connection ports 50 and 52 in the first embodiment. The first electrical connection port 150 has a cylindrical first receiving hole 160, which is the same as the first receiving hole 60 in the first embodiment. The second electrical connection port 152 has a cylindrical second receiving hole 162, which is the same as the second receiving hole 62 in the first embodiment. Except for the longitudinal length of the third electrical connection port 154, it is substantially the same as the third electrical connection port 54 in the first embodiment. The third electrical connection port 154 has a cylindrical third receiving hole 164, which is the same as the third receiving hole 64 in the first embodiment. Therefore, the connection configuration of the first, second, and third electrical connection ports 150, 152, and 154 is the same as the connection configuration of the first, second, and third electrical connection ports 50, 52, and 54 in the first embodiment. Thus, the first electrical connection port 150 has a first connection configuration 170. The second electrical connection port 152 has a second connection configuration 172. The third electrical connection port 154 has a third connection configuration 174. The first, second, and third connection configurations 170, 172, and 174 have the same configuration as the first, second, and third connection configurations 70, 72, and 74 in the first embodiment.

[0094] In understanding the scope of this invention, the term "comprising" and its variations as used in this specification are intended as open-ended terms, indicating the presence of the stated features, elements, components, groups, integers, and / or steps, but not excluding the presence of other unstated features, elements, components, integers, and / or steps. The foregoing also applies to words with similar meanings, such as "comprising," "having," and variations thereof. Furthermore, when the terms "part," "section," "part," "component," or "element" are used in the singular form, unless otherwise stated, they may have both the meaning of a single component and a plurality of components.

[0095] As used in this instruction manual, the following directional terms, "frame facing the side," "frame not facing the side," "forward," "backward," "front," "rear," "up," "down," "above," "below," "upward," "downward," "top," "bottom," "side," "vertical," "horizontal," "right angle," and "lateral," and any other similar directional terms, represent the orientation of the human-powered vehicle in an upright, riding position with the power supply device. Therefore, these directional terms describing the power supply device should be interpreted relative to the upright riding position of the human-powered vehicle on a horizontal surface with the power supply device. The terms "left" and "right" are used to indicate "right" when looking forward from the rear of the bicycle to the right, and "left" when looking forward from the rear of the bicycle to the left.

[0096] The term "at least one" as used in this invention indicates "one or more" of the desired choices. For example, if the number of choices is two, then "at least one" as used in this invention means "only one choice" or "two of the two choices." As another example, if the number of choices is three or more, then "at least one" as used in this invention means "only one choice" or "any combination of two or more choices."

[0097] Furthermore, it will be understood that although the terms "first" and "second," etc., used in this specification are to describe various components, these components should not be limited to these terms. These terms are only used to distinguish components that are different from each other. Thus, for example, without departing from the technology of the present invention, a first component discussed above should be referred to as a second component.

[0098] The terms "connected" or "connected" as used in this specification cover the following configurations: directly fixing one component to another; indirectly fixing one component to another by fixing one component to an intermediate member and then to another; and integrating one component into another, where one component is a substantial part of the other. This definition also applies to similar terms such as "joined," "connected," "coupled," "installed," "glued," "fixed," and their variations. Finally, terms of degree, such as "generally," "approximately," and "roughly" as used in this specification, indicate the amount of deviation of the modified terms so that the final result is not significantly changed.

[0099] Although only selected specific embodiments are chosen to illustrate the invention, those skilled in the art can make various changes and modifications without departing from the scope of the invention as defined in the following claims. For example, unless specifically stated otherwise, the size, shape, position, or orientation of various components may be changed as needed and / or required, provided that the changes do not substantially affect their intended function. Unless specifically stated otherwise, intermediate structures may be inserted between components that are directly connected or in contact with each other, provided that the changes do not substantially affect their intended function. The function of one element may be performed by two elements, and vice versa, unless specifically stated otherwise. The structure and function of one embodiment may be adapted in another embodiment. Not all advantages are necessarily present simultaneously in a particular embodiment. Each feature unique from the prior art, alone or in combination with other features, should also be considered a separate description of the applicant's further invention, including the structural and / or functional concepts embodied by such feature. Thus, the foregoing description of specific embodiments of the invention is illustrative only and is not intended to limit the invention, which is defined by the following claims and their appendices.

[0100] 10: Electric transmission system 12,112: Power supply device 14,114: Base 16: Operating components 16a: User Input 16b: Connector 16c: Cable 20: Battery 22: Electronic Controller 24: Shell 26,126: End cap 30: Processor 32: Memory 34: Power line communication circuit 36: Re-drive circuit 38: Communicator 42: First cable 42a, 44a, 46a, 80: First electrical connector 42b, 44b, 46b, 82: Second electrical connector 44: Second cable 46: Third cable 50, 150: First electrical connection port 52,152: Second electrical connection port 54,154: Third electrical connection port 60, 160: First receiving hole 62,162: Second receiving hole 64,164: Third receiving hole 66: Center hole 70,170: First connection configuration 72,172: Second connection configuration 74,174: Third connection configuration 80a, 82a, 84a: Insulator body 80b, 82b, 84b: Electrical conductors 84: Third electrical connector 90: Electrical contact 150a: First distal end 152a: Second distal end 154a: Third distal end 155: Identifying Structure A1: Vertical B: Human-powered vehicles BC1: First Vehicle Component BC2: Second Vehicle Component BC3: Third Vehicle Component CA: Crankarm CC: Bicycle Dashcam CN: Chain CS: Crankshaft D1: First Direction d1: First maximum diameter d2: Second largest diameter d3: The third largest diameter DT: Transmission System F: Chassis FD: Front Derailleur FF: Front fork component FS: Front gear disc FW: Front wheel H: Handlebars L1, L2: Length OD: Operating device PCB: Circuit Board PD: Pedal RD: Rear derailleur RS: Rear Gear Disc RW: Rear wheel S1: First side S2: Second side S3: Third side SP: Seat Cushion Vertical Bar V1, V2, V3: Central axis

Claims

1. A power supply device for a manually powered vehicle, the power supply device comprising: A base on which a circuit board is mounted; a first electrical connection port disposed on the base and electrically connected to the circuit board, and having a first connection configuration; and a second electrical connection port disposed on the base and electrically connected to the circuit board, and having a second connection configuration; wherein the first connection configuration and the second connection configuration have the same shape; the base constitutes at least one of an internal space of a support column and a frame of the human-powered vehicle.

2. The power supply device as requested in item 1, wherein: The first electrical connection port and the second electrical connection port are configured in the internal space of the vehicle frame.

3. The power supply device as requested in item 1, wherein: The first electrical connection port and the second electrical connection port are configured to be located between a crankshaft of the manually driven vehicle and the seat upright, at which time the power supply device is fixed to the manually driven vehicle.

4. The power supply device as requested in item 1, wherein: The circuit board is located between the first electrical connection port and a battery disposed on the base.

5. The power supply device of claim 3 further includes: a processor fixed on the circuit board.

6. The power supply device as requested in item 1, wherein: The first electrical connection port or the second electrical connection port is connected to the circuit board via a wire.

7. The power supply device as requested in item 1, wherein: The first electrical connection port has a first electrical connector disposed in a first receiving hole, and the second electrical connection port has a second electrical connector disposed in a second receiving hole.

8. The power supply device as requested in item 7, wherein: The first electrical connection port has a first electrical connector disposed on the radially inner side of one wall of the first receiving hole, and the second electrical connection port has a second electrical connector disposed on the radially inner side of the second receiving hole.

9. The power supply device as requested in item 7, wherein: The first receiving hole system is sized to accept a first cable having a first maximum diameter; the second receiving hole system is sized to accept a second cable having a second maximum diameter; and the first maximum diameter and the second maximum diameter are equal.

10. The power supply device as requested in item 7, wherein: A first gap is provided between the first electrical connector and one wall of the first receiving hole, and a second gap is provided between the second electrical connector and one wall of the second receiving hole.

11. The power supply device as requested in item 1, wherein: The first electrical connection port and the second electrical connection port extend from the base along a first direction parallel to a longitudinal direction of the base.

12. The power supply device as requested in item 10, wherein: A first distal end of the first electrical connection port and a second distal end of the second electrical connection port are located at the same position in a longitudinal direction of the base.

13. The power supply device as requested in item 10, wherein: When viewed along a second direction perpendicular to a longitudinal direction of the base, a first distal end of the first electrical connection port overlaps with a second distal end of the second electrical connection port.

14. The power supply device as described in claim 1 further includes: Two battery cells are mounted on the base.

15. The power supply device of claim 14, wherein the battery cells are arranged along a longitudinal direction of the base.

16. The power supply device as described in claim 1 further includes: A first battery cell and a second battery cell are electrically connected to the circuit board.

17. The power supply device as claimed in claim 1 further includes: A battery is disposed on the base; and an electronic controller is disposed on the base and operably connected to the battery.

18. The power supply device as described in claim 15 further includes: One operating component; And an electronic controller configured to redrive the operating component to a predetermined set value when the operating component is operated.

19. The power supply device as described in claim 18, wherein: The operating component has a connector configured to selectively mate with the first electrical connection port and the second electrical connection port.

20. The power supply device as claimed in item 18, wherein: The operating component is located away from the base.

21. The power supply device as requested in item 1, wherein: The base includes a shell having a columnar shape.

22. The power supply device as claimed in claim 1 further includes: An indicator that provides information about the power supply device.

23. The power supply device as described in claim 22, wherein: This information includes the operating status of the power supply device and the power supply capacity of the power supply device.

24. The power supply device as claimed in claim 1 further includes: A communicator that outputs information about the power supply device.

25. The power supply device as described in claim 24, wherein: The communicator includes a wireless communication device that wirelessly outputs information about the power supply device.

26. The power supply device of claim 1, wherein a processor and a memory are fixed on the circuit board.

27. The power supply device of claim 14, wherein a thickness direction of the circuit board intersects with an arrangement direction of the battery cells.

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