JP2020082996A - Electric bicycle - Google Patents

Abstract

To provide an electric bicycle which does not generate auxiliary driving force for push-walking in a state that a user rides on the electric bicycle.SOLUTION: An electric bicycle 1 which is an electric bicycle 1 capable of switching from a first state allowing a user to be seated and drive to a second state different from the first state includes: a control part 221 for switching from a first mode of traveling by adding first auxiliary driving force by an electric motor 21 to human power driving force on the basis of tread force onto a pedal 17, to a second mode of push-walking by adding second auxiliary driving force by the electric motor 21 to pressing force to a vehicle body 10; a receiving part 40 for receiving a signal for executing the second mode; and a state detection part 156 for detecting that the electric bicycle 1 is in the second state. The control part 221 inhibits the execution of the second mode when the state detection part 156 does not detect that the electric bicycle 1 is in the second state.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 8

Description

The present invention relates to an electric bicycle.

Conventionally, an electric bicycle that includes an electric motor and is capable of exerting an auxiliary driving force of the electric motor when pushing and walking has been disclosed (for example, see Patent Document 1). According to this electric bicycle, the user operates the push-walking operation means of the electric bicycle to obtain an auxiliary driving force by the electric motor during the push-walking.

Japanese Patent No. 4118985

By the way, in an electric bicycle equipped with a push-walk mode, an auxiliary driving force is generated by the user operating the push-walk operating means, and the electric bicycle accelerates to a predetermined speed. Therefore, even if the user rides on the electric bicycle, if the push-walking operation means is operated, an auxiliary driving force for push-walking is generated, which may not be recognized as a bicycle according to the regulations.

An object of the present invention is to provide an electric bicycle that does not generate an auxiliary driving force for pushing and walking when a user rides on the electric bicycle.

In order to achieve the above object, an electric bicycle according to an aspect of the present invention includes an electric motor, and can switch between a first state in which a user can sit and drive and a second state different from the first state. In an electric bicycle, a first mode in which a first auxiliary driving force by an electric motor is added to a human-powered driving force based on a pedaling force on a pedal and a second auxiliary driving force by an electric motor is applied to a vehicle body by a pushing force. A control unit that switches between and executes a second mode in which the vehicle is driven by pushing or a second mode in which the vehicle is self-propelled by applying a second auxiliary driving force, a reception unit that receives a signal for executing the second mode, and an electric bicycle. And a state detection unit that detects that the second state is, the control unit, when the state detection unit detects that the electric bicycle is in the second state, when the reception unit receives a signal, the control unit detects the second state. When the second mode is executed and the state detection unit does not detect that the electric bicycle is in the second state, execution of the second mode is prohibited.

ADVANTAGE OF THE INVENTION According to this invention, the electric bicycle which does not generate|occur|produce the auxiliary driving force for push-walking can be provided in the state which the user got on the electric bicycle.

FIG. 1 is a side view showing an electric bicycle according to an embodiment. FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a handle and an operation unit of the electric bicycle according to the embodiment. FIG. 3 is a side view showing the electric bicycle according to the embodiment when the saddle has an irregular posture. FIG. 4 is a perspective view showing the switching unit in the normal posture according to the embodiment. FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional perspective view showing the switching unit in the normal posture according to the embodiment. FIG. 6 is a perspective view showing the switching unit in the non-regular posture according to the embodiment. FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional perspective view showing the switching unit in the non-regular posture according to the embodiment. FIG. 8 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the electric bicycle according to the embodiment. FIG. 9 is a flowchart showing the flow of the method for controlling the electric bicycle according to the embodiment. FIG. 10 is a side view showing the electric bicycle according to the first modification. FIG. 11 is a perspective view showing a switching unit in a non-regular posture according to the second modification.

Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. It should be noted that each of the embodiments described below shows a specific example of the present invention. Therefore, the numerical values, shapes, materials, components, arrangements and connection forms of components, steps, order of steps, and the like shown in the following embodiments are examples, and are not intended to limit the present invention. Therefore, among the constituent elements in the following embodiments, the constituent elements that are not described in the independent claims showing the highest concept of the present invention are described as arbitrary constituent elements.

In addition, each drawing is a schematic view and is not necessarily strictly illustrated. Therefore, for example, the scales and the like in the drawings do not necessarily match. Further, in each drawing, substantially the same configurations are denoted by the same reference numerals, and overlapping description will be omitted or simplified.

Further, in the following description, “forward” is the traveling direction when the electric bicycle is running, and “rearward” is the opposite direction. Specifically, the handle side is “front” with respect to the saddle of the electric bicycle. The “left-right direction” is a direction orthogonal to the front-back direction.

[Constitution]
First, the configuration of the electric bicycle 1 according to the embodiment will be described. FIG. 1 is a side view showing an electric bicycle 1 according to an embodiment.

The electric bicycle 1 has a first mode and a second mode. The first mode is, for example, an assist mode, and assists the forward movement of the vehicle body 10 based on the pedal effort of the user on the pedal 17. The second mode includes, for example, a push walking mode or a self-propelled mode. In the push-walk mode, when the user pushes the electric bicycle 1 to walk, the forward movement of the vehicle body 10 is assisted based on the force of pushing the vehicle body 10 forward by the user. In the self-propelled mode, the forward movement of the vehicle body 10 when assisting the electric bicycle 1 is assisted.

The electric bicycle 1 includes a vehicle body 10, a motor drive unit 20 attached to the vehicle body 10, an operation unit 40, a battery 50, a headlight 60, a crank rotation sensor 31, a pedaling force sensor 33, and a current sensor 130. A vehicle speed sensor 243 and a shift speed measuring unit 70.

The vehicle body 10 includes a frame 11, front wheels 12, rear wheels 13, a handlebar 14, a saddle 15, a crank 16, a pedal 17, a sprocket 18, and a chain 19.

The frame 11 includes a head pipe 111, a main frame 112, a standing pipe 113, a fork 114, and a chain stay 115. The head pipe 111 supports the fork 114 supporting the front wheel 12 and the handle 14 so as to be rotatable around the axis of the head pipe 111. By rotating the handle 14 left and right, the direction of the front wheel 12 supported by the fork 114 can be rotated left and right.

The main frame 112 is a portion that connects the head pipe 111 and the standing pipe 113. The crank 16 and the motor drive unit 20 are attached to the lower end of the main frame 112. The electric bicycle 1 according to the present embodiment is a so-called center unit type electric bicycle 1 in which the crank 16 and the motor drive unit 20 are integrated.

The vertical pipe 113 supports the saddle 15 in a detachable manner. Specifically, the seat post 151 that supports the saddle 15 is inserted and fixed to the standing pipe 113. In the present embodiment, the battery 50 is detachably attached to the standing pipe 113.

The fork 114 rotatably supports the front wheel 12. The headlight 60 is attached to the fork 114 that supports the front wheel 12. The chain stay 115 rotatably supports the rear wheel 13.

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the handlebar 14 and the operation unit 40 of the electric bicycle 1 according to the embodiment. As shown in FIG. 2, the handle 14 is provided with a pair of grips 141 and a brake lever 142 on the left and right. The pair of grips 141 are portions that can be gripped by the hand when the user gets on the vehicle in an appropriate posture. Further, the pair of grips 141 are gripped by the hand when the user pushes or supports the electric bicycle 1 and walks, and receives a pushing force forward. At least one of the pair of grips 141 may be provided with a grip sensor that detects a gripping force or a pressing force.

The pair of brake levers 142 are operation levers of a brake device (not shown) attached to each of the front wheels 12 and the rear wheels 13. When the user operates one of the brake levers 142, the brake device attached to the front wheel 12 is driven and a mechanical braking force is applied to the front wheel 12. When the user operates the other brake lever 142, the brake device attached to the rear wheel 13 is driven, and a mechanical braking force is applied to the rear wheel 13.

An operation unit 40 is provided near one of the pair of brake levers 142 (the left brake lever 142 in the present embodiment). The operation unit 40 is a terminal device including a light switch (not shown) for turning on the headlight 60, a power switch 41 (see FIG. 8), and the like. The operation unit 40 also includes a mechanical manual switch 42. The installation location of the manual switch 42 can be changed as appropriate. The manual switch 42 receives a push-walk operation for executing the second mode. The manual switch 42 is, for example, a momentary type switch. Specifically, while the manual switch 42 is being pressed by the user, the operation unit 40 receives a signal (second mode ON signal) issued from the manual switch 42 for executing the second mode. , The second mode ON signal is continuously output to the control device 22 (described later). That is, the operation unit 40 is an example of a reception unit that receives a signal for executing the second mode.

On the other hand, the operation unit 40 does not output the second mode-on signal to the control device 22 while the manual switch 42 is not pressed.

As shown in FIG. 1, the saddle 15 is supported by the switching unit 152. The saddle 15 is a portion where a person (user) sits when the user gets on in an appropriate posture. The saddle 15 can be switched between a normal posture in which the seat surface of the saddle 15 is in a regular position and an irregular posture in which the seat surface of the saddle 15 is separated from the regular position. Specifically, FIG. 1 illustrates a case where the saddle 15 is in a normal posture. FIG. 3 illustrates a case where the saddle 15 has an irregular posture. When the saddle 15 is in the normal posture, this is an example of a first state in which the user can sit and drive on the seat surface of the saddle 15. When the saddle 15 is in a non-regular posture, it is an example of a second state different from the first state. In other words, the second state can be said to be a state in which the user cannot sit and drive on the seat surface of the saddle 15 while driving.

The switching unit 152 is a part that switches the saddle 15 between a normal posture and an irregular posture. Hereinafter, the switching unit 152 will be described in detail with reference to FIGS.

FIG. 4 is a perspective view showing the switching unit 152 in the normal posture according to the embodiment. FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional perspective view showing the switching unit 152 in the normal posture according to the embodiment. FIG. 6 is a perspective view showing the switching unit 152 in the non-regular posture according to the embodiment. FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional perspective view showing the switching unit 152 in the non-regular posture according to the embodiment.

As shown in FIGS. 4 to 7, the switching unit 152 includes a pedestal portion 153, a lever portion 154, a biasing portion 155, and a state detecting portion 156.

The pedestal portion 153 is a portion that movably supports the saddle 15. Specifically, the pedestal portion 153 includes a base portion 157 and a movable base 158.

The base portion 157 is a metal member that integrally includes a main body portion 1571 that rotatably holds the movable base 158 and a shaft portion 1572 that protrudes from a lower portion of the main body portion 1571. A housing recess 1573 is formed on the upper surface of the main body 1571 so as to be recessed downward. The state detection unit 156 is housed and fixed in the housing recess 1573. A through hole 1575 for rotatably supporting the movable base 158 is formed at the front end of the main body 1571. Further, a first support column 1579 is provided at the front end of the main body portion 1571 so as to stand upright. One end of the biasing portion 155 is connected to the tip of the first support column 1579.

A projecting portion 1574 projecting rearward is provided at the rear end of the main body 1571. A slit 1578 for guiding the lever portion 154 is formed in the projecting portion 1574 along the front-rear direction. The lever portion 154 is rotatably supported by the main body portion 1571 while being arranged in the slit 1578.

The movable base 158 is a portion that supports the saddle 15. The movable base 158 is rotatably held around the shaft body parallel to the left and right direction with respect to the body portion 1571 by inserting a shaft body (not shown) into the through hole 1575 of the body portion 1571. The movable table 158 is a metal cover body that covers a part of the main body 1571. The saddle 15 is fixed to the movable table 158. That is, the saddle 15 operates so as to follow the operation of the movable table 158.

A slit 1581 through which the first support column 1579 of the main body portion 1571 penetrates is formed at the front end of the movable table 158. When the movable base 158 rotates by releasing the restriction by the claws 1542 (described later) of the lever portion 154, the first support column 1579 relatively moves within the slit 1581, and finally the front end portion of the movable base 158 moves. By contacting the front end of the main body 1571, the rotation of the movable table 158 is restricted. Hereinafter, a state in which the movable table 158 is restricted by the claw portion 1542 is referred to as a closed state. In the closed state, the saddle 15 is in the normal posture. On the other hand, a state in which the front end portion of the movable table 158 is restricted by contacting the front end portion of the main body portion 1571 is called an open state. In the closed state, the saddle 15 has an irregular posture.

At the rear end of the movable table 158, a second support column 1589 is provided standing upright. The other end of the biasing portion 155 is connected to the tip of the second support column 1589. The biasing portion 155 is, for example, a spring such as a coil spring. The biasing portion 155 applies a biasing force to the first strut 1579 and the second strut 1589 in a direction in which the first strut 1579 and the second strut 1589 approach each other. In this way, the urging portion 155 applies the urging force in the direction in which the movable table 158 is in the open state, that is, in the direction in which the saddle 15 is in an irregular position.

The movable table 158 is provided with a shielding portion 1582 which is overlapped with the upper surface of the protruding portion 1574 of the main body portion 1571 to hide the protruding portion 1574 in the closed state. In the closed state, the interval formed by the protruding portion 1574 and the shielding portion 1582 is such that the user's finger cannot enter.

Further, the movable table 158 has an arm portion 1583 that extends into the accommodation recess 1573 of the main body portion 1571. A magnet 1584 is fixed to the tip of the arm portion 1583. The magnet 1584 is arranged close to the state detection unit 156. Since the magnet 1584 is interlocked with the operation of the movable base 158 via the arm portion 1583, the relative positional relationship with the state detecting portion 156 changes. For example, as shown in FIG. 5, in the closed state, the magnet 1584 is located near the lower end of the state detection unit 156. The position of the magnet 1584 in the closed state is the reference position. On the other hand, as shown in FIG. 7, in the open state, the magnet 1584 is located above the reference position with respect to the state detection unit 156. The position of the magnet 1584 in the open state is the open position.

The lever portion 154 is, for example, a substantially L-shaped metal plate member. The corner portion of the lever portion 154 is rotatably supported by the body portion 1571. One end of the lever portion 154 is a grasping portion 1541 that is operated by the user. The grasping portion 1541 projects rearward from the slit 1578 of the main body portion 1571. The other end of the lever portion 154 extends upward, and a claw portion 1542 is provided at the tip thereof. The claw portion 1542 is hooked on the movable table 158 to restrict the rotation of the movable table 158 in the closed state. That is, the saddle 15 is maintained in the regular posture.

Further, when the grasping portion 1541 is operated by the user, the lever portion 154 is rotated and the claw portion 1542 is separated from the movable base 158. As a result, the restriction on the movable table 158 is released, and the movable table 158 is rotated by the urging force of the urging portion 155 to be in the open state. That is, the saddle 15 has an irregular posture.

The state detection unit 156 is, for example, a magnetic proximity sensor, and does not output a detection signal when the magnet 1584 is at the reference position, and outputs a detection signal when the magnet 1584 is at the open position. The magnet 1584 moves to the open position when the regulation by the lever portion 154 is released and the movable table 158 is in the open state. That is, it can be said that the state detection unit 156 detects that the restriction by the lever unit 154 is released. In this way, the state detection unit 156 is a sensor that detects the open state, that is, the irregular posture of the saddle 15 by detecting the position of the magnet 1584.

The state detector 156 is housed in the pedestal 153 so as to be covered by the pedestal 153. Specifically, the state detection unit 156 is covered with the movable base 158 which is a part of the pedestal portion 153 in a state where the state detection unit 156 is arranged in the accommodation recess 1573 of the base 157 which is a portion of the pedestal portion 153. There is. As shown in FIGS. 4 and 5, the state detection unit 156 is covered by the pedestal portion 153 even in the open state, the closed state, or these transition states. As described above, since the state detecting section 156 is covered with the pedestal section 153 made of metal as a whole, the state detecting section 156 is prevented from being easily modified. From the viewpoint of preventing modification, the pedestal portion 153 may cover the state detecting portion 156 completely, but a part of the state detecting portion 156 may be exposed from the pedestal portion 153. Specifically, part of the state detection unit 156 may be exposed from a slit or the like provided in the pedestal portion 153. In this case, it is possible to prevent remodeling by making the slit into a size that makes it difficult for the tool to enter.

As shown in FIGS. 1 and 3, the crank 16 has a crank shaft 161 and a pair of crank arms 162. One crank arm 162 is provided on each side of the main frame 112, and is fixed to both ends of a crank shaft 161 extending in the left-right direction. One end of the crank arm 162 is fixed to the crankshaft 161, and the pedal 17 is rotatably fixed to the other end. When a pedaling force is applied to the pedal 17, the crank arm 162 rotates around the crank shaft 161 and the human-powered driving force due to the rotation is transmitted to the rear wheel 13 via the sprocket 18 and the chain 19. When operating in the first mode, the human driving force based on the pedaling force and the first auxiliary driving force by the electric motor 21 added to the human driving force are transmitted to the rear wheel 13.

The motor drive unit 20 is a unit in which an electric motor 21 and a control device 22 are housed in a resin or metal casing.

The electric motor 21 receives electric power from the battery 50 and is driven under the control of the control device 22. The rotation torque of the electric motor 21 is transmitted to the sprockets of the rear wheel 13, and the rear wheel 13 rotates. The rotational torque means a first auxiliary driving force and a second auxiliary driving force. Further, the electric motor 21 can perform a regenerative operation of generating regenerative electric power to charge the battery 50 when not driven and not operating as a motor output, and can operate as a regenerative brake.

The electric motor 21 is a motor that serves as a first auxiliary driving force and a second auxiliary driving force. The electric motor 21 adds the first auxiliary driving force to the human-powered driving force based on the pedaling force applied to the pedal 17 during execution of the first mode. In addition, the electric motor 21 adds the second auxiliary driving force to the force of pushing or supporting the electric bicycle 1 while walking in the second mode.

FIG. 8 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the electric bicycle 1 according to the embodiment. As shown in FIG. 8, the control device 22 controls the operation of the electric motor 21 on the basis of sensing information from sensors such as the crank rotation sensor 31, the pedaling force sensor 33, the current sensor 130, the vehicle speed sensor 243, and the gear shift stage measurement unit 70. Control. In the present embodiment, the control device 22 is housed inside the housing of the motor drive unit 20, but it is not limited to this. The control device 22 may be provided separately from the motor drive unit 20.

The control device 22 is implemented by, for example, a microcomputer (microcontroller), and stores a program in a nonvolatile memory, a volatile memory that is a temporary storage area for executing the program, an input/output port, and executes the program. It is composed of a processor and so on. Alternatively, the controller 22 may be realized by a dedicated electronic circuit.

The control device 22 includes an electric motor 21, a crank rotation sensor 31, a pedaling force sensor 33, a current sensor 130, a vehicle speed sensor 243, a shift speed measuring unit 70, a power switch 41, an operating unit 40, a battery 50, a state detecting unit 156 and a front. A lighting 60 is connected. The operation signal for each switch and the detection result of each sensor are input to the control device 22.

The crank rotation sensor 31 and the pedaling force sensor 33 are arranged near the crank shaft 161. The current sensor 130 is arranged near the rotating shaft of the electric motor 21.

The crank rotation sensor 31 can detect the number of rotations of the crank 16 per unit time. The crank rotation sensor 31 is realized by including a gear-shaped rotating body and a photodetector having a light emitting portion and a light receiving portion arranged so as to sandwich the teeth of the rotating body. The crank rotation sensor 31 may have any configuration as long as it can detect the rotation speed of the crank 16.

The current sensor 130 is a circuit that calculates the value of the current flowing through the electric motor 21, and outputs current information indicating the current value. The current sensor 130 includes a motor rotation sensor 32 and a motor torque sensor 131. The current sensor 130 calculates a current value using the rotation speed of the electric motor 21 per unit time detected by the motor rotation sensor 32 and the torque of the electric motor 21 detected by the motor torque sensor 131. The current value can be calculated by the motor rotation sensor 32 and the motor torque sensor 131 independently. Therefore, it is not always necessary to use both the motor rotation sensor 32 and the motor torque sensor 131 to calculate the current value.

The motor rotation sensor 32 includes a magnet that rotates integrally with the rotation shaft of the electric motor 21 and a Hall IC. The Hall IC detects the number of revolutions of the magnet per unit time, that is, the number of revolutions of the electric motor 21 by detecting the change in the magnetic field that changes according to the rotation of the magnet. The motor rotation sensor 32 may have any configuration as long as it can detect the rotation speed of the electric motor 21.

The motor torque sensor 131 can detect the torque of the electric motor 21. The motor torque sensor 131 is, for example, a magnetostrictive type, strain gauge type, or optical type torque sensor, but is not limited to this and may have any configuration as long as it can detect the torque of the electric motor 21.

The pedaling force sensor 33 is a magnetostrictive torque sensor, and detects the human-powered driving force generated by the rotation of the crankshaft 161 based on the human-powered driving force applied to the pedal 17. The pedal force sensor 33 has a coil and a magnetostriction generation unit. For example, when a pedaling force is applied to the pedal 17 to generate a human-powered driving force, the magnetostriction generating unit is distorted. In the magnetostriction generating portion, a portion where the magnetic permeability increases and a portion where the magnetic permeability decreases are generated. The human driving force is detected by detecting the inductance difference between the coils. The configuration of the pedaling force sensor 33 is not particularly limited, and may be any configuration as long as the human driving force applied to the pedal 17 can be detected. Human driving force is synonymous with pedaling force.

The vehicle speed sensor 243 is provided, for example, at the lower end of the fork 114. The vehicle speed sensor 243 detects the traveling speed of the electric bicycle 1 from the rotation of the front wheels 12, and transmits speed information indicating the traveling speed to the control device 22. The vehicle speed sensor 243 is, for example, a speed sensor or the like. The vehicle speed sensor 243 outputs speed information regarding the traveling speed of the electric bicycle 1 to the control device 22. The speed sensor may be, for example, a wheel sensor or the like, but may be a cycle computer that calculates the ground speed, and may have any configuration as long as the speed of the electric bicycle 1 can be detected.

The gear shift stage measurement unit 70 measures the gear shift stage of the rear wheel 13 and transmits information indicating the gear shift stage to the control device 22. The measurement of the shift speed may be realized, for example, by outputting information indicating the shift speed output from the shift speed switching device to the control unit 221.

The control device 22 operates the electric motor 21, that is, an appropriate first auxiliary, based on sensing information from sensors such as the crank rotation sensor 31, the pedaling force sensor 33, the current sensor 130, the vehicle speed sensor 243, and the shift speed measuring unit 70. The output of the electric motor 21 for applying the driving force and the second auxiliary driving force is controlled. In the present embodiment, the control device 22 is housed inside the housing of the motor drive unit 20, but it is not limited to this. The control device 22 may be provided separately from the motor drive unit 20.

The control device 22 supplies the electric power supplied from the battery 50 to the electric motor 21 and the headlight 60.

The control device 22 has a control unit 221. The control unit 221 drives the electric motor 21 according to the operation mode of the electric bicycle 1. Specifically, the control unit 221 has a first mode and a second mode, and switches and executes the first mode and the second mode.

The assist mode, which is an example of the first mode, is a mode in which the human-driving force based on the pedaling force applied to the pedal 17 is added to the first auxiliary driving force by the electric motor 21 to travel. The assist mode is executed when the user is riding on the electric bicycle 1 after the power switch 41 is pressed and the power is turned on. Specifically, the assist mode is executed when the pedaling force on the pedal 17 detected by the pedaling force sensor 33 is larger than a predetermined threshold value.

The second mode is a mode in which a second auxiliary driving force from the electric motor 21 is added to the pushing force to the vehicle body 10 to push or walk, or a second auxiliary driving force is added to cause self-propelling (push walking mode or self-propelled mode). Mode). That is, the push-walk mode is a mode in which the second auxiliary driving force by the electric motor 21 is applied to the vehicle body 10 when the user pushes the electric bicycle 1 while the power is on. The push-walk mode is executed when the user is not riding on the electric bicycle 1 and walks while pushing the vehicle body 10 of the electric bicycle 1.

The self-propelled mode is a mode in which the user is propelled by applying a second auxiliary driving force by the electric motor 21 to the vehicle body 10 while the electric bicycle 1 is supported by the user. Similar to the push-walk mode, the self-propelled mode is executed when a person is not riding the electric bicycle 1 and walks while supporting the vehicle body 10 of the electric bicycle 1. In the self-propelled mode, the user does not apply a force to push the vehicle body 10 forward.

It should be noted that the push-walk mode and the self-propelled mode can be discriminated from each other based on the presence/absence of a forward pushing force on the vehicle body 10. For example, the control unit 221 may detect the presence or absence of a pressing force forward by a grip sensor or the like provided on the grip 141 or the like, and switch between the push walking mode and the self-propelled mode depending on the detection result to execute. .. Alternatively, the control unit 221 may execute the second mode in which the second auxiliary driving force is added without distinguishing between the push walking mode and the self-propelled mode.

When executing the assist mode, the control unit 221 determines the magnitude of the first auxiliary driving force generated by the electric motor 21 based on the pedaling force on the pedal 17 and the traveling speed of the electric bicycle 1. The pedal effort applied to the pedal 17 is obtained from the detection result of the pedal effort sensor 33. The traveling speed of the electric bicycle 1 is calculated by the vehicle speed sensor 243.

A table in which the number of revolutions of the crank 16 and the speed of the electric bicycle 1 are associated in advance may be stored in the memory of the control device 22. The control unit 221 may determine the traveling speed of the electric bicycle 1 from the rotation speed of the crank 16 by referring to the table.

The first auxiliary driving force in the assist mode varies depending on the traveling speed of the electric bicycle 1, but is, for example, not more than twice the pedaling force on the pedal 17. For example, when the traveling speed of the electric bicycle 1 is less than 10 km/h, the control unit 221 drives the electric motor 21 to generate a first auxiliary driving force that is not more than twice the pedaling force applied to the pedal 17. The control unit 221 does not cause the electric motor 21 to generate the first auxiliary driving force when the speed is 24 km/h or more. When the speed is 10 km/h or higher and lower than 24 km/h, the control unit 221 drives the electric motor 21 to generate the first auxiliary driving force determined according to the speed.

When the state detecting unit 156 detects that the saddle 15 is in the non-regular posture, the control unit 221 executes the second mode when the state becomes the acceptance state. The acceptance state is a state in which the operation unit 40 accepts an operation (pushing operation) for executing the second mode. Specifically, the reception state is a state in which the second switch-on signal is output from the operation unit 40 to the control device 22 by the user pressing the manual switch 42.

On the other hand, the control unit 221 prohibits execution of the second mode when the state detection unit 156 does not detect that the saddle 15 has an irregular posture. The control unit 221 does not execute the second mode even if the control unit 221 enters the reception state during the prohibition.

The control unit 221 stops the second mode when the acceptance state is released during execution of the second mode. The cancellation of the acceptance state is a state in which the operation unit 40 has not accepted an operation for executing the second mode. Specifically, the user does not press the manual switch 42, and the second mode-on signal is not output from the operation unit 40 to the control device 22.

The second mode may not be executed when the pedaling force on the pedal 17 is larger than a predetermined threshold value. That is, the first mode and the second mode are exclusively executed.

When executing the second mode, the control unit 221 causes the electric motor 21 to generate the second auxiliary driving force so that the traveling speed of the electric bicycle 1 does not exceed a predetermined upper limit value. The second auxiliary driving force in the second mode is, for example, such that the speed of the electric bicycle 1 is less than 6 km/h. Here, the upper limit of the traveling speed of the electric bicycle 1 is set to 6 km/h, but it may be 3 km and is not particularly limited.

The battery 50 is a storage battery that stores electric power for driving the electric motor 21. The battery 50 is, for example, a secondary battery, but may be a capacitor or the like. The battery 50 is electrically connected to the electric motor 21. Specifically, the battery 50 supplies electric power to the electric motor 21 and charges regenerative electric power from the electric motor 21.

[How to control the electric bicycle]
FIG. 9 is a flowchart showing a flow of a control method of the electric bicycle 1 according to the embodiment.

Here, assuming that the power switch 41 is turned on in advance, a process of causing the electric bicycle 1 to execute the second mode will be described. If the power switch 41 is turned off during execution of the second mode, the power supply to the electric motor 21 is stopped, so the second mode is also stopped.

In step S1, the control unit 221 determines whether or not the state detection unit 156 detects that the saddle 15 is in the non-regular posture, and if the non-regular posture is not detected, the process proceeds to step S2. If an abnormal posture is detected, the process proceeds to step S3.

In step S2, the control unit 221 prohibits execution of the second mode. During the prohibition, the control unit 221 does not execute the second mode even in the reception state.

In step S3, the control unit 221 determines whether or not the acceptance state is detected. If the acceptance state is detected, the process proceeds to step S3, and if the acceptance state is not detected, the process proceeds to step S1. Transition. Note that the control unit 221 cancels the prohibition of the execution of the second mode when the execution of the second mode is prohibited at the time of shifting to step S3.

In step S4, the control unit 221 executes the second mode. That is, when the second mode is executed, since the saddle 15 is in the non-regular posture, the saddle 15 is not seated by the user.

In step S5, the control unit 221 determines whether or not the acceptance state has been released. If the acceptance state has been released, the process proceeds to step S6, and if not, the state is continued.

In step S6, the control unit 221 stops the second mode. After the second mode is stopped, the control unit 221 ends this process and returns to the beginning.

[Effect]
Next, operation effects of the electric bicycle 1 and the control method of the electric bicycle 1 according to the present embodiment will be described.

As described above, the electric bicycle 1 according to the present embodiment includes the electric motor 21 and is electrically switchable between the first state in which the user can sit and drive and the second state different from the first state. In the bicycle 1, the first mode in which the vehicle is driven by adding the first auxiliary driving force by the electric motor 21 to the human driving force based on the pedaling force applied to the pedal 17, and the second auxiliary driving force by the electric motor 21 are used. Control unit 221 that switches between and executes a second mode in which the user pushes on and pushes the vehicle in the second direction or the second mode in which the second auxiliary driving force is applied to cause the vehicle to self-propel, and an operation for receiving a signal for executing the second mode. The control unit 221 includes a unit 40 (reception unit) and a state detection unit 156 that detects that the electric bicycle 1 is in the second state, and the control unit 221 indicates that the electric bicycle 1 is in the second state. When the operation unit 40 receives the signal, the second mode is executed, and when the state detection unit 156 does not detect that the electric bicycle 1 is in the second state, the second mode is detected. Prohibit execution of.

According to this, when the state detection unit 156 does not detect that the vehicle is in the second state, execution of the second mode is prohibited. Therefore, in the first state in which the user can sit and drive, the second mode is set. Execution is prohibited. Therefore, it is possible to provide an electric bicycle that does not generate the auxiliary driving force for walking while the user rides on the electric bicycle.

Since the state detection unit 156 only needs to detect the second state of the electric bicycle 1, a sensor having higher stability than the pressure sensor (for example, a magnetic proximity sensor) can be used as the state detection unit 156.

The electric bicycle 1 is a saddle 15 on which a user sits, and has a normal posture in which the seat surface of the saddle 15 is in a regular position and a non-regular posture in which the seat surface of the saddle 15 is away from the regular position. The switchable saddle 15 is provided, and the first state includes a case where the saddle is in a normal posture, and the second state includes a case where the saddle 15 is in a non-regular posture.

According to this, since the case where the saddle 15 is in the non-regular posture is included in the second state, the execution of the second mode is prohibited due to the state of the saddle 15 in which the user is likely to sit. You can decide whether or not to do it.

Further, in order to maintain the saddle 15 in the normal posture, the electric bicycle 1 restricts the operation of the saddle 15 and also attaches the lever portion 154 that releases the restriction to the saddle 15 in a non-regular posture. The state detection unit 156 includes a biasing unit 155 that applies a force, and detects that the restriction by the lever unit 154 is released, thereby detecting the second state.

For example, it is assumed that the user adjusts the attitude of the saddle 15 using a tool or the like, but such attitude adjustment is merely for adjusting the posture during driving. Depending on the person, the saddle 15 may be adjusted to a posture that is judged to be an irregular posture at first glance. If the state detection unit 156 erroneously determines that the posture is also an irregular posture, the second mode may not be prohibited even when the user is seated. Therefore, the state detection unit 156 detects the second state by detecting that the restriction by the lever unit 154 is released, and thus the above-described erroneous determination can be prevented.

In addition, the electric bicycle 1 is a pedestal portion 153 that supports the saddle 15, and includes a pedestal portion 153 that interlocks with the operation of the saddle 15. The state detection unit 156 covers the pedestal portion 153 so as to be covered by the pedestal portion 153. It is housed inside.

Here, it may be assumed that some people modify the state detection unit 156 so that the second state cannot be detected, thereby executing the second mode even in the second state. However, since the state detecting unit 156 is covered by the pedestal portion 153, it is possible to prevent the state detecting unit 156 from being easily modified.

[Modification 1]
In the above embodiment, the case where the saddle 15 is in the non-regular posture is exemplified as the second state. In the second modification, a case where the pedal 17a is folded is also included in the second state. In the following description, the same parts as those in the above-described embodiment may be assigned the same reference numerals and the description thereof may be omitted.

FIG. 10 is a side view showing an electric bicycle 1A according to the first modification. FIG. 10 shows a state in which the pedal 17a is folded. Specifically, the pedal 17a is provided so as to be foldable with respect to the crank arm 162. The state in which the pedal 17a is not folded is the same as that of the electric bicycle 1 shown in FIG. When the pedal 17a is folded, the user cannot step on the pedal 17a while sitting on the saddle 15. In other words, it is in a state where it cannot be driven. Therefore, the state in which the pedal 17a is folded can be included in the second state. On the other hand, the state where the pedal 17a is not folded can be included in the first state.

In addition, a second state detector (not shown) is also provided for the pedal 17a. The second state detecting section detects the second state by detecting the folded state of the pedal 17a.

The second state detector is communicatively connected to the controller 221. It is possible to electrically connect the second state detection unit and the control unit 221 by wiring, but since the wiring is through the crank arm 162, the deterioration of the deterioration due to the rotation of the crank arm 162. May be accelerated. In order to prevent such deterioration, the second state detection unit may be wirelessly connected to the control unit 221 to be communicable.

The control unit 221 has the second mode when there is at least one of the case where the state detection unit 156 detects an abnormal posture of the saddle 15 and the case where the second state detection unit detects the folded state of the pedal 17a. Prohibit execution of.

In this way, when a plurality of state detection units (state detection unit 156 and second state detection unit) are provided, the control unit 221 uses the detection results of these state detection units in combination in the second mode. Since it is possible to determine the prohibition of execution of, it is possible to more reliably generate the auxiliary driving force for pushing and walking even when the user rides on the electric bicycle.

In addition, this modification 1 illustrated the electric bicycle 1A provided with the state detecting unit 156 and the second state detecting unit. However, the electric bicycle may include only the second state detection unit.

[Modification 2]
In the above-described embodiment, the case where the handle 14 is provided with the manual switch 42 of the operation unit 40 that receives an operation for executing the second mode has been illustrated. In this modified example 2, a case where the manual switch of the operation unit is provided in the switching unit of the saddle will be exemplified. In the following description, the same parts as those in the above-described embodiment may be assigned the same reference numerals and the description thereof may be omitted.

FIG. 11 is a perspective view showing the switching unit 152b in a non-regular posture according to the second modification. As shown in FIG. 11, the manual switch 42b is arranged on the upper surface of the projecting portion 1574b in the base portion 157b of the switching portion 152b. As a result, the manual switch 42b is arranged near the grasping portion 1541 of the lever portion 154. As described above, the upper surface of the projecting portion 1574b is hidden by the shielding portion 1582 of the movable table 158 being overlapped in the normal posture (see FIGS. 4 and 5). Further, the upper surface of the projecting portion 1574 is exposed in the non-regular posture (see FIG. 11). In this way, the manual switch 42b is hidden in the normal posture and is arranged at a portion exposed in the non-regular posture (the upper surface of the projecting portion 1574). That is, the manual switch 42b is also hidden by the shielding portion 1582 in the normal posture. Since the manual switch 42b is hidden in this way, the user cannot operate the manual switch 42b in the normal posture, and as a result, the second mode cannot be executed. On the other hand, in the non-regular posture, the manual switch 42b is exposed, so that the user can operate the manual switch 42b. In order to operate the exposed manual switch 42b, the user must inevitably step out of the saddle 15. That is, since the user cannot operate the manual switch 42b during driving, execution of the second mode during driving can be reliably prevented.

Further, the electric bicycle 1 includes a movable base 158 that supports the saddle 15, and a base portion 157 that holds the movable base 158 so that the movable base 158 can be switched between a normal posture and an irregular posture by rotatably holding the movable base 158. And the manual switch 42b is provided for the base 157.

According to this, since the manual switch 42b is provided on the base portion 157 that does not rotate, it is possible to have a simple structure.

Further, in order to maintain the normal posture of the saddle 15, the operation of the saddle 15 is regulated, and the lever portion 154 that releases the regulation and a biasing force that gives the saddle 15 a direction in which the saddle 15 becomes an irregular posture. The manual switch 42b is provided near the grasping portion 1541 of the lever portion 154.

According to this, since the manual switch 42b is arranged near the grasping portion 1541 in the lever portion 154, it is possible to smoothly shift from the release operation on the grasping portion 1541 to the operation on the manual switch 42b.

If the saddle 15 is in the normal posture, it is hidden, and if the saddle 15 is in the non-regular posture, if the manual switch 42b of the operation unit 40 is arranged at the exposed position, the state detection unit Even without 156, execution of the second mode during operation can be prevented. That is, in the electric bicycle 1 including the electric motor 21, the first mode in which the vehicle is driven by adding the first auxiliary driving force by the electric motor 21 to the human driving force based on the pedaling force on the pedal, and the first mode by the electric motor 21. (2) A control unit 221 that switches between and executes a second mode in which the auxiliary driving force is added to the pushing force on the vehicle body to walk, or the second auxiliary driving force is added to cause self-propelling, and a second mode is executed. A manual switch 42b (operation unit) for accepting an operation for the operation, a saddle 15 on which the user sits, and a normal posture in which the seat surface of the saddle 15 is in a normal position, and a seat surface of the saddle 15 from a normal position. The control unit 221 executes the second mode when the manual switch 42b receives the operation, and the manual switch 42b has the saddle 15 in the normal posture. In some cases, it may be hidden, and when the saddle 15 is in a non-regular posture, it may be arranged in an exposed position.

[Other]
The electric bicycle according to the present invention has been described above based on the above embodiment, but the present invention is not limited to the above embodiment.

For example, in the above embodiment, the case where the saddle 15 is rotated around the shaft body parallel to the left-right direction to switch between the normal posture and the non-normal posture is illustrated. However, the saddle 15 may be rotated in any direction. For example, the saddle 15 may switch between the normal posture and the non-normal posture by rotating around a shaft body parallel to the front-rear direction.

Further, in the above-described embodiment, the state detection unit 156 does not output the detection signal when the magnet 1584 is at the reference position, but outputs the detection signal when the magnet 1584 is at the open position. It is assumed that 15 is detected to be an irregular posture. However, even if the output condition of the detection signal is reversed, the state detecting unit 156 can detect that the saddle 15 is in an abnormal posture. That is, even a sensor that detects the normal attitude of the saddle 15 can be said to detect an abnormal attitude when the normal attitude is not detected, and thus the sensor can also be used as the state detection unit 156. ..

Further, in the above-described embodiment, the state detection unit 156 detects that the saddle 15 is in the non-regular posture when the position of the magnet 1584 is the open position. However, an angle sensor that detects the angle of the seat surface of the saddle 15 can be used as the state detection unit. In this case, the state detection unit may determine that the saddle 15 is in a non-regular posture if the detected angle of the seat surface is 45 degrees or more, preferably 60 degrees or more with respect to the horizontal plane. Further, the threshold value for determining that the saddle 15 is in a non-regular posture can be set in the range of 30 degrees to 270 degrees. In this case, it is preferable to be able to set stepwise in steps of 10 degrees in the range of 30 degrees to 90 degrees. In addition, the state detection unit may determine that the saddle 15 is in the non-regular posture when detecting that the seat surface of the saddle 15 is tilted from the regular posture.

The angle sensor may directly detect the angle of the seat surface with respect to the horizontal plane, or may indirectly detect the angle of the seat surface by detecting the rotation angle of the movable base 158.

In addition, in the above-described embodiment and the first modified example, the first state in which the user can sit and drive the electric bicycle 1 is exemplified when the saddle 15 is in the normal posture and the pedal 17 is not folded. By the way, even if the saddle 15 is in a non-regular posture, it is possible for the user to take an unnatural posture and sit on the seat surface of the saddle 15 to drive. That is, it can be interpreted that the first state also includes a state in which the user can sit and drive if the user is in an unnatural posture. However, in such a posture, the manufacturer generally does not recommend it because it impairs driving stability. Therefore, the first state can be defined as a state in which the user can sit and drive in a posture recommended by the manufacturer.

In addition, in an electric bicycle having a luggage carrier on the rear wheels, a user may be seated on the luggage carrier and driven. Also in this case, the second mode may be prohibited. Specifically, the loading platform can be switched between a loadable state where the luggage can be placed on the loading platform (a state in which the user can sit on the loading platform) and an unloadable state where the luggage cannot be loaded on the loading platform. And Further, the electric bicycle may be provided with a sensor that detects the second state by detecting the non-mountable state as the state detection unit. When the sensor detects the second state, the control unit prohibits execution of the second mode, so that execution of the second mode is prohibited even if the user sits on the platform and drives.

In the case of an electric bicycle equipped with a folding handle, the folded state of the handle can be the second state. In this case, a sensor for detecting the folded state of the steering wheel may be provided on the electric bicycle as a state detection unit.

As the second state of the electric bicycle, any state can be applied as long as it is different from the first state in which the user can sit and drive.

Further, in the above embodiment, the magnetic proximity sensor is illustrated as the state detection unit 156. However, as long as the second state of the electric bicycle can be detected, any sensor can be adopted as the state detection unit. Other sensors include electrical sensors, optical sensors, image sensors, and the like.

Further, in the above embodiment, the operation unit 40 is illustrated as an example of the reception unit. However, the accepting unit may be any type as long as it accepts a signal for executing the second mode. For example, when a pressing force sensor that detects the pressing force from the user is provided on the electric bicycle, the signal detected and output by the pressing force sensor is used as a signal for executing the second mode. It is also possible to do so. In this case, the control unit that receives the signal from the pressing force sensor serves as the reception unit.

Further, in the above embodiment, all or some of the components of the control device may be configured by dedicated hardware, or may be realized by executing a software program suitable for each component. Good. Each component may be realized by a program execution unit such as a CPU (Central Processing Unit) or a processor reading and executing a software program recorded in a recording medium such as a HDD (Hard Disk Drive) or a semiconductor memory. Good.

Moreover, the components of the control device 22 may be configured by one or a plurality of electronic circuits. Each of the one or more electronic circuits may be a general-purpose circuit or a dedicated circuit.

The one or more electronic circuits may include, for example, a semiconductor device, an IC (Integrated Circuit), an LSI (Large Scale Integration), or the like. The IC or LSI may be integrated on one chip or may be integrated on a plurality of chips. Although referred to as an IC or an LSI here, it may be called a system LSI, VLSI (Very Large Scale Integration), or ULSI (Ultra Large Scale Integration) depending on the degree of integration. An FPGA (Field Programmable Gate Array) that is programmed after manufacturing the LSI can also be used for the same purpose.

In addition, the general or specific aspects of the present invention may be realized by a system, an apparatus, a method, an integrated circuit, or a computer program. Alternatively, it may be realized by a computer-readable non-transitory recording medium such as an optical disk, an HDD, or a semiconductor memory in which the computer program is stored. Further, the system, the device, the method, the integrated circuit, the computer program, and the recording medium may be implemented in any combination.

In addition, it is realized by making various modifications to those embodiments by those skilled in the art, and by arbitrarily combining the components and functions of the embodiments without departing from the spirit of the present invention. The form is also included in the present invention.

1, 1A Electric bicycle 15 Saddle 17, 17a Pedal 21 Electric motor 40 Operation part (reception part)
42b Manual switch (operation part)
153 Base part 154 Lever part 155 Energizing part 156 State detecting part 221 Control part

At the front end of the movable base 158, a slit 1581 through which the first support column 1579 of the main body 1571 passes is formed. When the movable base 158 rotates by releasing the restriction by the claw portion 1542 (described later) of the lever portion 154, the first support column 1579 relatively moves within the slit 1581, and finally the front end portion of the movable base 158 moves. By contacting the front end of the main body 1571, the rotation of the movable table 158 is restricted. Hereinafter, a state in which the movable table 158 is restricted by the claw portion 1542 is referred to as a closed state. In the closed state, the saddle 15 is in the normal posture. On the other hand, a state in which the front end portion of the movable table 158 abuts on the front end portion of the main body portion 1571 and is restricted is referred to as an open state. In the open state, the saddle 15 is in a non-regular posture.

According to this, when the state detection unit 156 does not detect that the vehicle is in the second state, execution of the second mode is prohibited. Therefore, in the first state in which the user can sit and drive, the second mode is set. Execution is prohibited. Therefore, it is possible the user to provide an electric bicycle that does not generate an auxiliary driving force for walking push while riding the electric bicycle.

In addition, in an electric bicycle having a luggage carrier on the rear wheels, a user may be seated on the luggage carrier and driven. Also in this case, the second mode may be prohibited. Specifically, the loading platform can be switched between a loadable state where the luggage can be placed on the loading platform (a state in which the user can sit on the loading platform) and an unloadable state where the luggage cannot be loaded on the loading platform. And Further, the electric bicycle may be provided with a sensor that detects the second state by detecting the non-mountable state as the state detection unit. When the sensor does not detect the second state, the control unit prohibits execution of the second mode, so that execution of the second mode is prohibited even if the user sits on the luggage carrier and drives.

Claims (7)

An electric bicycle that includes an electric motor and is capable of switching between a first state in which a user can sit and drive and a second state different from the first state,
By adding a first auxiliary driving force by the electric motor to the human-powered driving force based on the pedaling force on the pedal for traveling and a second auxiliary driving force by the electric motor to the pushing force on the vehicle body. A control unit that switches between and executes a second mode of pushing or walking or adding the second auxiliary driving force to make it self-propelled;
A receiving unit that receives a signal for executing the second mode,
A state detection unit that detects that the electric bicycle is in the second state,
When the state detection unit detects that the electric bicycle is in the second state, the control unit executes the second mode when the reception unit receives the signal, and the electric bicycle is An electric bicycle that prohibits execution of the second mode when the state detection unit does not detect that the second state is set. A saddle on which a user sits, and a saddle that can be switched between a normal posture in which the seat surface of the saddle is in a regular position and a non-regular posture in which the seat surface of the saddle is separated from the regular position,
The first state includes a case where the saddle is in a normal posture,
The electric bicycle according to claim 1, wherein the second state includes a case where the saddle has an irregular posture. In order to maintain the normal posture of the saddle, while restricting the operation of the saddle, and a lever portion for releasing the restriction,
A biasing portion that applies a biasing force to the saddle in a direction that is in the irregular posture,
The electric bicycle according to claim 2, wherein the state detection unit detects the second state by detecting that the restriction by the lever unit has been released. A pedestal portion that supports the saddle, the pedestal portion being interlocked with the operation of the saddle,
The electric bicycle according to claim 2, wherein the state detection unit is housed in the pedestal so as to be covered by the pedestal. It is a pedal that receives pedal force from the user, equipped with a foldable pedal,
The first state includes a state in which the pedal is not folded,
The electric bicycle according to claim 1, wherein the second state includes a state in which the pedal is folded. An electric bicycle equipped with an electric motor,
By adding a first auxiliary driving force by the electric motor to a human-powered driving force based on the pedaling force on the pedal for traveling and a second auxiliary driving force by the electric motor to the pushing force on the vehicle body. A control unit that switches between and executes a second mode of pushing or walking or adding the second auxiliary driving force to make it self-propelled;
A receiving unit that receives a signal for executing the second mode,
A saddle on which a user sits, and a saddle capable of switching between a normal posture in which the seat surface of the saddle is in a regular position and an irregular posture in which the seat surface of the saddle is separated from the regular position,
A state detection unit that detects that the saddle is in the non-regular posture,
When the state detection unit detects that the saddle is in the non-regular posture, the control unit executes the second mode when the reception unit receives the signal, and the saddle is the non-regular posture. An electric bicycle that prohibits execution of the second mode when the state detection unit does not detect that the vehicle is in a posture. The reception part is hidden when the saddle is in the regular posture, and is arranged at an exposed portion when the saddle is in the non-regular posture. The electric bicycle according to item 1.

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