JP7150686B2 - Bicycle locking system and electric assist bicycle - Google Patents

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD The present invention relates to a bicycle lock system and an electrically assisted bicycle.

A lock for a bicycle is known, for example, from Patent Document 1. Patent Document 1 discloses a device comprising a location detection device that emits light when receiving a detection signal transmitted from a portable transmitter, and a horseshoe lock for a bicycle that is unlocked by an unlocking signal transmitted from the portable transmitter. is proposing.

Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2000-85658

In the device described in Patent Document 1, the location of the bicycle can be confirmed from a position remote from the bicycle, and the lock can be unlocked from a position remote from the bicycle, thereby improving convenience. However, if the bicycle is unlocked at a position away from the bicycle, it becomes possible for a malicious third party to steal the bicycle. In particular, the device described in Patent Document 1 is equipped with a location detection device, so there is a risk that a malicious third party will be notified of the bicycle that is about to be unlocked.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The present invention provides a bicycle locking system and a power-assisted bicycle in which security is enhanced while maintaining convenience.

According to the invention,
a portable radio transmitter,
a receiving unit capable of receiving radio waves emitted from the radio wave transmitting device;
an answerback unit that notifies by at least one of light and sound;
an electric lock,
a control unit that controls the answerback unit and the lock unit;
The radio wave transmitting device is capable of transmitting an answerback radio wave and an unlocking radio wave,
The control unit operates the answerback unit while the lock unit is locked when the reception unit receives the answerback radio wave, and operates the lock unit when the reception unit receives the unlocking radio wave. unlock it,
A bicycle locking system is provided, wherein the radio wave transmitting device outputs the unlocking radio wave with a lower intensity than the answerback radio wave.

In the bicycle locking system described above,
The radio wave transmitting device is
an answerback operation unit that transmits the answerback radio wave when operated;
and an unlocking operation unit that transmits the unlocking radio wave when operated.

In the bicycle locking system described above,
The radio wave transmitting device has a remote control operation unit operable by a first operation and a second operation different from the first operation,
The radio wave transmission device transmits the answerback radio wave when the first operation is performed on the remote control operation section, and transmits the unlocking radio wave when the second operation is performed on the remote control operation section. may be configured to

In the bicycle locking system described above,
The radio wave transmitting device transmits the answerback radio wave with an intensity that exceeds the detection limit of the receiving unit when the distance between the radio wave transmitting device and the receiving unit is within 30 m,
The radio wave transmitting device may be configured to transmit the unlocking radio wave with an intensity exceeding a detection limit of the receiving unit when the distance between the radio wave transmitting device and the receiving unit is within 3 m. .

According to the invention,
a portable radio wave transmitting device that constantly transmits radio waves or that transmits radio waves when an operation unit is operated;
a receiving unit capable of receiving radio waves emitted from the radio wave transmitting device;
an answerback unit that notifies by at least one of light and sound;
an electric lock,
a control unit that controls the answerback unit and the lock unit;
The control unit unlocks the unlocking unit if the reception intensity of the radio waves received by the reception unit is equal to or greater than a predetermined value, and unlocks the unlock unit if the reception intensity of the radio waves received by the reception unit is less than the predetermined value. A bicycle locking system is provided in which the answerback portion is operated while the lock portion is locked.

In the bicycle locking system described above,
The radio wave transmitting device is configured to constantly transmit the radio wave, or continue to transmit the radio wave for a certain period of time when the operation unit is operated,
The control unit may unlock the lock unit when the reception intensity of the radio wave reaches the predetermined value or more within a predetermined time after activating the answerback unit.

In the bicycle locking system described above,
The radio wave transmitting device is configured to constantly transmit the radio wave, or continue to transmit the radio wave for a certain period of time when the operation unit is operated,
The control unit may keep the lock unit locked when the reception intensity of the radio wave does not exceed the predetermined value within a predetermined time after activating the answerback unit.

In the bicycle locking system described above,
The radio wave transmitting device is configured to continuously transmit the radio wave, or continue to transmit the radio wave for a certain period of time when the operation unit is operated,
After activating the answerback unit, the control unit may activate the answerback unit again when the reception intensity of the radio wave does not reach or exceed the predetermined value within a predetermined time.

In the bicycle locking system described above,
The radio wave transmitting device is configured to transmit the radio wave when the operation unit is operated,
The radio wave transmitting device may include a single operation unit.

According to the invention,
a portable radio wave transmitting device capable of transmitting a control radio wave that is transmitted when an operation unit is operated and a ranging radio wave that is constantly transmitted;
a receiving unit capable of receiving the control radio wave and the ranging radio wave emitted from the radio wave transmitting device;
an answerback unit that notifies by at least one of light and sound;
an electric lock,
a control unit that controls the answerback unit and the lock unit;
The control unit
activating the answerback unit when the receiving unit receives the ranging radio wave at a reception intensity less than a predetermined value and receives the control radio wave;
A bicycle locking system is provided in which the receiving unit receives the ranging radio wave with a reception intensity equal to or greater than a predetermined value and unlocks the lock unit when the control radio wave is received.

According to the invention,
a portable radio wave transmitting device that transmits radio waves when an operation unit is operated;
a receiving unit that constantly detects the radio wave emitted from the radio wave transmitting device;
an answerback unit that notifies by at least one of light and sound;
an electric lock,
a control unit that controls the answerback unit and the lock unit;
The radio wave transmitting device is configured to transmit the radio wave for a predetermined period of time after the operation unit is operated,
The control unit activates the answerback unit regardless of the reception strength of the radio wave when the reception unit receives the radio wave, and operates the lock unit when the reception strength reaches a predetermined value or more before the predetermined time elapses. A bicycle locking system is provided for unlocking a.

According to the present invention, the above bicycle locking system;
An electrically assisted bicycle is provided that includes an assist system capable of applying assist torque to wheels.

ADVANTAGE OF THE INVENTION According to this invention, the lock system for bicycles and electric power assist bicycle which the security property was improved while maintaining the convenience are provided.

1 is a side view of a power-assisted bicycle equipped with the bicycle locking system of the present invention; FIG. 2 is a block diagram of the electrically assisted bicycle shown in FIG. 1; FIG. 1 is a block diagram of a bicycle locking system according to a first embodiment of the present invention; FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram of a radio wave transmitting device used in a bicycle locking system according to a first embodiment of the present invention; FIG. 1 is a flow chart of a bicycle lock system according to a first embodiment of the present invention; FIG. 4 is a diagram showing the relationship between the distance from the bicycle and the radio wave intensity; FIG. 4 is a schematic diagram of a radio wave transmitting device used in a bicycle locking system according to a second embodiment of the present invention; Fig. 2 is a block diagram of a bicycle locking system according to a second embodiment of the present invention; Fig. 4 is a flow chart of a bicycle lock system according to a third embodiment of the present invention; FIG. 5 is a diagram showing the relationship between the distance from the bicycle and the radio wave intensity; FIG. 4 is a flow chart of a bicycle lock system according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention; FIG. FIG. 11 is a block diagram of a bicycle locking system according to a sixth embodiment of the present invention; Fig. 10 is a flow chart of a bicycle lock system according to a sixth embodiment of the present invention; FIG. 11 is a block diagram of a bicycle locking system according to a seventh embodiment of the present invention; Fig. 10 is a flow chart of a bicycle lock system according to a seventh embodiment of the present invention;

An embodiment of the present invention will be described below with reference to FIG. Note that the dimensions of the constituent members in the drawings do not necessarily represent the actual dimensions of the constituent members, the dimensional ratios of the respective constituent members, and the like faithfully.

In the following description, forward, rearward, leftward, and rightward refer to forward, rearward, leftward, and rightward directions as viewed from the rider who is seated on the seat 24 of the electrically power-assisted bicycle while gripping the handle 23 .

First, a power-assisted bicycle equipped with a bicycle locking system according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described.

<Overall Configuration of Electric Assisted Bicycle>
As shown in FIG. 1 , the power-assisted bicycle 1 has pedals 33 and 34 and an electric motor 60 . The electrically power-assisted bicycle 1 is driven by driving torque that is the sum of pedal torque generated by the driver depressing the pedals 33 and 34 and motor torque output from the electric motor 60 . The motor torque of the electric motor 60 becomes an assist torque that assists the driver's stepping on the pedals 33 and 34 .

The electrically assisted bicycle 1 has a body frame 11 extending in the front-rear direction. The electrically assisted bicycle 1 also has a front wheel 21 , a rear wheel 22 , a handlebar 23 , a seat 24 and a power unit 40 .

The body frame 11 has a head pipe 12 , a down frame 13 , a seat frame 14 , a pair of chain stays 16 and a pair of seat stays 17 . The head pipe 12 is arranged in the front part of the electrically assisted bicycle 1 . A front portion of a down frame 13 extending rearward is connected to the head pipe 12 . The seat frame 14 is connected to the rear portion of the down frame 13 . The seat frame 14 extends upward and obliquely rearward from the rear end portion of the down frame 13 .

A handle stem 25 is rotatably inserted into the head pipe 12 . A handle 23 is fixed to the upper end of the handle stem 25 . A front fork 26 is fixed to the lower end of the handle stem 25 . A front wheel 21 is rotatably supported by an axle 27 at the lower end of the front fork 26 . A front wheel speed sensor 37 is provided at the lower end of the front fork 26 to detect the vehicle speed from the rotation of the front wheels 21 .

A seat pipe 28 is inserted inside the cylindrical seat frame 14 . A seat 24 is provided at the upper end of the seat pipe 28 .

A pair of chain stays 16 are provided so as to sandwich the rear wheel 22 from the left and right. A pair of chain stays 16 extends from the rear portion of the down frame 13 toward the center of rotation of the rear wheel 22 . A pair of seat stays 17 extend from the upper portion of the seat frame 14 toward the center of rotation of the rear wheel 22 . A rear wheel 22 is rotatably supported at the rear ends of the chain stay 16 and the seat stay 17 .

A battery 35 that supplies electric power to the electric motor 60 of the power unit 40 is arranged behind the seat frame 14 . The battery 35 has a chargeable/dischargeable rechargeable battery and a battery control section (not shown). The battery control unit controls charging and discharging of the rechargeable battery, and monitors its output current, remaining capacity, and the like.

The power unit 40 incorporates a crankshaft 41, a crank output shaft (not shown), a drive sprocket 42, a pedal torque detector 57, a crank rotation detector 58, an electric motor 60, and an auxiliary sprocket 44 into a unit case 50. It is a thing. The power unit 40 is bolted to the body frame 11 .

The crankshaft 41 is rotatably provided below the seat frame 14 . The crankshaft 41 is supported by passing through the unit case 50 in the left-right direction. Crank arms 31 and 32 are attached to both ends of the crankshaft 41 . Pedals 33 and 34 are rotatably attached to the ends of the crank arms 31 and 32, respectively. The pedal torque detector 57 detects the pedal torque input to the crankshaft 41 through the pedals 33 and 34 by the driver. A crank rotation detector 58 detects rotation of the crankshaft 41 when the driver rotates the pedals 33 and 34 . A crank output shaft (not shown) is formed in a cylindrical shape coaxial with the crankshaft 41 and is connected to the crankshaft 41 via a one-way clutch (not shown).

The drive sprocket 42 is attached to the right end of the crank output shaft (not shown). This drive sprocket 42 rotates together with the crankshaft 41 . The driven sprocket 45 is provided coaxially with the rear wheel shaft 29 of the rear wheel 22 . The driven sprocket 45 is connected to the rear wheel 22 via a one-way clutch (not shown).

An endless chain 46 is stretched over the driving sprocket 42 and the driven sprocket 45 . As a result, when the driver depresses the pedals 33 and 34, the drive sprocket 42 rotates. Furthermore, the rotation of the drive sprocket 42 is transmitted to the driven sprocket 45 via the chain 46, and the rear wheel 22 is driven.

The electric motor 60 is arranged inside the unit case 50 behind the crankshaft 41 . An auxiliary sprocket 44 is provided on the output shaft of the electric motor 60 . Electric power is supplied to the electric motor 60 from the battery 35 . When electric power is supplied to the electric motor 60, the electric motor 60 rotates. Rotation of the electric motor 60 is transmitted to the chain 46 via the auxiliary sprocket 44 . When power is supplied to the electric motor 60 in this manner, motor torque is generated in the electric motor 60 . This motor torque is transmitted to the rear wheels 22 via the chain 46 .

Grip portions 63 are provided at the left and right ends of the handle 23 . The grip portion 63 extends substantially in the front-rear direction. A driver can hold these grip portions 63 .

A brake lever 65 is provided near the grip portion 63 . When the driver operates the right brake lever 65 with the right hand, braking force is applied to the front wheels 21 . When the driver operates the left brake lever 65 with the left hand, braking force is applied to the rear wheel 22 .

In such an electrically assisted bicycle 1 , the controller 100 controls the electric motor 60 to apply motor torque to the rear wheel 22 .

FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing functions of the electrically assisted bicycle 1. As shown in FIG. As shown in FIG. 2 , the control device 100 includes a pedal torque calculator 101 , a motor controller 95 , a motor driver 105 , a shift stage estimator 97 and a memory 98 .

<Power transmission path>
Next, the power transmission path will be described.
When the driver depresses the pedals 33 and 34 to rotate the crankshaft 41 , the rotation of the crankshaft 41 is transmitted to the chain 46 via the one-way clutch 55 . The one-way clutch 55 transmits only the forward rotation of the crankshaft 41 to the chain 46 and does not transmit the reverse rotation of the crankshaft 41 to the chain 46 .

Rotation of the chain 46 is transmitted to the driven sprocket 45 on the rear wheel 22 side. The rotation of driven sprocket 45 is transmitted to rear wheel 22 via transmission mechanism 91 and one-way clutch 92 .

The transmission mechanism 91 is a mechanism that can change the gear stage in accordance with a transmission operation device 93 operated by the driver. The one-way clutch 92 transmits the rotation of the driven sprocket 45 to the rear wheel 22 only when the rotational speed of the driven sprocket 45 is higher than the rotational speed of the rear wheel 22 . When the rotational speed of the driven sprocket 45 is slower than the rotational speed of the rear wheel 22 , the one-way clutch 92 does not transmit the rotation of the driven sprocket 45 to the rear wheel 22 .

Rotation of the electric motor 60 is transmitted to the one-way clutch 85 via the reduction gear 82 . The one-way clutch 85 transmits to the chain 46 only the rotation in which the speed reducer 82 rotates the chain 46 forward, and does not transmit the rotation in which the speed reducer 82 rotates the chain 46 in the reverse direction.

Thus, in the electrically assisted bicycle 1 according to this embodiment, the pedal torque input to the crankshaft 41 and the motor torque of the electric motor 60 are synthesized by the chain 46 .

<Signal path>
Next, signal paths will be described.
When the driver rotates the crankshaft 41 , the pedal torque detector 57 provided in the vehicle generates a signal corresponding to the pedal torque input to the crankshaft 41 . Pedal torque detector 57 inputs the signal to pedal torque calculator 101 .

A pedal torque calculator 101 converts the signal from the pedal torque detector 57 into pedal torque applied to the pedals 33 and 34 by the driver. The pedal torque calculator 101 inputs the pedal torque value to the motor controller 95 .

The crank rotation detector 58 is a sensor that detects the phase of the crankshaft 41 . The crank rotation detector 58 generates a signal corresponding to the phase of the crankshaft 41 . The crank rotation detector 58 inputs the signal to the motor controller 95 .

The front wheel vehicle speed sensor 37 transmits a signal indicating the rotation speed of the front wheels 21 to the shift speed estimator 97 . A gear stage estimator 97 estimates a gear stage from the rotational speed of the front wheels 21 and transmits the information to the motor controller 95 .

The electric motor 60 is provided with a motor rotation sensor 99 . This motor rotation sensor 99 detects the number of revolutions of the electric motor 60 and transmits it to the shift stage estimating section 97 and the motor driving section 105 .

The motor control unit 95 calculates a command value for applying an appropriate assisting force by a control method to be described later, and transmits the command value to the motor drive unit 105 .

Based on a command value from the motor control unit 95, the motor drive unit 105 supplies electric power from the battery 35 to the electric motor 60 according to the command value. As a result, the electric motor 60 supplied with electric power is driven to generate a predetermined motor torque.

<First embodiment>
FIG. 3 is a block diagram of the bicycle locking system 200 of the first embodiment of the invention. As shown in FIG. 3 , the bicycle locking system 200 includes a portable radio wave transmitting device 210 capable of transmitting radio waves, and a circle lock 220 .

The circle lock 220 is a device mounted on the power-assisted bicycle 1 . A circle lock 220 can lock the rear wheel 22 . The circle lock 220 includes a receiving section 221 , a control section 222 , a lock section 223 and an answerback section 224 . The lock portion 223 is a portion that can lock the rear wheel 22 .

The lock portion 223 includes a bar that can be moved to a position between the spokes of the rear wheel 22 and an electric actuator such as a motor that moves the bar. The locking part 223 locks the rear wheel 22 by interfering the bar with the spoke and making the rear wheel 22 unrotatable. The answerback section 224 is composed of a lamp and a buzzer. In this embodiment, the answerback section 224 can emit light and sound.

The receiving unit 221 is configured to be able to receive radio waves at all times. The receiver 221 can receive radio waves even when the power-assisted bicycle 1 is not in a state in which assist torque can be applied. In other words, the receiver 221 can receive radio waves even when the user does not turn on the electric assist function. The receiving section 221 of the present embodiment is supplied with power from the battery 35 mounted on the power-assisted bicycle 1 . When the bicycle locking system 200 is mounted on a bicycle without an electric assist function, the bicycle locking system 200 may be configured to include a battery.

The control unit 222 can transmit an unlock actuation signal to the lock unit 223 . When the lock portion 223 receives an unlocking actuation signal, the actuator operates to move the bar from a position between the spokes to a position where it does not interfere with the spokes. The locking operation may be performed electrically or manually by the user operating a key.

The control section 222 can transmit an answerback activation signal to the answerback section 224 . When the answerback section 224 receives the answerback activation signal, the answerback section 224 lights the lamp and emits a sound from the buzzer. In the following description, the operation of the answerback section 224 to light the lamp and generate sound is referred to as activating the answerback section 224 .

FIG. 4 is a schematic diagram of a radio wave transmitting device 210 used in the bicycle locking system 200 of the first embodiment of the invention. As shown in FIGS. 3 and 4, the radio wave transmitting device 210 of this embodiment includes an answerback operating section 211 and an unlocking operating section 212. As shown in FIGS. When the answerback operation unit 211 is operated, the radio wave transmitting device 210 transmits an answerback radio wave. When the unlocking operation unit 212 is operated, the radio wave transmitting device 210 transmits unlocking radio waves. The unlocking radio wave and the answerback radio wave contain identification information specific to each bicycle locking system 200 . A certain circle lock 220 is configured so that it can be unlocked only by an unlocking radio wave containing specific identification information, and the answerback section 224 cannot be operated. Note that the answerback radio wave is a radio wave including a signal for causing the control section 222 to operate the answerback section 224 . The unlocking radio wave is a radio wave including a signal for causing the control unit 222 to unlock the lock unit 223 .

As shown in FIG. 4 , the radio wave transmitting device 210 of this embodiment includes an answerback operating section 211 and an unlocking operating section 212 . In the illustrated example, the buttons forming the unlock operation unit 212 are larger than the buttons forming the answerback operation unit 211 . As a result, even when the user operates the radio wave transmitting device 210 in the dark, the unlock operation unit 212 and the answerback operation unit 211 can be operated without confusion. As described above, it is preferable that the answerback operating portion 211 and the unlocking operating portion 212 are configured to differ in at least one of shape, size, color, and tactile sensation such as unevenness.

FIG. 5 shows a flowchart executed by the controller 222 of the bicycle locking system 200 of this embodiment. The control unit 222 periodically and repeatedly executes the processing shown in FIG. As shown in FIG. 5, the control unit 222 first determines whether or not the receiving unit 221 has received an unlocking radio wave or an answerback radio wave (step S01). If neither radio wave has been received (step S01: No), the control unit 222 terminates the process.

When the receiving unit 221 determines that any radio wave has been received (step S01: Yes), the control unit 222 determines whether the received radio wave is an answerback radio wave (step S02).
If the received radio wave is an answerback radio wave (step S02: Yes), the control section 222 transmits an answerback activation signal to the answerback section 224 to activate the answerback section 224 (step S03), and terminates the process. .
If the received radio wave is not an answerback radio wave but an unlocking radio wave (step S02: No), the control unit 222 transmits an unlock operation signal to the lock unit 223 to unlock the lock unit 223 (step S04), End the process.

FIG. 6 is a diagram showing the relationship between the distance between the receiver 221 of the electrically assisted bicycle 1 and the radio wave transmitter 210 and the strength of the radio waves received by the receiver 221 . In this embodiment, the output intensity of the unlocking radio wave is smaller than the output intensity of the answerback radio wave. The radio wave transmitting device 210 outputs the unlocking radio wave with an intensity lower than that of the answerback radio wave. The strength of the received radio waves drops sharply when moving away from a position close to the source, and gradually decreases as the distance increases. Radio waves attenuate approximately in proportion to the square of the distance. On the other hand, the receiver 221 can only detect radio waves with a certain intensity or higher. That is, the receiver 221 has a detection limit, which is the minimum detectable intensity.

Therefore, as shown in FIG. 6, the receiving section 221 can detect an answerback radio wave with a high output intensity even at a point distant from the radio wave transmitting device 210 by a distance RA. On the other hand, the reception unit 221 cannot detect the unlocking radio wave with a low output intensity at a point away from the radio wave transmitting device 210 by the distance RA. That is, the distance at which the reception unit 221 can detect the unlocking radio wave is the distance RB, which is shorter than the distance RA. In FIG. 6, the distance RA indicates the distance between the radio wave transmitting device 210 and the receiving section 221 at which the reception strength of the answerback radio wave is the detection limit. A distance RB indicates a distance between the radio wave transmitting device 210 and the receiving section 221 at which the reception strength of the unlocking radio wave becomes a detection limit. The distance 0 to RB [m] is the unlocking distance, and the distance 0 to RA [m] is the distance at which the answerback unit 224 can operate.

As described above, in the bicycle locking system 200 according to the present embodiment, the radio wave transmitting device 210 outputs the unlocking radio wave with an intensity lower than that of the answerback radio wave. Therefore, even if the user erroneously operates the unlocking operation unit 212 at a position far from his or her own power-assisted bicycle 1, the unlocking radio wave is not detected by the receiving unit 221, and the control unit 222 controls the lock unit 223. is never unlocked. On the other hand, the answerback section 224 is intended to be activated when the user does not know the exact position of his or her electrically assisted bicycle 1 . Since the answerback radio wave is output with a higher intensity than the unlocking radio wave, the user can confirm the position of the power-assisted bicycle 1 from a distance, thereby ensuring the user's convenience.
For this reason, even if a malicious third party is near the user's power-assisted bicycle 1, the lock can only be unlocked when the user approaches the power-assisted bicycle 1, thereby enhancing security. It is

The radio wave transmitting device 210 outputs an unlocking radio wave with a strength such that the reception strength of the unlocking radio wave transmitted at a point closer than 5 m from the electrically power-assisted bicycle 1 is equal to or higher than the detection limit of the receiving unit 221, and the electric assist is performed. It is preferable to output the answerback radio wave with an intensity such that the reception strength of the answerback radio wave transmitted at a point 30 m away from the bicycle 1 is equal to or higher than the detection limit of the receiving section 221 . That is, it is preferable to set the distance RA to 30 m or more and the distance RB to 5 m or less.
More preferably, the radio wave transmitting device 210 outputs the unlocking radio wave with an intensity such that the reception strength of the unlocking radio wave transmitted at a point closer than 3 m from the power-assisted bicycle 1 is equal to or greater than the detection limit of the receiving unit 221. . It is preferable that the radio wave transmitting device 210 outputs the answerback radio wave at a strength such that the received strength of the answerback radio wave transmitted at a point 20 m away from the power-assisted bicycle 1 is greater than or equal to the detection limit of the receiving section 221 . That is, it is more preferable to set the distance RA to 20 m or more and the distance RB to 3 m or less.
More preferably, the radio wave transmitting device 210 outputs the unlocking radio wave with an intensity such that the received strength of the unlocking radio wave transmitted at a point closer than 1 m from the power-assisted bicycle 1 is equal to or greater than the detection limit of the receiving unit 221. . It is preferable that the radio wave transmitting device 210 outputs the answerback radio wave at a strength such that the received strength of the answerback radio wave transmitted at a point 10 m away from the power-assisted bicycle 1 is greater than or equal to the detection limit of the receiving section 221 . That is, more preferably, the distance RA is set to 10 m or more and the distance RB is set to 1 m or less.

<Second embodiment>
In the first embodiment described above, the radio wave transmission device 210 includes the answerback operation unit 211 and the unlocking operation unit 212. However, the radio wave transmission device 310 includes a single remote control operation unit 311. may

FIG. 7 is a schematic diagram of a radio wave transmitting device 310 used in a bicycle locking system 300 according to a second embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 8 is a block diagram of a bicycle locking system 300 according to a second embodiment of the invention.
As shown in FIG. 7, the bicycle locking system 300 according to the second embodiment of the present invention has a radio wave transmission device 310 with a single remote control operation section 311. As shown in FIG. Further, as shown in FIG. 8, the radio wave transmitting device 310 includes an operation determining section 312. The remote control operation unit 311 is configured to be operable by one-time pressing (first operation) and two-time pressing (second operation). Remote controller operation unit 311 outputs an operation signal to operation determination unit 312 when pressed.

For example, when the operation determination unit 312 determines that a signal has been input from the remote control operation unit 311 only once within a certain period of time after the remote control operation unit 311 was operated (there is no input after the signal was input), It is determined that the remote control operation unit has been pressed once. When the operation determination unit 312 determines that a signal has been input twice from the remote control operation unit 311 within a certain period of time after the remote control operation unit 311 was operated (the signal was input, the input was lost, and the signal was input again). , the remote controller is determined to have been pressed twice.

As shown in FIG. 8 , in the bicycle locking system 300 of this embodiment, the radio wave transmitting device 310 includes a remote control operation section 311 and an operation determination section 312 . As described above, the operation determination unit 312 determines whether the remote control operation unit 311 has been pressed once or twice. When the operation determination unit 312 determines that the remote control operation unit 311 has been pressed once, the radio wave transmission device 310 outputs an unlocking radio wave. When the operation determination unit 312 determines that the remote control operation unit 311 has been pressed twice, the radio wave transmission device 310 outputs an answerback radio wave.

Also in the present embodiment, the radio wave transmitting device 310 outputs the unlocking radio wave with an intensity lower than that of the answerback radio wave. Therefore, as in the first embodiment described above, security is enhanced while user convenience is ensured. Furthermore, according to the present embodiment, the user can select whether to operate the answerback section 224 or unlock it simply by operating the single remote control operation section 311 in different operations, which increases convenience. It is heightened.

Note that in the present embodiment, the first operation and the second operation are exemplified by one-time pressing and two-time pressing, but the present invention is not limited to this. A single press may be set as the second operation, and a double press may be set as the first operation. The double press may be a multiple press that is two or more presses. Alternatively, the remote control operation unit 311 may be operated by half pressing and full stroke, and different radio waves may be output according to each operation. Alternatively, the remote control operation unit 311 may be operated by long pressing and short pressing, and different radio waves may be output according to each operation.

Further, in the present embodiment, an example has been described in which the operation determination unit 312 is configured to electrically determine the first operation and the second operation of the remote control operation unit 311, but the present invention is not limited to this. For example, the remote control operation unit 311 may be configured to tilt to the right and to the left. In this case, when tilted to the right, the remote control operation unit 311 conducts with the right contact to transmit an unlocking radio wave, and when tilted to the left, the remote control operation unit 311 conducts with the left contact to answer back. It can be configured to emit radio waves. In this manner, the first operation and the second operation can be performed mechanically, and the unlocking radio wave and the answerback radio wave can be mechanically distinguished and transmitted.

Further, in the present embodiment, an example in which the radio wave transmitting device 310 includes a single remote control operation unit 311 has been described, but the present invention is not limited to this example. The radio wave transmission device 310 includes a remote control operation unit 311 that outputs an answerback radio wave or an unlocking radio wave when operated, a remote control operation unit 311 that can output other radio waves, and a remote control operation that displays a physical key when operated. A unit 311 and the like may be provided.

<Third embodiment>
In the first embodiment and the second embodiment described above, an example in which the radio wave transmitting devices 210 and 310 transmit two types of radio waves, an unlocking radio wave and an answerback radio wave, has been described, but the present invention is not limited to this example. . The third embodiment of the present invention has a single remote controller 311 like the second embodiment shown in FIG. In this embodiment, when the remote control operation unit 311 is operated, the radio wave transmitting device 310 is configured to transmit a single type of radio wave. The radio wave transmitting device 310 of this embodiment does not transmit two types of radio waves, the unlocking radio wave and the answerback radio wave, as in the above-described first and second embodiments.

FIG. 9 is a flowchart of a bicycle locking system 300 according to a third embodiment of the invention. As shown in FIG. 9, the control unit 222 first determines whether or not the receiving unit 221 has received the radio waves emitted from the radio wave transmitting device 310 (step S11). If the receiver 221 determines that the radio wave is not received (step S11: No), the controller 222 terminates the process.

If the receiving unit 221 determines that the radio wave has been received (step S11: Yes), the control unit 222 determines whether the intensity of the received radio wave is equal to or greater than a predetermined value (step S12). If the intensity of the radio wave is greater than or equal to the predetermined value (step S12: Yes), the control section 222 transmits an unlock actuation signal to the lock section 223 to unlock the lock section 223 (step S13). Note that the predetermined value referred to here is an intensity greater than the detection limit of the receiver 221 .

If the intensity of the radio wave is less than the predetermined value (step S12: No), the control section 222 transmits an answerback activation signal to the answerback section 224 to activate the answerback section 224 (step S14).

FIG. 10 is a diagram showing the relationship between the radio waves emitted by the radio wave transmitting device 310 of this embodiment and the distance. In this embodiment, the answerback unit 224 can be operated to measure the distance between the radio wave transmitting device 310 and the receiving unit 221 when the receiving unit 221 receives the radio wave emitted by the radio wave transmitting device 310 with the intensity of the detection limit. It is set to the maximum distance RC. Also, any intensity above the detection limit is set to a predetermined value determined in step S12. The distance at this time is defined as the unlocking limit distance RD. That is, in FIG. 10, the distance 0 to RD [m] is the unlocking distance, and the distance RD to RC is the distance at which the answerback unit 224 can operate.

In this embodiment, when the user approaches the power-assisted bicycle 1, the user operates the remote controller 311, and when radio waves are output, the lock is unlocked according to the distance between the radio wave transmitter 310 and the receiver 221. or the answerback unit 224 is operated.
The radio wave intensity attenuates as the distance increases. Therefore, when the received strength of the radio wave is equal to or greater than a predetermined value, that is, when the radio wave transmitting device 310 approaches within a predetermined distance from the user's electrically power-assisted bicycle 1, the lock is unlocked. When it is farther away, it activates the answerback section 224 . Therefore, even if a malicious third party is near the user's power-assisted bicycle 1 and the user operates the remote control operation unit 311 from a distance, the user is farther away than the predetermined distance. Only the answerback unit 224 is activated and the lock is not unlocked, thereby enhancing security.

<Fourth embodiment>
FIG. 11 is a flowchart of a bicycle locking system according to a fourth embodiment of the invention. This embodiment has a single remote control operation unit 311 as in the third embodiment. In this embodiment, when the remote control operation unit 311 is operated, the radio wave transmitting device 310 is configured to transmit a single type of radio wave for a certain period of time.

As shown in FIG. 11, steps S21 to S24 of this embodiment are the same as steps S11 to S14 of the third embodiment. In this embodiment, after activating the answerback section 224, the control section 222 determines whether or not the receiving section 221 continues to receive radio waves (step S25). If radio waves are not continuously received (step S25: No), the control unit 222 terminates the process.

If radio waves are being continuously received (step S25: Yes), the control unit 222 determines whether or not the reception intensity is equal to or greater than a predetermined value (step S26). When the received signal strength reaches or exceeds the predetermined value (step S26: Yes), the control section 222 transmits an unlock actuation signal to the lock section 223 to unlock the lock section 223 (step S23). If the reception intensity does not reach or exceed the predetermined value (step S26: No), the control unit 222 returns to the process of determining whether or not the radio waves are continuing (step S25).

In step S26, if the user comes close enough to his or her electrically power-assisted bicycle 1 after activating the answerback unit 224, the lock can be unlocked without any particular operation by the user, thus enhancing convenience.

<Fifth embodiment>
In the above-described third embodiment, the example in which the radio wave transmitting device 310 is configured to transmit radio waves when the remote control operation unit 311 is operated has been described, but the present invention is not limited to this example.
The fifth embodiment differs from the third embodiment only in that the remote controller 311 is configured to constantly transmit radio waves. According to such a configuration, when the user approaches the electrically power-assisted bicycle 1 at a distance at which the reception intensity of the radio waves at the reception unit 221 is greater than or equal to the detection limit of the reception unit 221 and less than a predetermined value, the answerback unit 224 automatically responds. Operate. Further, when the user approaches the electrically power-assisted bicycle 1 to a distance where the received signal strength is equal to or greater than the predetermined value, the lock portion 223 is automatically unlocked. Since the user simply carries the radio wave transmitting device 310 and does not need to operate it, the convenience is enhanced.

<Sixth embodiment>
Next, a bicycle lock system 400 according to a sixth embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS. 12 and 13. FIG. FIG. 12 is a block diagram of a bicycle locking system 400 according to a sixth embodiment of the invention. FIG. 13 is a flowchart of a bicycle locking system 400 according to a sixth embodiment of the invention.

As shown in FIG. 12 , the radio wave transmission device 410 in this embodiment includes a remote control operation section 411 and a ranging radio wave transmission section 412 . The remote control operation unit 411 transmits control radio waves when operated. The ranging radio wave transmitter 412 constantly transmits ranging radio waves. The control unit 222 can calculate the separation distance between the receiving unit 221 and the radio wave transmitting device 410 according to the reception intensity of the ranging radio waves received by the receiving unit 221 . The control radio wave is a radio wave including a signal for causing the control unit 222 to operate the answerback unit 224 or the lock unit 223 . A control radio wave is transmitted when the remote control operation unit 411 is operated. A ranging radio wave is a radio wave including a signal for detecting the distance between the radio wave transmitting device 410 and the receiving section 221 .

The control unit 222 always repeatedly executes the process shown in FIG. 13 at predetermined time intervals. As shown in FIG. 13, first, the control unit 222 determines whether or not the receiving unit 221 has received the control radio wave (step S31). If it is determined that the control radio wave has not been received (step S31: No), the control section 222 terminates the process.

When it is determined that the control radio wave has been received (step S31: Yes), the control unit 222 determines whether or not the reception strength of the ranging radio wave is equal to or greater than a predetermined value (step S32).
If the received intensity of the ranging radio wave is equal to or greater than the predetermined value (step S32: Yes), the control section 222 transmits an unlock actuation signal to the lock section 223 to unlock the lock section 223 (step S33). When the received intensity of the ranging radio wave is equal to or greater than the predetermined value, the radio wave transmitting device 410 is located within a predetermined distance from the receiving unit 221 and close to it. Therefore, if the received intensity of the ranging radio wave is equal to or higher than a predetermined value, the lock portion 223 is unlocked.

If the received intensity of the ranging radio wave is less than the predetermined value (step S32: No), the control section 222 transmits an answerback activation signal to the answerback section 224 to activate the answerback section 224 (step S34). When the received intensity of the ranging radio wave is less than the predetermined value, the radio wave transmitting device 410 is located farther than the predetermined distance from the receiving section 221 . Therefore, if the received intensity of the ranging radio wave is less than the predetermined value, the lock 223 is not unlocked, and the answerback section 224 is activated to notify the user of the position of the power-assisted bicycle 1 .

As described above, in the bicycle locking system 400 of the present embodiment, when the control radio wave is received by the control section 222, if the receiving section 221 receives the ranging radio wave with a reception strength less than a predetermined value, the answerback is performed. Activating section 224 . Further, when receiving the control radio wave, the control section 222 unlocks the lock section 223 if the receiving section 221 is receiving the ranging radio wave with a reception intensity equal to or higher than a predetermined value.

In the bicycle locking system 400 of this embodiment, as in the above-described embodiments, the answerback part 224 is operated when the user is far from the power-assisted bicycle 1, and unlocked when the user is near. It is highly convenient and has a high degree of crime prevention.

Furthermore, according to the bicycle locking system 400 of this embodiment, the radio wave transmitting device 410 constantly transmits the ranging radio waves. Therefore, the receiving unit 221 can receive the ranging radio wave before receiving the control radio wave. Therefore, when the receiving section 221 receives the control radio wave, it is possible to immediately calculate the separation distance from the radio wave transmitting device 410, and determine whether to unlock the lock section 223 or operate the answerback section 224. can be done quickly. In addition, since the radio waves for distance measurement are always transmitted, the accuracy of the distance can be improved by calculating the distance from the average value of the received strength.

<Seventh embodiment>
Next, a bicycle lock system 500 according to a seventh embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS. 14 and 15. FIG. FIG. 14 is a block diagram of a bicycle locking system 500 according to a sixth embodiment of the invention. FIG. 15 is a flowchart of a bicycle locking system 500 according to a seventh embodiment of the invention.

As shown in FIG. 14, in the bicycle locking system 500 of this embodiment, the radio wave transmitting device 510 includes a remote control operation section 511 that transmits radio waves for a predetermined period of time when operated. The radio wave transmitting device 510 is configured to transmit radio waves for about 1 to 30 seconds when the remote control operation section 511 is operated.

The control unit 222 always repeatedly executes the processing shown in FIG. As shown in FIG. 15, the controller 222 first determines whether or not the receiver 221 has received radio waves (step S41). When the control unit 222 determines that the reception unit 221 does not receive the radio wave (step S41: No), it ends the process.

If the receiving section 221 determines that the radio wave has been received (step S41: Yes), the step S4 control section 222 transmits an answerback activation signal to the answerback section 224 to activate the answerback section 224 (step S42).

Furthermore, the control unit 222 determines whether or not the reception intensity of the radio waves in the reception unit 221 has reached or exceeded a predetermined value (step S43). When the reception intensity of the radio wave reaches or exceeds the predetermined value (step S43: Yes), the control section 222 transmits an unlocking operation signal to the lock section 223 to unlock the lock section 223 (step S45).

If the reception intensity of radio waves does not exceed the predetermined value (step S43: No), the control unit 222 determines whether or not radio waves are being received (step S44). If no radio wave has been received (step S44: No), the control unit 222 terminates the process. If radio waves have been received (step S44: Yes), the control unit 222 again determines whether or not the received strength of the radio waves is greater than or equal to the predetermined value (step S43).

As described above, in this embodiment, the radio wave transmitting device 510 is configured to transmit radio waves for a predetermined period of time after the remote control operation unit 511 is operated. is received, the answerback unit 224 is operated regardless of the reception strength, and the lock unit 223 is unlocked when the reception strength becomes equal to or higher than a predetermined value before the predetermined time elapses.

For example, it is assumed that the predetermined value in step S43 is set to the reception intensity when receiving radio waves emitted from a position separated by a distance of 3 m. It is also assumed that the radio wave transmitting device 510 transmits radio waves for 30 seconds. At this time, when the user holds the radio wave transmitting device 510 and operates the remote control operation section 511 at a position 5 m away from the power-assisted bicycle 1, radio waves are emitted for 30 seconds. The control unit 222 first detects this radio wave and activates the answerback unit 224 . When the user operates the remote control operation unit 511 and reaches a position 3 m from the power-assisted bicycle 1 while radio waves are being transmitted, the control unit 222 unlocks the lock unit 223 . On the other hand, if the user cannot find his or her own power-assisted bicycle 1 and cannot approach within 3 m from his or her own power-assisted bicycle 1 even after 30 seconds have passed, the control section 222 does not unlock the lock section 223. .

It should be noted that the predetermined value in step S44 is preferably set to the reception intensity when receiving radio waves emitted from positions separated by a distance of 1 to 5 m. It is more preferable that the predetermined value in step S44 is set to the reception intensity when receiving radio waves emitted from positions separated by a distance of 2 to 4 m. It is more preferable that the predetermined value in step S44 is set to the reception intensity when receiving radio waves emitted from positions separated by a distance of 1 to 5 m.
It is preferable that the time period during which the radio wave transmitting device 510 continues to transmit radio waves is set within a range of 3 to 60 seconds. More preferably, the time period during which the radio wave transmitting device 510 continues to transmit radio waves is set to 5 to 30 seconds.

In the bicycle locking system 500 of this embodiment, as in the above-described embodiments, the answerback unit 224 is operated when the user is far from the power-assisted bicycle 1, and unlocked when the user is near. It is highly convenient and has a high degree of crime prevention.

Further, according to the bicycle locking system 500 of the present embodiment, the user operates the remote control operation unit 511 once to operate the answerback unit 224 of his/her own power-assisted bicycle 1, and then simply approaches the power-assisted bicycle 1. Since the lock portion 223 is automatically unlocked, convenience is further enhanced.

<Modification>
Next, modified examples of the present invention will be described. In this modified example, the radio wave transmission device includes a remote control operation section that emits radio waves when operated, as in the first embodiment described above. As in the above-described embodiments, the circle lock includes a receiving section, a control section, a lock section, and an answerback section.

When the control section determines that the receiving section has received the radio wave, it transmits an answerback activation signal to the answerback section to activate the answerback section. Furthermore, when the control unit receives this radio wave, it starts counting t. The control unit is configured to transmit an unlock actuation signal to the lock unit to unlock the lock unit when it determines that the same radio wave has been received again before the count t reaches the predetermined time t0.

According to such a configuration, the user can operate the remote controller once to activate the answerback section when the user is far from his or her power-assisted bicycle, and operate the remote controller again to unlock when approaching. If the same radio wave is not received even after the count t exceeds the predetermined time t0, it means that the user has moved away from his or her power-assisted bicycle or simply wanted to check the position of his/her power-assisted bicycle. In this case, the lock continues to be locked without unlocking.

<Various modifications>
In the above description, the bicycle locking system is mounted on a power-assisted bicycle, but it may be mounted on a bicycle that does not have a power-assist function.

In the above description, an example of configuring the bicycle locking system with a circle lock that locks the rear wheel has been described, but the bicycle locking system may be configured with a lock that locks the front wheel, a wire lock, or the like.

Also, in the above description, the configuration in which the answerback unit can emit light and sound has been described, but the present invention is not limited to this. The answerback section may be configured to emit either light or sound. Also, a headlamp or tail lamp mounted on the electrically assisted bicycle may function as an answerback unit. Alternatively, the electrically assisted bicycle has a switch for activating an assist system that applies assist torque to the wheels or for changing the assist mode, and an assist operation unit that has a display unit that displays the assist mode being executed. If so, the display section of the assist operation section may function as an answerback section.

In each of the above-described embodiments, when the control unit transmits the unlocking operation signal to the lock unit, the answerback operation signal is also transmitted to the answerback unit, and the answerback unit is also operated when unlocking. , it may be configured such that unlocking can be confirmed visually or audibly.

1 electrically assisted bicycle 200 bicycle locking system 210 radio wave transmitting device 211 answerback operating unit 212 unlocking operating unit 220 circle lock 221 receiving unit 222 control unit 223 lock unit 224 answerback unit 300 bicycle locking system 310 radio wave transmitting device 311 remote control Operation unit 312 Operation determination unit 400 Bicycle lock system 410 Radio wave transmission device 411 Remote control operation unit 412 Distance measurement radio wave transmission unit 500 Bicycle lock system 510 Radio wave transmission device 511 Remote control operation unit

Claims (12)

a portable radio transmitter,
a receiving unit capable of receiving radio waves emitted from the radio wave transmitting device;
an answerback unit that notifies by at least one of light and sound;
an electric lock,
a control unit that controls the answerback unit and the lock unit;
The radio wave transmitting device is capable of transmitting an answerback radio wave and an unlocking radio wave,
The control unit operates the answerback unit while the lock unit is locked when the reception unit receives the answerback radio wave, and operates the lock unit when the reception unit receives the unlocking radio wave. unlock it,
The bicycle locking system, wherein the radio wave transmitting device outputs the unlocking radio wave with a lower intensity than the answerback radio wave. The radio wave transmitting device is
an answerback operation unit that transmits the answerback radio wave when operated;
2. The bicycle locking system according to claim 1, further comprising an unlocking operation unit that emits the unlocking radio wave when operated. The radio wave transmitting device has a remote control operation unit operable by a first operation and a second operation different from the first operation,
The radio wave transmission device transmits the answerback radio wave when the first operation is performed on the remote control operation section, and transmits the unlocking radio wave when the second operation is performed on the remote control operation section. 2. The bicycle locking system of claim 1, wherein: The radio wave transmitting device transmits the answerback radio wave with an intensity that exceeds the detection limit of the receiving unit when the distance between the radio wave transmitting device and the receiving unit is within 30 m,
4. The radio wave transmitting device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein said radio wave transmitting device transmits said unlocking radio wave with an intensity exceeding a detection limit of said receiving portion when the distance between said radio wave transmitting device and said receiving portion is within 3 m. 1. A bicycle lock system according to claim 1. a portable radio wave transmitting device that constantly transmits radio waves or that transmits radio waves when an operation unit is operated;
a receiving unit capable of receiving radio waves emitted from the radio wave transmitting device;
an answerback unit that notifies by at least one of light and sound;
an electric lock,
a control unit that controls the answerback unit and the lock unit;
The control unit unlocks the lock unit when the reception intensity of the radio waves received by the reception unit is equal to or greater than a predetermined value, and unlocks the lock unit when the reception intensity of the radio waves received by the reception unit is less than the predetermined value. A locking system for a bicycle, in which the answerback section is operated while the lock section is locked. The radio wave transmitting device is configured to continuously transmit the radio wave, or continue to transmit the radio wave for a predetermined time when the operation unit is operated,
6. The bicycle locking system according to claim 5, wherein said control section unlocks said lock section when the reception strength of said radio wave reaches said predetermined value or more after activating said answerback section. The radio wave transmitting device is configured to continuously transmit the radio wave, or continue to transmit the radio wave for a predetermined time when the operation unit is operated,
7. The bicycle lock system according to claim 6, wherein said control unit keeps said lock unit locked when the received strength of said radio wave does not exceed said predetermined value after activating said answerback unit. The radio wave transmitting device is configured to continuously transmit the radio wave, or continue to transmit the radio wave for a predetermined time when the operation unit is operated,
7. The bicycle lock system according to claim 5 or 6, wherein, after activating the answerback unit, the control unit activates the answerback unit again when the reception strength of the radio wave does not exceed the predetermined value. . The radio wave transmitting device is configured to transmit the radio wave when the operation unit is operated,
6. The bicycle locking system according to claim 5, wherein the radio wave transmitting device comprises a single operating portion. a portable radio wave transmitting device capable of transmitting control radio waves that are transmitted when an operation unit is operated and ranging radio waves that are constantly transmitted;
a receiving unit capable of receiving the control radio wave and the ranging radio wave emitted from the radio wave transmitting device;
an answerback unit that notifies by at least one of light and sound;
an electric lock,
a control unit that controls the answerback unit and the lock unit;
The control unit
activating the answerback unit when the receiving unit receives the ranging radio wave at a reception intensity less than a predetermined value and receives the control radio wave;
A bicycle locking system according to claim 1, wherein said receiving section receives said ranging radio waves with a reception intensity equal to or greater than a predetermined value, and said lock section is unlocked when said control radio waves are received. a portable radio wave transmitting device that transmits radio waves when an operation unit is operated;
a receiving unit that constantly detects the radio wave emitted from the radio wave transmitting device;
an answerback unit that notifies by at least one of light and sound;
an electric lock,
a control unit that controls the answerback unit and the lock unit;
The radio wave transmitting device is configured to transmit the radio wave for a predetermined period of time after the operation unit is operated,
The control unit activates the answerback unit regardless of the reception strength of the radio wave when the reception unit receives the radio wave, and operates the lock unit when the reception strength reaches a predetermined value or more before the predetermined time elapses. A bicycle locking system that unlocks the an assist system that can apply assist torque to the wheels;
A power-assisted bicycle comprising the bicycle locking system according to any one of claims 1 to 11.

Images