JP2004322875A - Power-assisted bicycle - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a power-assisted bicycle having both excellent convenience and an anti-theft property. <P>SOLUTION: When a key switch 32 is turned off, options of waiting modes are displayed on a display unit 41, and if a normal waiting mode (sleep mode) is selected or a predetermined time is elapsed without any mode selection, the mode is transferred to a normal waiting mode. If an anti-theft mode is selected, the mode is transferred to the preset anti-theft mode. Vibration is detected by a vibration sensor 313 and the on-operation of the key switch 32 by a power supply key is monitored. If vibration is detected, a predetermined anti-theft action is taken. For example, various kinds of lamps mounted to a bicycle are flashed simultaneously, and a warning sound is outputted from a warning buzzer. In addition, brake torque is generated by using an assisting motor to prevent self-propelled traveling. Thereafter, if the on-operation of the key switch 32 is detected, the anti-theft waiting mode is released, returning to a drive state. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2005,JPO&NCIPI

Description

[0001]
TECHNICAL FIELD OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to an electrically assisted bicycle that performs assisted running by an electric motor, and particularly to an anti-theft function thereof.
[0002]
[Prior art]
Conventionally, as a method of preventing theft of this type of electrically assisted bicycle, when the bicycle is driven on its own with the key switch linked to turning the power on and off, the brake torque is applied to the pedal by the assist motor. One having such a structure is known (for example, see Patent Document 1).
Also, when the power is turned off by the key switch, vibration applied to the bicycle is monitored by the vibration sensor, and if vibration occurs, it is determined that the bicycle is stolen, and the theft is detected by the output of an alarm buzzer or the blinking of an alarm lamp. There is known one that is excluded (for example, see Patent Document 2).
[0003]
[Patent Document 1]
Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open Publication No. 2002-321673 [Patent Document 2]
JP-A-10-203441
[Problems to be solved by the invention]
However, in each of the above-mentioned conventional examples, the anti-theft function is operated in conjunction with a power key switch, and it is difficult to realize security according to the use mode (use location and use). . For example, when shopping with a bicycle parked at a store, strong security is not required and only power saving is sufficient, but if a pedestrian contacts the bicycle, the vibration sensor is activated and an alarm buzzer sounds, etc. In that case, it will cause unnecessary discomfort.
Further, in an unpopular place or at midnight, regardless of a buzzer alarm or the like, a malicious theft may be met, and a stronger security function is required.
[0005]
Therefore, an object of the present invention is to provide an electrically assisted bicycle that can select an optimal standby state according to a usage mode (time and case) of the bicycle and is excellent in both convenience and security.
[0006]
[Means for Solving the Problems]
In order to achieve the above object, the present invention provides an assist drive unit for reducing an pedaling force by applying an assist torque to a wheel drive shaft, and turning on power to the assist drive unit in response to a locking / unlocking operation of a power key. A key switch to be turned off, vibration detecting means for detecting vibration occurring in the bicycle, display means for displaying at least a character string, key input means for key input, and a case where a locking operation is performed by the key switch. And displaying a character string prompting the user to select at least the normal standby mode and the anti-theft standby mode on the display unit, and determining the standby mode based on the selection input by the user using the key input unit according to the display. Means and a normal standby for standby in a power saving state when a normal standby mode is selected by the standby mode selection determining means. When the anti-theft standby mode is selected by the standby mode selection determining means, the vibration detecting means monitors the vibration generated in the bicycle, and when the vibration is detected, performs a predetermined anti-theft operation. And a standby control unit for shifting to a theft prevention standby mode.
[0007]
In the electric assist bicycle of the present invention, when a locking operation is performed by a key switch that controls on / off of the power, a character string that prompts the user to select at least the normal standby mode and the anti-theft standby mode is displayed on the display unit, The standby mode is determined based on the selection input by the user's key input means in accordance with the display, and when the normal standby mode is selected, the mode shifts to the normal standby mode in which the apparatus stands by in a power saving state, and the anti-theft standby mode is selected. In this case, the vibration detecting means monitors the vibration generated in the bicycle, and when the vibration is detected, shifts to the anti-theft standby mode in which a predetermined anti-theft operation is performed. When it is not necessary to prevent theft, a normal standby mode can be selected to save power.
Therefore, it is possible to easily return to the driving state without issuing a useless alarm when theft prevention is not required, and also to prevent various warnings by vibration detection and self-driving when necessary. Since such a strong anti-theft measure can be taken, an optimal standby state can be selected according to the usage form (time and case) of the bicycle, and an electric assist bicycle excellent in both convenience and security can be provided. .
[0008]
BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION
Hereinafter, an embodiment of an electrically assisted bicycle according to the present invention will be described.
FIG. 1 is a side view showing an appearance of an electric assist bicycle according to an embodiment of the present invention.
The electric assist bicycle of the present embodiment has a folding structure, and includes a main pipe 1, a front fork 8 supporting the front wheel 2, a rear fork 9 supporting the rear wheel 3, and a seat post supporting the seat 5. 10, a spindle 11 supporting the handle 6, a head pipe 12 through which the spindle 11 is inserted and supported, a pedal section 13, a battery unit 14, and the like.
[0009]
Although not shown in FIG. 1, the following various members for controlling the present embodiment are provided in each part of the electric assist bicycle of the present embodiment.
First, the main pipe 1 is provided with a vehicle controller for managing the state of the electrically assisted bicycle of the present embodiment and performing various controls. Further, a folding switch is provided in the folding structure of the main pipe 1, and when detecting that the vehicle body is folded, driving of a motor or the like is prohibited at the time of folding to secure safety. ing.
Further, the pedal section 13 is provided with a torque sensor and a crank frequency generator (FG) around the pedal crank 13A, and detects a torque generated in the pedal crank 13A and a rotation speed.
[0010]
The handle 6 is provided with a display unit such as an LCD, an operation unit for key input, and a display unit controller for controlling the display unit, and provides various displays to the user and various mode settings and selections by key input. Can be performed.
The head pipe 12 is provided with a key switch for turning on and off the power of the battery unit 14 by operating a power key (not shown).
Further, the front wheel unit 2 is provided with a motor for assist driving, a motor driver for controlling the driving of the motor, and a motor controller for controlling the motor driver.
The rear wheel section 3 is provided with an automatic transmission unit.
Further, although omitted in FIG. 1, it is assumed that a front light or the like is provided at a front portion of the vehicle body, and a tail lamp, a turn signal lamp, or the like is provided at a rear portion.
[0011]
FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing a control system of the electric assist bicycle shown in FIG.
As shown in the drawing, the electrically assisted bicycle of the present embodiment has four main components: a vehicle controller unit (standby mode selection determining means and standby control means) 30, a display unit 40, a motor unit (assist drive means) 50, and a battery unit 14. Has two units.
The vehicle controller unit 30 includes a vehicle controller 31 for performing various controls described below, a key switch 32 for turning on / off the power by a user using a power key, a folding switch 33 for detecting that the bicycle is folded, and an automatic transmission. And a torque sensor 35 for detecting the torque generated in the pedal section 13 and a crank FG 36 for detecting the rotation speed of the pedal section 13.
[0012]
The display unit 40 includes a display unit 41 such as an LCD, operation switches 42 including various operation keys, and a display controller 43 for controlling these.
The motor unit 50 includes a motor 51 for assisting driving of the front wheel unit 2, a motor driver 52 for controlling the driving of the motor 51, and a motor controller 53 for controlling the motor driver 52.
The battery unit 14 includes a rechargeable battery unit including a secondary battery and a large-capacity capacitor, and a power supply controller that controls charging and discharging of the rechargeable battery unit.
[0013]
In the vehicle controller 31, the pedaling force from the pedal section 13 is detected by the torque sensor 35, and the assisting force corresponding thereto is transmitted to the motor unit 50 via a serial communication line. The mode of the bicycle can be variously changed by an input from the operation switch 42 of the display unit 40. In addition, various information such as the speed of the bicycle and the remaining amount of the battery can be displayed on the display unit 41.
[0014]
FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing a configuration example of the vehicle controller shown in FIG.
As shown, the vehicle controller 31 includes a microcomputer 311, an RS232C driver 312, a vibration sensor (vibration detecting means) 313, an XY two-axis acceleration sensor 314, an amplifier 315, a motor driver 316, a two-phase counter 317, an oscillator 318, and an RS422 driver. 319, a DC / DC converter 320, an EEPROM 321, a reset circuit 322, and the like.
The microcomputer 311 is a 16-bit MPU, for example, and performs overall control. In particular, in this example, it functions as an arithmetic unit for calculating the inclination angle and the amount of torque, detecting vibration, and the like.
The RS232C driver 312 controls the exchange of various data and commands between the display controller 40 and the microcomputer 311 via the RS232C interface.
[0015]
The vibration sensor 313 detects vibration applied to the bicycle of the present embodiment, and outputs a detection signal to the microcomputer 311.
The XY two-axis acceleration sensor 314 detects the acceleration of the bicycle in the X-axis direction (front-rear direction) and the Y-axis direction (left-right direction). In this example, the XY two-axis acceleration sensor 314 detects the acceleration based on the acceleration detected by the XY two-axis acceleration sensor 314. , The inclination in the front-rear direction and the left-right direction of the bicycle are calculated.
As the XY two-axis acceleration sensor 314, for example, an electrostatic detection type sensor that detects displacement of a movable body elastically displaceable in the X axis direction and the Y axis direction by detecting a change in capacitance is used. Although it is possible, it is not limited to this, and various methods can be used, and basically, commercially available ones may be used.
As the vibration sensor 313, the same type as the above-described acceleration sensor can be used, but other various types can also be used, for example, optically detecting the displacement of the movable body. Such a system may be used.
[0016]
A detection signal from a position detection potentiometer provided in the automatic transmission unit 34 is input to the amplifier 315, and the amplifier 315 amplifies the detection signal and outputs the amplified signal to the microcomputer 311. This signal is read by an A / D converter in the microcomputer 311 to determine the position of the automatic transmission unit 34, and a shift control signal is generated according to the determination result. The motor driver 316 drives and controls the actuator of the automatic transmission unit 34 based on the shift control signal from the microcomputer 311 to perform a shift operation.
The two-phase counter 317 counts a detection signal from the torque sensor 35 and supplies the count value to the microcomputer 311. As a result, the pedal effort is detected. Further, a command such as a temperature compensation operation can be sent from the microcomputer 311 to the torque sensor 35.
The oscillator 318 supplies a clock to the microcomputer 311.
The RS422 driver 319 controls an RS422 interface between the microcomputer 311 and the motor controller 53.
The DC / DC converter 320 converts the power supply voltage from the battery unit 14 into a predetermined voltage by DC / DC conversion, and supplies the predetermined voltage to the microcomputer 311.
The EEPROM 321 is a non-volatile memory that stores, for example, data such as mileage and various setting data, and the reset circuit 322 initializes the microcomputer 311 when the power is turned on.
[0017]
In such a configuration, first, when power is supplied from the battery unit 14, an appropriate power supply voltage is supplied via the DC / DC converter 320, and various programs in the microcomputer 311 are activated. In the assisted bicycle of this example, it is assumed that the minimum power required for the standby operation of the microcomputer 311 is supplied even when the power is turned off, and the microcomputer 311 continues to drive in the power saving state. (For example, realized by an auxiliary battery). In this example, this state is called a sleep mode, which corresponds to the normal standby mode of the two standby modes selected with the key switch 32 turned off (locked).
Further, an EEPROM 321 is connected to the microcomputer 311 so that necessary information can be stored even when the power is turned off. The microcomputer 311 is connected to the display controller 43 and the motor controller 53 via RS422 and RS232C serial communication lines, respectively, and exchange commands and data periodically.
[0018]
When the key switch 32 is turned off (locked), the microcomputer 311 executes a standby mode selection determining process and a standby control process for shifting to the standby mode, which is a characteristic function of the present example. This prompts the user to select a standby mode, determines the standby mode based on the selection, and performs a standby operation according to the determination.
With such a function, the user is provided with an opportunity to select when theft prevention is necessary or not, and by a simple operation, the convenience is secured as a normal standby mode in a situation where theft prevention is not required. When anti-theft is required, a sufficiently strong anti-theft standby mode is provided to obtain a security effect.
[0019]
FIG. 4 is a flowchart showing an operation example of the electric assist bicycle according to the present embodiment. The operation when the user stops the bicycle, turns off the power supply by operating the power key with the key switch 32, and selects the standby mode. Is shown.
First, in the driving state, the microcomputer 311 monitors the operation of turning off the key switch 32 (step S1). When the key switch 32 is turned off, the process proceeds to a standby mode selection determination process, and the standby mode options are displayed on the display unit. 41 is displayed (step S2). For this display, for example, a message display such as "Press"#"or" 1 "in the normal standby mode, or"#"or" 2 "in the anti-theft mode" can be used. However, various display modes can be adopted.
Then, it waits for a mode selection operation by a key input from the operation unit 42 for a predetermined time (step S3), and when a standby mode (normal standby mode or anti-theft mode) is selected, performs standby control processing according to the standby mode. .
[0020]
Here, if the normal standby mode (sleep mode) is selected, or if a predetermined time has elapsed without any mode selection operation, the process shifts to the normal standby mode (step S4). In this normal standby mode, the microcomputer 311 waits in a power-saving state in which a minimum amount of power is supplied to the microcomputer 311. The power-on operation of the key switch 32 is monitored (step S5), and the key switch 32 is turned on. In this case, the standby mode is released (step S6), and the apparatus returns to the driving state.
[0021]
When the anti-theft mode is selected, the mode shifts to a preset anti-theft mode (step S7). In this anti-theft mode, the detection of vibration by the vibration sensor 313 and the operation of turning on the key switch 32 by the power key are monitored (steps S8 and S10), and before the vibration is detected by the vibration sensor 313, the key switch 32 is turned on. Is detected, the anti-theft standby mode is released (step S11), and the apparatus returns to the driving state.
When vibration is detected by the vibration sensor 313, a predetermined anti-theft operation is performed. As the anti-theft operation, for example, various lamps mounted on the bicycle are blinked at the same time, and an alarm sound is output by using an alarm buzzer (not shown), thereby notifying the surroundings of the occurrence of theft. Alternatively, a braking torque is generated by using an assisting motor so as to hinder self-traveling.
Thereafter, when the ON of the key switch 32 is detected, the anti-theft standby mode is canceled (step S11), and the driving state is restored.
As described above, the normal standby mode and the anti-theft mode can be selectively used according to the needs of the user, and a bicycle excellent in both crime prevention and convenience can be provided.
[0022]
As described above, the embodiments of the present invention have been described, but the present invention is not limited to the above examples, and various modifications are possible.
For example, in the above-described example, one anti-theft standby mode is used, but a configuration in which a plurality of anti-theft standby modes can be selected and used may be used. For example, in one anti-theft standby mode, an alarm is given by a buzzer or a lamp by detecting vibration, and in another anti-theft standby mode, an alarm is given by a buzzer or a lamp by vibration detection and theft is prevented by applying a brake torque. It is possible to have a simple configuration.
Also, instead of applying the brake torque by the assisting motor as described above, a mechanism that completely locks the rotation of the wheel by detecting vibration is provided separately, and this mechanism is activated to provide a stronger theft. It is also possible to adopt a configuration for preventing this.
[0023]
In addition, the bicycle is provided with a mobile communication function, and a means for setting and registering the communication destination is provided, so that the user can register the address of a terminal such as a mobile phone for which an abnormality notification is desired. Then, when vibration is detected in the anti-theft standby mode, the mobile communication function may be automatically activated, and an abnormality notification may be made to the user's mobile phone or the like to take measures against theft.
Further, in addition to such a mobile communication function, a position detection function using a GPS or the like is provided, and when the bicycle is stolen, the mobile communication function of the bicycle is accessed from a user's mobile phone or the like to detect the position. It is also possible to make a response to be made. In this way, the search for a stolen bicycle can be facilitated.
[0024]
Further, the display means and the key operation means used for selecting the function mode are not limited to the combination of the image display panel and the keyboard, and for example, a touch panel type can be used.
Further, in the above-described example, the configuration is such that the operation shifts to the normal standby mode when there is no operation for selecting the standby mode. The configuration may be such that the standby mode selection operation is performed only when shifting to the mode. In this case, a display prompting the user to select one or a plurality of theft prevention standby modes is displayed, and the user is caused to perform a selection operation. If there is no operation, the mode shifts to the normal standby mode. Thereby, the display and operation for selecting the standby mode can be simplified, and the operation by the user can be facilitated.
[0025]
【The invention's effect】
As described above, in the electric assist bicycle according to the present invention, when the locking operation is performed by the key switch for controlling the power on / off, the character prompting the display means to select at least the normal standby mode and the anti-theft standby mode. The standby mode is determined based on the selection input by the user's key input means in accordance with the display, and when the normal standby mode is selected, the mode is shifted to the normal standby mode in which the apparatus waits in a power saving state, and the theft is performed. When the prevention standby mode is selected, the vibration generated in the bicycle is monitored by the vibration detection means, and when the vibration is detected, the mode shifts to the anti-theft standby mode in which a predetermined anti-theft operation is performed. The anti-theft standby mode can be selected, and when anti-theft is not required, the normal standby mode can be selected to save power.
Therefore, it is possible to easily return to the driving state without issuing a useless alarm when theft prevention is not required, and also to prevent various warnings by vibration detection and self-driving when necessary. Since such a strong anti-theft measure can be taken, an optimal standby state can be selected according to the usage form (time and case) of the bicycle, and an electric assist bicycle excellent in both convenience and security can be provided. effective.
[Brief description of the drawings]
FIG. 1 is a side view showing an appearance of an electric assist bicycle according to an embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing a configuration example of a control system of the electric assist bicycle shown in FIG.
FIG. 3 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration example of a vehicle controller provided in the control system illustrated in FIG. 2;
FIG. 4 is a flowchart showing an operation example of the electric assist bicycle shown in FIG. 1;
[Explanation of symbols]
DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 ... Main pipe, 2 ... Front wheel part, 3 ... Rear wheel part, 5 ... Seat, 6 ... Handle, 8 ... Front fork, 9 ... Rear fork, 10 ... Seat post, 11 ... Spindle 12, head pipe 13, pedal section 14, battery unit 30, vehicle controller unit 31, vehicle controller 32, key switch 33, folding switch 34, automatic transmission Unit, 35: Torque sensor, 36: Crank FG, 40: Display unit, 41: Display unit, 42: Operation switch, 43: Display controller, 50: Motor unit, 51: Motor , 52 ... Motor driver, 53 ... Motor controller, 311 ... Microcomputer, 312 ... RS232C driver, 313 ... Vibration sensor 314: XY two-axis acceleration sensor, 315: amplifier, 316 ... motor driver, 317 ... two-phase counter, 318 ... oscillator, 319 ... RS422 driver, 320 ... DC / DC converter, 321 ... EEPROM, 322 reset circuit.

Claims (9)

An assist drive unit that reduces pedal effort by applying an assist torque to the wheel drive shaft;
A key switch for turning on / off the power to the assist driving means in accordance with a locking / unlocking operation of a power key;
Vibration detection means for detecting vibration generated in the bicycle,
Display means for displaying at least a character string;
Key input means for performing key input,
When a locking operation is performed by the key switch, at least a character string prompting selection of a normal standby mode and an anti-theft standby mode is displayed on the display unit, and a selection input by the user's key input unit according to the display is performed. Standby mode selection determining means for determining a standby mode based on the
When the normal standby mode is selected by the standby mode selection determining means, the mode shifts to a normal standby mode in which the apparatus waits in a power saving state. When the anti-theft standby mode is selected by the standby mode selection determining means, the vibration detection is performed. Standby control means for monitoring vibration generated in the bicycle by the means, and shifting to an anti-theft standby mode for performing a predetermined anti-theft operation when the vibration is detected;
An electric assist bicycle characterized by having: 2. The electric motor according to claim 1, wherein, when the standby control unit shifts to the normal standby mode, the standby control unit cancels the normal standby mode in response to an unlocking operation of a power key and returns to a normal driving state. 3. Assist bicycle. 2. The standby control unit according to claim 1, wherein when the mode shifts to the anti-theft standby mode, the anti-theft standby mode is released in response to an unlocking operation of a power key, and returns to a normal driving state. The described electric assist bicycle. A plurality of the anti-theft standby modes are provided, and a character string prompting selection of the normal standby mode and a plurality of the anti-theft standby modes is displayed by the standby mode selection determining means, and a selection input by the user's key input means according to the display The electric assist bicycle according to claim 1, wherein the standby mode is determined based on the following. The electric assist bicycle according to claim 1, wherein the predetermined anti-theft operation is an operation of outputting an alarm sound by an alarm sound generation unit when the vibration is detected by the vibration detection unit. 2. The electric assist bicycle according to claim 1, wherein the predetermined anti-theft operation is an operation of displaying an alarm using a display lamp when vibration is detected by the vibration detection unit. 3. 2. The electric assist according to claim 1, wherein the predetermined anti-theft operation is an operation of applying a brake torque to a wheel drive shaft by the assist driving unit when vibration is detected by the vibration detecting unit. bicycle. Mobile communication means for notifying a preset communication device of an alarm by mobile communication, wherein the predetermined anti-theft operation is performed by the mobile communication means when a vibration is detected by the vibration detection means. 2. The electric assist bicycle according to claim 1, wherein the operation is a notification of the notification. The vibration detecting means includes an acceleration detector for detecting an acceleration generated in the bicycle, and an arithmetic circuit for detecting the vibration by performing arithmetic processing on a detection signal output from the acceleration detector. The electric assist bicycle according to 1.

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