JP2017001537A - Power-assisted bicycle - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a power-assisted bicycle that can stop a vehicle during push-walking assistance without requiring two-step operations.SOLUTION: A power-assisted bicycle includes a right operation unit 67 provided to a right handle bar 61 at the right part of a handle 23 that can be brought into an ON state by a finger placed on a front wheel brake lever 65, a motor control unit for outputting a push-walking command value for causing en electric motor to output push-walking assistance torque, and a push-walking control unit for bringing the motor control unit into a push-walking enabled state capable of outputting the push-walking command value when the right operation unit 67 is in an ON state.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 2

Description

  The present invention relates to a battery-assisted bicycle.

  Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. H10-260260 and the like have known a battery-assisted bicycle equipped with a push-walking function. By making the electric motor output auxiliary torque when getting off the bicycle and walking on a steep uphill, the pushing effort of the vehicle is reduced.

  In this battery-assisted bicycle, auxiliary torque is output by operating a push button type push-walk switch provided near the grip of the left-hand handlebar and an accelerator grip provided on the right-hand handlebar. The

JP 2000-168672-A

  By the way, in the case of the above-described configuration, when a driver who is pushing and pushing with push-and-walk assistance stops the battery-assisted bicycle, the hand holding the grip of the handle is temporarily opened, and a brake lever provided in front of the grip A two-step operation is required to re-grip the grip with the grip. This operation is usually performed on a general bicycle, but some drivers may not like it sensuously.

  Accordingly, an object of the present invention is to provide a battery-assisted bicycle that can stop a vehicle without requiring a two-step operation during pushing-walking assistance.

The battery-assisted bicycle according to the present invention is
A battery-assisted bicycle having an electric motor capable of imparting a walking assist torque to a wheel during pushing walking,
A first operation unit that is provided on at least one of the right part and the left part of the handle and can be turned on by a finger applied to the brake lever;
A motor controller that outputs a push-walk command value that causes the electric motor to output a push-walking assist torque; and
And a push-walking control unit that causes the motor control unit to output the push-walking command value when the first operation unit is in an ON state.

According to the battery-assisted bicycle having the above-described configuration, in the pushing-walking state in which the pushing-walking assist torque is output, the finger rests on the brake lever to turn on the first operation unit. For this reason, if you want to stop the vehicle during push-walking assistance, hold the brake lever with your fingers on the brake lever without opening your hand and stop the vehicle without requiring a two-step operation. Can do.
In addition, when it is desired to stop the vehicle at the time of pushing walking assistance, the finger placed on the first operation unit may be either released or not released. When the finger applied to the first operation unit is released, it is preferable that the application of the auxiliary walking torque is stopped, but even if the electric motor is energized without being released, the vehicle can be firmly stopped by the braking force.

The battery-assisted bicycle according to the present invention is
A battery-assisted bicycle having an electric motor capable of imparting a walking assist torque to a wheel during pushing walking,
A first operating part that is provided on at least one of the right part and the left part of the handle and can be turned on by a finger applied to the brake lever;
A motor controller that outputs a push-walk command value that causes the electric motor to output a push-walking assist torque; and
And a push-walk control unit that sets the motor control unit in a push-walk enabled state in which the push-walk command value can be output when the first operation unit is in an ON state.

According to the battery-assisted bicycle having the above-described configuration, in the push-and-walk state in which the push-and-walk assist torque is output, the finger rests on the brake lever to turn on the first operation unit. For this reason, when it is desired to stop the vehicle at the time of pushing walking assistance, the vehicle can be stopped by holding the brake lever as it is with a finger applied to the brake lever without opening the hand.
In addition, when it is desired to stop the vehicle at the time of pushing walking assistance, the finger placed on the first operation unit may be either released or not released. When the finger applied to the first operation unit is released, it is preferable that the application of the auxiliary walking torque is stopped, but even if the electric motor is energized without being released, the vehicle can be firmly stopped by the braking force.

In the battery-assisted bicycle according to the present invention,
At least a part of the first operation portion may be provided on a base portion of the brake lever or a brake holder that pivotally supports the brake lever.

  According to the battery-assisted bicycle having the above-described configuration, the brake lever base or the brake holder that pivotally supports the brake lever is located immediately inside the brake lever gripping portion in the vehicle width direction and is applied to the finger when the finger is applied to the brake lever. This is the part where the index finger reaches, for example. Since the first operation portion is provided at this portion, the vehicle can be stopped by holding the brake lever as it is with a finger applied to the brake lever without opening the hand when pushing.

In the battery-assisted bicycle according to the present invention,
The first operation unit may be a sensor that outputs an ON state only while detecting a driver's finger extending to the first operation unit.

  According to the battery-assisted bicycle having the above-described configuration, the vehicle can be stopped by holding the brake lever as it is with the fingers applied to the brake lever without opening the hand when pushing and walking. In addition, the sensor does not require a stroke operation like a mechanical switch, and the power supply to the electric motor can be easily stopped by shifting the finger from the detection position.

In the battery-assisted bicycle according to the present invention,
The first operation unit may be a momentary switch that is in an ON state only while being pressed with a finger applied to the brake lever and is in an OFF state when not pressed.

  According to the battery-assisted bicycle having the above-described configuration, the vehicle can be stopped by holding the brake lever as it is with the fingers applied to the brake lever without opening the hand when pushing and walking. In addition, since the first operation unit is a momentary switch, energization to the electric motor is stopped as soon as the finger is released from the first operation unit.

In the battery-assisted bicycle according to the present invention,
It has a second operation part that can be turned on and off,
The push-walk control unit sets the motor control unit to a push-walk enabled state capable of outputting the push-walk command value when the first operation unit is turned on, and the second operation is performed in the push-walk enabled state. The pushing command value may be output from the motor control unit when the unit is turned on.

  According to the battery-assisted bicycle having the above-described configuration, when the vehicle is to be stopped during the push-and-walk assistance, the vehicle is operated by holding the brake lever with the finger applied to the brake lever without opening the hand on the first operation unit side. Can be stopped. In addition, after the first operation unit is turned on to enable the push-walking operation, the second operation unit is turned on to assist the pushing-walking. Accordingly, it is possible to prepare to start pushing while taking the two actions of the first operation unit and the second operation unit, and the pushing walk can be performed reliably.

In the battery-assisted bicycle according to the present invention,
The second operation part is provided on one of the right part and the left part of the handle, and is on the opposite side of the hand that operates the first operation part and is turned on with a finger applied to the brake lever. It may be possible.

  According to the battery-assisted bicycle having the above-described configuration, the left and right brake levers are held with both fingers applied to the left and right brake levers, and the braking force is applied to both the front wheels and the rear wheels without opening hands when pushing. Thus, the vehicle can be stopped. In addition, you can move the bicycle in a stable state because the walk is always done with the handle left and right.

In the battery-assisted bicycle according to the present invention,
A second operation part that is provided on the same side as the first operation part of the right part and the left part of the handle, and that can be turned ON / OFF with a finger on the first operation part side;
The push-walk control unit sets the motor control unit to a push-walk enabled state capable of outputting the push-walk command value when the first operation unit is turned on, and the second operation is performed in the push-walk enabled state. The pushing command value may be output from the motor control unit when the unit is turned on.

  According to the battery-assisted bicycle having the above-described configuration, the first operation unit is turned on to make it possible to push and walk, and then the second operation unit is turned on to assist pushing. Accordingly, it is possible to prepare to start pushing while taking the two actions of the first operation unit and the second operation unit, and the pushing walk can be performed reliably. In addition, since the first operation unit and the second operation unit can be operated with the fingers of one hand, the operation is simple.

  ADVANTAGE OF THE INVENTION According to this invention, the battery-assisted bicycle which can stop a vehicle can be provided, without requiring a two-step operation | movement during pushing walk assistance.

1 is a side view of a battery-assisted bicycle according to a first embodiment of the present invention. It is a top view of the front part of the battery-assisted bicycle shown in FIG. It is a right view of the right handlebar of a battery-assisted bicycle. 1 is a block diagram of a battery-assisted bicycle according to a first embodiment of the present invention. It is a flowchart at the time of implement | achieving pushing walk assistance. It is a right view of the right handlebar of the battery-assisted bicycle according to a modification of the first embodiment of the present invention. It is a top view of the front part of the battery-assisted bicycle according to the second embodiment of the present invention. It is a block diagram of the battery-assisted bicycle according to the second embodiment of the present invention. It is a flowchart at the time of implement | achieving pushing walk assistance. It is a figure which shows the handlebar of the battery-assisted bicycle which concerns on the 1st modification of 2nd embodiment of this invention. It is a left view of the left handlebar of the battery-assisted bicycle according to the second modification of the second embodiment of the present invention.

  Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS. 1 to 3. In addition, the dimension of the structural member in each figure does not necessarily represent the dimension of the actual structural member, the dimensional ratio of each structural member, etc. faithfully.

  In the following description, front, rear, left, and right mean front, rear, left, and right as viewed from the driver who is seated on the seat 24 of the battery-assisted bicycle while grasping the handle 23.

(First embodiment)
First, the battery-assisted bicycle according to the first embodiment will be described.
<Overall configuration of battery-assisted bicycle>
As shown in FIG. 1, the battery-assisted bicycle 1 includes pedals 33 and 34 and an electric motor 60. The battery-assisted bicycle 1 is driven by a drive torque obtained by adding the pedal torque generated when the driver steps on the pedals 33 and 34 and the motor torque output from the electric motor 60. The motor torque of the electric motor 60 is an auxiliary torque that assists the driver's stepping operation of the pedals 33 and 34. Further, in the battery-assisted bicycle 1, when the driver walks while holding the handle 23, the electric motor 60 can apply the push-walking assist torque to the rear wheel 22.

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

  The vehicle body frame 11 includes 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 disposed at the front portion of the battery-assisted bicycle 1. A front part 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 portion of the handle stem 25. A front fork 26 is fixed to the lower end portion 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 that detects the vehicle speed from the rotation of the front wheel 21 is provided at the lower end of the front fork 26.

  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.

  The pair of chain stays 16 are provided so as to sandwich the rear wheel 22 from the left and right. The pair of chain stays 16 extends from the rear portion of the down frame 13 toward the rotation center of the rear wheel 22. The pair of seat stays 17 extends from the upper part of the seat frame 14 toward the rotation center 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 rear carrier 38 serving as a loading platform is supported on the seat stay 17. The rear carrier 38 is disposed above the rear wheel 22.

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

  In the power unit 40, 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 are incorporated into a unit case 50 to form a unit. Is. The power unit 40 is coupled to the vehicle body frame 11 with bolts.

  The crankshaft 41 is rotatably provided below the seat frame 14. The crankshaft 41 is supported by penetrating 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 pedal torque input by the driver to the crankshaft 41 via the pedals 33 and 34. The crank rotation detector 58 detects the rotation of the crankshaft 41 when the driver rotates the pedals 33 and 34.

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

  The endless chain 46 is spanned between the drive sprocket 42 and the driven sprocket 45. Thus, when the driver steps on the pedals 33 and 34, the drive sprocket 42 rotates. Further, 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 disposed in the unit case 50 and behind the crankshaft 41. An auxiliary sprocket 44 is provided on the output shaft of the electric motor 60. Electric power is supplied from the battery 35 to the electric motor 60. When electric power is supplied to the electric motor 60, the electric motor 60 rotates. The rotation of the electric motor 60 is transmitted to the chain 46 via the auxiliary sprocket 44. Thus, when electric power is supplied to the electric motor 60, motor torque is generated in the electric motor 60. This motor torque is transmitted to the rear wheel 22 via the chain 46.

  As shown in FIG. 2, a right handle bar 61 is provided on the right part of the handle 23, and a left handle bar 62 is provided on the left part of the handle 23. The right handle bar 61 and the left handle bar 62 extend substantially in the front-rear direction. A right grip 63 is provided at the rear end of the right handle bar 61. A left grip portion 64 is provided at the rear end portion of the left handle bar 62. The driver can grip the right grip portion 63 and the left grip portion 64.

  A front wheel brake lever 65 is provided in the vicinity of the right grip portion 63. A rear wheel brake lever 66 is provided in the vicinity of the left grip portion 64. When the front wheel brake lever 65 is grasped together with the right grip 63 by the right hand, a braking force is applied to the front wheel 21. When the rear wheel brake lever 66 is grasped together with the left grip portion 64 by the left hand, a braking force is applied to the rear wheel 22.

  The battery-assisted bicycle 1 is equipped with a child seat 71 on which a child can sit. The child seat 71 is supported by the handle 23. The child seat 71 is disposed between the right handle bar 61 and the left handle bar 62.

  The child seat 71 can be molded from a synthetic resin, for example. The child seat 71 is formed in a concave shape with the top opened. The child seat 71 has a seating portion 72 on the bottom of which the child can sit, and an insertion hole 73 through which the child's leg passes is formed at the front portion. A footrest 75 is provided below the insertion hole 73 at a position away from the insertion hole 73. In addition, the child seat 71 is provided with a seat belt 74 for holding a seated child. The seat belt 74 includes a buckle 74a. Further, a bar 76 that can be gripped by a child is provided in front of and above the seating portion 72.

  FIG. 3 is a right side view showing the right handle bar 61 of the battery-assisted bicycle 1. As shown in FIG. 3, the handle 23 is provided with a right operation unit 67 (an example of a first operation unit) that is turned ON / OFF. The right operation unit 67 is provided on the front wheel brake lever 65 of the right handle bar 61. The right operation portion 67 is provided on the base portion 65 a of the front wheel brake lever 65. The base portion 65a is located just inside the vehicle width direction of the grip portion 65b where the right finger is put. Note that, as indicated by a two-dot chain line in FIG. 3, the right operation portion 67 may be provided in a brake holder 69 that pivotally supports the front wheel brake lever 65. Or the right operation part 67 may be provided in the site | part adjacent to the brake holder 69 among the handles 23. FIG. The right operation portion 67 may be provided at a position where a part of the right finger placed on the gripping portion 65b, for example, the index finger reaches, such as the base portion 65a, the brake holder 69, and a portion adjacent to the brake holder 69.

  The right operation unit 67 is a momentary switch that is in an ON state only when pressed and is in an OFF state when not pressed. The right operation unit 67 is pressed by a part of the driver's finger applied to the front wheel brake lever 65, for example, the index finger, and is turned on. When the driver releases the finger from the right operation unit 67, the right operation unit 67 is turned off. The right operation unit 67 is connected to a control device 100 including a motor control unit 95 via a signal line 87.

  In such a battery-assisted bicycle 1, the control motor 100 controls the electric motor 60 to apply a motor torque to the rear wheel 22.

  FIG. 4 is a block diagram showing functions of the battery-assisted bicycle 1. As shown in FIG. 4, the control device 100 includes a pedal torque calculation unit 101, a motor control unit 95, a pushing / walking control unit 96, a motor drive unit 105, a gear position estimation unit 97, and a memory 98. The right operation unit 67 is connected to the push-walking control unit 96.

<Power transmission path>
Next, the power transmission path will be described.
When the driver steps on 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 forward rotation of the crankshaft 41 to the chain 46 and does not transmit reverse rotation of the crankshaft 41 to the chain 46.

  The rotation of the chain 46 is transmitted to the drive shaft 29 on the rear wheel 22 side. The rotation of the drive shaft 29 is transmitted to the rear wheel 22 via the speed change mechanism 91 and the one-way clutch 92.

  The speed change mechanism 91 is a mechanism that can change the gear position according to the speed change operation device 93 operated by the driver. The one-way clutch 92 transmits the rotation of the drive shaft 29 to the rear wheel 22 only when the rotation speed of the drive shaft 29 is higher than the rotation speed of the rear wheel 22. When the rotational speed of the drive shaft 29 is slower than the rotational speed of the rear wheel 22, the one-way clutch 92 does not transmit the rotation of the drive shaft 29 to the rear wheel 22.

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

  As described above, in the battery-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 combined by the chain 46.

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

  The pedal torque calculation unit 101 converts the signal from the pedal torque detection unit 57 into pedal torque given to the pedals 33 and 34 by the driver. The pedal torque calculation unit 101 inputs the pedal torque value to the motor control unit 95.

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

  The front wheel speed sensor 37 transmits a signal of the rotational speed of the front wheels 21 to the gear position estimation unit 97. The gear stage estimation unit 97 estimates the gear stage from the rotational speed of the front wheels 21 and transmits the information to the motor control unit 95.

  The electric motor 60 is provided with a motor rotation sensor 99 composed of an encoder. The motor rotation sensor 99 detects the number of rotations of the electric motor 60 and transmits it to the gear position estimation unit 97 and the motor drive unit 105.

<Running assist>
The motor control unit 95 uses a command value for applying an appropriate assist force based on outputs from the pedal torque calculation unit 101, the crank rotation detection unit 58, and the gear position estimation unit 97, information stored in the memory 98, and the like. Is calculated and transmitted to the motor drive unit 105.
The motor control unit 95 calculates the command value based on, for example, the crank rotational speed and pedal torque given to the pedals 33 and 34 by the driver, or the crank rotational speed, pedal torque, and motor torque stored in the memory 98. It is calculated by referring to a map created based on the relationship.

Based on the command value from the motor control unit 95, the motor drive unit 105 supplies power corresponding to the command value from the battery 35 to the electric motor 60. As a result, the electric motor 60 supplied with power is driven to generate a predetermined motor torque.
In this way, the motor control unit 95 can generate motor torque in the electric motor 60 so as to assist the driver's operation of pedaling the pedals 33 and 34 during traveling.

<Push walking assist>
In addition to assisting the driver's pedal torque during traveling as described above, the motor control unit 95 can also cause the electric motor 60 to output a pushing-walking assist torque that assists the driver's pushing-walking operation during pushing-walking. . The push-walk control unit 96 can cause the electric motor 60 to generate a motor torque by outputting a push-walk command value from the motor control unit 95 to the motor drive unit 105 during the push-walk.

FIG. 5 is a flowchart for realizing push-walking assistance in the battery-assisted bicycle 1 according to this embodiment.
In the battery-assisted bicycle 1 according to the present embodiment, the pushing assist torque can be obtained by turning the right operation unit 67 ON / OFF. The driver holds the right grip portion 63 and presses the right operation portion 67 with the right finger applied to the front wheel brake lever 65, for example, the index finger, to turn it on. Then, the right operation unit 67 transmits an ON signal to the push-walking control unit 96.

As shown in FIG. 5, the push-walking control unit 96 determines whether or not the right operation unit 67 is in the ON state (step 1).
When an ON signal is input from the right operation unit 67 to the push-walking control unit 96 (step 1: Yes), the push-walking control unit 96 instructs the motor control unit 95 to output a push-walking command value to the motor driving unit 105. (Step 2). Then, the push command value is transmitted from the motor control unit 95 to the motor driving unit 105. For example, the motor control unit 95 can calculate the push-walking command value according to parameters such as the vehicle speed, the grade of the slope, the vehicle weight, and the steering torque. The motor control unit 95 may calculate the push-walking command value so that the battery-assisted bicycle 1 travels at a predetermined speed, for example, about 6 km / h, which is a speed at which a person walks.
If no ON signal is input from the right operation unit 67 to the push-walking control unit 96 (step 1: No), the push-walking control unit 96 outputs a push-walking command value to the motor control unit 95. Do not let (step 3).

  The motor drive unit 105 supplies power corresponding to the push-walking command value from the battery 35 to the electric motor 60 based on the push-walking command value from the motor control unit 95. As a result, the electric motor 60 is driven to generate a predetermined motor torque. Accordingly, the pushing assist torque is applied to the rear wheel 22 of the battery-assisted bicycle 1 pushed by the driver.

In the push-and-walk state in which the push-and-walk assist torque is output in this way, the driver places his right finger on the right operation unit 67 in order to turn the right operation unit 67 on. The right operation portion 67 is provided at a position where it can be turned on by a part of the right finger applied to the front wheel brake lever 65, for example, an index finger. For this reason, the driver's right finger is on the front wheel brake lever 65 in the push-walk state.
For this reason, when it is desired to stop the vehicle during the push-and-walk assistance, the front wheel brake lever 65 can be held as it is with the right finger applied to the front wheel brake lever 65 without opening the right hand. It can be stopped by movement. The two-stage operation required for the vehicle described in Patent Document 1 is unnecessary, and the operation is easy.

  In addition, when it is desired to stop the vehicle at the time of pushing walking, the finger placed on the right operation unit 67 may or may not be released. The release of the finger from the right operation unit 67 is preferable because the application of the pushing walk assist torque is stopped. However, even if the electric motor 60 is energized without releasing the finger from the right operation unit 67, the front wheel brake grasped by the right finger Since the braking force is applied to the front wheel 21 by the lever 65, the stop state can be maintained firmly.

  The right operation portion 67 is provided on the base portion 65 a of the front wheel brake lever 65. The base portion 65a of the front wheel brake lever 65 is a portion just inside the vehicle width direction of the gripping portion 65b where the finger of the brake lever 65 is applied, and a part of the right finger applied to the gripping portion 65b, for example, the index finger. Since the right operation unit 67 is provided at this portion, the vehicle is stopped in a single step by holding the front wheel brake lever 65 with the right finger applied to the front wheel brake lever 65 without opening the right hand when pushing and walking. be able to. Even if the right operation portion 67 is provided on the brake holder 69 that pivotally supports the front wheel brake lever 65, the vehicle can be stopped in a single step. Alternatively, a left operation portion (not shown) may be provided in the base of the rear wheel brake lever 66 or a brake holder that pivotally supports the rear wheel brake lever 66 instead of the right operation portion 67. Even in this case, the vehicle can be stopped by holding the rear wheel brake lever 66 with the left finger applied to the rear wheel brake lever 66 without opening the left hand when pushing.

  The right operation unit 67 is a momentary switch that is in an ON state only when pressed and is in an OFF state when not pressed. Therefore, the vehicle can be stopped by holding the front wheel brake lever 65 as it is with the right finger applied to the front wheel brake lever 65 without opening the right hand during pushing. In addition, energization of the electric motor 60 can be stopped as soon as the right finger is released from the right operation unit 67.

  As described above, in the battery-assisted bicycle 1 according to the first embodiment, it is possible to easily push and walk by applying the pushing assist torque, and particularly when pushing and walking in a heavy state with a child on the child seat 71. This is preferable because the labor of the driver is reduced.

(Modification of the first embodiment)
In the above-described embodiment, an example in which a momentary switch is used as the right operation unit 67 is shown. However, as shown in FIG. 6, a sensor that detects a driver's finger may be used as the right operation unit 67. Good. As such a sensor, for example, an optical sensor that is turned on when light is blocked is used. An infrared sensor or a proximity sensor may be used as this sensor. Further, a contact type sensor or a non-contact type sensor may be used.

  The right operation unit 67 comprising this sensor detects that a part of the driver's finger applied to the front wheel brake lever 65, for example, the index finger, has touched the right operation unit 67, and the driver turns on the right operation unit 67. When the finger is released from 67, the state is turned off. The right operation portion 67 is embedded in the front wheel brake lever 65. When the right operation unit 67 is covered with the driver's fingers, the right operation unit 67 is turned on, and when the fingers are separated from the right operation unit 67, the right operation unit 67 is turned off.

  In this modified example, when a part of the right finger applied to the front wheel brake lever 65 is applied to the right operation part 67, the driver's finger is detected, the right operation part 67 is turned on, and the push-walking control part 96 is The motor control unit 95 is caused to output a pushing walk command value. When the driver's right finger is separated from the right operation unit 67, the right operation unit 67 is turned off, and the push-walk control unit 96 does not cause the motor control unit 95 to output a push-walk command value.

  Thus, in this modified example, the right finger rests on the front wheel brake lever 65 in order to turn on the right operation unit 67 when pushing. For this reason, when the vehicle is to be stopped during push-walking assistance, the front-wheel brake lever 65 is held with the right finger applied to the front-wheel brake lever 65 without opening the right hand, and the battery-assisted bicycle 1 is moved in one step. It can be stopped by movement. In addition, such a sensor does not require a stroke operation like a mechanical switch, and the power supply to the electric motor 60 can be easily stopped by shifting the right finger from the detection position.

  As shown in FIG. 6, the sensor as the right operation portion 67 can be provided in the base portion 65 a of the front wheel brake lever 65 or the brake holder 69 that pivotally supports the front wheel brake lever 65. Alternatively, although not shown, such a sensor may be provided at the base of the rear wheel brake lever 66 provided at the left part of the handle 23 or the brake holder of the rear wheel brake lever 66.

(Second embodiment)
In the above-described example, the push walk control unit 96 explained an example in which the motor control unit 95 outputs a push walk command value when the right operation unit 67 (first operation unit) is in the ON state. The invention is not limited to this. Next, a second embodiment of the present invention will be described. In addition, the same component as 1st embodiment attaches | subjects the same code | symbol, and abbreviate | omits description.

FIG. 7 is a top view of the front portion of the battery-assisted bicycle 1A according to the present embodiment. As shown in FIG. 7, in the battery-assisted bicycle 1 </ b> A according to the second embodiment, in addition to the right operation unit 67 similar to that described in the first embodiment, the left operation in which the handle 23 is turned ON / OFF is performed. A portion 68 is provided.
The left operation unit 68 has the same configuration as the right operation unit 67 and is provided on the rear wheel brake lever 66 of the left handle bar 62. The left operation portion 68 is provided on the base portion 66 a of the rear wheel brake lever 66. The left operation unit 68 is pressed by a part of the driver's finger applied to the rear wheel brake lever 66, for example, the index finger, and is turned on. When the driver releases the finger from the left operation unit 68, the left operation unit 68 is turned off.

  The right operation unit 67 and the left operation unit 68 are momentary switches that are in an ON state only when pressed and are in an OFF state when not pressed. The right operation unit 67 and the left operation unit 68 are connected to the control device 100 by a signal line 87. The battery-assisted bicycle 1 </ b> A can obtain a push-walking assist torque by performing an ON / OFF operation on the right operation unit 67 and the left operation unit 68.

Next, a series of processing when realizing push-walking assist will be described with reference to FIGS. 8 and 9. FIG. 8 is a block diagram of a battery-assisted bicycle 1A according to the second embodiment. FIG. 9 is a flowchart for realizing push-walking assistance in the battery-assisted bicycle 1A according to the second embodiment.
As shown in FIG. 8, both the right operation unit 67 and the left operation unit 68 are connected to the push-walking control unit 96 of the control device 100.

As shown in FIG. 9, the push-walking control unit 96 determines whether one of the right operation unit 67 and the left operation unit 68 is in an ON state (step 11).
When the driver holds the right grip unit 63 and the left grip unit 64 and presses either the right operation unit 67 or the left operation unit 68 to turn it on, the pressed right operation unit 67 or left operation unit 68 is pressed. An ON signal is transmitted from either one (an example of the first operation unit) to the push-walking control unit 96 (step 11: Yes). Then, the push-walk controller 96 sets the motor controller 95 in a state where it can output a walk command value (step 12).
When the push-walk control unit 96 does not receive an ON signal from either the right operation unit 67 or the left operation unit 68 (step 11: No), the push-walk control unit 96 instructs the motor control unit 95 to perform a walk command. A state in which no value is output is set (step 13).

Next, the push-walking control unit 96 pushes the right operation unit 67 or the left operation that has not been pressed by the driver when the push-walking control unit 96 is in a state where the motor control unit 95 can be pressed to output a walking command value. It is determined whether one of the units 68 (an example of the second operation unit) is in an ON state (step 14).
When the driver depresses either the right operation unit 67 or the left operation unit 68 that has not been depressed by the driver to turn it on, the driver pushes from either the right operation unit 67 or the left operation unit 68. An ON signal is transmitted to the walking control unit 96 (step 14: Yes). Then, a push-walking command value for generating push-walking torque is transmitted from the motor control unit 95 to the motor driving unit 105 (step 15). For example, the motor control unit 95 can calculate the push-walking command value according to parameters such as the vehicle speed, the grade of the slope, the vehicle weight, and the steering torque.
Further, when the push-walk control unit 96 pushes the motor control unit 95 and can output the walk command value, either the right operation unit 67 or the left operation unit 68 that is not pressed by the driver (the second operation unit) When the example of the two operation units is not turned on (step 14: No), the push-walking control unit 96 does not transmit the push-walking command value from the motor control unit 95 to the motor driving unit 105 (step 16).

  More specifically, when the driver first turns on the right operation unit 67 (first operation unit) and further turns on the left operation unit 68 (second operation unit) in this state, the push-walking control unit 96 causes the motor control unit 95 to output a push-walk command value to the motor drive unit 105. Further, when the driver first turns on the left operation unit 68 (first operation unit) and further turns on the right operation unit 67 (second operation unit) in this state, the push-walking control unit 96 controls the motor. The unit 95 causes the motor drive unit 105 to output a push walk command value.

  The motor drive unit 105 supplies power corresponding to the push-walking command value from the battery 35 to the electric motor 60 based on the push-walking command value from the motor control unit 95. As a result, the electric motor 60 is driven to generate a predetermined motor torque. Accordingly, the pushing assist torque is applied to the rear wheel 22 of the battery-assisted bicycle 1A pushed and walked by the driver.

  In this embodiment, the push-walk control unit 96 sends a push-walk command value to the motor drive unit 105 to the motor control unit 95 only when an ON signal is input from both the right operation unit 67 and the left operation unit 68. Output. For this reason, when either one of the right operation unit 67 and the left operation unit 68 is turned off, the push command value is not transmitted from the motor control unit 95 to the motor drive unit 105.

Thus, according to the battery-assisted bicycle 1A according to the second embodiment, the right operation unit 67 and the left operation unit 68 are turned on regardless of the order in which the right operation unit 67 and the left operation unit 68 are pressed. Pushing assistance is performed. Therefore, regardless of the order of operations of the right operation unit 67 and the left operation unit 68, the push-walking assist torque can be output, so that the operation is easy.
In addition, after either one of the right operation unit 67 or the left operation unit 68 is turned on to be able to push and walk, either the right operation unit 67 or the left operation unit 68 is turned on. Pushing assistance is performed at. For this reason, the driver can be prepared to start pushing while taking the two actions of turning the first operation unit and the second operation unit on, and the pushing operation can be performed reliably.

  In the second embodiment, the right finger is applied to the front wheel brake lever 65 and the left finger is applied to the rear wheel brake lever 66 in order to turn on both the right operation unit 67 and the left operation unit 68 when pushing. ing. For this reason, when it is desired to stop the vehicle at the time of pushing walking assistance, as in the first embodiment described above, with the right and left fingers applied to the front wheel brake lever 65 and the rear wheel brake lever 66 without opening the hand, The vehicle can be stopped in one step by holding at least one of the front wheel brake lever 65 and the rear wheel brake lever 66, and the finger is released from either the right operation unit 67 or the left operation unit 68. Thus, energization to the electric motor 60 can be easily stopped.

In the second embodiment, as the right operation unit 67 and the left operation unit 68, for example, a sensor that detects a driver's finger such as an optical sensor, an infrared sensor, or a proximity sensor can be used.
In the second embodiment, the right operation portion 67 is not limited to the base portion 65a of the front wheel brake lever 65, and may be provided in a brake holder that pivotally supports the front wheel brake lever 65, and the left operation portion 68 includes the rear wheel You may provide not only the base part of the brake lever 66 but the brake holder which pivotally supports the rear-wheel brake lever 66. FIG. Further, the right operation unit 67 and the left operation unit 68 may be anywhere as long as they are provided at a position where a part of the driver's fingers applied to the front wheel brake lever 65 and the rear wheel brake lever 66 can reach.

In the second embodiment, one operation unit may be a switch that can be turned ON / OFF, and the other operation unit may be an output variable input unit that can change the magnitude of the output. Examples of the variable output input means include a throttle that can change the output depending on the rotation angle, and a push button that can change the output depending on the amount of stroke to be pushed. The size of the push-walk command value can be adjusted according to the output of the output variable input means.
For example, when the first operation unit is an ON / OFF switch and the second operation unit is an output variable input means, the first operation unit is turned on by a part of a finger placed on the brake lever, for example, an index finger. The vehicle can be stopped by holding the brake lever as it is with the fingers applied to the brake lever without opening the hand in the push-walking state.

(First modification of the second embodiment)
In the second embodiment, the description has been given of the example in which both of the two operation units 67 and 68 are provided at positions where they can be turned on by a part of the fingers applied to the brake lever. Only the operation unit may be provided at a position where it can be turned on by a part of the finger applied to the brake lever, and the other may be provided at other locations.
For example, the first operation unit may be provided on the base 65a of the front wheel brake lever 65, the brake holder, or a handlebar adjacent to the brake holder, and the second operation unit may be provided on the child seat 71.
Or you may comprise like the 1st modification of 2nd embodiment shown in FIG. 10A is a right side view of the right handlebar 61 in the battery-assisted bicycle according to the first modification of the second embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 10B is a left side view of the left handlebar 62. FIG. As shown in FIG. 10 (a), the first operating portion 67B is provided on the base portion 65a of the front wheel brake lever 65, the brake holder, or the handlebar adjacent to the brake holder, and the second operating portion 67B as shown in FIG. 10 (b). The operation unit 68B may be provided near the left grip unit 64 and at a position where it can be operated with the thumb. In this case, the first operation unit 67B is operated with a part of the right finger applied to the front wheel brake lever 65, for example, the index finger.
Even in the battery-assisted bicycle having these configurations, the brake lever 65 is held with a finger applied to the front wheel brake lever 65 without opening the right hand with the first operation unit turned on, and the battery-assisted bicycle can be operated in one step. Can be stopped.

(Second modification of the second embodiment)
In the second embodiment, the battery-assisted bicycle provided with the right operation part 67 provided on the right part of the handle 23 and the left operation part 68 provided on the left part of the handle 23 has been described. Not limited to. For example, as shown in FIG. 11, the two operation parts may be provided on the same side of the left part and the right part of the handle 23. FIG. 11 is a left side view showing the left part of the handle 23.

  In the second modification of the second embodiment shown in FIG. 11, the first left operation portion 67A is provided as a lever switch that protrudes from the left portion of the handle 23 adjacent to the brake holder 69 toward the rear wheel brake lever 66. A second left operation portion 68 </ b> A is provided as a push button that protrudes from the left portion of the handle 23 adjacent to the brake holder 69 toward the side opposite to the rear wheel brake lever 66. The first left operation portion 67A is provided at a position where it can be turned ON / OFF by an index finger that is a part of the finger applied to the rear wheel brake lever 66, and the second left operation portion 68A is a left hand that grips the grip portion 64. It is provided at a position where an ON / OFF operation can be performed with the thumb of.

When the first left operation unit 67A is turned on, the push-walk control unit 96 turns the motor control unit 95 into a push-walk enabled state in which a walk command value can be output, and the second left When the operation unit 68 </ b> A is turned on, a push walk command value is transmitted from the motor control unit 95 to the motor drive unit 105.
Even in the battery-assisted bicycle configured as described above, when pushing, the finger is applied to the rear wheel brake lever 66 to turn on the first left operation portion 67A. For this reason, when it is desired to stop the vehicle while pushing, the vehicle can be stopped by directly holding the rear wheel brake lever 66 with the fingers applied to the rear wheel brake lever 66 without opening the hand.

In addition, although the said 1st and 2nd embodiment illustrated and demonstrated the battery-assisted bicycle with which the child seat 71 was mounted | worn, this invention is not limited to the battery-assisted bicycle with which the child seat 71 was mounted | worn.
In the first and second embodiments, the vehicle in which the auxiliary torque is applied to the rear wheel 22 has been described. However, the auxiliary torque may be applied to the front wheel 21.

1, 1A: Electric assist bicycle, 22: Rear wheel (wheel), 23: Handle, 60: Electric motor, 61: Right handle bar, 62: Left handle bar, 65: Front wheel brake lever, 66: Rear wheel brake lever, 67: Right operation unit, 68: Left operation unit, 67A: First left operation unit, 68A: Second left operation unit, 95: Motor control unit, 96: Push walk control unit

Claims (8)

A battery-assisted bicycle having an electric motor capable of imparting a walking assist torque to a wheel during pushing walking,
A first operation unit that is provided on at least one of the right part and the left part of the handle and can be turned on by a finger applied to the brake lever;
A motor controller that outputs a push-walk command value that causes the electric motor to output a push-walking assist torque; and
And a push-walking control unit that causes the motor control unit to output the push-walking command value when the first operation unit is in an ON state. A battery-assisted bicycle having an electric motor capable of imparting a walking assist torque to a wheel during pushing walking,
A first operating part that is provided on at least one of the right part and the left part of the handle and can be turned on by a finger applied to the brake lever;
A motor controller that outputs a push-walk command value that causes the electric motor to output a push-walking assist torque; and
A power-assisted bicycle, comprising: a push-walking control unit that sets the motor control unit in a push-walkable state capable of outputting the push-walking command value when the first operation unit is in an ON state.   The battery-assisted bicycle according to claim 1 or 2, wherein at least a part of the first operation portion is provided on a base portion of the brake lever or a brake holder that pivotally supports the brake lever.   4. The electric assistance according to claim 1, wherein the first operation unit is a sensor that outputs an ON state only while detecting a finger of a driver extending to the first operation unit. 5. bicycle.   4. The electric motor according to claim 1, wherein the first operation unit is a momentary switch that is in an ON state only while being pressed with a finger applied to the brake lever and is in an OFF state when not pressed. Auxiliary bicycle. It has a second operation part that can be turned on and off,
The push-walk control unit sets the motor control unit to a push-walk enabled state capable of outputting the push-walk command value when the first operation unit is turned on, and the second operation is performed in the push-walk enabled state. The battery-assisted bicycle according to claim 2, wherein the pushing command value is output from the motor control unit when the unit is turned on.   The second operation part is provided on one of the right part and the left part of the handle, and is on the opposite side of the hand that operates the first operation part and is turned on with a finger applied to the brake lever. The battery-assisted bicycle according to claim 6, which is capable of performing. A second operation part that is provided on the same side as the first operation part of the right part and the left part of the handle, and that can be turned ON / OFF with a finger on the first operation part side;
The push-walk control unit sets the motor control unit to a push-walk enabled state capable of outputting the push-walk command value when the first operation unit is turned on, and the second operation is performed in the push-walk enabled state. The battery-assisted bicycle according to claim 2, wherein the pushing command value is output from the motor control unit when the unit is turned on.

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