JP2021075217A - Lock system for power-assisted bicycle and power-assisted bicycle - Google Patents

Abstract

To provide a lock system for power-assisted bicycles which has an answerback function and is enhanced in convenience.SOLUTION: A lock system for power-assisted bicycles includes: at least one of either an assist activation part and a stand detection part; a radio wave transmitter; a receiver; an answerback part; an electrically-driven lock part; a control part; and an answerback battery. The control part operates the answerback part when the receiver receives radio waves during non-activation of an assist system. Regardless of an operation state of the answerback part, the control part unlocks the lock part during non-activation of the assist system, when the assist activation part is operated or when the stand detection part detects flip-up of the stand while the receiver detects radio waves at a reception strength of a first threshold or higher.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 4

Description

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

Patent Document 1 and the like have proposed a locking system for electrically power assisted bicycles.

Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2019-39291

In the locking system of the electrically power assisted bicycle of Patent Document 1, when a person who possesses the unlocking device approaches the electrically power assisted bicycle, the operation unit of the electrically power assisted bicycle communicates with the main body communication unit and the unlocking device to manually perform the operation. It is unlocked without performing the unlocking operation of. Since the locking system is not always active, the locking system does not consume power during standby. Further, the lock can be unlocked by operating the power button provided on the vehicle, and manual unlocking work is not required.

On the other hand, since it is difficult to find one's own bicycle in a crowded bicycle parking lot, the present inventor considered providing an answerback function for the bicycle. However, when the answerback function is provided in this way, it is premised that the system is always activated in order to receive a signal from a user who is far from the bicycle, and a system as in Patent Document 1 is provided. Then, it is difficult to introduce the answerback function.

Therefore, the present invention provides a lock system for an electrically power assisted bicycle and an electrically power assisted bicycle, which have an answerback function and are highly convenient.

According to the present invention
It is a bicycle lock system installed in an electrically power assisted bicycle equipped with an assist system that applies assist force to the wheels.
An assist activation unit that activates the assist system when operated, and at least one of the stand detection units that detect the flip-up of the stand.
A portable radio wave transmitter and
A receiver capable of detecting radio waves emitted from the radio wave transmitter and
An answerback unit that notifies by at least one of light and sound,
With an electric lock
A control unit that controls the answerback unit and the lock unit,
It has at least the answerback unit and an answerback battery that supplies power to the control unit.
When the control unit receives the radio wave by the reception unit when the assist system is not activated, the control unit activates the answerback unit.
Regardless of the operating state of the answerback unit, the control unit performs the assist when the assist system is not activated and the receiving unit detects the radio wave with a reception intensity equal to or higher than the first threshold value. An electrically assisted bicycle lock system is provided that unlocks the lock when the starter is operated or the stand detector detects a flip-up of the stand.

In the above-mentioned electrically assisted bicycle lock system
When the lock unit is unlocked, the control unit may operate the answerback unit to notify that the lock unit is unlocked.

In the above-mentioned electrically assisted bicycle lock system
The control unit may operate the answerback unit before unlocking the lock unit and when the reception intensity is equal to or higher than the second threshold value lower than the first threshold value.

In the above-mentioned electrically assisted bicycle lock system
In the control unit, when the assist system is not activated, the assist activation unit is operated or the stand detection unit detects that the stand is flipped up, but the reception intensity is less than the first threshold value. Occasionally, information indicating that the radio wave transmitting device is not nearby may be displayed on the display unit of the assist operation unit including the assist activation unit.

In the above-mentioned electrically assisted bicycle lock system
The answerback battery may also supply power to the assist system.

In the above-mentioned electrically assisted bicycle lock system
The radio wave transmitting device may constantly transmit a range-finding radio wave as the radio wave.

In the above-mentioned electrically assisted bicycle lock system
The radio wave transmitting device may be configured to continue transmitting the radio wave for a certain period of time when the operation unit is operated.

In the above-mentioned electrically assisted bicycle lock system
The radio wave includes a range-finding radio wave that is constantly transmitted and a control signal that is transmitted by operating an operation unit.
When the control unit receives the control signal when the assist system is not activated, the control unit activates the answerback unit.
Regardless of the operating state of the answerback unit, the control unit is when the assist system is not activated and the receiving unit detects the ranging radio wave with a reception intensity equal to or higher than the first threshold value. The lock unit may be unlocked when the assist activation unit is operated or the stand detection unit detects the flip-up of the stand.

According to the present invention
An assist system that can apply assist torque to the wheels,
An electrically assisted bicycle equipped with the above-mentioned lock system for electrically assisted bicycle is provided.

According to the present invention, an electrically assisted bicycle lock system and an electrically assisted bicycle having an answerback function and enhanced convenience are provided.

It is a side view of the electric assist bicycle equipped with the lock system for the electric assist bicycle of this invention. It is a block diagram of the electric assist bicycle shown in FIG. It is a block diagram of the lock system for electrically assisted bicycles of 1st Embodiment of this invention. It is a flowchart of the lock system for electrically assisted bicycles of 1st Embodiment of this invention. It is a figure which shows the relationship between the distance from a bicycle, and the signal strength. It is a block diagram of the lock system for electrically assisted bicycles of the 2nd Embodiment of this invention. It is a flowchart of the lock system for electrically assisted bicycles of the 2nd Embodiment of this invention. It is a block diagram of the lock system for electrically assisted bicycles of the 3rd Embodiment of this invention. It is a flowchart of the lock system for electrically assisted bicycles of 3rd Embodiment of this invention.

Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to FIG. The dimensions of the constituent members in the drawing do not necessarily faithfully represent the actual dimensions of the constituent members and the dimensional ratio of each constituent member.

In the following description, front, rear, left and right mean front, rear, left and right as seen from the driver sitting on the seat 24 of the electrically power assisted bicycle while holding the steering wheel 23.

First, an electrically assisted bicycle equipped with a lock system for an electrically assisted bicycle according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described.

<Overall configuration of electrically power assisted bicycle>
As shown in FIG. 1, the electrically power assisted bicycle 1 has pedals 33 and 34 and an electric motor 60. The electrically assisted bicycle 1 is driven by a driving torque that is the sum of the pedal torque generated when the driver depresses the pedals 33 and 34 and the motor torque output from the electric motor 60. The motor torque of the electric motor 60 serves as an assist torque that assists the driver in depressing the pedals 33 and 34.

The electrically power assisted bicycle 1 has a body frame 11 extending in the front-rear direction. Further, the electrically power assisted bicycle 1 has a front wheel 21, a rear wheel 22, a handle 23, a seat 24, a power unit 40, and a main stand 70. The main stand 70 is provided on the rear wheel 22. When the main stand 70 is rotated counterclockwise from the illustrated state, the electrically power assisted bicycle 1 can be parked. In the illustrated state, the main stand 70 is flipped up so that the electrically power assisted bicycle 1 can run.

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 arranged at the front portion of the electrically power assisted bicycle 1. The front portion of the down frame 13 extending rearward is connected to the head pipe 12. The seat frame 14 is connected to the rear of the down frame 13. The seat frame 14 extends upward and diagonally rearward from the rear end 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 that detects the vehicle speed from the rotation of the front wheels 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 wheels 22 from the left and right. The pair of chain stays 16 extend from the rear portion of the down frame 13 toward the center of rotation of the rear wheels 22. The pair of seat stays 17 extend from the upper part of the seat frame 14 toward the center of rotation of the rear wheels 22. The rear wheels 22 are rotatably supported at the rear ends of the chain stay 16 and the seat stay 17.

Behind the seat frame 14, a battery 35 that supplies electric power to the electric motor 60 of the power unit 40 is arranged. The battery 35 has a rechargeable battery and a battery control unit (not shown) that can be charged and discharged. The battery control unit controls the charge / discharge of the rechargeable battery and monitors its output current, remaining capacity, and the like.

The power unit 40 is unitized by incorporating a crankshaft 41, a crank output shaft (not shown), a drive sprocket 42, a pedal torque detection unit 57, a crank rotation detection unit 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 vehicle body frame 11.

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. Pedal 33, 34 is rotatably attached to the tips of the crank arms 31 and 32. The pedal torque detection unit 57 detects the pedal torque input to the crankshaft 41 by the driver via the pedals 33 and 34. The crank rotation detection unit 58 detects the rotation of the crankshaft 41 when the driver rotates the pedals 33 and 34. The crank output shaft (not shown) is formed in a cylindrical shape coaxial with the crank shaft 41, and is connected to the crank shaft 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). The drive sprocket 42 rotates together with the crankshaft 41. The driven sprocket 45 is provided coaxially with the rear wheel axle 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 hung on 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. Further, the rotation of the drive sprocket 42 is transmitted to the driven sprocket 45 via the chain 46, and the rear wheels 22 are driven.

The electric motor 60 is arranged 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 to the electric motor 60 from the battery 35. 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. When electric power is supplied to the electric motor 60 in this way, 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. The driver can grip these grip portions 63.

A brake lever 65 is provided in the vicinity of the grip portion 63. When the driver operates the brake lever 65 on the right side with his right hand, braking force is applied to the front wheels 21. When the driver operates the brake lever 65 on the left side with his left hand, braking force is applied to the rear wheels 22.

In such an electrically assisted bicycle 1, the electric motor 60 is controlled by the control device 100, and the motor torque is applied to the rear wheels 22.

FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing the functions of the electrically power assisted bicycle 1. As shown in FIG. 2, the electrically power assisted bicycle 1 includes an assist system. The assist system includes an assist operation unit, a control device 100, an electric motor 60, and the like. The control device 100 includes a pedal torque calculation unit 101, a motor control unit 95, a motor drive unit 105, a shift stage estimation unit 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.

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

The transmission mechanism 91 is a mechanism capable of changing the transmission stage according to the transmission operator 93 operated by the driver. The one-way clutch 92 transmits the rotation of the driven sprocket 45 to the rear wheels 22 only when the rotational speed of the driven sprocket 45 is faster than the rotational speed of the rear wheels 22. When the rotation speed of the driven sprocket 45 is slower than the rotation speed of the rear wheels 22, the one-way clutch 92 does not transmit the rotation of the driven sprocket 45 to the rear wheels 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 reversely rotates the chain 46 to the chain 46.

As described above, in the electrically assisted bicycle 1 according to the present 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, the signal path will be described.
When the driver rotates the crankshaft 41, the 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 detection unit 57 inputs the signal to the pedal torque calculation unit 101.

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

The crank rotation detection unit 58 is a sensor that detects the phase of the crankshaft 41. The crank rotation detection unit 58 generates a signal according 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 vehicle speed sensor 37 transmits a signal of the rotation speed of the front wheels 21 to the speed change estimation unit 97. The shift stage estimation unit 97 estimates the shift stage from the rotation 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. The motor rotation sensor 99 detects the rotation speed of the electric motor 60 and transmits it to the shift stage estimation unit 97 and the motor drive unit 105.

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

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

<First Embodiment>
FIG. 3 is a block diagram of the electrically assisted bicycle lock system 200 according to the first embodiment of the present invention. As shown in FIG. 3, the electrically assisted bicycle lock system 200 includes a portable radio wave transmitting device 210, a circle lock 220, an assist system 250, an assist operating unit 230, and an answerback battery. It includes 225 and a stand detection unit 240.

The circle lock 220 is a device mounted on the electrically power assisted bicycle 1. The circle lock 220 can lock the rear wheel 22. The circle lock 220 includes a receiving unit 221, a control unit 222, a lock unit 223, and an answerback unit 224. The lock portion 223 is a portion where the rear wheel 22 can be locked.

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 lock 223 locks the rear wheel 22 by causing the bar to interfere with the spokes and making the rear wheel 22 non-rotatable. The answerback unit 224 is composed of a lamp and a buzzer. In the present embodiment, the answerback unit 224 can emit light and sound. The answerback unit 224 operates when it receives a radio wave when the assist system 250 is not activated.

The receiving unit 221 is configured to be able to receive radio waves at all times. The receiving unit 221 can receive radio waves even when the electrically power assisted bicycle 1 is not in a state where the assist torque can be applied. That is, the receiving unit 221 can receive radio waves even when the user does not turn on the electric assist function. The receiving unit 221 of the present embodiment is supplied with electric power from the battery mounted on the electrically power assisted bicycle 1.

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

The control unit 222 can transmit an answerback operation signal to the answerback unit 224. When the answerback unit 224 receives the answerback operation signal, the answerback unit 224 emits a lamp and further emits a sound from the buzzer. In the following description, the fact that the answerback unit 224 causes the lamp to emit light and generate a sound is referred to as operating the answerback unit 224.

The assist operation unit 230 is connected to the assist system 250. The assist operation unit 230 is provided on the handlebar 23 (see FIG. 1). The assist operation unit 230 includes a display unit 232 composed of a liquid crystal screen or the like, an assist activation unit 231 and a mode switching unit 233. The assist activation unit 231 can be configured by an ON / OFF switch. If the assist activation unit 231 is operated while the assist system 250 is OFF, the assist system 250 is activated. If the assist activation unit 231 is operated while the assist system 250 is ON, the assist system 250 is shut down.

The mode switching unit 233 is a switch capable of switching the assist mode. In the present embodiment, when the mode switching unit 233 is operated, the assist torque is output with the first strength when a certain pedal depression force is input, and the first mode is when a certain pedal depression force is input. It is possible to switch between the strong mode in which the assist torque is output with a second strength larger than the strength of.

The answerback battery 225 supplies electric power to the answerback unit 224, the receiving unit 221 and the control unit 222. In the present embodiment, the answerback battery 225 is also used as the battery 35 that supplies power to the assist system 250.

The stand detection unit 240 is a sensor capable of detecting whether or not the main stand 70 is flipped up. For example, it can be configured by a contact switch or the like.

The radio wave transmitting device 210 is a device that transmits radio waves. The radio wave transmitting device 210 of the present embodiment constantly transmits radio waves. The radio wave transmitting device 210 includes identification information unique to each electrically power assisted bicycle lock system 200. A circle lock 220 is configured so that it can be unlocked only by radio waves including specific identification information, and the answerback unit 224 is not activated.

FIG. 4 shows a flowchart executed by the control unit 222 of the electrically assisted bicycle lock system 200 of the present embodiment. The control unit 222 periodically and repeatedly executes the process shown in FIG. As shown in FIG. 4, first, the control unit 222 determines whether or not the reception unit 221 has received the radio wave from the radio wave transmitting device 210 (step S01). If no radio wave is received (step S01: No), the control unit 222 ends the process.

After receiving the radio wave, the control unit 222 determines whether or not the reception intensity is equal to or higher than the second threshold value (step S02). If the reception intensity is less than the second threshold value (step S02: No), the control unit 222 ends the process. If the reception intensity is equal to or higher than the second threshold value (step S02: Yes), the control unit 222 transmits an answerback operation signal to the answerback unit 224 to operate the answerback unit 224 (step S03).

Further, the control unit 222 determines whether or not the assist system 250 is activated (step S04). If the assist system 250 is activated (step S04: Yes), the control unit 222 ends the process. If the assist system 250 is not activated (step S04: No), the control unit 222 determines whether or not the reception intensity is equal to or greater than the first threshold value larger than the second threshold value (step S05).

If the reception intensity is less than the first threshold value (step S05: No), the process proceeds to step S08. If the reception intensity is equal to or higher than the first threshold value (step S05: Yes), the control unit 222 determines whether or not the assist activation unit 231 has been operated (step S06). In step S06, the control unit 222 may be configured to determine whether or not the stand has been flipped up, or whether or not either the operation of the assist activation unit 231 or the flipping up of the stand has been performed. It may be configured to determine.

When the assist activation unit 231 is operated (step S06: Yes), the control unit 222 sends an unlocking signal to the lock unit 223 to unlock the lock (step S07). Further, after step S07, the control unit 222 may operate the answerback unit 224.

If the assist activation unit 231 is not operated in step S06 (step S06: No), the control unit 222 determines whether or not the radio wave is continuously received (step S08). If no radio wave is received (step S08: No), the control unit 222 ends the process. If the radio wave is received (step S08: Yes), the control unit 222 again determines whether or not the reception intensity is equal to or higher than the first threshold value (step S05).

FIG. 5 is a diagram showing the relationship between the radio wave intensity and the distance between the radio wave transmitting device 210 and the receiving unit 221. As shown in FIG. 5, the first threshold value is set larger than the second threshold value. In the following description, the separation distance at which the reception intensity is the first threshold value is referred to as the unlocking distance, and the separation distance at which the reception intensity is the second threshold value is referred to as the answerback distance.
The answerback distance can be 30 m. The answerback distance is preferably 20 m. The answerback distance is more preferably 10 m.
The unlocking distance can be 5 m. The unlocking distance is preferably 3 m. The unlocking distance is more preferably 1 m.

In the present embodiment, when a user having the radio wave transmitting device 210 approaches his / her own electrically power assisted bicycle 1, when the separation distance becomes the answerback distance (steps S01 to S02), the answerback unit 224 Activates to inform the exact position of its own electrically power assisted bicycle 1 (step S03).

When the user arrives at his / her own electrically power assisted bicycle 1 and the separation distance becomes shorter than the answerback distance (step S05) and the assist activation unit 231 is operated (step S06), the lock unit 223 is unlocked. (Step S07).

As described above, in the electrically assisted bicycle lock system 200 of the present embodiment, regardless of the operating state of the answerback unit 224, the control unit 222 is in the non-starting state of the assist system 250, and the receiving unit 221 is set to the first threshold value. When the assist activation unit 231 is operated while the radio wave is detected with the above reception strength or the stand detection unit 240 detects that the stand is flipped up, the lock unit 223 is unlocked.

As described above, the electrically power assisted bicycle lock system 200 of the present embodiment has an answerback unit 224 and has a function of notifying the location of the user's electrically power assisted bicycle 1 from a distance. In order to realize the answerback function in this way, in the electrically assisted bicycle lock system 200, the receiving unit 221 is constantly operating in order to receive radio waves. On the other hand, if the assist function of the electrically power assisted bicycle 1 is always activated, the battery is wasted.
Therefore, in the electrically assisted bicycle lock system 200 of the present embodiment, the assist system 250 and the lock system (a system including at least the receiving unit 221 and the control unit 222 and the lock unit 223) are separated. That is, the lock system is configured to operate even when the assist system 250 is not activated. Then, when the assist system 250 is not activated and the receiving unit 221 is detecting a radio wave having an intensity equal to or higher than the first threshold value, the assist operating unit 231 is operated or the main stand 70 is flipped up. It is configured to unlock. Therefore, when the user is near his / her own electrically power assisted bicycle 1, the user runs the power assisted bicycle 1 such as operating the assist starting unit 231 and flipping up the stand without manually operating the lock unit 223. Since the lock is unlocked when the preparatory operation for making the bicycle is performed, the convenience is enhanced.

Further, in the electrically assisted bicycle lock system 200 of the present embodiment, the control unit 222 is configured to operate the answerback unit 224 when the lock unit 223 is unlocked to notify that the lock unit 223 is unlocked. It may have been done. In the present embodiment, since the lock portion 223 is not intentionally operated by itself, it is often difficult for the user to know whether or not the lock portion 223 has been unlocked. Therefore, when the control unit 222 unlocks the lock unit 223, the answerback unit 224 is activated to notify the unlocking of the lock unit 223, so that the user can easily grasp that the lock unit 223 has been unlocked.

In the electrically assisted bicycle lock system 200 of the present embodiment, the control unit 222 is an answerback unit before unlocking the lock unit 223 and when the reception intensity is equal to or higher than the second threshold value lower than the first threshold value. It is configured to operate 224. When the user approaches his / her own electrically power assisted bicycle 1 to an answerback distance farther than the unlocking distance, the answerback unit 224 operates, so that the user can easily find his / her own power assisted bicycle 1.

In the electrically assisted bicycle lock system 200 of the present embodiment, the radio wave transmitting device 210 constantly transmits radio waves (range-finding radio waves). Therefore, the user simply holds the radio wave transmitting device 210 and approaches the electrically power assisted bicycle 1 to unlock the lock portion 223, which enhances convenience.

<Second embodiment>
Next, the electrically assisted bicycle lock system 300 according to the second embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS. 6 and 7. FIG. 6 is a block diagram of the electrically assisted bicycle lock system 300 of the present embodiment. As shown in FIG. 6, in the present embodiment, the radio wave transmitting device 310 has a remote control operation unit 311. When the remote control operation unit 311 is operated, radio waves are transmitted for a certain period of time.

FIG. 7 is a flowchart of the electrically assisted bicycle lock system 300 of the present embodiment. As shown in FIG. 7, first, the control unit 222 determines whether or not the radio wave is received by the reception unit 221 (step S21). When the receiving unit 221 does not receive the radio wave (step S21: No), the control unit 222 ends the process.

When the receiving unit 221 receives the radio wave (step S21: Yes), the control unit 222 transmits an answerback operation signal to the answerback unit 224 to operate the answerback unit 224 (step S22). Further, the control unit 222 determines whether or not the assist system 250 is activated (step S23). If the assist system 250 is activated (step S23: Yes), the control unit 222 ends the process.

If the assist system 250 is not activated (step S23: No), the control unit 222 determines whether or not the reception intensity of the radio wave is equal to or higher than the first threshold value (step S24). Further, the control unit 222 determines whether or not the assist activation unit 231 has been operated (step S25).

When the reception intensity becomes equal to or higher than the first threshold value (step S24: Yes) and the assist activation unit 231 is operated (step S25: Yes), the control unit 222 transmits an unlocking signal to the lock unit 223, and the lock unit 223 is transmitted. Is unlocked (step S26). After unlocking the lock unit 223, the control unit 222 may transmit an answerback operation signal to the answerback unit 224 to operate the answerback unit 224.

When the reception intensity does not exceed the first threshold value (step S24: No) or the assist activation unit 231 is not operated (step S25: No), the control unit 222 determines whether or not the reception unit 221 is receiving radio waves. Determine (step S27). If the radio wave is received (step S27: Yes), the control unit 222 again determines whether or not the reception intensity is equal to or higher than the first threshold value (step S24). If no radio wave is received (step S27: No), the control unit 222 ends the process.

In the present embodiment, the radio wave transmitting device 310 transmits radio waves for a predetermined time when the remote control operation unit 311 is operated. Therefore, the radio wave is transmitted and the radio wave is received (step S21: Yes), and the user carrying the radio wave transmitting device 310 approaches his / her own electrically power assisted bicycle 1 while the radio wave is being transmitted (step S24: Yes). Yes), and when the assist activation unit 231 is operated (step S25: Yes), the lock unit 223 is unlocked (step S26).
On the other hand, even if the radio wave was transmitted, it was not possible to find its own electrically power assisted bicycle 1, and while the radio wave was being transmitted, the distance was not close to the first threshold value or more (step S24: No), or If the assist activation unit 231 cannot be operated (step S25: No), the locked state is maintained without unlocking.

As described above, the electrically assisted bicycle lock system 300 of the present embodiment also has an answerback unit 224 and has a function of notifying the location of the user's electrically assisted bicycle 1 from a distance. Further, since the lock is unlocked when the user operates the assist activation unit 231, the convenience is enhanced.

<Third Embodiment>
Next, the electrically assisted bicycle lock system 400 according to the third embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS. 8 and 9. FIG. 8 is a block diagram of the electrically assisted bicycle lock system 400 of the present embodiment. As shown in FIG. 8, in the present embodiment, the radio wave transmitting device 410 has a distance measuring radio wave transmitting unit 411 that constantly transmits a distance measuring radio wave. Further, the radio wave transmitting device 410 has a remote control operation unit 412. When the remote control operation unit 412 is operated, a control radio wave is transmitted. When the receiving unit 221 receives the control radio wave, the control unit 222 transmits an answerback operation signal to the answerback unit 224 to operate the answerback unit 224. In the present embodiment, the control unit 222 unlocks the lock unit 223 according to the reception strength of the ranging radio wave. The control radio wave is a radio wave including a signal for operating the answerback unit 224 in the control unit 222. The control radio wave is transmitted when the remote control operation unit 412 is operated. The range-finding radio wave is a radio wave including a signal for detecting the distance between the radio wave transmitting device 410 and the receiving unit 221. The range-finding radio wave is always transmitted from the radio wave transmitting device 410.

FIG. 9 is a flowchart of the electrically assisted bicycle lock system 400 of the present embodiment. As shown in FIG. 9, the control unit 222 first determines whether or not the ranging radio wave is received with a reception intensity equal to or higher than the first threshold value (step S31). When the ranging radio wave is not received with the reception intensity equal to or higher than the first threshold value (step S31: No), the control unit 222 ends the process.

When the ranging radio wave is received with a reception intensity equal to or higher than the first threshold value (step S31: Yes), the control unit 222 determines whether or not the assist system 250 is activated (step S32). If the assist system 250 is activated (step S32: Yes), the control unit 222 ends the process.

When the assist system 250 is not activated (step S32: No), the control unit 222 determines whether or not the assist activation unit 231 has been operated (step S33). If the assist activation unit 231 is not operated (step S33: No), the control unit 222 ends the process.

When the assist activation unit 231 is operated (step S33: Yes), the control unit 222 transmits an unlocking signal to the lock unit 223 to unlock the lock unit 223 (step S34). Further, the control unit 222 may transmit an answerback operation signal to the answerback unit 224 after unlocking the lock unit 223 to operate the answerback unit 224.

As described above, the power-assisted bicycle lock system 400 of the present embodiment also has an answerback unit 224 and has a function of notifying the location of the user's power-assisted bicycle 1 from a distance. Further, since the lock is unlocked when the user operates the assist activation unit 231, the convenience is enhanced. In the present embodiment, when the user wants to confirm the location of his / her own electrically power assisted bicycle 1, the radio wave transmitting device 410 transmits a control radio wave to operate the answerback unit 224. Therefore, the answerback unit 224 can be operated only when necessary.

<Various variants>
In the above description, an example of configuring the electrically assisted bicycle lock system with the circle lock 220 that locks the rear wheels has been described, but the electrically assisted bicycle lock system is configured with the lock that locks the front wheels, the wire lock, and the like. You may.

Further, in the above description, the configuration in which the answerback unit 224 can emit light and sound has been described, but the present invention is not limited to this. The answerback unit 224 may be configured to emit either light or sound. Further, the headlamp and the tail lamp mounted on the electrically power assisted bicycle 1 may function as the answerback unit 224. Alternatively, the display unit 232 of the assist operation unit 230 may function as the answerback unit 224.

1 Electric assisted bicycle 200 Electric assisted bicycle lock system 210 Radio wave transmitter 220 Circle lock 221 Receiver 222 Control unit 223 Lock unit 224 Answerback unit 225 Answerback battery 230 Assist operation unit 231 Assist start unit 232 Display unit 233 Mode switching Unit 240 Stand detection unit 250 Assist system 300 Electric assist bicycle lock system 310 Radio transmitter 311 Remote control operation unit 400 Electric assist bicycle lock system 410 Electric power transmitter 411 Distance measurement radio transmitter 412 Remote control operation unit

Claims (9)

It is a bicycle lock system installed in an electrically power assisted bicycle equipped with an assist system that applies assist force to the wheels.
An assist activation unit that activates the assist system when operated, and at least one of the stand detection units that detect the flip-up of the stand.
A portable radio wave transmitter and
A receiver capable of detecting radio waves emitted from the radio wave transmitter and
An answerback unit that notifies by at least one of light and sound,
With an electric lock
A control unit that controls the answerback unit and the lock unit,
It has at least the answerback unit and an answerback battery that supplies power to the control unit.
When the control unit receives the radio wave by the reception unit when the assist system is not activated, the control unit activates the answerback unit.
Regardless of the operating state of the answerback unit, the control unit performs the assist when the assist system is not activated and the receiving unit detects the radio wave with a reception intensity equal to or higher than the first threshold value. An electrically assisted bicycle lock system that unlocks the lock when the starter is operated or the stand detector detects a flip-up of the stand. The lock system for an electrically power assisted bicycle according to claim 1, wherein the control unit activates the answerback unit when the lock portion is unlocked to notify that the lock portion is unlocked. The first aspect of the present invention, wherein the control unit operates the answerback unit before unlocking the lock unit and when the reception intensity is equal to or higher than the second threshold value lower than the first threshold value. Lock system for electrically power assisted bicycles. In the control unit, when the assist system is not activated, the assist activation unit is operated or the stand detection unit detects that the stand is flipped up, but the reception intensity is less than the first threshold value. The lock system for an electrically power assisted bicycle according to claim 1, wherein information indicating that the radio wave transmitting device is not nearby is sometimes displayed on the display unit of the assist operation unit including the assist activation unit. The lock system for an electrically assisted bicycle according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the answerback battery also supplies power to the assist system. The lock system for an electrically power assisted bicycle according to claim 1, wherein the radio wave transmitting device constantly transmits a range-finding radio wave as the radio wave. The lock system for an electrically power assisted bicycle according to claim 1, wherein the radio wave transmitting device is configured to continuously transmit the radio waves for a certain period of time when the operation unit is operated. The radio wave includes a range-finding radio wave that is constantly transmitted and a control signal that is transmitted by operating an operation unit.
When the control unit receives the control signal when the assist system is not activated, the control unit activates the answerback unit.
Regardless of the operating state of the answerback unit, the control unit detects the ranging radio wave with a reception intensity equal to or higher than the first threshold value when the assist system is not activated. The lock system for an electrically assisted bicycle according to claim 1, wherein the lock portion is unlocked when the assist activation unit is operated or the stand detection unit detects a flip-up of the stand. An electrically assisted bicycle provided with the bicycle lock system according to any one of claims 1 to 8.

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