JP2021102365A - Bicycle wheel component, bicycle, bicycle management system - Google Patents

Abstract

To provide a bicycle wheel component capable of contributing to high performance and multi-functionalization of a bicycle.SOLUTION: A bicycle wheel component includes a sensor for detecting a load applied to a wheel. A bicycle including the wheel component comprises a controller for controlling the operation of the bicycle on the basis of detection information of the sensor. The bicycle is provided with, for example, a power-assisted function. The controller is configured to determine the presence/absence of riding of a user on the basis of the detection information of the sensor and to output auxiliary power from a motor for assisting push-walking when the bicycle is push-walked.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 2

Description

The present disclosure relates to a wheel component for a bicycle, a bicycle equipped with the wheel component (particularly, an electrically assisted bicycle), and a bicycle management system.

Generally, a bicycle wheel is composed of a metal wheel and a rubber tire attached to the wheel. The wheel has rims, spokes, hubs and the like. The rim is a ring-shaped part that forms the outer circumference of the wheel, and the spokes are thin rod-shaped parts that connect the rim and the hub. A hub is a centrally located component of a wheel that includes an axle that is fixed to a frame and a bearing that supports the axle. Further, a hub dynamo having a built-in dynamo for generating electric power supplied to a headlight or the like is also widely known (see, for example, Patent Document 1).

Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication No. 2012-178954

By the way, a wheel is an important component that greatly affects the performance of a bicycle, and a wheel component such as a hub also has an important function. With the recent increase in performance and functionality of bicycles, further improvements are required for wheel components.

An object of the present disclosure is to provide a bicycle wheel component that contributes to higher performance and higher functionality of a bicycle.

The bicycle wheel component according to the present disclosure is a component that constitutes a bicycle wheel, and includes a sensor for detecting a load applied to the wheel.

The bicycle according to the present disclosure is a bicycle provided with the wheel components, and includes a control device configured to control the operation of the bicycle based on the detection information of the sensor.

The bicycle management system according to the present disclosure is a system for managing a bicycle equipped with the above wheel components, acquires detection information of a sensor, accumulates data, and estimates the state of the bicycle based on the data. It is provided with a monitoring device configured to perform the above and a display device for displaying information related to the estimation result by the monitoring device.

According to the bicycle wheel components according to the present disclosure, it is possible to improve the performance and functionality of the bicycle. For example, it is possible to determine whether or not the user is on board based on the detection information of the sensor, and it is possible to realize a smooth transition to the push-walking mode (mode for assisting push-walking) of the electrically power assisted bicycle. In addition, the state of the bicycle can be estimated using the detection information of the sensor, and it is possible to inform the user of the maintenance time, parts replacement time, and the like.

It is a figure which shows the appearance of the electric assist bicycle which is an example of an embodiment. It is sectional drawing of the hub which is an example of embodiment. It is sectional drawing of the hub which is another example of embodiment. It is a block diagram which shows an example of the structure of the electric assist bicycle. It is a flowchart which shows an example of the control procedure in the electric assist bicycle shown in FIG. It is a block diagram which shows another example of the structure of the electric assist bicycle. It is a flowchart which shows an example of the control procedure in the electric assist bicycle shown in FIG. It is a figure which shows the structure of the bicycle management system which is an example of an embodiment.

Hereinafter, with reference to the drawings, a bicycle wheel component according to the present disclosure, an electrically assisted bicycle on which the wheel component is mounted, and an embodiment of a bicycle management system for managing the electrically assisted bicycle will be described in detail. .. The embodiments described below are merely examples, and the present disclosure is not limited to the following embodiments. Further, it is assumed from the beginning that a plurality of embodiments and modifications described below are selectively combined.

FIG. 1 is a diagram showing an appearance of a hub 34, which is an example of an embodiment of a wheel component according to the present disclosure, and an electrically power assisted bicycle 1 on which the hub 34 is mounted. The electrically power assisted bicycle of the present disclosure is not limited to the city cycle as illustrated in FIG. 1, and may be, for example, a sports cycle, a foldable bicycle, or the like. Further, the bicycle to which the wheel components of the present disclosure are applied may be a bicycle having no electric assist function.

As illustrated in FIG. 1, the electrically power assisted bicycle 1 includes a battery 10 and a motor unit 11 including a motor 12 (see FIG. 4 described later) driven by electric power supplied from the battery 10. Further, the electrically power assisted bicycle 1 includes a frame 2, a front wheel 3a, a rear wheel 3b, a handle 4, a saddle 5, a crank 6, a pedal 7, a chain 8, and a headlight 9 like a general bicycle. The electrically assisted bicycle 1 is a bicycle that assists the force (pedaling force) of the user stepping on the pedal 7 by the motor 12. In the present embodiment, the pedaling force of the pedal 7 and the output of the motor are transmitted to the rear wheels 3b via the chain 8.

The frame 2 is a frame for connecting the front wheels 3a, the rear wheels 3b, the handle 4, the saddle 5, the crank 6, and the like. The battery 10 and the motor unit 11 are supported by the frame 2. The frame 2 is composed of a plurality of pipes. In the present embodiment, as a plurality of pipes, a head pipe 2a, a front fork 2b, a down pipe 2c, a seat pipe 2d, a chain stay 2e, a seat stay 2f, and a bottom bracket (not shown) are provided. The bottom bracket is a pipe that connects the down pipe 2c, the seat pipe 2d, and the chain stay 2e.

The head pipe 2a supports the front fork 2b and the handle 4 in a rotatable state around the central axis of the pipe. The front fork 2b has a pair of legs that rotatably support the front wheels 3a, and a steering column that extends upward from the upper end of the legs and is inserted into the cylinder of the head pipe 2a. A steering wheel 4 is attached to the upper end of the steering column.

The down pipe 2c is a pipe that connects the head pipe 2a and the bottom bracket. The down pipe 2c is inclined so as to be located upward as it approaches the front of the electrically power assisted bicycle 1. Further, the seat pipe 2d is a pipe that holds the saddle 5, and is inclined in the vertical direction so that the upper end is located behind the electrically power assisted bicycle 1 than the lower end. In this embodiment, the battery 10 is attached to the seat pipe 2d and the motor unit 11 is attached to the bottom bracket.

The chain stay 2e is a pipe that connects the seat stay 2f and the bottom bracket, and extends from the rear end of the bottom bracket to the rear of the bicycle, and is provided one on each side so as to sandwich the rear wheels 3b from both sides. Further, like the chain stay 2e, the seat stays 2f are provided one on each side so as to sandwich the rear wheels 3b from both sides. The left and right seat stays 2f extend from the upper portion of the seat pipe 2d to the radial center portion of the rear wheel 3b, and are connected one-to-one with the left and right chain stays 2e at the center portion. A rear wheel 3b is rotatably fixed to the rear end of the chain stay 2e.

Further, the electrically power assisted bicycle 1 includes a drive sprocket that rotates with the rotation of the crank 6 and a rear wheel sprocket provided on the rear wheel 3b (neither is shown), and the drive sprocket and the rear wheel sprocket are chained. It is connected via 8. The crank 6 and the pedals 7 attached to one end thereof are provided one on each side of the electrically power assisted bicycle 1, and the other ends of the pair of cranks 6 are connected by an input shaft (not shown). In the present embodiment, the rotational force of the motor 12 is transmitted to the drive sprocket via the reduction gear and the like, and is transmitted to the rear wheels 3b via the chain 8.

The motor unit 11 is a drive unit that assists the pedaling force of the pedal 7, and is driven by the electric power supplied from the battery 10. The motor unit 11 drives the motor 12 and controls its output, for example, based on the torque acting on the input shaft, the vehicle speed, and the like. Further, the motor unit 11 generally drives the motor 12 in consideration of a traveling mode (power / auto / eco mode, etc.) selected by the user. The torque and vehicle speed acting on the input shaft are measured using a conventionally known sensor. The output of the motor 12 is controlled by the control device 20 (see FIG. 4 described later).

Hereinafter, the configurations of the wheels (front wheels 3a and rear wheels 3b) will be described in detail. The front wheel 3a is generally composed of a metal wheel 30a and a rubber tire 31a. The wheel 30a includes a rim 32, spokes 33, and a hub 34. The rear wheel 3b is composed of a wheel 30b and a tire 31b like the front wheel 3a, but differs from the front wheel 3a in that a sprocket is attached to the hub of the rear wheel 3b. The hub may have an internal transmission, a dynamo described later, a drum brake, or the like, and may be equipped with a sprocket, a brake disc, a vehicle speed sensor 15 (see FIG. 4 described later), or the like. Hereinafter, the configuration of the wheels will be described by taking the front wheels 3a as an example.

The rim 32 constituting the wheel 30a is a ring-shaped component on which the tire 31a is mounted. The rim 32 is formed with a plurality of holes into which the spokes 33 are inserted. The spoke 33 is a thin rod-shaped component that connects the rim 32 and the hub 34, one end of which is fixed to the rim 32 using a nipple, and the other end of which is fixed to the flange 43 of the hub 34 (see FIG. 2 described later). .. The nipple is a nut for fixing the spoke 33 to the rim 32.

FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view of the hub 34. As illustrated in FIG. 2, the hub 34 includes an axle 35 fixed to the front fork 2b, a bearing 36 that supports the axle 35, and a substantially cylindrical hub shell 37 that is attached to the axle 35 via the bearing 36. Have. Screws are formed at least at both ends of the axle 35 in the axial direction. Both ends of the axle 35 are inserted into through holes formed at the lower ends of the front fork 2b, and are fixed to the front fork 2b by nuts 38 fastened to the both ends. Therefore, the axle 35 does not rotate with respect to the front fork 2b.

The bearing 36 includes, for example, a ball 40, a cone 41, and a cup 42 provided on the hub shell 37, and a cup-and-cone bearing in which the ball 40 rotates between the cone 41 and the cup 42 is used. The cone 41 is a ball pusher that pushes the ball 40 against the cup 42, and is screwed into the axle 35 and fixed by the lock ring 39. The lock ring 39 is fastened to the threaded portion of the axle 35 inside the front fork 2b.

The hub shell 37 is attached to the axle 35 via a bearing 36 and is rotatable with respect to the axle 35. The inner diameter of the hub shell 37 is larger than the diameter of the axle 35, and there is a predetermined gap between the axle 35 and the hub shell 37. Flange 43s projecting outward in the radial direction are formed at both ends of the hub shell 37 in the axial direction. A plurality of through holes 44 are formed in the flange 43 along the circumferential direction, and one end of the spoke 33 (see FIG. 1) is fixed.

The hub 34, which is a component of the front wheel 3a, includes a sensor 50 for detecting a load applied to the front wheel 3a. In the example shown in FIG. 2, the sensor 50 is mounted on the axle 35 of the hub 34. Since the axle 35 is connected to the front fork 2b, when the user rides a bicycle, the weight thereof is transmitted to the axle 35 via the front fork 2b. Then, the weight of the user acts on the spokes 33, the rim 32, the tire 31a, and the like from the axle 35 via the bearing 36 and the hub shell 37. Therefore, it is possible to analyze the load applied to other components from the load applied to the axle 35.

The structure of the sensor 50 is not particularly limited as long as it can be mounted on the axle 35 and can detect the load applied to the axle 35. Examples of the sensor 50 include a strain sensor, a magnetostrictive sensor, a piezoelectric element, and the like. The strain sensor is a sensor including a strain gauge that detects the strain of an object by utilizing a change in electrical resistance, and is attached to an axle 35 using, for example, an adhesive. When the user rides a bicycle, the weight of the user is applied to the axle 35 and the axle 35 is distorted. Therefore, the strain gauge attached to the axle 35 expands and contracts, and the electrical resistance value of the gauge changes. It is possible to measure the load acting on the.

The detection information of the sensor 50 is transmitted to the control device 20 via the lead wire 51 connected to the sensor 50. In the example shown in FIG. 2, a through hole 46 through which the lead wire 51 passes is formed in the cone 41, and the lead wire 51 is pulled out of the hub 34 through the through hole 46. As will be described in detail later, the control device 20 is configured to control the operation of the electrically power assisted bicycle 1 based on the detection information of the sensor 50. Based on the detection information of the sensor 50, not only the load acting on the axle 35 but also the load acting on each component of the front wheels 3a such as the spokes 33 and the rim 32 or the frame 2 via the axle 35 is analyzed. It is also possible.

The axle 35 preferably has a recess 45 that accommodates the sensor 50. The recess 45 is formed, for example, at a depth at which the sensor 50 does not protrude radially outward from the outer peripheral surface of the axle 35 when the sensor 50 is installed at the bottom of the recess 45. Although there is a gap between the axle 35 and the hub shell 37, the contact between the sensor 50 and the hub shell 37 can be more reliably prevented by providing the recess 45. The recess 45 may be formed in a groove shape along the axial direction from the central portion of the axle 35 in the axial direction, or a lead wire 51 may be arranged along the groove-shaped recess 45. Since the axle 35 generally has a large distortion at the central portion in the axial direction, it is preferable to mount the sensor 50 at the central portion in the axial direction of the axle 35.

The sensor 50 may be attached to a component such as an axle 35 that does not rotate relative to the frame 2, such as a nut 38 of a hub 34, a lock ring 39, a cone 41 of a bearing 36, and the like. Since the nut 38 or the like fastened to the axle 35 is distorted by the user's riding, the load acting on the nut 38 or the like can be detected by attaching the sensor 50. Further, if the parts are loaded by the user's riding, the sensor 50 can be attached to parts that rotate relative to the frame 2, such as spokes 33, rims 32, nipples, and valves of tires 31a. In this case, the detection information of the sensor 50 is transmitted to the control device 20 by wireless communication.

FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view of the hub dynamo 60. A hub dynamo 60 may be provided on the wheel of the bicycle instead of the hub 34. The hub dynamo 60 is generally applied to the front wheels, but may be applied to the rear wheels. As illustrated in FIG. 3, the hub dynamo 60 has a stator unit 61 and a rotor unit 62. The stator unit 61 and the rotor unit 62 are, for example, dynamos (generators) for generating electric power to be supplied to the headlights, and are configured to generate electric power by rotating the wheels.

The hub dynamo 60 is generally used for a bicycle that does not have a battery, but may be used for an electrically assisted bicycle 1 that has a battery 10. The hub dynamo may have a built-in motor, a deceleration mechanism, or the like that assists the running and pushing of the electrically power assisted bicycle 1. Motor units for assisting traveling and pushing may be attached to the front or rear wheels.

Similar to a general hub 34, the hub dynamo 60 includes an axle 63 fixed to a frame, a bearing 64 that supports the axle 63, and a substantially cylindrical hub shell 65 that is attached to the axle 63 via the bearing 64. Have. The axle 63 is inserted into through holes formed at the lower ends of the frame at both ends in the axial direction, and is fixed to the frame by nuts 66 fastened to the both ends. For the bearing 64, for example, a ball bearing is used.

The hub shell 65 is a substantially cylindrical component having one end open in the axial direction. A disk-shaped lid 67 is fixed to one end of the hub shell 65 in the axial direction, whereby the internal space of the hub shell 65 in which the dynamo is housed is closed. The hub shell 65 has flanges 73 that project radially outward at both ends in the axial direction and to which one ends of the spokes are fixed.

The stator unit 61 has a coil 68 arranged so as to surround the axle 63. The lead wire 69 connected to the coil 68 is pulled out of the hub shell 65 through a groove (not shown) formed in the axle 63, and is connected to a headlight or the like. The stator unit 61 has a through hole through which the axle 63 passes, and is fixed by a nut 70 fastened to the axle 63 so as not to move in the axial direction of the axle 63 and to prevent rotation with respect to the axle 63. ..

The rotor unit 62 has a ring-shaped rotor yoke 71 and a magnet 72 fixed to the inner peripheral surface of the rotor yoke 71, and the rotor yoke 71 is fixed to the hub shell 65. Therefore, the rotor unit 62 rotates relative to the axle 63 together with the hub shell 65. The inner peripheral surface of the magnet 72 is magnetized to different poles (S pole and N pole) at predetermined angular intervals. When the wheels rotate, relative rotation occurs between the stator unit 61 fixed to the axle 63 and the rotor unit 62 fixed to the hub shell 65, which causes an alternating current to be generated in the coil 68.

Like the hub 34, the hub dynamo 60 includes a sensor 55 for detecting a load applied to the wheels. Similar to the sensor 50, the sensor 55 can use a strain sensor, a magnetostrictive sensor, a piezoelectric element, or the like. In the example shown in FIG. 3, the sensor 55 is housed in the recess 75 formed in the central portion of the axle 63 in the axial direction, and the sensor 55 is mounted on the axle 63, but the sensor 55 does not rotate relative to the frame 2. It may be mounted on the stator unit 61, nuts 66, 70 and the like.

The detection signal of the sensor 55 is transmitted to the control device 20 via the lead wire 56, for example, but can also be transmitted to the control device 20 by wireless communication. In this case, the sensor 55 can be attached to a component that rotates relative to the frame 2, such as the rotor unit 62 and the hub shell 65. The lead wire 56 may be housed in a groove-shaped recess 75 along the axial direction of the axle 63 and may be pulled out of the hub shell 65 together with the lead wire 69 of the coil 68.

FIG. 4 is a block diagram showing an example of the configuration of the electrically power assisted bicycle 1. As illustrated in FIG. 4, the electrically power assisted bicycle 1 includes a front wheel 3a including a hub 34 to which the sensor 50 is mounted. The electrically power assisted bicycle 1 may use a hub dynamo 60 equipped with the sensor 55 instead of the hub 34 equipped with the sensor 50, or together with the hub 34. As described above, the electrically power assisted bicycle 1 includes a battery 10 and a motor unit 11. The motor unit 11 is a drive unit that assists the pedaling force of the pedal 7, and includes a motor 12, a drive circuit 13, and a control device 20 that controls the output of the motor 12.

As described above, the motor unit 11 controls the output of the motor 12 based on the torque (stepping force) acting on the input shaft connecting the pair of cranks 6 and the vehicle speed. Further, the motor unit 11 may control the output of the motor 12 by using the rotation speed of the input shaft. The motor 12 may be an electric motor driven by electric power supplied from the battery 10, but a preferable example is a three-phase brushless DC motor. In the present embodiment, the drive circuit 13 switches based on the control signal of the control device 20, so that the amount of current supplied to the motor 12 changes, whereby the output of the motor 12 is controlled.

The electrically power assisted bicycle 1 includes, for example, a torque sensor 14 that detects a pedaling force load acting on the input shaft (pedal 7), and a vehicle speed sensor 15 that detects a vehicle speed from the number of rotations of wheels. Further, the electrically power assisted bicycle 1 may include a rotation sensor 16 that detects the rotation speed of the input shaft (pedal 7). The detection information of these sensors is transmitted to the control device 20 and used for output control of the motor 12.

The electrically power assisted bicycle 1 has a first mode in which the first auxiliary power output from the motor 12 is added to the human power driven by the pedaling force of the pedal 7 to travel, and a second auxiliary power is applied from the motor 12. It is equipped with an electric assist function that can execute a second mode in which it outputs and pushes around, or outputs a second auxiliary power and makes it run by itself. All of these electric assist functions are executed under the control of the control device 20.

The electrically power assisted bicycle 1 includes a power switch 17 for operating the electrically power assisted function. The control device 20 executes the first mode of assisting the pedaling force of the pedal 7 when the operation signal of the power switch 17 is acquired. The power switch 17 is, for example, a switch that turns on when pressed once and turns off when pressed again. Further, the electrically power assisted bicycle 1 includes a second mode switch 18 for executing the second mode. The second mode switch 18 is, for example, a switch that is turned on only while the second mode switch 18 is pressed, and the second mode is executed only when the second mode switch 18 is pressed.

The electrically power assisted bicycle 1 may be provided with a switch unit (not shown) including a power switch 17, a second mode switch 18, and the like. The switch unit is generally provided on the handle 4. In the switch unit, in addition to the power switch 17 and the second mode switch 18, a switch for turning on the headlight 9, a switch for changing the running mode, an assist force, etc., and a switch for displaying the remaining battery level, etc. A display unit or the like may be mounted.

The second mode includes a "push-walking mode" and a "self-propelled mode". The push-walking mode is a mode in which when the user pushes and walks on the electrically power assisted bicycle 1, auxiliary power is output from the motor 12 to assist the push-walking. The push-walking mode is executed when the second mode switch 18 is pressed while the user is not riding the bicycle. On the other hand, the self-propelled mode is a mode in which the electrically assisted bicycle 1 is supported by a person and auxiliary power is output from the motor 12 to make the bicycle self-propelled. That is, the self-propelled mode differs from the push-walking mode in that the user does not apply a force to push the bicycle forward.

A sensor provided on the grip of the handle 4 or the like may detect a force applied to the front and discriminate between the push-walking mode and the self-propelled mode according to the magnitude of the force. Alternatively, the auxiliary power may be output from the motor 12 as the second mode without distinguishing between the push-walking mode and the self-propelled mode. In either case, the control device 20 permits the execution of the second mode when the user is not on the electrically power assisted bicycle 1.

The control device 20 includes a first mode execution processing unit 23 that executes the first mode, and a second mode execution processing unit 24 that executes the second mode. Further, the control device 20 is configured to control the operation of the electrically power assisted bicycle 1 based on the detection information of the sensor 50 mounted on the hub 34, which is a component of the front wheel 3a. The control device 20 includes a boarding determination processing unit 25 and an auxiliary power change processing unit 26 as control means using the detection information of the sensor 50.

The control device 20 is composed of a microcomputer 21 including a processor 21, a memory 22, an input / output interface, and the like. The processor 21 is composed of, for example, a CPU or a GPU, and realizes the functions of the above-mentioned processing units by reading and executing the control program of the electrically power assisted bicycle 1. The memory 22 includes a non-volatile memory such as a ROM, HDD, and SSD that stores the control program, detection information of the sensor 50, and the like, and a volatile memory such as a RAM.

For example, when the power switch 17 is ON, the first mode execution processing unit 23 acquires detected values from the torque sensor 14, the vehicle speed sensor 15, and the rotation sensor 16, and based on each of the detected values, the pedal 7 The first auxiliary power that assists the pedaling force is output. The first mode execution processing unit 23 controls the output of the motor 12 via the drive circuit 13 based on the pedaling force load applied to the pedal 7, the vehicle speed of the bicycle, the rotation speed of the pedal 7, and the like, and adjusts the first auxiliary power. ..

When the second mode switch 18 is ON, the second mode execution processing unit 24 drives the motor 12 to output the second auxiliary power that assists the pushing and walking. The second mode execution processing unit 24 controls the output of the motor 12 via the drive circuit 13 so that the vehicle speed does not exceed a predetermined upper limit value, and adjusts the second auxiliary power. In addition, the second mode execution processing unit 24 executes the second mode only when the user is not riding a bicycle. The user's boarding determination can be performed by a conventionally known method such as a method using a seating sensor of the saddle 5 or a method of detecting the state of a bicycle in which the saddle 5 or the pedal 7 cannot be boarded. In the embodiment, the execution is performed based on the detection information of the sensor 50.

The control device 20 is configured to determine whether or not the user is on board based on the detection information of the sensor 50 mounted on the front wheel 3a. Further, the control device 20 is configured to allow the output of the second auxiliary power when it is determined that the vehicle is not in the riding state, or prohibit the output of the second auxiliary power when it is determined that the vehicle is in the riding state. There is. By using the detection value of the sensor 50, it is possible to easily determine whether or not the user is on board, and the user can smoothly shift to the second mode without performing special operations such as raising the saddle 5 and folding the pedal 7.

In the present embodiment, the function of the boarding determination processing unit 25 executes the user's boarding determination based on the detection information of the sensor 50. Then, for example, the boarding determination processing unit 25 generates a permission command for permitting the output of the second auxiliary power when it is determined that the vehicle is not in the riding state, or when it is determined that the vehicle is in the riding state, the second auxiliary power Generate a prohibition command that prohibits output. Both the permission command and the prohibition command may be output. The second mode execution processing unit 24 executes the second mode on condition that the permission command is output. Alternatively, the second mode is executed on condition that the prohibition command is not output. The boarding determination processing unit 25 may prohibit the output of the first auxiliary power when it is determined that the vehicle is not in the boarding state. This function can also be applied to an electrically assisted bicycle that does not have the output function of the second auxiliary power.

The boarding determination processing unit 25 acquires, for example, the detected value of the sensor 50, compares the detected value with a predetermined threshold value, and determines the user's boarding. The boarding determination processing unit 25 may determine the riding state when the detection value of the sensor 50 exceeds the threshold value, or may determine the non-boarding state when the detection value of the sensor 50 is equal to or less than the threshold value. Then, the boarding determination processing unit 25 outputs at least one of the permission command and the prohibition command based on the determination result. The threshold value is obtained in advance by, for example, an experiment, a simulation, or the like, and is stored in the memory 22.

The memory 22 may store a detection value (Db) of the sensor 50 when not riding and a predetermined threshold value (T). The threshold value (T) is determined from, for example, the difference (ΔD = Da−Db) between the detected value (Da) and (Db) in consideration of the detected value (Da) of the sensor 50 when the user is on board. In this case, the boarding determination processing unit 25 acquires the detected value of the sensor 50, subtracts the detected value (Db) at the time of non-boarding from the detected value, compares the value with the threshold value (T), and compares the value with the threshold value (T). Make a boarding judgment.

The detected value (Da) at the time of determining the threshold value (T) may be determined by an experiment or the like based on the minimum body weight (for example, 40 kg) of the assumed user. Alternatively, the threshold value (T) may be set by actually getting on the vehicle and acquiring the detected value (Da) at a dealer or the like, or the preset initial threshold value (T) is changed. You may. That is, the threshold value (T) may be set or customized by the user.

The control device 20 may be configured to store the specific load as the weight of the user when the sensor 50 continues to detect the specific load while the bicycle is running. For example, when the sensor 50 detects a load decrease equivalent to the body weight stored in the memory 22, the control device 20 determines that the vehicle is in a non-ride state, and detects a load increase equivalent to the body weight stored in the memory 22. If so, it is judged to be in the riding state. The control device 20 may update the body weight stored in the memory 22 at specific distances or at specific times. It may also be configured to store the weights of a plurality of users. For example, the control device 20 may automatically memorize the weight when a user change registration is made from a predetermined input device, identifies the user from the numerical values of the torque sensor 14 and the vehicle speed sensor 16, and identifies the user for each user. The weight may be detected and memorized.

The control device 20 may be configured to determine or change at least one of the first auxiliary power and the second auxiliary power based on the detection information of the sensor 50. In the present embodiment, the function of the auxiliary power change processing unit 26 outputs a control command for changing at least one of the first auxiliary power and the second auxiliary power. For example, when the weight of the user is heavy or the weight of the cargo is heavy, the load detected by the sensor 50 becomes large. At this time, by increasing the auxiliary power according to the detection value of the sensor 50, more appropriate running assist and pushing walking assist can be realized.

The auxiliary power change processing unit 26 compares, for example, the detected value of the sensor 50 with a predetermined threshold value, and changes at least one of the first auxiliary power and the second auxiliary power. The auxiliary power change processing unit 26 may increase the auxiliary power when the detected value of the sensor 50 exceeds the threshold value, or decrease the auxiliary power when the detected value of the sensor 50 is equal to or less than the threshold value. The auxiliary power change processing unit 26 outputs a change command for changing the auxiliary power, and at least one of the first mode execution processing unit 23 and the second mode execution processing unit 24 outputs the auxiliary power based on the change command. Increase or decrease.

The control device 20 uses at least one of the first auxiliary power and the second auxiliary power by using a calculation formula, a table, etc. in which the detected value of the sensor 50 and at least one of the first auxiliary power and the second auxiliary power are associated in advance. One may be determined or changed. The control device 20 may determine the first auxiliary power based on the detected values of the torque sensor 14, the vehicle speed sensor 15, the rotation sensor 16, and the like, and further, the first auxiliary power determined based on the detected values of the sensor 50. The auxiliary power may be changed.

FIG. 5 shows the control of the second mode in which the electrically assisted bicycle 1 having the configuration illustrated in FIG. 4 outputs the second auxiliary power from the motor 12 to push and walk, or outputs the second auxiliary power to self-propell. It is a flowchart which shows an example of a procedure. Here, the push-walking mode will be described as an example.

As illustrated in FIG. 5, when the second mode is executed, the user's boarding determination is first performed (S10, S11). The second mode is executed based on the operation of the second mode switch 18 by the user only when the user is not riding the bicycle. That is, the boarding determination of S10 and S11 is a procedure for confirming the preconditions for executing the second mode. In the present embodiment, the detection information of the sensor 50 mounted on the component component of the front wheel 3a is acquired, and the boarding determination is performed based on the detection information. Then, when it is determined that the vehicle is not in the non-ride state, the execution of the second mode is permitted (S12), and when it is determined that the vehicle is not in the non-ride state (ride state), the execution of the second mode is prohibited (S13). ..

S10 to S13 are executed by the function of the boarding determination processing unit 25. As described above, the boarding determination processing unit 25 acquires, for example, the detected value of the sensor 50, subtracts the previously stored detection value (Db) at the time of non-boarding from the detected value, and a predetermined threshold value (T). ) To determine the user's boarding. In this case, for example, if the difference (ΔD) between the detection value of the sensor 50 and the detection value (Db) at the time of non-ride is equal to or less than the threshold value (T), it is determined that the vehicle is in the non-ride state (Yes in S11). Then, the boarding determination processing unit 25 outputs a permission command based on the determination result (S12).

Next, based on the operation of the second mode switch 18 by the user, the second auxiliary power is output from the motor 12 to execute the second mode for assisting the pushing and walking (S14, S15). S14 and S15 are executed by the function of the second mode execution processing unit 24. The second mode switch 18 is turned on only while it is pressed, for example, and an operation signal is output. The second mode execution processing unit 24 acquires the operation signal of the second mode switch 18 and drives the motor 12 based on the operation signal. The second auxiliary power may be determined or changed based on the detection information of the sensor 50.

FIG. 6 is a block diagram showing another example of the configuration of the electrically power assisted bicycle 1. The configuration illustrated in FIG. 6 is common to the configuration illustrated in FIG. 4 in that the operation of the electrically power assisted bicycle 1 is controlled by using the detection information of the sensor 50 mounted on the component component of the front wheel 3a. On the other hand, the control device 20x illustrated in FIG. 6 is different from the control device 20 illustrated in FIG. 4 in that it includes an assist mode execution processing unit 27, a state estimation processing unit 28, and a notification processing unit 29. In the following, with respect to the configuration common to the above-described embodiment, the same reference numerals will be used and duplicate description will be omitted.

The assist mode execution processing unit 27 executes the first mode that assists at least the pedaling force of the pedal 7. Similar to the first mode execution processing unit 23, the assist mode execution processing unit 27 acquires detected values from the torque sensor 14, the vehicle speed sensor 15, and the rotation sensor 16, and obtains the first auxiliary power based on the respective detected values. Output. The assist mode execution processing unit 27 may have a function of executing the second mode for assisting pushing and walking.

The control device 20x is configured to store the detection information of the sensor 50, accumulate the data, and estimate the state of the bicycle based on the data. Further, the control device 20x is configured to display information on the estimation result on the display unit 19. In the example shown in FIG. 6, the function is executed by the state estimation processing unit 28 and the notification processing unit 29. The display unit 19 may be any device that can display information related to the estimation result, and examples thereof include a lamp and a monitor. An example of the display unit 19 is a liquid crystal monitor provided in the switch unit together with the power switch 17.

The state estimation processing unit 28 accumulates data on the load acting on the hub 34 detected by the sensor 50, and calculates the integrated value of the load. An example of the integrated value of the load acting on the hub 34 is the sum of the product of the magnitude of the load and the time on which the load acts. The state estimation processing unit 28 may integrate the frequency with which a load exceeding a predetermined value is applied. The state estimation processing unit 28 estimates the state of the hub 34 by comparing, for example, the integrated value of the load acting on the hub 34 with a predetermined threshold value. The threshold value is obtained in advance by, for example, an experiment such as a durability test of the hub 34, a simulation, or the like, and is stored in the memory 22.

The state estimation processing unit 28 analyzes the load acting on the component of the front wheel 3a other than the hub 34 or the component of the bicycle other than the front wheel 3a from the detected value of the sensor 50 or the integrated value of the load acting on the hub 34. However, it is also possible to estimate the state of parts other than the hub 34. The integrated value of the load acting on the parts such as the hub 34 is an index indicating the degree of deterioration of the parts, the remaining useful life, and the like. Therefore, it is possible to predict the replacement time, maintenance time, and the like of the parts from the estimation result by the state estimation processing unit 28.

The state estimation processing unit 28 estimates that, for example, when the integrated value of the load acting on the component such as the hub 34 exceeds the threshold value, the component has deteriorated to a level to be replaced. Further, the state estimation processing unit 28 may estimate the degree of deterioration of the component from the integrated value of the load acting on the component by using a plurality of threshold values.

The notification processing unit 29 causes the display unit 19 to display information regarding the estimation result of the state estimation processing unit 28. The notification processing unit 29 may output a warning display prompting the replacement, maintenance, etc. of the parts, for example, when it is estimated that the parts such as the hub 34 have deteriorated to a level to be replaced. Further, when the degree of deterioration of the component is estimated by the state estimation processing unit 28, the notification processing unit 29 may output a display indicating the degree of deterioration. Due to the function of the notification processing unit 29, a display such as "front wheel hub replacement required" is displayed on the display unit 19.

FIG. 7 is a flowchart showing an example of a procedure for estimating the state of the bicycle based on the detection information of the sensor 50 in the electrically power assisted bicycle 1 having the configuration illustrated in FIG.

As illustrated in FIG. 7, in order to estimate the state of the bicycle based on the detection information of the sensor 50, it is necessary to first acquire the detection information of the sensor 50, store it in the memory 22, and accumulate the data (). S20, S21). As described above, it is possible to analyze not only the hub 34 but also the load acting on parts other than the hub 34 such as the rim 32, the spokes 33, and the frame 2 from the detected value of the sensor 50. Then, the integrated value of the load acting on the parts such as the hub 34 is calculated, and the state of the parts is estimated by comparing with the threshold value predetermined by the durability test or the like (S22).

S20 to S22 are executed by the function of the state estimation processing unit 28. The state estimation processing unit 28 estimates that, for example, when the integrated value of the load acting on the component such as the hub 34 exceeds the threshold value, the component has deteriorated to a level to be replaced (Yes in S22). Then, based on this estimation result, a warning display prompting the replacement of parts is output to the display unit 19 (S23). This procedure is executed by the function of the notification processing unit 29. On the other hand, when the integrated value of the load is equal to or less than the threshold value in S22, the procedures of S20 and S21 are continued, and the data on the load acting on the parts such as the hub 34 is accumulated.

FIG. 8 is a diagram showing a configuration of a bicycle management system 80 which is an example of the embodiment. The bicycle management system 80 is a system for managing the electrically power assisted bicycle 1 provided with the front wheels 3a to which the sensor 50 is mounted. The bicycle management system 80 can manage the state of a plurality of electrically power assisted bicycles 1, and is suitable for, for example, a share cycle system. The configuration of the bicycle management system 80 can also be applied to a bicycle that does not have an electric assist function.

As illustrated in FIG. 8, the bicycle management system 80 acquires the detection information of the sensors 50 of the plurality of electrically power assisted bicycles 1, accumulates the data, and estimates the state of the electrically power assisted bicycle 1 based on the data. A server 81 is provided as a monitoring device configured in. Further, the bicycle management system 80 includes a display device for displaying the state of the bicycle estimated by the server 81. In the example shown in FIG. 8, the display unit 19 of each electrically power assisted bicycle 1 is illustrated as a display device, but the display device is installed in a monitor installed on a stand of a share cycle system or a facility for centrally managing a plurality of bicycles. It may be a monitor or the like.

The server 81 is a device capable of communicating with a plurality of electrically power assisted bicycles 1 or a stand of a share cycle system via a wide area communication network such as the Internet. The server 81 is composed of a computer including, for example, a processor, a memory, an input / output interface, and the like, and may be a cloud server. The server 81 includes a detection information acquisition processing unit 82, a state estimation processing unit 83, and a notification processing unit 84, and by these functions, the state of the bicycle is determined based on the detection information of the sensor 50 mounted on the electrically power assisted bicycle 1. The estimation is performed, and information on the estimation result is displayed on a predetermined display device such as a display unit 19.

The detection information acquisition processing unit 82 acquires the detection information of the sensor 50 from each of the plurality of electrically power assisted bicycles 1, stores the detection information together with the identification information of each bicycle, and accumulates the data. The detection information acquisition processing unit 82 detects the sensor 50 directly from a plurality of electrically power assisted bicycles 1 by wireless communication, or via a bicycle parking stand to which each bicycle is electrically connected, such as a stand of a share cycle system. Get information.

The detection information acquisition processing unit 82 may acquire the detection information of the sensor 50 at predetermined intervals such as once a day or once a week, and the electrically power assisted bicycle 1 is connected to the bicycle parking stand. It may be executed every time. Since the memory 22 is mounted on the electrically power assisted bicycle 1, the detection information of the sensor 50 is temporarily stored in the memory 22. Then, the detection information acquisition processing unit 82 stores the detection information stored in the memory 22 in the memory of the server 81 and accumulates the data for each bicycle.

Similar to the state estimation processing unit 28 illustrated in FIG. 6, the state estimation processing unit 83 integrates the load acting on the bicycle parts such as the hub 34, compares the integrated value with a predetermined threshold value, and compares the integrated value with a predetermined threshold value to compare the hub. Estimate the state of parts such as 34. The state estimation processing unit 83 calculates an integrated value of the load for each of the electrically power assisted bicycles 1 and compares it with the threshold value. The state estimation processing unit 83 estimates that, for example, when the integrated value of the load acting on the component such as the hub 34 exceeds the threshold value, the component has deteriorated to a level to be replaced. Further, the state estimation processing unit 83 may estimate the degree of deterioration of the component from the integrated value of the load acting on the component by using a plurality of threshold values.

Similar to the notification processing unit 29 illustrated in FIG. 6, the notification processing unit 84 causes a predetermined display device such as the display unit 19 to display information on the estimation result of the state estimation processing unit 83. The notification processing unit 84 outputs information on the estimation result to the display unit 19 of the corresponding electrically power assisted bicycle 1. The notification processing unit 84 outputs a warning display prompting the replacement, maintenance, etc. of the parts, for example, when it is estimated that the parts such as the hub 34 have deteriorated to a level to be replaced.

As described above, the electrically power assisted bicycle 1 is provided with the front wheel 3a to which the sensor 50 is mounted, so that the detection information of the sensor 50 can be used to easily determine the riding when shifting to the second mode such as pushing and walking. Can be done accurately. Further, by storing the detection information of the sensor 50 and accumulating the data, it is possible to estimate the state of the bicycle, and it is possible to notify the user at an appropriate timing such as a replacement time of parts and a maintenance time.

The above-described embodiment can be appropriately redesigned as long as the object of the present disclosure is not impaired. For example, the sensor 50 may be mounted on both the front wheels and the rear wheels, and the sensors 50 on both wheels may be used to perform the above-mentioned controls such as boarding determination and state estimation. Further, the control device 20 illustrated in FIG. 4 may further have the functions of the state estimation processing unit 28 and the notification processing unit 29.

1 Electric Assisted Bicycle, 2 Frames, 2a Head Pipes, 2b Front Forks, 2c Down Pipes, 2d Seat Pipes, 2e Chain Stays, 2f Seat Stays, 3a Front Wheels, 3b Rear Wheels, 4 Handles, 5 Saddles, 6 Cranks, 7 Pedal , 8 chains, 9 headlights, 10 batteries, 11 motor units, 12 motors, 13 drive circuits, 14 spoke sensors, 15 vehicle speed sensors, 16 rotation sensors, 17 power switches, 18 second mode switches, 19 indicators, 20 Control device, 21 processor, 22 memory, 23 1st mode execution processing unit, 24 2nd mode execution processing unit, 25 boarding judgment processing unit, 26 auxiliary power change processing unit, 27 assist mode execution processing unit, 28,83 state estimation Processing unit, 29,84 Notification processing unit, 30a, 30b wheels, 31a, 31b tires, 32 rims, 33 spokes, 34 hubs, 35,63 axles, 36,64 bearings, 37,65 hub shells, 38,66,70 nuts , 39 lock ring, 40 bearings, 41 cones, 42 cups, 43,73 flanges, 44 through holes, 45,75 recesses, 50,55 sensors, 51,56,69 lead wires, 60 hub dynamos, 61 stator units, 62 Rotor unit, 67 lid, 68 coil, 71 rotor yoke, 72 magnet, 80 bicycle management system, 81 server, 82 detection information acquisition processing unit

Claims (9)

Parts that make up bicycle wheels
A bicycle wheel component with a sensor to detect the load on the wheel. The bicycle wheel component according to claim 1.
The component is a wheel component for a bicycle, which is a hub provided with the sensor. The bicycle wheel component according to claim 2.
The hub includes an axle that is fixed to the frame of the bicycle.
The sensor is a bicycle wheel component mounted on the axle. A bicycle provided with the wheel component according to any one of claims 1 to 3.
A bicycle comprising a control device configured to control the operation of the bicycle based on the detection information of the sensor. The bicycle according to claim 4.
The bicycle has a first mode in which the bicycle travels by adding a first auxiliary power output from a motor according to the magnitude of the pedaling force to a human-powered driving force due to the pedaling force of the pedal, and outputs a second auxiliary power from the motor. It is equipped with an electric assist function that can execute the second mode of pushing and walking or outputting the second auxiliary power to run by itself.
The control device determines whether or not the user is on board based on the detection information of the sensor, and when it is determined that the user is not on board, the output of the second auxiliary power is permitted or when it is determined that the user is on board. In addition, a bicycle configured to prohibit the output of the second auxiliary power. The bicycle according to claim 5.
The control device has a memory for storing the detection value (Db) of the sensor in the non-ride state, and calculates the difference (ΔD) between the detection value of the sensor and the detection value (Db) in the non-ride state. , A bicycle configured to compare the difference (ΔD) of the detected values with a predetermined threshold value to determine whether or not the user is on board. The bicycle according to claim 5 or 6.
The control device is a bicycle configured to determine or change at least one of the first auxiliary power and the second auxiliary power based on the detection information of the sensor. The bicycle according to any one of claims 4 to 7.
The control device is configured to store the detection information of the sensor, accumulate data, and estimate the state of the bicycle based on the data. A system for managing a bicycle provided with the wheel component according to any one of claims 1 to 3.
A monitoring device configured to acquire the detection information of the sensor, accumulate data, and estimate the state of the bicycle based on the data.
A display device for displaying information related to the estimation result by the monitoring device, and
A bicycle management system equipped with.

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