JP5498451B2 - Electric assist bicycle - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to a battery-assisted bicycle that assists a driver's pedal effort with the driving force of an electric motor. Specifically, the present invention relates to a display function of a battery-assisted bicycle.

  Conventionally, a battery-assisted bicycle that displays the remaining assistable travel distance based on the remaining battery capacity is known. In such a battery-assisted bicycle, as disclosed in Patent Document 1, for example, the remaining assistable travel distance is calculated based on the remaining battery capacity, the speed information of the battery-assisted bicycle, and the elapsed time information. . In the above-described battery-assisted bicycle, the remaining assistable distance is displayed on the display unit.

  A battery-assisted bicycle that displays the remaining battery capacity is also known. In such a battery-assisted bicycle, the remaining battery capacity is detected, and the detection result is displayed on the display unit.

JP-A-10-304502

  An object of the present invention is to provide a battery-assisted bicycle that performs a display so that a driver of the battery-assisted bicycle can intuitively grasp the remaining battery capacity and the assistable travel distance.

Means for Solving the Problems and Effects of the Invention

  As described above, the assistable travel distance is calculated based on the remaining battery capacity. Therefore, the assistable travel distance and the remaining capacity of the battery are common in terms of information regarding the remaining capacity of the battery. Therefore, in order to obtain information on the battery, either the assist travelable distance or the remaining battery capacity may be displayed. Therefore, in general, only one of the information on the assistable travel distance or the remaining battery capacity is displayed.

  By the way, when the battery-assisted bicycle travels, the remaining battery capacity and the assist travelable distance greatly affect the assist travel. Therefore, the driver of the battery-assisted bicycle is always worried about changes in the remaining battery capacity and the assistable travel distance. However, as described above, it is difficult for the driver to intuitively understand the remaining assist travelable distance only by information on the remaining battery capacity. In addition, it is difficult for the driver to intuitively understand the remaining battery capacity only by the information on the assistable travel distance.

  Therefore, the battery-assisted bicycle according to an embodiment of the present invention is a battery-assisted bicycle that assists the driver's pedal effort with the driving force of the electric motor. The battery-assisted bicycle includes a battery that supplies electric power to the electric motor and a battery control unit that detects a remaining capacity of the battery. The battery-assisted bicycle further includes an assistable distance calculation unit that calculates a remaining assistable distance based on the remaining battery capacity detected by the battery control unit, the remaining battery capacity, and the assistable travel And a display device that simultaneously displays the distance.

  By simultaneously displaying the remaining battery capacity and the assistable travel distance on the display device, it is possible to intuitively grasp not only the information on one side but also the remaining battery capacity and the assistable travel distance.

FIG. 1 is a right side view showing a schematic configuration of a battery-assisted bicycle according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention. FIG. 2 is a diagram showing a schematic configuration of the drive unit and the driven sprocket. 3 is a cross-sectional view taken along line III-III in FIG. FIG. 4 is a front view of the display device. FIG. 5 is a diagram illustrating a state in which the display device is attached to the handle. FIG. 6 is a block diagram illustrating a schematic configuration of the control unit, the battery control unit, and the display device control unit in the first embodiment. FIG. 7 is a flowchart showing a method for calculating the assistable travel distance in the first embodiment. FIG. 8 is a flowchart showing display control of the assistable travel distance in the display device control unit. FIG. 9 is a block diagram illustrating a schematic configuration of an assistable distance calculation unit according to the second embodiment. FIG. 10 is a flowchart illustrating a method of calculating the assistable travel distance in the second embodiment.

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

  In the following description, front, rear, left, and right mean front, rear, left, and right as viewed from the driver who is seated on the seat 24 of the battery-assisted bicycle 1 while grasping the handle 23.

[Embodiment 1]
(Overall configuration of battery-assisted bicycle)
FIG. 1 shows a schematic configuration of a battery-assisted bicycle 1 according to the first embodiment. FIG. 2 shows a schematic configuration of the drive unit 40 and the driven sprocket 45 of the battery-assisted bicycle 1. As will be described later, the battery-assisted bicycle 1 assists the pedal depression force obtained by the driver depressing the pedals 33 and 34 with the driving force output from the electric motor 61. That is, the battery-assisted bicycle 1 has a drive mechanism for assisting the pedal effort in addition to a general bicycle configuration.

  As shown in FIG. 1, the battery-assisted bicycle 1 has a body frame 11 that extends in the front-rear direction. The battery-assisted bicycle 1 includes a front wheel 21, a rear wheel 22, a handle 23, a seat 24, and a drive unit 40.

  The vehicle body frame 11 includes a head pipe 12, a down frame 13, a seat frame 14, a bracket 15 (see FIG. 2), a pair of chain stays 16, and a pair of seat stays 17. As shown in FIG. 1, the head pipe 12 is disposed at the front portion of the battery-assisted bicycle 1. The head pipe 12 is connected to the front side of a down frame 13 extending rearward. The seat frame 14 is connected to the rear side of the down frame 13 and extends upward and obliquely rearward from the rear end portion of the down frame 13.

  As shown in FIG. 2, the bracket 15 is attached to the rear side of the down frame 13. A pair of chain stays 16 are connected to the rear side of the bracket 15 so as to sandwich the rear wheel 22 from the left and right. As shown in FIG. 1, one end of each of the pair of seat stays 17 is connected to each chain stay 16. Each of the pair of seat stays 17 is connected to the seat frame 14 at the other end.

  A handle stem 25 is rotatably inserted into the head pipe 12. A handle 23 is fixed to the upper end portion of the handle stem 25. A front fork 26 is fixed to the lower end portion of the handle stem 25. A front wheel 21 is rotatably supported by an axle 27 at the lower end of the front fork 26.

  A 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.

  As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, a rear wheel 22 is rotatably supported by an axle 29 at the rear ends of the pair of chain stays 16. A driven sprocket 45 coaxial with the axle 29 is provided on the right side of the rear wheel 22. The driven sprocket 45 is connected to the rear wheel 22 via a one-way clutch (not shown).

  As shown in FIG. 2, the drive unit 40 is fixed to the bracket 15 by a plurality of fasteners 30. The configuration of the drive unit 40 will be described later. As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, an endless chain 46 is wound around a drive sprocket 42 (described later) of the drive unit 40 and a driven sprocket 45 provided on the rear wheel 22. A chain cover 47 is attached to the vehicle body frame 11 so as to cover the drive unit 40 and the chain 46 (see FIG. 1). The chain cover 47 has a main cover 48 and a sub cover 49. The main cover 48 extends in the front-rear direction while covering the right side of the drive sprocket 42. The sub cover 49 covers the right side of the rear portion of the drive unit 40.

  As shown in FIG. 1, crank arms 31 and 32 are attached to both ends of a crankshaft 41 of a drive unit 40 described later. Pedals 33 and 34 are attached to the distal ends of the crank arms 31 and 32, respectively.

  As shown in FIG. 1, a battery unit 35 for supplying electric power to an electric motor 61 of a drive unit 40 described later is disposed behind the seat frame 14. The battery unit 35 includes a battery 36 (battery) and a battery control unit 37 (see FIG. 6). The battery 36 is a chargeable / dischargeable rechargeable battery. The battery control unit 37 controls charging / discharging of the battery 36 and monitors the output current, remaining capacity, and the like of the battery 36. The configuration of the battery control unit 37 will be described later.

  FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view illustrating a schematic configuration of the drive unit 40. 3 is a cross-sectional view taken along line III-III in FIG.

  As shown in FIG. 3, the drive unit 40 includes a main body 51, a crankshaft 41, a drive sprocket 42, a drive force generator 60, an auxiliary sprocket 43, and a chain tensioner 86.

  The main body 51 has a first case portion 52 and a second case portion 53 that are combined with each other from the left and right. The first case portion 52 and the second case portion 53 are fixed to each other by a plurality of fasteners 54 (see FIGS. 2 and 3). The main body 51 is attached to the bracket 15 by the fastening bracket 30 described above.

  As shown in FIG. 3, the crankshaft 41 penetrates the main body 51 in the left-right direction and is rotatably supported by the front end portion of the main body 51. The crankshaft 41 is rotatably supported with respect to the first case portion 52 and the second case portion 53 via a plurality of bearings. On one side of the crankshaft 41, a substantially cylindrical inner member 55a that rotates integrally with the crankshaft 41 is provided. Since the crank arms 31 and 32 are connected to both ends of the crankshaft 41 as described above, the crankshaft 41 rotates when the driver steps on the pedals 33 and 34.

  The drive sprocket 42 is attached to the right end portion of the outer peripheral surface of the inner member 55a. The crankshaft 41, the inner member 55a, and the drive sprocket 42 are arranged coaxially with each other.

  A substantially cylindrical rotating member 56 is disposed coaxially with the crankshaft 41 at the central portion of the crankshaft 41 in the axial direction. The right end portion of the rotating member 56 is supported by the crankshaft 41 via a cylindrical slide bearing 71. The left end portion of the rotating member 56 is connected to the crankshaft 41 by, for example, a spline structure. Thereby, the rotating member 56 rotates integrally with the crankshaft 41.

  A torque detector 57 is arranged coaxially with the rotating member 56. The torque detector 57 includes, for example, a magnetostrictive torque sensor. When the torque detection unit 57 is a magnetostrictive torque sensor, the torque detection unit 57 includes a coil disposed to face the outer peripheral surface of the rotating member 56. The torque detector 57 configured as described above detects the torque of the crankshaft 41 by detecting the distortion of the rotating member 56 as a voltage change of the coil. The torque detection unit 57 outputs a signal corresponding to the detected torque to the control device 110 described later. The control device 110 controls an electric motor 61 described later based on the signal output from the torque detection unit 57. The torque detector 57 may have a configuration other than the magnetostrictive torque sensor as long as the pedal depression force can be detected.

  A substantially cylindrical outer member 55b of the one-way clutch 55 is arranged coaxially with the crankshaft 41 so as to connect the rotating member 56 and the inner member 55a. The left end portion of the outer member 55b and the right end portion of the rotating member 56 are connected by, for example, a spline structure. As a result, the outer member 55 b rotates integrally with the rotating member 56.

  The right end portion of the outer member 55b and the left end portion of the inner member 55a are connected by, for example, a ratchet structure so that only a rotational force in one direction is transmitted from the outer member 55b to the inner member 55a. Thereby, the rotational force in the forward rotation direction (clockwise direction when viewed from the right side) is transmitted from the outer member 55b to the inner member 55a. However, the rotational force in the backward rotation direction (counterclockwise direction when viewed from the right side) is not transmitted from the outer member 55b to the inner member 55a.

  With this configuration, when the driver steps on the pedals 33 and 34 to advance the battery-assisted bicycle 1 and rotates the crankshaft 41, the driver's pedaling force is applied from the crankshaft 41 to the rotating member 56 and the outer member. It is transmitted to the inner member 55a via 55b. Therefore, the inner member 55a and the drive sprocket 42 are rotated forward. On the other hand, when the driver rotates the crankshaft 41 backward, the rotation is not transmitted from the outer member 55b to the inner member 55a. Therefore, the inner member 55a and the crankshaft 41 do not rotate backward.

  The driving force generator 60 is disposed behind the crankshaft 41 in the first case portion 52 and the second case portion 53. The driving force generator 60 includes an electric motor 61, an output shaft 81, and a gear 82.

  The electric motor 61 generates an auxiliary driving force for assisting the traveling of the battery-assisted bicycle 1 based on a control signal output from the control device 110 described later. The electric motor 61 is drive-controlled so as to change the auxiliary driving force that assists the traveling of the battery-assisted bicycle 1 in accordance with an assist mode described later.

  The electric motor 61 has a stator 62, a rotor 63, and a rotating shaft 64. The stator 62 is fixed to the second case portion 53. A motor cover 65 is attached to the second case portion 53 so as to cover the left side of the electric motor 61. The rotating shaft 64 passes through the rotor 63 and is fixed to the rotor 63. The rotating shaft 64 is rotatably supported by the second case portion 53 and the motor cover 65 via rolling bearings 66 and 67. A gear groove 64 a is formed at the right end portion of the rotation shaft 64.

  Although not particularly illustrated, a control device 110 described later is disposed in the vicinity of the electric motor 61. In the present embodiment, the control device 110 is disposed in the vicinity of the electric motor 61. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and the control device 110 may be disposed in another location.

  The output shaft 81 is rotatably supported by the main body 51 at a position behind the crankshaft 41. Specifically, the output shaft 81 is rotatably supported by the first case portion 52 and the second case portion 53 via rolling bearings 83 and 84.

  The gear 82 is disposed coaxially with the output shaft 81 between the rolling bearing 83 and the rolling bearing 84. The gear 82 meshes with a gear groove 64 a formed on the rotating shaft 64 of the electric motor 61. As a result, the auxiliary driving force generated by the electric motor 61 is transmitted from the rotating shaft 64 to the gear 82, and the gear 82 rotates. In this embodiment, the electric motor 61 is arranged so that the rotating shaft 64 rotates forward. Therefore, the gear 82 is rotated backward by the auxiliary driving force transmitted from the rotating shaft 64.

  A one-way clutch 85 is provided between the gear 82 and the output shaft 81. The one-way clutch 85 is configured to transmit the rotational force in the backward rotation direction from the gear 82 to the output shaft 81 but not to transmit the rotational force in the forward rotation direction.

  The auxiliary sprocket 43 is disposed coaxially with the output shaft 81 at the right end portion of the output shaft 81. The auxiliary sprocket 43 and the output shaft 81 are connected to each other by, for example, a spline structure. As a result, the auxiliary driving force generated by the driving force generator 60 is transmitted from the output shaft 81 to the auxiliary sprocket 43. Therefore, the auxiliary sprocket 43 rotates backward.

  The chain tensioner 86 is disposed at the rear end portion of the right side surface of the first case portion 52. As shown in FIG. 2, the chain tensioner 86 has one end connected to the first case portion 52 via a tension spring 87. Further, the other end of the chain tensioner 86 is rotatably connected to the first case portion 52 by a support bolt 88. The chain tensioner 86 is provided with a tension sprocket 90 that can rotate with respect to the support bolt 89. A chain 46 is wound around the tension sprocket 90 so as to push the tension sprocket 90 backward. Therefore, the chain 46 is adjusted to an appropriate tension by the chain tensioner 86.

(Display device)
As shown in FIGS. 1 and 5, the battery-assisted bicycle 1 includes a display device 100 attached to the handle 23. For example, the display device 100 is attached to the handle 23 in the vicinity of the left grip. The display device 100 displays information including the speed of the battery-assisted bicycle 1, the remaining capacity of the battery 36, the amount of current output from the battery 36, and other travel information. The display device 100 is connected to a control device 110, which will be described later, via a wiring (not shown) so that signals can be exchanged. The display device 100 may be attached to the handle 23 at the center in the vehicle width direction or near the right grip. In that case, the configuration of the display device described below may be reversed.

  As shown in FIG. 4, the display device 100 includes a casing 101 that is formed in a horizontally long and substantially rectangular shape, and a display device control unit 102 that is housed in the casing 101. The casing 101 is provided with a display unit 103, an assist mode operation unit 104 (input unit), a display mode switching button 105, a light operation unit 106, and a power switch 107.

  The display unit 103 includes a liquid crystal panel, for example. In the display unit 103, display of characters, graphics, and the like is controlled by the display device control unit 102. The display unit 103 includes a speed display unit 103a, a remaining battery capacity display unit 103b (remaining battery capacity display unit), a current amount display unit 103c, an assist mode display unit 103d, and a selection information display unit 103e. Information output as a meter information signal from the control device 110 described later is displayed on the speed display unit 103a, the remaining battery capacity display unit 103b, the current amount display unit 103c, the assist mode display unit 103d, and the selection information display unit 103e. . The remaining battery capacity display unit 103b and the selection information display unit 103e are provided adjacent to each other.

  The speed display portion 103a displays the speed of the battery-assisted bicycle 1 as a number. The speed of the battery-assisted bicycle 1 is detected by a speed sensor (not shown), for example. The speed display unit 103 a is provided above the central portion of the display unit 103.

  In the battery remaining capacity display unit 103b, the remaining capacity of the battery 36 is displayed in segments based on the information on the remaining battery capacity output from the battery control unit 37 of the battery unit 35 to the control device 110. Thereby, the remaining capacity of the battery 36 can be grasped intuitively. The battery remaining capacity display unit 103b always displays the remaining capacity of the battery 36 while power is supplied to the display device 100.

  As shown in FIG. 5, the remaining battery capacity display unit 103 b is provided on the vehicle body center side (driver side, right side in the drawing) in the vehicle width direction of the display unit 103. The battery remaining capacity display unit 103b is provided closer to the vehicle body center side in the vehicle width direction than the selection information display unit 103e. The remaining battery capacity display unit 103b is provided above the selection information display unit 103e. Thereby, when the driver visually recognizes the display unit 103, the remaining battery capacity display unit 103b can be arranged at a position where it is most easily visually recognized. In the display unit 103, the center side of the vehicle body in the vehicle width direction close to the driver and the upper side where the line of sight changes little during driving is the position that is most easily visible to the driver. By providing the remaining battery capacity display unit 103b at that position, it becomes easier for the driver to visually recognize the remaining battery capacity display unit 103b.

  In the current amount display unit 103c, the output current amount of the battery 36 is displayed by segment based on the information of the current amount output from the battery control unit 37 of the battery unit 35 to the control device 110. The current amount display unit 103 c is provided below the speed display unit 103 a in the display unit 103.

  The assist mode display unit 103d displays an assist mode selected by an operation of an assist mode operation unit 104 described later. For example, in the present embodiment, there are four assist modes, “strong”, “standard”, “auto eco”, and “off”, as will be described later. When the assist mode is any one of “strong”, “standard”, and “auto-eco”, the assist mode display unit 103d lights and displays a display portion corresponding to each mode. On the other hand, when the assist mode is “OFF”, the assist mode display unit 103d does not light any display part. As will be described later, the assist mode corresponds to the assist ratio of the electric motor 61. Therefore, the assist mode display unit 103d displays information regarding the assist ratio of the electric motor 61. The assist mode display unit 103 d is provided on the left grip side of the display unit 103. The assist mode display unit 103 d is located in the vicinity of the assist mode operation unit 104.

  In the selection information display unit 103e, the average vehicle speed, the maximum vehicle speed, the accumulated travel distance, the remaining assist travelable distance, the calorie consumption, and the remaining battery capacity are displayed as numbers in accordance with an operation of a display mode switching button 105 described later. Accordingly, the average vehicle speed, the maximum vehicle speed, the accumulated travel distance, the remaining assist travelable distance, the calorie consumption, and the remaining battery capacity can be accurately displayed numerically. The average vehicle speed, the maximum vehicle speed, the accumulated travel distance, the remaining assist travelable distance, the calorie consumption, and the remaining battery capacity are displayed on the selection information display unit 103e based on information output from the control device 110. The selection information display section 103e is provided on the display section 103 on the vehicle body center side in the vehicle width direction and adjacent to the remaining battery capacity display section 103b. Thus, the driver can easily visually recognize the selection information display unit 103e disposed on the vehicle body center side closer to the driver. In addition, by arranging the selection information display unit 103e adjacent to the battery remaining capacity display unit 103b, the assist travelable distance selectively displayed on the selection information display unit 103e and the remaining capacity of the battery 36 are adjacent to each other. It can be displayed in position. Therefore, the driver can easily recognize the remaining assistable travel distance while grasping the remaining capacity of the battery 36.

  The assist mode operation unit 104 is provided on the left side of the display unit 103 in the casing 101. Accordingly, the driver of the battery-assisted bicycle 1 can easily operate the assist mode operation unit 104 with the thumb of the left hand or the like. Moreover, since the display unit 103 is located on the vehicle body center side (driver side) in the vehicle width direction of the casing 101, the driver can easily view the display unit 103.

  The assist mode operation unit 104 includes a first selection button 104a and a second selection button 104b. The first selection button 104a is provided on the casing 101 above the second selection button 104b.

  When the driver presses the first selection button 104a, an assist mode with a larger auxiliary driving force can be selected. For example, when the current assist mode is “standard”, the assist mode is changed to “strong” by pressing the first selection button 104a.

  When the driver presses the second selection button 104b, an assist mode with a smaller auxiliary driving force can be selected. For example, when the current assist mode is “standard”, the assist mode is changed to “auto eco” by pressing the second selection button 104b. If the second selection button 104b is pressed again while the assist mode is “Auto Eco”, the assist mode is set to “Off”.

  The assist mode will be briefly described below.

  In the case of this embodiment, the assist mode of the battery-assisted bicycle 1 has four modes of “strong”, “standard”, “auto-eco”, and “off”. The auxiliary driving force of the electric motor 61 decreases in the order of “strong”, “standard”, and “auto eco” with respect to the same pedal depression force.

  When the assist mode is “standard”, the electric motor 61 generates auxiliary driving force when the battery-assisted bicycle 1 starts, runs on a flat road, or runs on an uphill road. When the assist mode is “strong”, the electric motor 61 generates an auxiliary driving force when the battery-assisted bicycle 1 starts, runs on a flat road, or runs on an uphill as in the case of “standard”. When the assist mode is “strong”, the electric motor 61 generates a larger auxiliary driving force for the same pedal depression force than in the “standard” case.

  When the assist mode is “auto eco”, the electric motor 61 generates a smaller auxiliary driving force for the same pedal depression force than when it is “standard” when the battery-assisted bicycle 1 starts or runs uphill. When the assist mode is “OFF”, the electric motor 61 does not generate an auxiliary driving force.

  Therefore, the assist ratio of the electric motor 61 with respect to the driver's pedal effort changes according to the assist mode described above. The assist ratio is a ratio of the auxiliary driving force of the electric motor 61 to the driver's pedaling force.

  In the present embodiment, the assist mode is switched to four stages. However, the assist mode may be switched in three steps or less, or in five steps or more.

  The display mode switching button 105 is provided on the lower side and the left side of the casing 101. By pressing the display mode switching button 105, information displayed on the selection information display unit 103e is switched.

  The light operation unit 106 is provided on the lower side and the right side of the casing 101. That is, the light operation unit 106 is provided on the lower side of the casing 101 along with the display mode switching button 105. By pressing the light operation unit 106, a light ON signal or a light OFF signal is output from the display device control unit 102 of the display device 100 to the control device 110. Thereby, the light (not shown) of the battery-assisted bicycle 1 can be turned on or off.

  The power switch 107 is provided on the upper side and the left side of the casing 101. By pressing the power switch 107, an ON signal or an OFF signal is output from the display device control unit 102 of the display device 100 to the control device 110. Thereby, the whole system which performs assist control of the battery-assisted bicycle 1 can be turned on or off.

  As shown in FIG. 6, the display device control unit 102 includes a display control unit 102a, an operation control unit 102b, and a signal control unit 102c. The display control unit 102 a performs display control for displaying various information on the display unit 103 based on a meter information signal input from the control device 110. That is, the display control unit 102a displays characters and diagrams corresponding to the meter information signal on the speed display unit 103a, the remaining battery capacity display unit 103b, the current amount display unit 103c, the assist mode display unit 103d, and the selection information display unit 103e, respectively. Etc. are displayed.

  The operation control unit 102 b outputs a signal to the display control unit 102 a and the control device 110 in response to an input operation on the display device 100. That is, when the assist mode operation unit 104, the display mode switching button 105, or the power switch 107 is operated, the operation control unit 102b outputs a signal to the display control unit 102a to change the display of the display unit 103. A signal is also output to the control device 110. Further, when the operation of the light operation unit 106 is performed, the operation control unit 102b outputs a signal to the control device 110.

  The signal control unit 102 c controls transmission / reception of signals between the display device 100 and the control device 110. The display device 100 and the control device 110 exchange signals related to travel information of the battery-assisted bicycle 1 and input operations to the display device 100. The signal control unit 102c controls transmission and reception of signals on the display device 100 side.

  Various information output from the control device 110 can be displayed on the display unit 103 of the display device 100 by the display device control unit 102 described above. In addition, the display device control unit 102 can switch the display of the display unit 103 in accordance with an input operation on the display device 100 and can output a signal to the control device 110.

(Control device and battery control device)
The control device 110 is provided in the vicinity of the electric motor 61 although not particularly shown. The control device 110 performs assist control of the battery-assisted bicycle 1 and causes the display device 100 to display various information. As illustrated in FIG. 6, the control device 110 includes a control unit 111, an inverter 112, and a storage unit 113.

  The inverter 112 controls driving of the electric motor 61 by controlling electric power supplied from the battery 36 to the electric motor 61. The inverter 112 controls driving of the electric motor 61 in accordance with a control signal output from the control unit 111 as will be described later.

  The storage unit 113 is configured to be able to store data. The storage unit 113 includes, for example, a nonvolatile memory. In the storage unit 113, information on traveling of the battery-assisted bicycle 1, setting information input to the display device 100, and power consumption of each assist mode (power consumption rate: unit capacity of the battery 36 (electric amount)) Various information including data such as the distance traveled (hereinafter simply referred to as electricity consumption) is stored. The storage unit 113 can exchange signals with the control unit 111. Thereby, the control unit 111 can read various information stored in the storage unit 113, and can store information input to the control unit 111 as data in the storage unit 113.

  Note that the storage unit 113 may store only the power consumption corresponding to a specific assist ratio. In this case, the assistable distance calculation unit 111b described later considers the ratio (or difference) between the assist ratio of the currently selected assist mode and the specific assist ratio stored in the storage unit 113. Then, the electricity cost at the current assist ratio is calculated.

  In this embodiment, the storage unit 113 is independent from the control unit 111, but the storage unit 113 may be built in the control unit 111.

  The control unit 111 controls the output current of the battery 36 by exchanging signals with the battery control unit 37 of the battery unit 35, and acquires information (battery information) regarding the remaining capacity and output current of the battery 36. . Further, the control unit 111 displays various information on the display device 100 by exchanging signals with the display device control unit 102 of the display device 100, and also displays information input to the display device 100. get.

  The control unit 111 includes a motor control unit 111a and an assistable distance calculation unit 111b. The motor control unit 111a outputs a control signal to the inverter 112 so as to assist the driver's pedal effort in accordance with the signal related to the torque input from the torque detection unit 57 described above. Specifically, the motor control unit 111a calculates the auxiliary driving force required for the electric motor 61 based on the torque input from the torque detection unit 57 and the assist ratio corresponding to the assist mode. Then, the motor control unit 111a adjusts the output of the electric motor 61 so that the output of the electric motor 61 becomes the required auxiliary driving force. That is, the motor control unit 111a causes the electric motor 61 to generate a driving force necessary for assisting according to the pedal depression force.

  The motor control unit 111 a changes the auxiliary driving force by the electric motor 61 in accordance with the assist mode changing operation in the assist mode operation unit 104 of the display device 100.

  For example, when the assist mode is “standard”, the motor control unit 111a detects a torque corresponding to any one of starting, running on a flat road, or traveling on an uphill by the torque detection unit 57. An auxiliary driving force is generated in the electric motor 61. When the assist mode is “strong”, the motor control unit 111 a causes the electric motor 61 to generate a larger auxiliary driving force for the same torque (pedal pedaling force) than when the assist mode is “standard”. When the assist mode is “auto eco”, the motor control unit 111a causes the electric motor 61 to generate an auxiliary driving force when the torque detection unit 57 detects a corresponding torque at the time of starting or traveling uphill. When the assist mode is “auto eco”, the motor control unit 111a causes the electric motor 61 to generate a smaller auxiliary driving force for the same torque (pedal pedaling force) than when the assist mode is “standard”. When the assist mode is “OFF”, the motor control unit 111 a does not drive the electric motor 61.

  The assistable distance calculation unit 111b calculates the remaining assistable travel distance using the remaining capacity ratio of the battery 36 and the battery capacity (for example, nominal capacity) data output from the battery control unit 37. The remaining capacity ratio means the ratio of the remaining capacity to the capacity when the battery is fully charged.

  The assistable distance calculation unit 111b includes a power consumption selection unit 111c, a remaining electricity amount calculation unit 111d, and a distance calculation unit 111e. The electricity cost selection unit 111c reads data of electricity cost corresponding to the assist mode from the storage unit 113. In this storage unit 113, for example, a constant value obtained by dividing the travel distance in each assist mode with the battery 36 fully charged by the nominal capacity of the battery 36 is stored in advance as the power consumption. . The power consumption data stored in the storage unit 113 may be any data as long as it corresponds to each assist mode.

  The remaining electricity amount calculation unit 111 d calculates the remaining electricity amount in the battery 36 using the remaining capacity ratio and the battery capacity data of the battery 36 acquired from the battery control unit 37 of the battery unit 35. The remaining electricity amount is obtained by multiplying the capacity of the battery 36 and the remaining capacity ratio. In this embodiment, the remaining electricity amount is obtained by multiplying the nominal capacity of the battery 36 and the remaining capacity ratio.

  The distance calculation unit 111e calculates the remaining assistable travel distance by multiplying the power consumption selected by the power consumption selection unit 111c and the remaining electricity amount calculated by the remaining current amount calculation unit 111d.

  The battery control unit 37 includes a remaining capacity calculation unit 37 a that calculates the remaining capacity ratio of the battery 36, and a battery monitoring unit 37 b that monitors the output current of the battery 36 and the like. The battery monitoring unit 37b detects not only the amount of current flowing out from the battery 36 during discharging, but also the amount of current flowing through the battery 36 when charging the battery 36. The amount of current during discharge detected by the current monitoring unit 37b is output from the battery control unit 37 to the control unit 111 as part of the battery information. The remaining amount calculation unit 37a integrates the current amount at the time of charging / discharging of the battery 36 obtained by the battery monitoring unit 37b, so that the current amount remaining in the battery 36 with respect to the total current amount in the battery 36. Find the ratio. This ratio is the above-described remaining capacity ratio. The calculated remaining capacity ratio is output from the battery control unit 37 to the control unit 111 as part of the battery information.

(Calculation method of assist travelable distance)
Hereinafter, a calculation method of the assistable travel distance by the assistable distance calculation unit 111b of the control unit 111 will be described with reference to FIG.

  When the flow shown in FIG. 7 starts, first, the control unit 111 determines whether or not the battery information output from the battery control unit 37 has been normally acquired (step SA1). When it is determined that the control unit 111 has acquired the battery information normally (in the case of YES), the process proceeds to step SA2. After step SA2, the assistable distance calculation unit 111b calculates the assistable distance. On the other hand, when it is determined that the control unit 111 has not acquired the battery information normally (in the case of NO), the process proceeds to step SA7. In step SA7, the assistable distance calculation unit 111b sets a signal relating to the assistable travel distance to an indefinite value. The control device 110 outputs a signal with the assist travelable distance set to an indefinite value to the display device 100 as a part of the meter information signal.

  In step SA2, the electricity cost selection unit 111c of the assistable distance calculation unit 111b reads the electricity cost corresponding to the current assist mode from the storage unit 113.

  Next, the assistable distance calculation unit 111b acquires the remaining capacity ratio and the battery capacity data of the battery 36 based on the battery information output from the battery control unit 37 (step SA3). Then, the remaining electricity amount calculation unit 111d calculates the remaining electricity amount in the battery 36 from the remaining capacity ratio and the battery capacity of the battery 36 (step SA4). In the subsequent step SA5, the remaining assist travelable distance is calculated by the distance calculation unit 111e using the power consumption selected in step SA2 and the remaining electricity amount calculated in step SA4. The calculated assistable travel distance is output as a signal to the display device 100 by the control device 110.

  In steps SA6 and SA7, the control device 110 outputs a signal related to the assistable travel distance as a part of the meter information signal to the display device 100, and then ends the flow of FIG. 7 (END).

  Next, the operation of the display control unit 102a when displaying the assistable travel distance in the display device 100 that has received the signal related to the assistable travel distance will be described with reference to FIG. In the following description, the assist travelable distance is selected as information displayed on the selection information display unit 103e of the display device 100.

  The flow shown in FIG. 8 starts when a signal related to the assistable travel distance is input from the control device 110 to the display device 100. First, in step SB1, the display device control unit 102 determines whether or not the assistable travel distance is indefinite in the signal output from the control device 110. When the assist travelable distance is indefinite (in the case of YES), the process proceeds to step SB2. In Step SB2, the display control unit 102a displays the assist travelable distance as an indefinite value on the selection information display unit 103e (for example, displays only a horizontal line). On the other hand, if the assist travelable distance is not indefinite (NO), the process proceeds to step SB3. In step SB3, the display control unit 102a displays the assistable travel distance on the selection information display unit 103e.

  After steps SB2 and SB3, this flow ends (END).

  In the present embodiment, in the display unit 103 of the display device 100, the remaining capacity of the battery 36 is displayed on the battery remaining capacity display unit 103b, and the assistable travel distance is displayed on the selection information display unit 103e. Thereby, it is possible to grasp both the remaining capacity of the battery 36 and the assistable travel distance. Therefore, the driver can acquire more accurate information regarding the battery 36.

  In addition, by displaying information on both the remaining capacity of the battery 36 and the assistable travel distance on the display unit 103, it is possible to grasp the relationship between the remaining capacity of the battery 36 and the assistable travel distance. As a result, it is possible to grasp the specific distance in which the assist travel is possible while confirming the remaining capacity of the battery 36. Then, it is possible to easily plan the journey to the destination. Furthermore, when traveling back and forth to the destination, it is possible to confirm that the amount of electricity for the return is secured by the remaining battery capacity and the assistable travel distance, so it is possible to perform assist travel with peace of mind.

  In the present embodiment, in the display unit 103, the remaining battery capacity display unit 103b is provided above the selection information display unit 103e. Thereby, the driver can check the remaining capacity of the battery 36 without greatly changing the line of sight from the line of sight position during driving. Accordingly, the driver can easily visually recognize the remaining capacity of the battery 36.

  In the present embodiment, in the display unit 103, the selection information display unit 103e is provided adjacent to the remaining battery capacity display unit 103b. Thereby, it is possible to visually recognize the assistable travel distance displayed on the selection information display unit 103e and the remaining capacity of the battery 36 displayed on the battery remaining capacity display unit 103b. Therefore, it is possible to simultaneously acquire information on both the assistable travel distance and the remaining battery capacity.

  In the present embodiment, the display device 100 is attached to the handle 23. Thereby, the driver | operator can visually recognize the display part 103 of the display apparatus 100, facing front at the time of a driving | operation. Therefore, the driver can acquire information displayed on the display unit 103 even during driving.

  In the present embodiment, the remaining battery capacity display unit 103 b and the selection information display unit 103 e are provided on the vehicle body center side in the vehicle width direction of the display unit 103. As a result, in the display unit 103, the remaining battery capacity display unit 103b and the selection information display unit 103e are close to the driver located on the vehicle body center side in the vehicle width direction. It becomes easy to be visually recognized. Moreover, in the present embodiment, the remaining battery capacity display 103b is provided closer to the vehicle body center side in the vehicle width direction than the selection information display unit 103e. As a result, the driver can easily recognize the remaining capacity of the battery 36 rather than the assistable travel distance.

  In the present embodiment, the remaining battery capacity display unit 103b displays the remaining capacity of the battery 36 by segments, while the selection information display unit 103e displays the assistable travel distance by numbers. Thereby, while the remaining capacity of the battery 36 can be grasped intuitively, the assistable travel distance can be grasped more accurately.

  In the present embodiment, the assist mode is displayed on the display unit 103 in addition to the remaining capacity of the battery 36 and the assistable travel distance. Thus, the driver can grasp the assistable travel distance according to the assist mode. Therefore, the driver can easily select an assist mode that satisfies the required travel distance while checking the remaining capacity of the battery 36.

[Embodiment 2]
FIG. 9 shows a schematic configuration of the assistable distance calculation unit 151 in the control device for the battery-assisted bicycle according to the second embodiment. The configuration of the second embodiment is different from the configuration of the first embodiment described above in that the assistable distance calculation unit 151 obtains the assistable travel distance using the power consumption calculated for each fixed travel distance. In the following description, the same components as those in the first embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals, description thereof is omitted, and only different points will be described.

  As illustrated in FIG. 9, the assistable distance calculation unit 151 includes a power consumption calculation unit 151a, a remaining electricity amount calculation unit 111d, a distance calculation unit 151b, and a distance adjustment unit 151c.

  The power consumption calculation unit 151a calculates the power consumption for assisting the pedal effort by the electric motor 61 for each fixed distance. That is, the power consumption calculation unit 151a calculates the power consumption by using the change in the remaining battery capacity while the battery-assisted bicycle travels a certain distance. The travel distance of the battery-assisted bicycle is detected by, for example, a speed sensor (not shown). Information on the remaining battery capacity is obtained from battery information input from the battery control unit 37 to the control device 110.

  When the assist mode is changed, the power consumption calculation unit 151a corrects the power consumption calculated as described above in consideration of the ratio between the power consumption in the original mode and the power consumption in the changed mode. Here, the power consumption in the original assist mode (hereinafter referred to as power consumption before change) and the power consumption in the assist mode after change (hereinafter referred to as power consumption after change) are predetermined values, and the storage unit 113. Is remembered. The electricity cost calculation unit 151a reads the electricity cost before change and the electricity cost after change from the storage unit 113, respectively. Then, the electricity cost calculation unit 15 obtains the electricity cost after changing the assist mode by multiplying the electricity cost calculated for each fixed travel distance as described above by the ratio of the electricity cost before change and the electricity cost after change. Thereby, even immediately after the assist mode is changed, it is possible to obtain the power consumption corresponding to the changed assist mode.

  The distance calculation unit 151b calculates the assistable travel distance using the power consumption obtained by the power consumption calculation unit 151a and the remaining electricity amount obtained by the remaining electricity amount calculation unit 111d having the same configuration as that of the first embodiment.

  The distance adjustment unit 151c adjusts the assist travelable distance when the travel pattern of the battery-assisted bicycle changes. When the assist travelable distance calculated this time is larger than the previously calculated assist travelable distance, the distance adjustment unit 151c makes the assist travelable distance larger than the calculation result. For example, when the distance calculation unit 151b calculates the assist travelable distance every 250 m, if the assist travelable distance calculated this time is larger than the previously calculated assist travelable distance, the calculation result by the distance calculation unit 151b is set to 100 m. to add. When the assist travelable distance calculated this time is smaller than the previously calculated assist travelable distance, the distance adjustment unit 151c makes the assist travelable distance smaller than the calculation result. For example, when the distance calculation unit 151b calculates the assist travelable distance every 250 m, if the assist travelable distance calculated this time is smaller than the assist travelable distance calculated last time, 100 m is calculated from the calculation result by the distance calculation unit 151b. Subtract. Thereby, the assist travelable distance can be made closer to the actual value with respect to the change of the travel pattern. Note that the value to be added to or subtracted from the calculation result when adjusting the assist travelable distance may be other than 100 m.

  A method for calculating the assistable travel distance by the assistable distance calculation unit 151 will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG.

  When the flow shown in FIG. 10 starts, first, the control unit 111 determines whether or not the battery information output from the battery control unit 37 has been normally acquired (step SC1). When it is determined that the control unit 111 has acquired the battery information normally (in the case of YES), the process proceeds to step SC2. After step SC2, the assistable distance calculation unit 151 calculates the assistable distance. On the other hand, when it is determined that the control unit 111 has not acquired the battery information normally (in the case of NO), the process proceeds to step SC10. In step SC10, the assistable distance calculation unit 151 sets a signal related to the assistable travel distance to an indefinite value. A control device (not shown) outputs a signal in which the assist travelable distance is set to an indefinite value to the display device 100 as a part of the meter information signal.

  In step SC2, the current electricity cost of the battery-assisted bicycle is calculated by the electricity cost calculating unit 151a. As described above, the power consumption calculation unit 151a calculates the power consumption based on the travel distance and the remaining capacity of the battery 36 for each fixed distance.

  Next, in step SC3, the control device determines whether the assist mode has been switched after the previous calculation of the assist travelable distance. If it is determined that the assist mode has been switched (YES), the process proceeds to step SC4. In step SC4, the power consumption calculation unit 151a corrects the power consumption by mode switching. That is, in this step SC4, the power consumption calculation unit 151a uses the ratio of the power consumption before change and the power consumption after change stored in the storage unit 113 to calculate the power consumption calculated before the change of the assist mode. Convert to electricity costs. Thereafter, the process proceeds to Step SC5.

  Even when it is determined that the assist mode is not switched (NO), the process proceeds to step SC5. In step SC <b> 5, the assistable distance calculation unit 151 acquires the remaining capacity ratio and battery capacity data of the battery 36 from the battery information output from the battery control unit 37. Then, the remaining electricity amount calculation unit 111d calculates the remaining electricity amount in the battery 36 using the remaining capacity ratio and the battery capacity of the battery 36 (step SC6). In the subsequent step SC7, the distance calculation unit 151b uses the power consumption calculated in step SC2 (or the power consumption corrected in the case of correction in step SC4) and the remaining power calculated in step SC6 to make the remaining power consumption. The assist travelable distance is calculated.

  Thereafter, in step SC8, the distance adjustment unit 151c corrects the assist travelable distance accompanying the variation in the travel pattern of the battery-assisted bicycle.

  The assist travelable distance calculated as described above is output as a part of the meter information signal to the display device 100 by the control device.

  In steps SC9 and SC10, the control device outputs a signal relating to the assistable travel distance as a part of the meter information signal to the display device 100, and then ends the flow of FIG. 10 (END).

  In the display device 100, the operation of the display control unit 102a when displaying the assistable travel distance is the same as that in FIG.

  In the present embodiment, the assistable distance calculation unit 151 that calculates the electricity cost for every fixed distance converts the electricity cost into the electricity cost after the assist mode is switched when the assist mode is switched. Thereby, even when the assist mode is switched, the assist travelable distance corresponding to the assist mode after switching can be quickly displayed on the display device 100.

(Other embodiments)
While the embodiments of the present invention have been described above, the above-described embodiments are merely examples for carrying out the present invention. Therefore, the present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiment, and can be implemented by appropriately modifying the above-described embodiment without departing from the spirit thereof.

  In each of the embodiments, the assist mode is selected from four modes. That is, the assist ratio by the electric motor 61 is switched in stages. However, the assist ratio by the electric motor 61 may be changed steplessly.

  In each of the above embodiments, the remaining capacity of the battery 36 is obtained by comparing the total amount of current when the battery 36 is charged with the amount of current when the battery 36 is discharged. However, the remaining battery capacity can be determined by any method, such as determining the remaining capacity by measuring the battery voltage, or determining the remaining capacity by measuring the impedance in the battery. Good.

  In each of the embodiments, the remaining electricity amount of the battery 36 is obtained from the remaining capacity ratio and the nominal capacity of the battery 36. However, the remaining electricity amount of the battery 36 may be obtained from the remaining capacity ratio of the battery 36 and the actual capacity of the battery 36.

  In each of the above-described embodiments, the electric motor 61 is disposed in the central portion of the battery-assisted bicycle 1. However, the electric motor may be disposed in the front wheel or rear wheel hub. In this case, the electric motor directly drives the front or rear axle.

  In each of the embodiments, the display unit 103 is provided with the assist mode display unit 103d and the selection information display unit 103e. However, the selection information display unit 103e may be provided in the display unit 103, while the assist mode display unit 103d may be provided in another display unit arranged adjacent to the display unit 103. In this case, for example, the assist mode (information on the assist ratio) may be displayed on another display unit using a lamp such as an LED.

  In each of the above embodiments, as shown in FIG. 4, the display unit 103 includes a speed display unit 103a, a remaining battery capacity display unit 103b, a current amount display unit 103c, an assist mode display unit 103d, and a selection information display unit 103e. ing. However, the speed display unit 103a, the remaining battery capacity display unit 103b, the current amount display unit 103c, the assist mode display unit 103d, and the selection information display unit 103e may be arranged in an arrangement other than that shown in FIG. Further, the display unit 103 may not include the speed display unit 103a and the current amount display unit 103c. Furthermore, the selection information display unit 103e may be a display unit that displays only the assist mode travelable distance.

  In each embodiment, the display unit 103 is provided with the remaining battery capacity display unit 103b and the selection information display unit 103e. However, the remaining battery capacity display unit 103b and the selection information display unit 103e may be provided in separate display units.

  In the first embodiment, the power consumption used when calculating the assistable travel distance is a fixed value corresponding to each assist mode. Moreover, in the said Embodiment 2, the power consumption used when calculating an assist driving | running | working possible distance is the value calculated | required according to the fixed traveling distance of a motor-assisted bicycle. As long as the power consumption corresponding to each assist mode can be obtained, another method may be used for obtaining the power consumption.

1 battery-assisted bicycle 36 battery (battery)
37 Battery control unit 61 Electric motor 100 Display device 103 Display unit 103b Remaining battery capacity display unit (remaining battery capacity display unit)
103e Selection information display unit 104 Assist mode operation unit (input unit)
111a Motor control unit 111b, 151 Assistable distance calculation unit 113 Storage unit

Claims (8)

A battery-assisted bicycle that assists the driver's pedal effort with the driving force of an electric motor,
A battery for supplying power to the electric motor;
A battery control unit for detecting a remaining capacity of the battery;
Based on the remaining capacity of the battery detected by the battery control unit, an assistable distance calculation unit that calculates the remaining assist travelable distance;
A display device that simultaneously displays the remaining capacity of the battery and the assistable travel distance ;
The display device
A battery remaining capacity display unit that constantly displays the remaining capacity of the battery while power is being supplied to the display device;
That having a selection information display unit for displaying select at least one of information from the assist travelable distance and other information, motor-assisted bicycle. The battery-assisted bicycle according to claim 1,
The display device is a battery-assisted bicycle having one display unit that simultaneously displays the remaining capacity of the battery and the assistable travel distance. The battery-assisted bicycle according to claim 1 or 2 ,
The display device is a battery-assisted bicycle that displays a remaining capacity of the battery at a position above the assist travelable distance. The battery-assisted bicycle according to claim 3 ,
The display device is a battery-assisted bicycle that displays the assistable travel distance adjacent to the remaining capacity of the battery. The battery-assisted bicycle according to claim 1,
The display device is a battery-assisted bicycle attached to a handle. The battery-assisted bicycle according to claim 5 ,
The display device displays the remaining capacity of the battery and the assistable travel distance at a position on the vehicle body center side in the vehicle width direction of the display device, and the remaining capacity of the battery is more than the assist travelable distance. A battery-assisted bicycle that displays in the center of the vehicle in the vehicle width direction. The battery-assisted bicycle according to claim 1 or 2 ,
The display device displays the remaining capacity of the battery by a segment, and displays the assistable travel distance by a number. The battery-assisted bicycle according to claim 1 or 2 ,
A motor control unit for changing an assist ratio of the electric motor with respect to the pedal depression force;
The display device is a battery-assisted bicycle that simultaneously displays the assist ratio in addition to the remaining capacity of the battery and the assistable travel distance.

Images