JP6931689B2 - Electric Assisted Bicycle Lock System and Electric Assisted Bicycle - Google Patents

Description

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

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

Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2019-14304

The vehicle described in Patent Document 1 includes a switching means for switching the control means for controlling the power supply or non-power supply from the battery. In addition, this vehicle switches the switching means so that the control means is in the power supply state when the bar moves to the unlocked position, and the control means is in the non-power supply state when the bar moves from the unlocked position to the locked position. A switching member for switching the switching means is provided. Therefore, when the lock is unlocked, the control means is in the power supply state, and when the lock is locked, the control means is in the non-power supply state.

Unlike such a vehicle, if an assist torque is generated at the time of locking, the bar will exert a large force on the spokes. According to the vehicle described in Patent Document 1, since the assist torque does not act on the wheels at the time of locking, a large force does not act on the spokes.

By the way, in the vehicle described in Patent Document 1, both are mechanically switched by a switching member in order to link the unlocking / locking of the lock portion with the power supply / non-power supply state of the control means. Therefore, when the lock is unlocked, the control unit is always in the power supply state, and when the lock is locked, the control unit is always in the non-power supply state.

On the other hand, there are times when you want to refer to various information on the assist system or change the settings of the assist system, such as checking the remaining battery level when locking. In this case, in the vehicle described in Patent Document 1, after unlocking and activating the assist system, various information is referred to, and the vehicle is locked again to shut down the assist system. However, the user is forced to unlock and lock the lock again even though he / she simply wants to refer to various information. Therefore, the present inventor thought that the convenience of the user could be further improved if various information could be referred to even during locking.

Therefore, an object of the present invention is to provide a lock system for an electrically power assisted bicycle and an electrically power assisted bicycle with improved user convenience.

According to the present invention
It is a lock system for electrically power assisted bicycles installed in electrically power assisted bicycles.
An assist system that can apply assist force to the wheels,
With the lock
The assist activation unit that activates the assist system and
An unlocking determination unit that constantly determines whether the lock unit is in an unlocked state or a locked state,
Has a control unit
When the assist starting unit is operated and the assist system is activated, the control unit sets an assist mode in which an assist force can be applied to the wheels if the unlocking determination unit determines that the lock is in the unlocked state. An electrically assisted bicycle that sends a signal to the assist system to set a non-assist mode in which an assist force is not applied to the wheels if the unlocking determination unit determines that the wheel is locked. A locking system is provided.

In the above-mentioned electrically assisted bicycle lock system
The control unit sends a signal for setting the assist mode when the unlocking determination unit determines that the lock is unlocked by a predetermined time after transmitting the signal for setting the non-assist mode to the assist system. It may be transmitted to the assist system.

In the above-mentioned electrically assisted bicycle lock system
The control unit sends a signal to the assist system to shut down if the unlocking determination unit determines that the lock state is locked even after a predetermined time has elapsed after transmitting the signal to set the non-assist mode to the assist system. You may send it.

In the above-mentioned electrically assisted bicycle lock system
The control unit may be operating even when the assist system is not activated.

In the above-mentioned electrically assisted bicycle lock system
When the unlocking determination unit determines that the lock is in the locked state, the control unit notifies the user that the display unit provided on the assist operation unit including the assist activation unit is locked or cannot be assisted. The signal to be displayed may be transmitted to the assist system.

In the above-mentioned electrically assisted bicycle lock system
When the control unit determines that the unlocking determination unit has transitioned from the unlocked state to the locked state, the control unit may transmit a signal to shut down to the assist system.

In the above-mentioned electrically assisted bicycle lock system
A radio wave transmitter that is portable and constantly emits radio waves,
It has a receiving unit for detecting the radio wave and
The lock is electric and
The control unit is provided in the assist operation unit provided with the assist activation unit when the reception unit does not receive radio waves with a reception intensity equal to or higher than a predetermined value when the assist activation unit is operated to activate the assist system. A signal may be transmitted to the assist system to display information notifying the user that at least one of the display unit is locked, cannot be assisted, the radio wave transmitting device is not carried, and the battery of the radio wave transmitting device is dead. ..

In the above-mentioned electrically assisted bicycle lock system
A radio wave transmitter that is portable and constantly emits radio waves,
It has a receiving unit for detecting the radio wave and
The lock is electric and
When the assist activation unit is operated and the assist system is activated, the control unit receives the lock unit when the lock unit is locked and the receiving unit detects a radio wave having a strength equal to or higher than a predetermined value. May be transmitted to the assist system by unlocking and setting the assist system to the assist mode.

According to the present invention, there is provided an electrically assisted bicycle having the above-mentioned electrically assisted bicycle lock system.

According to the present invention, an electrically assisted bicycle lock system and an electrically assisted bicycle with improved user convenience are provided.

It is a side view of the electric assist bicycle equipped with the lock system for the electric assist bicycle of this invention. It is a block diagram of the electric assist bicycle shown in FIG. It is a block diagram of the lock system for electrically assisted bicycles of 1st Embodiment of this invention. It is a flowchart of the lock system for electrically assisted bicycles of 1st Embodiment of this invention. It is a block diagram of the lock system for electrically assisted bicycles of the 2nd Embodiment of this invention. It is a flowchart of the lock system for electrically assisted bicycles of the 2nd Embodiment of this invention. It is a flowchart of the lock system for electrically assisted bicycles of 3rd Embodiment of this invention.

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

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

First, the electrically power assisted bicycle 1 equipped with the electrically power assisted bicycle lock system 200 according to the embodiment of the present invention will be described.

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

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

The vehicle body frame 11 includes a head pipe 12, a down frame 13, a seat frame 14, a pair of chain stays 16, and a pair of seat stays 17. The head pipe 12 is arranged at the front portion of the electrically power assisted bicycle 1. The front portion of the down frame 13 extending rearward is connected to the head pipe 12. The seat frame 14 is connected to the rear part of the down frame 13. The seat frame 14 extends upward and diagonally rearward from the rear end of the down frame 13.

A handle stem 25 is rotatably inserted into the head pipe 12. A handle 23 is fixed to the upper end of the handle stem 25. A front fork 26 is fixed to the lower end of the handle stem 25. A front wheel 21 is rotatably supported by an axle 27 at the lower end of the front fork 26. A front wheel speed sensor 37 that detects the vehicle speed from the rotation of the front wheels 21 is provided at the lower end of the front fork 26.

A seat pipe 28 is inserted inside the cylindrical seat frame 14. A seat 24 is provided at the upper end of the seat pipe 28.

The pair of chain stays 16 are provided so as to sandwich the rear wheels 22 from the left and right. The pair of chain stays 16 extend from the rear of the down frame 13 toward the center of rotation of the rear wheels 22. The pair of seat stays 17 extend from the upper part of the seat frame 14 toward the center of rotation of the rear wheels 22. The rear wheels 22 are rotatably supported at the rear ends of the chain stay 16 and the seat stay 17.

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

The power unit 40 is unitized by incorporating a crankshaft 41, a crank output shaft (not shown), a drive sprocket 42, a pedal torque detection unit 57, a crank rotation detection unit 58, an electric motor 60, and an auxiliary sprocket 44 into a unit case 50. It is a thing. The power unit 40 is bolted to the vehicle body frame 11.

The crankshaft 41 is rotatably provided below the seat frame 14. The crankshaft 41 is supported by penetrating the unit case 50 in the left-right direction. Crank arms 31 and 32 are attached to both ends of the crankshaft 41. Pedal 33, 34 is rotatably attached to the tips of the crank arms 31 and 32. The pedal torque detection unit 57 detects the pedal torque input to the crankshaft 41 by the driver via the pedals 33 and 34. The crank rotation detection unit 58 detects the rotation of the crankshaft 41 when the driver rotates the pedals 33 and 34. The crank output shaft (not shown) is formed in a cylindrical shape coaxial with the crank shaft 41, and is connected to the crank shaft 41 via a one-way clutch (not shown).

The drive sprocket 42 is attached to the right end of the crank output shaft (not shown). The drive sprocket 42 rotates together with the crankshaft 41. The driven sprocket 45 is provided coaxially with the rear wheel axle 29 of the rear wheel 22. The driven sprocket 45 is connected to the rear wheel 22 via a one-way clutch (not shown).

The endless chain 46 is hung on the driving sprocket 42 and the driven sprocket 45. As a result, when the driver depresses the pedals 33 and 34, the drive sprocket 42 rotates. Further, the rotation of the drive sprocket 42 is transmitted to the driven sprocket 45 via the chain 46, and the rear wheels 22 are driven.

The electric motor 60 is arranged in the unit case 50 and behind the crankshaft 41. An auxiliary sprocket 44 is provided on the output shaft of the electric motor 60. Electric power is supplied to the electric motor 60 from the battery 35. When electric power is supplied to the electric motor 60, the electric motor 60 rotates. The rotation of the electric motor 60 is transmitted to the chain 46 via the auxiliary sprocket 44. When electric power is supplied to the electric motor 60 in this way, motor torque is generated in the electric motor 60. This motor torque is transmitted to the rear wheels 22 via the chain 46.

Grip portions 63 are provided at the left and right ends of the handle 23. The grip portion 63 extends substantially in the front-rear direction. The driver can grip these grip portions 63.

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

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

FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing the functions of the electrically power assisted bicycle 1. As shown in FIG. 2, the electrically power assisted bicycle 1 includes an assist system 250. The assist system 250 includes an assist activation unit, a control device 100, an electric motor 60, and the like. The control device 100 includes a pedal torque calculation unit 101, a motor control unit 95, a motor drive unit 105, a shift stage estimation unit 97, and a memory 98.

<Power transmission path>
Next, the power transmission path will be described.
When the driver depresses the pedals 33 and 34 to rotate the crankshaft 41, the rotation of the crankshaft 41 is transmitted to the chain 46 via the one-way clutch 55. The one-way clutch 55 transmits only the forward rotation of the crankshaft 41 to the chain 46, and does not transmit the reverse rotation of the crankshaft 41 to the chain 46.

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

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

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

As described above, in the electrically assisted bicycle 1 according to the present embodiment, the pedal torque input to the crankshaft 41 and the motor torque of the electric motor 60 are combined by the chain 46.

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

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

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

The front wheel vehicle speed sensor 37 transmits a signal of the rotation speed of the front wheels 21 to the speed change estimation unit 97. The shift stage estimation unit 97 estimates the shift stage from the rotation speed of the front wheels 21 and transmits the information to the motor control unit 95.

The electric motor 60 is provided with a motor rotation sensor 99. The motor rotation sensor 99 detects the rotation speed of the electric motor 60 and transmits it to the shift stage estimation unit 97 and the motor drive unit 105.

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

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

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

The circle lock 220 is a device mounted on the electrically power assisted bicycle 1. The circle lock 220 can lock the rear wheel 22. The circle lock 220 includes a receiving unit 221, an unlocking determination unit 222, a lock unit 223, an answerback unit 224, and a control unit 225. The lock portion 223 is a portion where the rear wheel 22 can be locked.

The lock portion 223 includes a bar that can be moved to a position between the spokes of the rear wheel 22, and an electric actuator such as a motor that moves the bar. The lock 223 locks the rear wheel 22 by causing the bar to interfere with the spokes and making the rear wheel 22 non-rotatable. The answerback unit 224 is composed of a lamp and a buzzer. In the present embodiment, the answerback unit 224 can emit light and sound. The answerback unit 224 operates when it receives a radio wave when the assist system 250 is not activated.

The receiving unit 221 is configured to be able to receive radio waves at all times. The receiving unit 221 can receive radio waves even when the electrically power assisted bicycle 1 is not in a state where the assist torque can be applied. That is, the receiving unit 221 can receive radio waves even when the assist system 250 is not activated. The receiving unit 221 of the present embodiment is supplied with electric power from the battery mounted on the electrically power assisted bicycle 1.

The unlocking determination unit 222 constantly determines whether the locking unit 223 is in the unlocked state or the locked state. For example, the unlock determination unit 222 is connected to a contact switch capable of contacting the bar of the lock unit 223, and is in a locked state when the contact switch is in contact with the bar, and when the contact switch is not in contact with the bar. Judged as unlocked. However, the unlocking determination unit 222 may be configured to determine whether the locking unit 223 is in the unlocked state or the locked state according to another aspect. The unlocking determination unit 222 is operating even when the assist system 250 is not activated.

The control unit 225 transmits various signals to the assist system 250 according to the output of the unlock determination unit 222. The control unit 225 is operating even when the assist system 250 is not activated. The operation of the control unit 225 will be described in detail later with reference to FIG.

Further, in the present embodiment, the control unit 225 can transmit an unlocking operation signal to the lock unit 223. When the lock portion 223 receives the unlocking operation signal, the actuator operates to move the bar from the position between the spokes to the position where it does not interfere with the spokes. The locking operation may be configured to be performed manually by the user or may be performed electrically.

Further, the control unit 225 can transmit an answerback operation signal to the answerback unit 224. When the answerback unit 224 receives the answerback operation signal, the answerback unit 224 emits a lamp and further emits a sound from the buzzer. In the following description, the fact that the answerback unit 224 causes the lamp to emit light and generate a sound is referred to as operating the answerback unit 224.

Further, in the present embodiment, when the control unit 225 determines that the unlocked state has changed to the locked state based on the output of the unlocking determination unit 222, the control unit 225 sends a signal to shut down the assist system 250 to shut down the assist system 250. It is configured in.

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

The assist activation unit 231 is also connected to a control unit 225, which will be described later. When the assist activation unit 231 is operated, a signal is transmitted to the control unit 225. When the assist activation unit 231 is operated when the assist system 250 is not activated, an ON signal is transmitted to the control unit 225.

The mode switching unit 233 is a switch capable of switching the assist mode. In the present embodiment, when the mode switching unit 233 is operated, the assist torque is output with the first strength when a certain pedal force is input, and the first mode is when a certain pedal force is input. It is possible to switch between a strong mode in which the assist torque is output with a second intensity larger than the intensity of the above and a non-assist mode in which the assist torque is not output even if the pedal force is input. In the following description, the normal mode and the strong mode are collectively referred to as an assist mode. The display unit 232 of the assist operation unit 230 can operate even in the non-assist mode.

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

FIG. 4 is a flowchart executed by the control unit 225 of the electrically assisted bicycle lock system 200 of the present embodiment. As described above, the control unit 225 is always in operation even when the assist system 250 is not activated. The control unit 225 executes the process shown in FIG. 4 at predetermined intervals.

First, the control unit 225 determines whether or not the assist activation unit 231 has been operated (step S01). If the ON signal is not received from the assist activation unit 231, it is determined that the assist activation unit 231 is not operated (step S01: No), and the control unit 225 ends the process.

When the ON signal is received from the assist activation unit 231, it is determined that the assist activation unit 231 has been operated (step S01: Yes), and the control unit 225 determines whether or not the lock unit 223 is locked based on the output of the unlock determination unit 222. Determine (step S02). If the lock unit 223 is in the unlocked state (step S02: No), the control unit 225 ends the process.

If the lock unit 223 is in the locked state (step S02: Yes), the control unit 225 determines whether or not the reception intensity of the radio wave from the radio wave transmitting device 210 received by the reception unit 221 is equal to or higher than a predetermined value. (Step S03).

When the reception intensity of the radio wave is equal to or higher than a predetermined value (step S03: Yes), the control unit 225 transmits an unlocking signal to the lock unit 223 to unlock the lock unit 223 (step S04). Further, the control unit 225 transmits a signal for setting the assist mode to the assist system 250, sets the assist mode to the assist system 250 (step S05), and ends the process.

The control unit 225 may always set the normal mode as the assist mode in step S05. Alternatively, the control unit 225 may record whether normal assist or strong assist was selected when the assist system 250 was operated last time, and set the recorded assist mode in step S05.

When the reception strength of the radio wave is less than the predetermined value (step S03: No), the control unit 225 is locking the display unit 232 of the assist operation unit 230, cannot assist, does not carry the radio wave transmission device 210, and the battery of the radio wave transmission device 210. A signal for displaying information for notifying the user of at least one such as disconnection is transmitted to the assist system 250 (step S06). Further, the control unit 225 transmits a signal for setting the non-assist mode to the assist system 250, sets the non-assist mode to the assist system 250 (step S07), and ends the process.
In step S06, the control unit 225 displays a message or icon indicating that the display unit 232 is locked, cannot be assisted, the radio wave transmitting device 210 is not carried, the battery of the radio wave transmitting device 210 is dead, and the like. A signal to be displayed may be transmitted. Alternatively, the control unit 225 may transmit a signal for changing the color of the screen of the display unit 232 or blinking so as to mean these.

According to the electrically assisted bicycle lock system 200 according to the present embodiment, when the assist activation unit 231 is operated to activate the assist system 250, the control unit 225 states that the unlock determination unit 222 is unlocked. If it is determined, a signal for setting an assist mode capable of imparting an assist force to the rear wheel 22 is transmitted to the assist system 250, and if the unlocking determination unit 222 determines that the lock state is set, the assist force is applied to the rear wheel 22. A signal for setting the non-assist mode that is not applied is transmitted to the assist system 250.
Therefore, since the assist mode is not set at the time of locking, the assist torque is not input to the rear wheels 22 and a large force is prevented from acting on the spokes. Further, when the user simply wants to know the remaining battery level of the assist system 250, the assist system 250 can be activated in the locked state. At this time, since it is not necessary to unlock the lock portion 223, the convenience of the user is enhanced.

In the electrically assisted bicycle lock system 200 according to the present embodiment, if the unlocking determination unit 222 determines that the lock system is locked, the control unit 225 is locking or assisting the display unit 232 provided on the assist activation unit 231. A signal for displaying information notifying the user that it is not possible is transmitted to the assist system 250.
If the assist mode is not set in the assist system 250 even if the user operates the assist activation unit 231, the control unit 225 operates against the intention of the user. In such a case, the control unit 225 notifies the user that the assist system 250 has not been set to the assist mode against the intention of the user, and the user is notified that the assist system 250 is locked or cannot be assisted. , It is possible to inform the user that the assist mode is not set because the lock is not unlocked.

The electrically assisted bicycle lock system 200 according to the present embodiment is
A radio wave transmitter 210 that is portable and constantly emits radio waves,
It has a receiver 221 that detects radio waves, and
The lock part 223 is electric and
When the assist activation unit 231 is operated and the assist system 250 is activated, the control unit 225 sends the assist activation unit 231 to the assist activation unit 231 when the reception unit 221 does not detect a radio wave with a reception intensity equal to or higher than a predetermined value (step S03: No). While locked to the provided display unit 232, a signal for displaying information for notifying the user of at least one of non-assistability, non-carrying of the radio wave transmitting device 210, and dead battery of the radio wave transmitting device 210 is transmitted to the assist system 250 ( Step S06).

In the present embodiment, the radio wave transmitting device 210 constantly transmits radio waves, and the bicycle is automatically unlocked when approaching the electrically power assisted bicycle 1, so that the user is not usually aware of the unlocking. Therefore, when the receiving unit 221 cannot receive the radio wave with the receiving intensity equal to or higher than the predetermined value for some reason, the display unit 232 is locked, assist is not possible, the radio wave transmitting device 210 is not carried, and the battery of the radio wave transmitting device 210 is exhausted. By notifying at least one of the above, the user can be alerted.
The predetermined value of the reception intensity may be set to the detection limit of the reception unit 221 and the separation distance between the reception unit 221 and the radio wave transmitting device 210 is a predetermined distance (for example, 3 m or less). It may be set to the reception strength at the time.

The electrically assisted bicycle lock system 200 according to the present embodiment is
A radio wave transmitter 210 that is portable and constantly emits radio waves,
It has a receiver 221 that detects radio waves, and
The lock part 223 is electric and
When the assist activation unit 231 is operated and the assist system 250 is activated, the control unit 225 detects when the lock unit 223 is locked and the reception unit 221 detects a radio wave having a strength equal to or higher than a predetermined value (step S03). : Yes), a signal for unlocking the lock portion 223 and setting the assist system 250 to the assist mode is transmitted to the assist system 250 (steps S04 and S05).
When the user approaches his / her own electrically power assisted bicycle 1 while carrying the radio wave transmitting device 210, the lock is automatically unlocked, and then the assist mode is set by operating the assist activation unit 231. The user can start without intentionally performing the unlocking operation, which enhances convenience.

In the first embodiment described above, an example in which the electrically assisted bicycle lock system 200 has a radio wave transmitting device 210 that constantly transmits radio waves has been described, but the present invention is not limited to this. A radio wave transmitting device that transmits an unlocking radio wave when the user presses a button may be provided, and the lock unit 223 may be configured to unlock when the unlocking radio wave is received with a reception intensity equal to or higher than a predetermined value. The unlocking radio wave is a radio wave including a signal for the control unit 225 to unlock the lock unit 223.

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

<Second embodiment>
Further, in the first embodiment described above, an example in which the lock portion 223 is electrically operated and unlocked in response to a radio wave transmitted from a radio wave transmitting device has been described, but the present invention is not limited to this. The present invention can also be applied to an electrically power assisted bicycle 1 provided with a manual lock portion 323.

FIG. 5 is a block diagram of the electrically assisted bicycle lock system 300 according to the present embodiment. As shown in FIG. 5, the electrically assisted bicycle lock system 300 according to the second embodiment of the present invention is mounted on the electrically assisted bicycle 1 provided with a manual lock portion 323. That is, the circle lock 320 includes a lock unit 323, an unlock determination unit 322, and a control unit 325. Since the assist system 250 and the assist operation unit 230 are common to the above-described first embodiment, the description thereof will be omitted. The electrically assisted bicycle lock system 300 of the present embodiment does not have a radio wave transmitting device, and the user manually unlocks and locks the lock portion 323 using a key.

FIG. 6 shows a flowchart executed by the electrically power assisted bicycle lock system 300 according to the present embodiment. As shown in FIG. 6, the control unit 325 determines whether or not the assist activation unit 231 has been operated (step S11). If the assist activation unit 231 is not operated (step S11: No), the control unit 325 ends the process.

When the assist activation unit 231 is operated (step S11: Yes), the control unit 325 determines whether the lock unit 323 is in the unlocked state or the locked state based on the output of the unlocking determination unit 322 (step S12). ). When the lock unit 323 is in the unlocked state (step S12: No), the control unit 325 transmits a signal for setting the assist mode to the assist system 250, sets the assist mode to the assist system 250 (step S13), and processes. To finish.

When the lock unit 323 is in the locked state (step S12: Yes), the control unit 325 transmits a signal for setting the non-assist mode to the assist system 250, and sets the non-assist mode to the assist system 250 (step S14). Further, the control unit 325 transmits a signal for displaying the information for notifying the user that the assist is not possible during locking to the display unit 232 of the assist operation unit 230 to the assist system 250, and displays the information on the display unit 232 (step S15). ..

Further, the control unit 325 starts counting after transmitting a signal to be displayed on the display unit 232 (step S16). Based on the output of the unlocking determination unit 322, the control unit 325 determines whether or not the unlocking state is reached by the elapse of a predetermined time from the start of counting (step S17). If the lock unit 323 is in the unlocked state by the elapse of the predetermined time (step S17: Yes), the control unit 325 transmits a signal for setting the assist mode to the assist system 250, and sets the assist mode to the assist system 250. (Step S13), and the process ends.

If the unlocked state is not reached by the elapse of the predetermined time (step S17: No), the control unit 325 sends a signal to shut down the assist system 250, shuts down the assist system 250 (step S18), and ends the process. do.

Also in the electrically assisted bicycle lock system 300 according to the present embodiment, when the assist activation unit 231 is operated to activate the assist system 250, the control unit 325 determines that the unlock determination unit 322 is in the unlocked state. If so, a signal for setting the assist mode capable of applying the assist force to the rear wheel 22 is transmitted to the assist system 250, and if the unlocking determination unit 322 determines that the lock state is set, the assist force is not applied to the rear wheel 22. A signal for setting the assist mode is transmitted to the assist system 250.
Therefore, since the assist mode is not set at the time of locking, the assist torque is not input to the rear wheels 22 and a large force is prevented from acting on the spokes. Further, when the user simply wants to know the remaining battery level of the assist system 250, the assist system 250 can be activated in the locked state. At this time, since it is not necessary to unlock the lock portion 323, the convenience of the user is enhanced.

Further, according to the electrically assisted bicycle lock system 300 according to the present embodiment, if the control unit 325 is unlocked by a predetermined time after transmitting a signal for setting the non-assist mode to the assist system 250 ( Step S17: Yes), a signal for setting the assist mode is transmitted to the assist system 250 (step S13). Therefore, even if the assist activation unit 231 is operated before the user unlocks the lock, the assist mode is set if the lock is unlocked immediately.

In the electrically assisted bicycle locking system 300 according to the present embodiment, the control unit 325 keeps the unlocking determination unit 322 in the unlocked state even after a predetermined time has elapsed after transmitting the signal for setting the non-assist mode to the assist system 250. When it is not determined, a signal to shut down is transmitted to the assist system 250 (steps S17 and S18). As a result, it is possible to prevent the battery from being wasted while the assist system 250 is being activated.
For example, when a third party who does not have the key operates the assist activation unit 231 by mischief, the lock unit 323 is not unlocked by the elapse of the predetermined time, so that the assist system 250 is shut down after the elapse of the predetermined time. NS. Therefore, wasteful consumption of the battery can be suppressed.

<Third Embodiment>
In the second embodiment described above, the control unit starts counting after transmitting the signal to be displayed on the display unit 232 in steps S16 and S17 (step S16), and unlocks the lock by the time when a predetermined time elapses from the start of counting. The configuration for determining whether or not the state is established has been described. The present invention is not limited to this example. FIG. 7 is a flowchart of the electrically assisted bicycle lock system according to the third embodiment of the present invention. Steps S21 to S24 of the third embodiment of the present invention are the same as steps S11 to S14 of the second embodiment. Step S25 and step S26 will be described.

As shown in FIG. 7, in the present embodiment, the control unit 325 transmits a signal to be displayed on the display unit 232 and then transmits a signal to be displayed on the display unit 232 without counting (step). Immediately after executing S25), a signal for shutting down the assist system 250 is transmitted to shut down the assist system 250 (step S26).
Even with such a configuration, since the assist mode is not set at the time of locking, the assist torque is not input to the rear wheels 22 and a large force is prevented from acting on the spokes. Further, when the user simply wants to know the remaining battery level of the assist system 250, the assist system 250 can be activated in the locked state. At this time, since it is not necessary to unlock the lock portion 223, the convenience of the user is enhanced.

Alternatively, in FIG. 7, it is not necessary to execute the step of transmitting the signal indicating that the lock is being locked to the display unit 232 in step S25 to the assist system 250. Alternatively, it is not necessary to transmit the shutdown signal of step S26 to the assist system 250 after executing step S25. Further, the process may be terminated when the signal for setting the non-assist mode is transmitted to the assist system 250 without executing steps S25 and S26.

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

1 Electric assisted bicycle 200 Electric assisted bicycle lock system 210 Radio wave transmitter 220 Circle lock 221 Receiver 222 Unlocking judgment unit 223 Lock unit 224 Answerback unit 225 Control unit 230 Assist operation unit 231 Assist activation unit 232 Display unit 233 Mode switching Part 250 Assist System 300 Electric Assisted Bicycle Lock System 320 Circle Lock 322 Unlocking Judgment Unit 323 Locking Unit 325 Control Unit

Claims (9)

It is a lock system for electrically power assisted bicycles installed in electrically power assisted bicycles.
An assist system that can apply assist force to the wheels,
With the lock
The assist activation unit that activates the assist system and
An unlocking determination unit that constantly determines whether the lock unit is in an unlocked state or a locked state,
Has a control unit
When the assist starting unit is operated and the assist system is activated, the control unit sets an assist mode in which an assist force can be applied to the wheels if the unlocking determination unit determines that the lock is in the unlocked state. An electrically assisted bicycle that transmits a signal to the assist system to set a non-assist mode in which the wheel is not applied with an assist force if the unlocking determination unit determines that the wheel is locked. Locking system. The control unit sends a signal for setting the assist mode when the unlocking determination unit determines that the lock is unlocked by a predetermined time after transmitting the signal for setting the non-assist mode to the assist system. The lock system for an electrically assisted bicycle according to claim 1, which is transmitted to the assist system. The control unit sends a signal to the assist system to shut down if the unlocking determination unit determines that the lock state is locked even after a predetermined time has elapsed after transmitting the signal to set the non-assist mode to the assist system. The electrically assisted bicycle lock system according to claim 1 or 2, which is transmitted. The lock system for an electrically power assisted bicycle according to claim 1, wherein the control unit is operating even when the assist system is not activated. When the unlocking determination unit determines that the lock is in the locked state, the control unit notifies the user that the display unit provided on the assist operation unit including the assist activation unit is locked or cannot be assisted. The electrically assisted bicycle lock system according to claim 1, wherein a signal to be displayed is transmitted to the assist system. The electrically assisted bicycle lock system according to claim 1, wherein the control unit transmits a signal to shut down to the assist system when the unlock determination unit determines that the unlocked state has changed to the locked state. A radio wave transmitter that is portable and constantly emits radio waves,
It has a receiving unit for detecting the radio wave and
The lock is electric and
The control unit is provided in the assist operation unit provided with the assist activation unit when the reception unit does not receive radio waves with a reception intensity equal to or higher than a predetermined value when the assist activation unit is operated to activate the assist system. A claim for transmitting a signal to the assist system for displaying information notifying the user of at least one of the display unit being locked, the assist is not possible, the radio wave transmitting device is not carried, and the battery of the radio wave transmitting device is dead. The lock system for an electrically assisted bicycle according to 1. A radio wave transmitter that is portable and constantly emits radio waves,
It has a receiving unit for detecting the radio wave and
The lock is electric and
When the assist activation unit is operated and the assist system is activated, the control unit locks the lock unit when the lock unit is locked and the receiving unit detects a radio wave having a strength equal to or higher than a predetermined value. The electrically assisted bicycle lock system according to claim 1, wherein a signal for unlocking the unit and setting the assist system to the assist mode is transmitted to the assist system. An electrically assisted bicycle provided with the lock system for the electrically assisted bicycle according to any one of claims 1 to 8.

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