JP7223505B2 - Power supplies and systems - Google Patents

Description

The present invention relates to power supplies and systems.

2. Description of the Related Art In recent years, technology has been realized that uses electric power to drive components such as a transmission mounted on a human-powered vehicle. For example, Patent Literature 1 describes a bicycle in which power is supplied from a battery to a gear shifting motor to shift gears.

Patent No. 3946302 specification

However, since the size of the battery mounted on the manpowered vehicle is limited, the amount of stored electricity is also limited. Therefore, when the components mounted on the manpowered vehicle are driven by electric power, it is required to prevent the power consumption from becoming too high and to effectively utilize the electric power.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION It is an object of the present invention to provide a power supply device and a system capable of effectively utilizing power when power is used to drive components mounted on a human-powered vehicle. and

In order to solve the above-described problems and achieve the object, a power supply device according to a first aspect of the present disclosure is a power supply device for supplying power to components of a manpowered vehicle, comprising: a power storage unit; a transforming unit configured to be electrically connected to the power storage unit; and the output voltage of the transforming unit is at least one of a first voltage and a second voltage different from the first voltage. a controller configured to control the transformer.

According to the first aspect, it is possible to effectively utilize electric power by changing the voltage according to necessity.

A power supply device according to a second aspect of the present disclosure, in contrast to the power supply device according to the first aspect, further includes a detection unit configured to detect information about the manpowered vehicle, wherein the control unit includes: It is configured to control the transformation unit based on the detection result of the detection unit.

According to the second aspect, effective use of electric power can be achieved by changing the voltage according to necessity.

In the power supply device according to the third aspect of the present disclosure, in the power supply device according to the second aspect, when the control unit detects an operation instruction to the component as information about the manpowered vehicle, It is configured to control the transforming unit such that the output voltage becomes the first voltage.

According to the third aspect, since a necessary voltage can be supplied according to the detection result, it is possible to effectively utilize electric power.

A power supply device according to a fourth aspect of the present disclosure is, in contrast to the power supply device according to the third aspect, when the control unit detects completion of operation of the component as information about the manpowered vehicle, It is configured to control the transforming unit such that the output voltage changes from the first voltage to the second voltage.

According to the fourth aspect, it is possible to effectively utilize electric power by changing the voltage according to necessity.

In a power supply device according to a fifth aspect of the present disclosure, in the power supply device according to the third aspect, a predetermined time has passed since the detection unit last detected information about the manpowered vehicle. In this case, the transformer is configured to control the transformer so that the output voltage changes from the first voltage to the second voltage.

According to the fifth aspect, since the supplied voltage automatically changes with the passage of time, it is possible to effectively utilize electric power.

A power supply device according to a sixth aspect of the present disclosure is the power supply device according to any one of the third to fifth aspects, wherein the first voltage is higher than the second voltage.

According to the sixth aspect, it is possible to effectively utilize electric power by changing the voltage according to necessity.

A power supply device according to a seventh aspect of the present disclosure is the power supply device according to the sixth aspect, wherein the first voltage is a voltage for a drive section of the component to drive an actuator of the component, The second voltage is a voltage for keeping the driving section operable.

According to the seventh aspect, power consumption can be reduced by supplying a large voltage only when moving the actuator.

In the power supply device according to the eighth aspect of the present disclosure, in the power supply device according to the sixth aspect or the seventh aspect, the first voltage is two times or more and five times or less the output voltage of the power storage unit. , the second voltage is 0.2 times or more and less than 2 times the output voltage of the power storage unit.

According to the eighth aspect, it is possible to effectively utilize electric power by changing the voltage according to necessity.

In order to solve the above-described problems and achieve the object, a power supply device according to a ninth aspect of the present disclosure is a power supply device for supplying power to components of a manpowered vehicle, comprising: a power storage unit; a transforming unit configured to be electrically connected to the power storage unit; and a voltage supplied to the component is at least one of an output voltage of the power storage unit and a first voltage transformed by the transforming unit. a controller configured to be one.

According to the ninth aspect, it is possible to effectively utilize electric power by changing the voltage according to necessity.

A power supply device according to a tenth aspect of the present disclosure, in contrast to the power supply device according to the ninth aspect, further includes a detection unit configured to detect information about the manpowered vehicle, wherein the control unit includes the Based on the detection result of the detection unit, it is selected whether or not to connect the power storage unit to the component through the transformation unit.

According to the tenth aspect, since a necessary voltage can be supplied according to the detection result, it is possible to effectively utilize electric power.

A power supply device according to an eleventh aspect of the present disclosure is the power supply device according to any one of the second to eighth and tenth aspects, wherein the detection unit detects an operation input to the manpowered vehicle. configured to detect.

According to the eleventh aspect, since the voltage to be supplied can be changed depending on whether the component is operated or not, power can be used effectively.

A power supply device according to a twelfth aspect of the present disclosure is the power supply device according to any one of the second to eighth aspects and tenth to eleventh aspects, wherein the detection unit detects the motion of the manpowered vehicle. configured to detect.

According to the twelfth aspect, since the voltage to be supplied can be changed according to the presence or absence of movement of the manpowered vehicle, electric power can be used effectively.

A power supply device according to a thirteenth aspect of the present disclosure is the power supply device according to any one of the second to eighth aspects and the tenth to twelfth aspects, wherein the detection unit detects the running state of the manpowered vehicle. configured to detect

According to the thirteenth aspect, since a large voltage is not required while the vehicle is stopped, electric power can be effectively used.

A power supply device according to a fourteenth aspect of the present disclosure is the power supply device according to any one of the first to thirteenth aspects, wherein the power storage unit includes a single battery cell.

According to the 14th aspect, a required voltage can be supplied even with a single cell, which can contribute to miniaturization and weight reduction.

To solve the above-described problems and achieve the object, a system according to a fifteenth aspect of the present disclosure includes the power supply device according to any one of the first to fourteenth aspects, and the component.

According to the fifteenth aspect, effective use of electric power can be achieved by changing the voltage according to necessity.

The system according to the sixteenth aspect of the present disclosure is the system according to the fifteenth aspect, wherein the component comprises a drive configured to receive power from the power supply and to drive an actuator.

According to the sixteenth aspect, power consumption can be reduced by supplying a large voltage only when moving the actuator.

A system according to a seventeenth aspect of the present disclosure is the system according to the fifteenth aspect or the sixteenth aspect, wherein the component includes at least one of a transmission, a braking device, a suspension, an adjustable seat post, and a driving assistance device. .

According to the seventeenth aspect, effective use of electric power can be achieved by changing the voltage according to necessity.

ADVANTAGE OF THE INVENTION According to this invention, when driving the component mounted in a human-powered vehicle by electric power, effective use of electric power can be aimed at.

FIG. 1 is a schematic front view of a human-powered vehicle according to the first embodiment. FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram illustrating power supply to a component by a power supply device. FIG. 3 is a schematic diagram illustrating power supply to a component by a power supply device. FIG. 4 is a flowchart for explaining the switching flow of transformation by the power control unit. FIG. 5 is a schematic diagram illustrating power supply to components by the power supply device according to the second embodiment. FIG. 6 is a schematic diagram illustrating power supply to components by the power supply device according to the third embodiment. FIG. 7 is a schematic diagram illustrating power supply to components by the power supply device according to the third embodiment.

Preferred embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings. In addition, the present invention is not limited by this embodiment, and when there are a plurality of embodiments, the present invention includes a combination of each embodiment.

(First embodiment)
(Overall configuration of human-powered vehicle)
FIG. 1 is a schematic front view of a human-powered vehicle according to the first embodiment. As shown in FIG. 1 , a human-powered vehicle 10 according to the first embodiment is a vehicle in which a passenger H rides, and the passenger H drives the human-powered vehicle 10 . The human-powered vehicle 10 in this embodiment means a vehicle that at least partially uses human power as a driving force for running, and includes vehicles that electrically assist human power. Vehicles that use only motive power other than human power are not included in man-powered vehicles. In particular, a vehicle using only an internal combustion engine as a motive power is not included in a human-powered vehicle. Typically, the human-powered vehicle is assumed to be a small light vehicle, and a vehicle that does not require a license to drive on public roads. In this embodiment, the human-powered vehicle 10 is a bicycle that is driven by a human-powered driving force of the passenger H. As shown in FIG. The manpowered vehicle 10 has a fork 13 , front wheels 14 , rear wheels 16 , a saddle 17 and a handle 18 .

The manpowered vehicle 10 has a frame 12 . The frame 12 has a head tube 12A, a seat tube 12B, a top tube 12C, a link 12D, a first swingarm 12E and a second swingarm 12F. Head tube 12A rotatably supports handle 18 and fork 13 . A fork 13 supports a front wheel 14 . The top tube 12C connects the head tube 12A and the seat tube 12B. Link 12D is rotatably supported with respect to seat tube 12B and top tube 12C, and connects suspension 30D and first swing arm 12E, which will be described later. The first swing arm 12E is connected to suspension 30D via link 12D. The second swing arm 12F (chastay) is rotatably supported with respect to the first swing arm 12E and the seat tube 12B.

The front wheel 14 has a rim 14A and a hub 14B. A front wheel 14 is supported by the fork 13 so as to be rotatable with respect to the frame 12 . Rear wheel 16 has a rim 16A and a hub 16B. The rear wheel 16 is rotatably supported by the first swing arm 12E.

The saddle 17 is connected to the seat tube 12B via an adjustable seat post 30F, which will be described later, so that the passenger H can sit on it. The steering wheel 18 is connected to the head tube 12</b>A so that the rider H can change the traveling direction of the front wheels 14 by gripping and steering the steering wheel 18 .

The manpowered vehicle 10 has a crank 20 , a sprocket 24 and a chain 26 . Crank 20 includes a crankshaft 20A, a right crank 20B, and a left crank (not shown). The crankshaft 20A is connected to the frame 12 so as to be rotatable with respect to the frame 12 . Right crank 20B and left crank are coupled to crankshaft 20A. Sprockets 24 include a front sprocket 24A and a rear sprocket 24B. The front sprocket 24A is coupled with the right crank 20B. The rear sprocket 24B is coupled with a freewheel (not shown) of the hub 16B of the rear wheel 16. As shown in FIG. Chain 26 is wound around front sprocket 24A and rear sprocket 24B.

The crank 20 is rotated by the manpower driving force applied to the manpowered vehicle 10 by the passenger H. The front sprocket 24A rotates together with the crank 20, and the rotation is transmitted to the rear sprocket 24B by the chain 26, causing the rear wheel 16 to rotate. The manpowered driving force includes the power of the manpowered vehicle 10 and the torque of the crank 20 .

The rickshaw 10 includes a power supply 28 . A power supply 28 is attached to the frame 12 . The power supply device 28 is for supplying power to components 30 of the manpowered vehicle 10, which will be described later. The configuration of the power supply device 28 will be described later. The power supply device 28 may be attached to any position of the manpowered vehicle 10 without being limited to the frame 12 .

Manpowered vehicle 10 includes components 30 . The component 30 is a device that is attached to the manpowered vehicle 10 , operates with power from the power supply device 28 , and changes the operating conditions of the manpowered vehicle 10 . Component 30 has a drive 32 and an actuator 36 (see FIG. 2). The drive section 32 is a drive circuit that drives the actuator 36 , and the drive section 32 is configured to receive power from the power supply device 28 and drive the actuator 36 . In this embodiment, the component 30 includes a transmission 30A, a braking device 30B, suspensions 30C and 30D, an adjustable seat post 30E, and a driving assist device 30F. Each of these components 30 has a drive 32 and an actuator 36 respectively. However, the component 30 may include other components as long as the actuator 36 is driven by the power from the power supply device 28 to change the operation. Further, the manpowered vehicle 10 does not necessarily include all of the components 30 described above, and may include at least one of the components 30 described above. For example, the components preferably include at least one of transmission 30A, braking device 30B, suspensions 30C, 30D, adjustable seat post 30E, and driving assistance device 30F. In addition, the component 30 controls driving of the actuator 36 via the driving section 32 based on a command from the passenger H to change the operation of the component 30 . However, the component 30 may automatically control the driving of the actuator 36 by the driving unit 32 without being operated by the passenger H, for example. The power supply device 28 and the component 30 constitute a system 29 (power supply control system) according to this embodiment. That is, system 29 includes power supply 28 and components 30 . Component 30 includes a driver 32 configured to receive power from power supply 28 and to drive actuator 36 . The component 30 preferably includes at least one of a transmission 30A, a braking device 30B, suspensions 30C, 30D, an adjustable seat post 30E, and a driving assistance device 30F.

The transmission 30A is an internal transmission provided in the hub 16B of the rear wheel 16, changes the speed of the rotation input to the rear sprocket 24B, and transmits it to the rim 16A. The transmission 30A changes the gear ratio of the manpowered vehicle 10, that is, the operating conditions, by changing the connection state of a built-in gear (not shown) with a motor as an actuator 36, for example. However, the transmission 30A is not limited to an internal transmission, and may be an external transmission. For example, when the transmission 30A is a rear derailleur, the transmission 30A can change the rear sprocket 24B around which the chain 26 is wound among a plurality of rear sprockets 24B having different diameters or numbers of teeth provided on the freewheel of the hub 16B. , the gear ratio of the manpowered vehicle 10 is switched.

The braking device 30B is a disc brake caliper that stops the rotation of the front wheel 14 and the rear wheel 16 by gripping the rotating bodies RT attached to the hub 14B of the front wheel 14 and the hub 16B of the rear wheel 16, respectively. In the present embodiment, the braking device 30B operates a brake pad with a motor as an actuator 36 to generate a braking force. The rotating body RT is a disc brake rotor. The braking device 30B changes the braking force that stops the rotation of the front wheels 14 and the rear wheels 16, that is, the operating conditions of the manpowered vehicle 10. FIG. However, the structure of the braking device 30B is not limited to the above as long as it stops the rotation of the front wheels 14 and the rear wheels 16, and may be, for example, a rim brake.

The suspension 30</b>C is a front suspension that is provided on the fork 13 and supports the front wheel 14 so that the position of the front wheel 14 with respect to the fork 13 can be changed. The suspension 30C includes an elastic body (not shown), and absorbs the impact by converting the impact applied to the front wheel 14 into elastic energy. Examples of elastic bodies are cylinders filled with fluids, including springs, air, oil, and magnetic fluids. The motor as the actuator 36 can, for example, open and close the valve of the suspension 30C to set a lockout state in which the position of the front wheel 14 with respect to the fork 13 is fixed, or change the damping rate. Also, the motor as the actuator 36 can change the stroke length of the suspension 30C, that is, the amount of actuation.

The suspension 30D is a rear suspension that is provided between the top tube 12C and the link 12D and supports the rear wheel 16 so that the position of the rear wheel 16 with respect to the top tube 12C can be changed. The suspension 30D includes an elastic body (not shown), and absorbs the impact by converting the impact applied to the rear wheel 16 into elastic energy. The configuration of the suspension 30D is substantially the same as that of the suspension 30C, so the description thereof is omitted.

The adjustable seat post 30E is supported by the seat tube 12B such that its position relative to the seat tube 12B can be changed. A saddle 17 is attached to the tip of the adjustable seat post 30E. Accordingly, when the position of the adjustable seat post 30E relative to the seat tube 12B changes, the position of the saddle 17 relative to the seat tube 12B also changes. The adjustable seat post 30</b>E changes the position of the saddle 17 with respect to the seat tube 12</b>B, that is, the operating conditions of the manpowered vehicle 10 by means of a motor as an actuator 36 .

The travel assistance device 30F includes an assist motor (not shown) as the actuator 36, and assists the rotation of the crank 20 with the assist motor. An example of an assist motor is an electric motor. Rotation of the assist motor is transmitted to the front sprocket 24A via a reduction gear (not shown). The driving assistance device 30F changes the output of the assist motor to change the force that assists the rotation of the crank 20, that is, the operating conditions of the manpowered vehicle 10. FIG.

The operating device 40 is attached to the steering wheel 18 and receives an operation by the passenger H. The operation device 40 includes operating members such as levers, buttons, and touch panels, an arithmetic device that generates control signals S0 for controlling the components 30 in accordance with the operation of the operating members, and a memory that stores the content of arithmetic operations performed by the arithmetic device. and a communication unit that transmits the control signal S0 to each component 30 by wire or wirelessly. In this embodiment, each component 30 changes its operating state according to an operation input to the operation device 40 .

(Regarding the configuration of the power supply device)
Next, the configuration of the power supply device 28 will be described. FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram illustrating power supply to a component by a power supply device. The power supply device 28 is a device that supplies power to the component 30 . In this embodiment, the power supply device 28 sets the voltage of the power supplied to the component 30 to the first voltage V1 when the component 30 operates, that is, when the actuator 36 is driven, and when the component 30 does not operate, the voltage of the power supplied to the component 30 is V1. That is, when the actuator 36 is not driven, the voltage of the power supplied to the component 30 is set to the second voltage V2. A specific description will be given below.

As shown in FIG. 2, the power supply device 28 has a power storage unit 28A, a transforming unit 28B, and a control unit 28C. The power supply device 28 further has a switch section 28D. In addition, the power supply device further has a detector 28E. In FIG. 2, solid lines indicate wiring through which power (current) flows, and broken lines indicate signal lines through which signals are transmitted and received.

The power storage unit 28A is a battery capable of storing power, that is, a battery. The power storage unit 28A is a battery that supplies power with a predetermined output voltage V0, and supplies DC power. The output voltage V0 is, for example, 3 V or more and 8 V or less, and is 3.7 V in the example of this embodiment. However, the value of the output voltage V0 is not limited to these and is arbitrary. Also, in the present embodiment, the power storage unit 28A is a lithium ion battery, but any type of battery can be used as long as it is capable of storing power. In this embodiment, the power storage unit 28A does not have a plurality of battery cells, but has a single battery cell. However, power storage unit 28A may have a plurality of battery cells. Moreover, the electric storage unit 28A may be a capacitor, more specifically, an electric double layer capacitor.

The transformation unit 28B is a transformer capable of transforming the input voltage, that is, a transformation circuit. As shown in FIG. 2, transforming unit 28B is configured to be electrically connected to power storage unit 28A. In the present embodiment, the transforming unit 28B is configured such that one terminal is electrically connected to the power storage unit 28A through the wiring L1, and power is supplied from the power storage unit 28A. Under the control of the control unit 28C, the transforming unit 28B converts the power of the output voltage V0 from the power storage unit 28A into DC power of the first voltage V1 or DC power of the second voltage V2. That is, the transformer 28B is a DC-DC converter that transforms the output voltage V0 to the first voltage V1 or the second voltage V2. The transforming unit 28B has the other terminal connected to the wiring L3, and outputs the transformed power to the wiring L3. Here, the first voltage V1 is higher than the output voltage V0, and is 7.4V in the example of the present embodiment. Also, the first voltage V1 is greater than the second voltage V2. Furthermore, the second voltage V2 is 5.0 V, which is higher than the output voltage V0 in the example of the present embodiment. That is, in this embodiment, the transformer 28B can be said to be a booster that boosts the output voltage V0 to the first voltage V1 or the second voltage V2.

However, the first voltage V1 is not limited to 7.4V and may be any value, for example, a value smaller than the output voltage V0. However, the first voltage V1 is preferably two times or more and five times or less the output voltage V0. The second voltage V2 is not limited to 5.0 V and may be any value as long as it is smaller than the first voltage V1, and may be the same value as the output voltage V0 or a value lower than the output voltage V0. You can The second voltage V2 is preferably 0.2 times or more and less than 2 times the output voltage V0. The transforming section 28B includes electrical elements such as coils, diodes, transistors, and capacitors.

Control unit 28C is electrically connected to power storage unit 28A in parallel with transforming unit 28B through wiring L2. That is, the wiring L2 is a wiring branched from the wiring L1. The control unit 28C is configured to control the transforming unit 28B so that the output voltage of the transforming unit 28B becomes at least one of the first voltage V1 and the second voltage V2 different from the first voltage V1. In this embodiment, the controller 28C controls the transformer 28B to transform the output voltage V0 to either the first voltage V1 or the second voltage V2.

Returning to FIG. 2, the switch section 28D has one terminal connected to the wiring L3 and the other terminal connected to the wiring L4. The switch section 28D is electrically connected in series to the transformer section 28B by the wiring L3. The switch section 28D is connected downstream of the flow of current (power) from the transformer section 28B. The switch unit 28D switches between a state in which the wiring L3 and the wiring L4 are connected and a state in which the wiring L3 and the wiring L4 are not connected under the control of the control unit 28C. The control unit 28C keeps the wiring L3 and the wiring L4 connected in a normal state. However, for example, when the output voltage V0 from the power storage unit 28A becomes higher than a predetermined value, the control unit 28C disconnects the wiring L3 and the wiring L4. That is, control unit 28C and switch unit 28D form a protection circuit that protects power storage unit 28A from overvoltage.

Detector 28E includes a sensor attached to manpowered vehicle 10 . The detection unit 28E is connected to the wiring L4 and connected to each component 30 in parallel. The detector 28E is supplied with electric power from the transformer 28B and operates by the electric power. The detector 28E operates with both the first voltage V1 and the second voltage V2. The detector 28E is configured to detect information about the manpowered vehicle 10 . In this embodiment, the detection unit 28E detects the control signal S0 output from the operating device 40. FIG. That is, the information relating to the manpowered vehicle 10 in this embodiment can be said to be an operation input to the manpowered vehicle 10 , and more specifically, an operation instruction for operating the component 30 . That is, the detection unit 28E detects an operation input to the manpowered vehicle 10 as information about the manpowered vehicle 10 .

As shown in FIG. 2, each component 30 is connected in parallel to the wiring L4. That is, the component 30 is electrically connected to the transforming section 28B via the wiring L4, and is provided downstream of the transforming section 28B in the current flow. In FIG. 2, only the transmission 30A and the braking device 30B are shown as the components 30 for convenience of explanation, but actually all the components 30 are connected in parallel.

Component 30 includes drive 32 and actuator 36 as described above. The drive unit 32 is connected to the wiring L4. Further, the actuator 36 is connected in series with the drive section 32 and is connected downstream of the drive section 32 in terms of current flow.

The drive unit 32 is configured to receive power from the power supply device 28 and drive the actuator 36 . The drive unit 32 receives power supply from the transformer unit 28B via the wiring L4, and the actuator 36 is electrically connected to the drive unit 32 and driven by the drive unit 32. Since the drive unit 32 drives the actuator 36, a relatively high voltage is required for its operation. The drive unit 32 can drive the actuator 36 with the first voltage V1, but cannot drive the actuator 36 with the second voltage V2 because the voltage is low. Therefore, the driving section 32 drives the actuator 36 when receiving power of the first voltage V1 from the transforming section 28B, and drives the actuator 36 when receiving power of the second voltage V2 from the transforming section 28B. Do not drive the However, the drive unit 32 does not completely stop operating when it receives the power of the second voltage V2, and is in an operable state, that is, in a standby state by receiving the power of the second voltage V2. state. That is, the first voltage V1 is a voltage for driving the actuator 36 by the driving section 32 . On the other hand, the second voltage V2 is not a voltage high enough for the driving section 32 to drive the actuator 36, but it can be said to be a voltage for keeping the driving section 32 in an operable state. In other words, the power of the second voltage V2 supplied to the driving section 32 is the power consumed by the driving section 32 while waiting for the actuator 36 to be driven.

The power supply device 28 is configured as described above. Hereinafter, the control for the first voltage V1 and the second voltage V2 by the power supply device 28 will be described.

FIG. 2 shows the state when the second voltage is V2. When the power supply device 28 is turned on, the power supply device 28 supplies power of the output voltage V0 from the power storage unit 28A to the control unit 28C. The control unit 28C operates with the power of the output voltage V0 and controls the transforming unit 28B to transform the output voltage V0 to the second voltage V2. The transformer 28B transforms the output voltage V0 into a second voltage V2. The power converted to the second voltage V2 is output from the transformer 28B and supplied to the operating device 40 and each component 30 via the wiring L4. The operating device 40 operates with the power of the second voltage V2. However, as described above, the operating device 40 may operate with power other than the power of the second voltage V2. In addition, the driving section 32 of each component 30 is supplied with power of the second voltage V2 from the transforming section 28B. The drive unit 32 is put into an operable state, ie, a standby state, by the power of the second voltage V2. However, the drive unit 32 does not drive the actuator 36 while the power of the second voltage V2 is being supplied.

FIG. 3 is a schematic diagram illustrating power supply to a component by a power supply device. FIG. 3 shows the state when the first voltage is V1. When the passenger H wants to operate the component 30 , the passenger H inputs an operation instruction for operating the component 30 to the operation device 40 . The operation instruction for operating the component 30 can be said to be information that instructs how to operate the component 30, and as an example, how the gear ratio of the manpowered vehicle 10 is changed by the transmission 30A. Some information is listed. The operation device 40 detects information about the manpowered vehicle 10, here, an operation instruction for the component 30, by receiving an operation instruction from the passenger H. FIG.

When detecting an operation instruction to the component 30, that is, when detecting the control signal S0, the detecting section 28E generates a first detection signal S1 and outputs it to the control section 28C. Upon receiving first detection signal S1, control unit 28C controls transforming unit 28B to transform output voltage V0 from power storage unit 28A to first voltage V1. Accordingly, the transformer 28B supplies power of the first voltage V1 to each component 30 . The drive unit 32 can drive the actuator 36 with the power of the first voltage V1.

Further, when detecting an operation instruction to the component 30, the operating device 40 generates the control signal S0 and outputs it to the component 30 to which the operation instruction is given. The control signal S0 is a signal containing information indicating how to operate the component 30, that is, how to drive the actuator 36. FIG. Upon receiving the control signal S0, the driving section 32 drives the actuator 36 as indicated by the control signal S0. For example, if the operation instruction is information for increasing the gear ratio of the manpowered vehicle 10, the transmission 30A, upon receiving this control signal S0, causes the drive unit 32 to increase the gear ratio of the manpowered vehicle 10. The driving unit 32 drives the actuator 36 so as to increase the gear ratio of the manpowered vehicle 10 . Here, the power of the first voltage V1 is supplied to the driving section 32 . Therefore, the drive unit 32 can drive the actuator 36 with the electric power of the first voltage V1 so as to increase the gear ratio of the manpowered vehicle 10 .

Further, when the driving of the actuator 36 by the drive unit 32 in accordance with the operation instruction is completed, the detection unit 28E detects that the operation has been completed. To detect. For example, the component 30 outputs to the detection unit 28E a signal indicating that the actuator 36 has been driven according to the operation instruction. When the detection unit 28E detects the completion of this operation, as shown in FIG. 2, the detection unit 28E generates a second detection signal S2 and outputs it to the control unit 28C. Upon receiving the second detection signal S2, the control unit 28C controls the transforming unit 28B to transform the output voltage V0 from the power storage unit 28A to the second voltage V2. Accordingly, the transformer 28B supplies power of the second voltage V2 to each component 30 . By switching to the power of the second voltage V2, the drive unit 32 returns from the state of driving the actuator 36 to the operable state.

In this way, when the detection unit 28E detects an operation instruction to the component 30 as information about the manpowered vehicle 10, the control unit 28C controls the voltage transformation unit 28B so that the output voltage from the voltage transformation unit 28B becomes the first voltage V1. 28B. Then, when the detection unit 28 detects the operation completion of the component 30 as the information regarding the manpowered vehicle 10, the control unit 28C switches the output voltage from the transformation unit 28B from the first voltage V1 to the second voltage V2. , controls the transformer 28B. That is, the control unit 28C transforms the output voltage V0 to the second voltage V2 until the operation instruction is detected, more specifically, until the first detection signal S1 is received. Then, when the operation instruction is detected, that is, when the first detection signal S1 is received, the control section 28C switches the voltage to be transformed from the second voltage V2 to the first voltage V1. Note that when there are a plurality of components 30 , the operation device 40 receives operation instructions for each component 30 . When the detector 28E detects an operation instruction for at least one component 30 among the plurality of components 30, the detector 28E transmits the first detection signal S1 to the controller 28C to switch to the first voltage V1. That is, it is preferable that the control section 28C switches to the first voltage V1 when an operation instruction is issued for even one of the plurality of components 30 .

The control unit 28C keeps the output voltage V0 at the first level during the period from the detection of the operation instruction to the detection of the completion of the operation, that is, from the reception of the first detection signal S1 to the reception of the second detection signal S2. 1 continue to transform to voltage V1. Then, when the operation completion is detected, that is, when the second detection signal S2 is received, the control section 28C switches the voltage to be transformed from the first voltage V1 to the second voltage V2. It is preferable that the control unit 28C does not switch to the second voltage V2 and maintains the first voltage V1 if even one of the plurality of components 30 has not yet completed its operation. The control unit 28C maintains the output voltage V0 at the second voltage V2 until the next operation instruction is detected, that is, until the next first detection signal S1 is received.

However, the trigger for switching the voltage to be transformed from the first voltage V1 to the second voltage V2 is not limited to receiving the second detection signal S2. For example, the control unit 28C can switch the voltage to be transformed from the first voltage V1 to the second voltage V2 (return to also) good. That is, the control unit 28C changes the output voltage from the transforming unit 28B from the first voltage V1 to the second voltage V2 when a predetermined time has passed since the detecting unit 28E last detected information about the manpowered vehicle. The transformation unit 28B may be controlled so that

Next, a flow of switching of transformation by the control unit 28C will be described with a flowchart. As shown in FIG. 4, when the power supply device 28 is powered on, the control unit 28C controls the transformation unit 28B so that the output voltage from the transformation unit 28B becomes the second voltage V2 (step S10). . The power of the second voltage V2 from the transformer 28B is supplied to each component 30. FIG. The drive unit 32 is put into an operable state (standby state) by the power of the second voltage V2.

When the operation of the manpowered vehicle 10 ends while the output voltage from the transformer 28B is the second voltage V2 (step S12; Yes), this process ends. If the operation of the manpowered vehicle 10 has not ended (step S12; No), the control unit 28C determines whether the detection unit 28E has detected an operation instruction (step S14). The detection unit 28E transmits the first detection signal S1 when detecting the operation instruction. If the control unit 28C does not receive the first detection signal S1, the control unit 28C determines that the operation instruction is not detected by the detection unit 28E (step S14; No), returns to step S10, and changes the output voltage from the transformation unit 28B to the first voltage. 2 The voltage remains at V2. Upon receiving the first detection signal S1, the control unit 28C determines that the operation instruction is detected by the detection unit 28E (step S14; Yes), and adjusts the output voltage from the transformation unit 28B to the first voltage V1. , to control the transformer 28B (step S16). The electric power of the first voltage V1 from the transforming section 28B is supplied to each component 30, and the drive section 32 becomes ready to drive the actuator 36 with the electric power of the first voltage V1. The drive unit 32 controls the actuator 36 to drive as instructed by the control signal S0.

When the operation of the manpowered vehicle 10 ends while the output voltage from the transformer 28B is the first voltage V1 (step S18; Yes), this process ends. If the operation of the manpowered vehicle 10 has not ended (step S18; No), the control unit 28C determines whether the detection unit 28E has detected the operation completion (step S20). The detection unit 28E detects that the operation of the actuator 36 is completed and outputs a second detection signal S2 to the control unit 28C. If the control unit 28C does not receive the second detection signal S2, the control unit 28C determines that the operation completion is not detected by the detection unit 28E (step S20; No), returns to step S16, and changes the output voltage from the transformation unit 28B to the first voltage. The voltage remains at V1. Upon receiving the second detection signal S2, the control unit 28C determines that the detection unit 28E has detected the operation completion (step S20; Yes), returns to step S10, and the output voltage from the transformation unit 28B becomes the second voltage. The transformer 28B is controlled so that it becomes V2. Then, when the operation is terminated in step S12 or step S18, this process is terminated.

The power supply device 28 according to this embodiment has a transformer section 28B and a control section 28C. Control unit 28C controls transforming unit 28B so that the output voltage from transforming unit 28B becomes at least one of first voltage V1 and second voltage V2 different from first voltage V1. The power supply device 28 according to the present embodiment sets the voltage of the transforming section 28B to at least one of the first voltage V1 and the second voltage V2, so that the voltage can be changed according to necessity. Thereby, effective use of electric power can be achieved. The detector 28E detects information about the manpowered vehicle 10, and the controller 28C controls the transformer 28B based on the detection result of the detector 28E. Therefore, the power supply device 28 can change the voltage in accordance with the information about the manpowered vehicle 10, and the power can be used effectively.

Further, when an operation instruction to the component 30 is detected, the control unit 28C sets the output voltage from the transformation unit 28B to the first voltage V1, and when the operation completion of the component 30 is detected, sets the output voltage from the transformation unit 28B to the first voltage V1. 2 voltage V2. Accordingly, the control unit 28C appropriately operates the component 30 by setting the output voltage to the first voltage V1 only when the component 30 needs to be operated, and when the component 30 does not need to be operated, the output By setting the voltage to the second voltage V2, it is possible to suppress the power consumption from becoming too high.

(Second embodiment)
Next, a second embodiment will be described. In the second embodiment, a control section 128C and a detection section 128E are provided. The detection unit 128E is different from the first embodiment in that it detects the movement and running state of the manpowered vehicle 10 as information about the manpowered vehicle 10 . In the second embodiment, descriptions of parts having the same configuration as in the first embodiment are omitted. In addition, 2nd Embodiment is applicable to 1st Embodiment.

FIG. 5 is a schematic diagram illustrating power supply to components by the power supply device according to the second embodiment. The control unit 128C has, for example, a CPU (Central Processing Unit), and when the detection result of the detection unit 128E is input, the CPU sets the output voltage of the transformation unit 28B to the first voltage V1 based on the detection result. or the second voltage V2. The detector 128E has a sensor attached to the manpowered vehicle 10 . The detector 128E is connected to the wiring L4 and connected in parallel with each component 30 . The detector 128E is supplied with electric power from the transformer 28B and operates by the electric power. For example, when the value of the detection result of the detection unit 128E is within a predetermined range, the control unit 128C determines that the manpowered vehicle 10 is running in a stable state, and determines to apply the second voltage V2. . For example, when the value of the detection result is outside the predetermined range, the control unit 128C determines that the component 30 is not running in a stable state, and determines to apply the first voltage V1. The detection unit 128E sequentially detects information about the manpowered vehicle 10, and sequentially transmits the detection results to the control unit 128C. Therefore, the controller 128C can successively determine whether to use the first voltage V1 or the second voltage V2.

In this embodiment, the detector 128E detects the movement of the manpowered vehicle 10 as the information on the manpowered vehicle 10 . The movement of the manpowered vehicle 10 refers to a change in the movement of the manpowered vehicle 10 , and in this embodiment, is information indicating the acceleration of the manpowered vehicle 10 . In this case, the detection unit 128E has an acceleration sensor that detects the acceleration of the manpowered vehicle 10. FIG. The detection unit 128E transmits the detection result, here information on the acceleration of the manpowered vehicle 10, to the control unit 128C. 128 C of control parts judge whether it is set as the 1st voltage V1 or the 2nd voltage V2 based on the detection result of the detection part 128E, and the acceleration of the manpowered vehicle 10 here. For example, when the acceleration of the manpowered vehicle 10 is within a predetermined range, the control unit 128C determines that the manpowered vehicle 10 is running in a stable state and determines to apply the second voltage V2. For example, when the acceleration of the manpowered vehicle 10 is out of the predetermined range, the control unit 128C determines that the component 30 is not running in a stable state, and determines to apply the first voltage V1. For example, when the acceleration is low (when the acceleration is high on the deceleration side) or when the acceleration is high (when the acceleration is high on the acceleration side), the control unit 128C detects that the manpowered vehicle 10 is rapidly decelerating or accelerating. , foreseeing that it is necessary to change the operation of the component 30 to control the running, and determine to apply the first voltage V1. On the other hand, if the acceleration of the manpowered vehicle 10 is within the predetermined range, the control unit 128C predicts that the speed of the manpowered vehicle 10 does not change much, and therefore it is not necessary to change the operation of the component 30. 2 voltage V2 is determined.

Furthermore, the detection unit 128E detects the running state of the manpowered vehicle 10 as information about the manpowered vehicle 10 . The running state is information indicating in what state the manpowered vehicle 10 is running. This includes the load on the saddle 17 and the like. In this case, the detection unit 128E has a speed sensor that detects the speed of the manpowered vehicle 10, a cadence sensor that detects the cadence, a torque sensor that detects the pedaling torque, and a load sensor that detects the load of the saddle 17. . The detection unit 128E transmits the detection result, here information on speed, cadence, pedaling torque, and load on the saddle 17 to the control unit 128C. The control unit 128C determines whether the first voltage V1 or the second voltage V2 is set based on the detection result of the detection unit 128E. For example, when the speed of the manpowered vehicle 10 is out of the predetermined range, the control unit 128C determines that the component 30 is not running in a stable state, and determines to apply the first voltage V1.

For example, when the speed is low, the control unit 128C needs to increase the speed of the manpowered vehicle 10, for example, by changing the gear ratio of the transmission 30A or increasing the assist force of the driving assistance device 30F. It predicts that it will be necessary, and determines to set it to the first voltage V1. For example, when the speed is high, the control unit 128C predicts that the speed of the manpowered vehicle 10 needs to be reduced, for example, that the braking force of the braking device 30B needs to be increased, and the first voltage V1 decide to make For example, when the speed is low, the control unit 128C needs to increase the speed of the manpowered vehicle 10, for example, by changing the gear ratio of the transmission 30A or increasing the assist force of the driving assistance device 30H. It predicts that it will be necessary, and determines to set it to the first voltage V1. If the speed is zero, the control unit 128C determines that the second voltage V2 should be applied because the vehicle is stopped. Further, for example, when the cadence is high, the control unit 128C predicts that the passenger H will want to make the gears heavier by the transmission 30A, and determines that the first voltage V1 is applied. For example, when the cadence is low , the control unit 128C predicts that the rider H will want to shift gears using the transmission 30A and determines that the first voltage V1 should be applied. For example, when the pedaling torque is high, the control unit 128C predicts that the transmission 30A will make the gears lighter, and determines that the first voltage V1 is applied. The unit 128C predicts that the transmission 30A will make the gears heavy, and determines to apply the first voltage V1. Further, when the load on the saddle 17 is light, the control unit 128C predicts that the passenger H has reduced the load on the saddle 17 and the height of the saddle 17 will be reduced by the adjustable seat post 30F. It is determined that the voltage should be the first voltage V1.

Further, the detection unit 128E may detect what kind of road the manpowered vehicle 10 is traveling on as the traveling state. In this case, the detection unit 128E may be, for example, a camera, and when the road ahead is uphill, the control unit 128C increases the assist force of the driving assistance device 30F or shifts the gears lightly by the transmission 30A. It is determined that the first voltage V1 is to be applied, foreseeing that it will occur. Further, when the road ahead is downhill, the control unit 128C reduces the assist force of the driving assistance device 30F, increases the gear by the transmission device 30A, or increases the braking force of the braking device 30B. Then, foreseeing, it is determined to be the first voltage V1.

In this way, the power supply device 128 according to the second embodiment detects the movement and running state of the manpowered vehicle 10 by the detection unit 128E, and the control unit 128C converts the voltage based on the detection result of the detection unit 128E. The output voltage of the section 28B is controlled to the first voltage V1 or the second voltage V2. By controlling the voltage based on the movement and running state of the manpowered vehicle 10, the control unit 128C predicts whether to drive the actuator 36 before an operation instruction is actually input from the passenger H, and adjusts the voltage. can be changed to an appropriate value in advance.

(Third Embodiment)
Next, a third embodiment will be described. The power supply device 228 according to the third embodiment controls the supply voltage to the component 30 to at least one of the output voltage V0 of the power storage unit 28A and the first voltage V1 transformed by the transformation unit 228B. This is different from the first embodiment. In the third embodiment, descriptions of parts having the same configuration as in the first embodiment will be omitted. In addition, 3rd Embodiment is applicable also to 2nd Embodiment.

6 and 7 are schematic diagrams for explaining power supply to components by the power supply device according to the third embodiment. As shown in FIG. 6, the power supply device 228 according to the third embodiment has a transformer section 228B, a control section 228C, and a switch section 228F. The switch unit 228F is electrically connected to the power storage unit 28A through a wiring L21. The switch unit 228F switches between a state in which the wiring L21 and the wiring L21A are connected and a state in which the wiring L21 and the wiring L21B are connected under the control of the control unit 228C.

The transforming unit 228B has an input-side terminal connected to the wiring L21A and an output-side terminal connected to the wiring L23. Upon receiving power of output voltage V0 from power storage unit 28A, transforming unit 228B transforms output voltage V0 to first voltage V1 and outputs the power of first voltage V1 to line L23. That is, the transformer 228B differs from the first embodiment in that it does not transform the output voltage V0 into the first voltage V1 and the second voltage V2.

One end of the line L21B is connected to the switch section 228F, and the other end is connected to the line L23. When the power of the output voltage V0 is input from the power storage unit 28A, the wiring L21B outputs the power of the output voltage V0 to the wiring L23 without transforming the output voltage V0. The switch section 28D has one terminal connected to the wiring L23 and the other terminal connected to the wiring L4.

In the third embodiment, the drive section 32 of the component 30 can be in a state of being operable at the output voltage V0, that is, in a standby state. Therefore, when the actuator 36 is not driven, the control unit 228C according to the third embodiment sets the voltage supplied to the component 30, that is, the voltage of the power supplied to the line L4, to the output voltage V0 of the power storage unit 28A. Then, when driving the actuator 36, the control unit 228C sets the supply voltage to the component 30, that is, the voltage of the power supplied to the wiring L4, as the first voltage V1.

FIG. 6 shows a state in which the actuator 36 is not driven. When the power supply device 228 is powered on, the control unit 228C operates with the power of the output voltage V0 to bring the switch unit 228F into a state in which the wiring L21 and the wiring L21B are connected. In this case, power storage unit 28A is electrically connected to component 30 without via transformer unit 228B. As a result, as shown in FIG. 6, power from the power storage unit 28A does not pass through the transformer unit 228B, but passes through the wiring L21B and the wiring L23, is supplied to the wiring L4, and is supplied to each component 30. FIG. In this case, each component 30 is supplied with the power of the output voltage V0, and the driving section 32 is in a state of being operable with the power of the output voltage V0.

FIG. 7 shows the state in which the actuator 36 is driven. As shown in FIG. 7, when detecting an operation instruction to the component 30, the detection section 28E outputs the first detection signal S1 to the control section 228C. When receiving the first detection signal S1, the control unit 228C switches the switch unit 228F to a state in which the wiring L21 and the wiring L21A are connected. In this case, the power storage unit 28A is electrically connected to each component 30 via the transforming unit 228B. As a result, as shown in FIG. 7, power from the power storage unit 28A is supplied to the transforming unit 228B, which transforms the output voltage V0 from the power storage unit 28A to the first voltage V1. The power transformed to the first voltage V1 by the transforming section 228B is supplied to each component 30 via the wiring L23 and the wiring L4, and the driving section 32 drives the actuator 36 with the power of the first voltage V1.

Further, when detecting the completion of the operation of the component 30, the detection section 28E outputs the second detection signal S2 to the control section 228C. The second detection signal S2 is a signal that instructs the supply voltage to the component 30 to be the output voltage V0. As shown in FIG. 6, when the second detection signal S2 is received, the control unit 228C switches (returns) the switch unit 228F to the state in which the wiring L21 and the wiring L21B are connected. As a result, the voltage of the power supplied to each component 30 returns to the output voltage V0.

As described above, the power supply device 228 according to the third embodiment includes the power storage unit 28A, the transformer unit 228B electrically connected to the power storage unit 28A, and the voltage supplied to the component 30, the output voltage V0, and and a controller 228C configured to control to at least one of the first voltages V1. The power supply device 228 supplies the component 30 with at least one of the first voltage V1 and the output voltage V0, so that the voltage can be changed according to needs, thereby reducing power consumption. Effective utilization can be achieved. The detection unit 28E detects information about the manpowered vehicle 10, and the control unit 228C connects the power storage unit 28A to the component 30 via the transformation unit 228B based on the detection result of the detection unit 28E. Choose No. That is, when power storage unit 28A is connected to component 30 via transforming unit 228B, the voltage supplied to component 30 becomes the first voltage V1, and power storage unit 28A is not connected to component 30 via transforming unit 228B. , the supply voltage to the component 30 becomes the output voltage V0. Therefore, the power supply device 228 can change the voltage in accordance with the information about the manpowered vehicle 10, and the power can be used effectively.

Although the embodiments of the present invention have been described above, the embodiments are not limited by the contents of these embodiments. In addition, the components described above include those that can be easily assumed by those skilled in the art, those that are substantially the same, and those within the so-called equivalent range. Furthermore, the components described above can be combined as appropriate. Furthermore, various omissions, replacements, or modifications of components can be made without departing from the gist of the above-described embodiments.

10 human-powered vehicles
1 2 frame 14 front wheel 16 rear wheel 17 saddle 18 steering wheel 20 crank 24 sprocket 26 chain 28 power supply device 28A electricity storage unit 28B transformer unit 28C control unit 30 component 32 drive unit 36 actuator 40 operation device H passenger

Claims (15)

A power supply for powering components of a human powered vehicle, comprising:
a power storage unit;
a transforming unit configured to be electrically connected to the power storage unit;
a control unit configured to control the transforming unit such that the output voltage of the transforming unit becomes at least one of a first voltage and a second voltage different from the first voltage;
The control unit sets the output voltage of the transformation unit to the first voltage when it is predicted that the actuator of the component will be driven before an operation instruction is input from a passenger of the manpowered vehicle. power supply. further comprising a detector configured to detect information about the manpowered vehicle;
The power supply device according to claim 1, wherein the control section is configured to control the transforming section based on the detection result of the detection section. The control unit controls the transformation unit such that the output voltage changes from the first voltage to the second voltage when the detection unit detects the operation completion of the component as the information regarding the manpowered vehicle. 3. The power supply of claim 2, wherein the power supply is configured as: The control unit controls the transforming unit so that the output voltage changes from the first voltage to the second voltage when a predetermined time has passed since the detection unit last detected information about the manpowered vehicle. 3. The power supply of claim 2, configured to control. The power supply device according to any one of claims 2 to 4, wherein said first voltage is higher than said second voltage. the first voltage is a voltage for driving an actuator of the component by a driving section of the component;
The second voltage is a voltage for keeping the driving unit operable.
The power supply device according to claim 5. 6. The first voltage is two times or more and five times or less the output voltage of the power storage unit, and the second voltage is 0.2 times or more and less than two times the output voltage of the power storage unit. The power supply device according to . A power supply for powering components of a human powered vehicle, comprising:
a power storage unit;
a transforming unit configured to be electrically connected to the power storage unit;
a control unit configured to control the transforming unit such that the output voltage of the transforming unit becomes at least one of a first voltage and a second voltage different from the first voltage;
a camera that detects whether the road ahead of the manpowered vehicle is uphill or downhill,
the component includes at least one of a driving assistance device, a transmission, and a braking device;
The control unit sets the output voltage of the transforming unit to the first voltage, which is greater than the second voltage, when the camera detects that the road is uphill or downhill. Device. The power supply device according to any one of claims 2 to 7, wherein the detection unit is configured to detect an operation input to the manpowered vehicle. The power supply device according to any one of claims 2 to 7 and 9, wherein the detection unit is configured to detect movement of the manpowered vehicle. The power supply device according to any one of claims 2 to 7, 9, and 10, wherein said detection unit is configured to detect a running state of said manpower-driven vehicle. The power supply device according to any one of claims 1 to 11, wherein said power storage unit has a single battery cell. A power supply device according to any one of claims 1 to 12;
and a system comprising: 14. The system of Claim 13, wherein the component comprises a drive configured to receive power from the power supply and drive an actuator. 15. A system according to claim 13 or 14, wherein the components include at least one of transmissions, braking devices, suspensions, adjustable seatposts, and driving aids.

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