JP7340448B2 - Batteries for human-powered vehicles, battery systems for human-powered vehicles, and battery support devices - Google Patents

Description

The present invention relates to a battery for a human-powered vehicle, a battery system for a human-powered vehicle, and a battery support device.

For example, the human-powered vehicle disclosed in Patent Document 1 includes a battery that supplies power to a first electrical component of the human-powered vehicle while being attached to the human-powered vehicle.

Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2013-1389

One of the objects of the present invention is to provide a battery for a human-powered vehicle, a battery system for a human-powered vehicle, and a battery support device that can contribute to usability.

A battery according to a first aspect of the present invention is a battery for a human-powered vehicle, and the first battery is configured to supply power to a first electrical component of the human-powered vehicle when the battery is attached to the human-powered vehicle. a power supply unit; and an additional battery configured to supply power to a second electrical component different from the first electrical component, or an external device holding unit that holds the second electrical component that accommodates the additional battery; , a second power supply unit configured to supply power to the additional battery.
According to the battery of the first aspect, the additional battery or the second electric component can be held by the external device holding section, and battery power can be supplied to the additional battery. Therefore, it can contribute to usability.

In the battery of the second aspect according to the first aspect, the second power supply unit is configured to supply power to the additional battery by wireless power transmission.
According to the battery of the second aspect, power can be supplied to the additional battery through wireless power transmission, so that battery power can be supplied to the additional battery without connecting the battery and the additional battery using an electrical connector or the like.

The battery of the third aspect according to the second aspect further includes a first power receiving section for receiving external power, and the first power receiving section is configured to receive power of the additional battery by wireless power transmission. , are arranged in the same area as the second power feeding section.
According to the battery of the third aspect, the first power receiving section and the second power feeding section can be arranged in the same area.

The battery of the fourth aspect according to any one of the first to third aspects further includes a second power receiving section for receiving external power, and the second power receiving section receives the external power through a wired connection. configured to do so.
According to the battery of the fourth aspect, external power can be received through a wired connection.

In the battery of the fifth aspect according to the first or fourth aspect, the second power feeding part includes a convex part, and the convex part includes an electrical contact that can be electrically connected to the additional battery.
According to the battery of the fifth aspect, power can be suitably supplied to the additional battery using the electrical contacts included in the convex portion.

The battery according to the sixth aspect of the present invention is a battery for a human-powered vehicle, and the first battery is configured to supply power to a first electric component of the human-powered vehicle when the battery is attached to the human-powered vehicle. and a second power supply unit configured to supply power to an additional battery configured to supply power to a second electrical component different from the first electrical component, The power supply part includes a convex part, and the convex part includes an electrical contact that can be electrically connected to the additional battery.
According to the battery of the sixth aspect, power can be suitably supplied to the additional battery using the electrical contacts included in the convex portion, contributing to usability.

The battery of the seventh aspect according to the sixth aspect further includes an external device holding part that holds the additional battery or the second electric component that accommodates the additional battery.
According to the battery of the seventh aspect, the external device holding section can hold the additional battery or the second electric component.

In the battery of the eighth aspect according to any one of the first to fifth and seventh aspects, the external device holding section is configured to be movable with respect to the second power feeding section.
According to the battery of the eighth aspect, the positions of the second electric component and the second power supply part can be changed to suitable positions by moving the external device holding part.

In the battery of the ninth aspect according to any one of the first to fifth, seventh, and eighth aspects, the external device holding section is configured to be able to hold the second electrical component having a different shape. .
According to the battery of the ninth aspect, it is possible to hold the second electric component having a different shape.

In the battery of the tenth aspect according to any one of the first to fifth and seventh to ninth aspects, when the second electric component is held in the external device holding section, the The vehicle further includes a locking mechanism that restricts movement of the human-powered vehicle.
According to the battery of the tenth aspect, movement of the second electrical component can be restricted by the lock mechanism.

In the battery according to the eleventh aspect according to the tenth aspect, the locking mechanism includes a cover portion that covers the second electric component in a state where the second electric component is held in the external device holding portion.
According to the battery of the eleventh aspect, the second electrical component can be protected by the cover portion.

In the battery according to the twelfth aspect according to the eleventh aspect, the locking mechanism includes a movable part configured to be movable to a first position and a second position different from the first position with respect to the second power feeding part. When the movable part is in the first position, the movable part is allowed to move to the second position by performing a predetermined operation on the locking mechanism.
According to the battery of the twelfth aspect, movement from the first position to the second position is allowed when a predetermined operation is performed, so that movement of the second electric component can be further restricted by the lock mechanism.

In the battery of the thirteenth aspect according to any one of the first to twelfth aspects, the first power supply section and the second power supply section are configured separately.
According to the battery of the thirteenth aspect, it is easy to use the first power feeding section and the second power feeding section at the same time.

The battery according to the fourteenth aspect according to any one of the first to thirteenth aspects, further comprising a first attachment part, the first attachment part being provided on the human-powered vehicle and attaching the battery to the human-powered vehicle. engages with a second attachment portion that restricts movement relative to the frame.
According to the battery of the fourteenth aspect, the movement of the battery relative to the frame of the human-powered vehicle can be restricted by engaging the first attachment portion and the second attachment portion.

The battery according to the fifteenth aspect according to any one of the first to fourteenth aspects, further comprising a control unit, wherein the control unit controls the power supply from the second power supply unit to the additional battery according to a voltage value of the additional battery. is configured to control the supply of electric power.
According to the battery of the fifteenth aspect, power can be suitably supplied according to the voltage value of the additional battery.

In the battery according to the sixteenth aspect according to the fifteenth aspect, the control unit does not supply power from the second power supply unit to the additional battery when the voltage value of the additional battery is larger than a predetermined first voltage value.
According to the battery of the sixteenth aspect, when the voltage value of the additional battery is higher than the predetermined first voltage value, power is not supplied to the additional battery from the second power supply unit, so that charging can be performed suitably.

The battery of the seventeenth aspect according to any one of the first to sixteenth aspects further includes a display section that displays predetermined information.
According to the battery of the seventeenth aspect, the user can grasp predetermined information.

In the battery according to the eighteenth aspect according to the seventeenth aspect, the predetermined information includes information regarding the voltage value of the battery.
According to the battery of the eighteenth aspect, the user can grasp information regarding the voltage value of the battery.

A battery system according to a nineteenth aspect of the present invention is a battery system for a human-powered vehicle, comprising the battery according to any one of the first to eighteenth aspects, and the second electric component, The second electrical component is a component attachable to the human-powered vehicle.
According to the battery system of the nineteenth aspect, the battery system can contribute to usability in a battery system that includes components that can be attached to a human-powered vehicle.

A battery support device according to a twentieth aspect of the present invention is a battery support device for a human-powered vehicle, which supplies power to a first electrical component of the human-powered vehicle when attached to the human-powered vehicle. and a third power supply configured to support a battery for a second electrical component and configured to supply power to an additional battery of a second electrical component different from the first electrical component.
According to the battery support device of the twentieth aspect, power can be supplied to the additional battery of the second electric component by the third power supply section of the battery support device, thereby contributing to usability.

The battery support device according to the 21st aspect according to the 20th aspect further includes a fourth power supply section configured to supply power of the battery to the first electric component.
According to the battery support device of the twenty-first aspect, power can be supplied to the first electric component by the fourth power supply section.

The battery for a human-powered vehicle, the battery system for a human-powered vehicle, and the battery support device of the present disclosure can contribute to usability.

FIG. 1 is a side view of a human-powered vehicle including a battery for a human-powered vehicle and a battery system for a human-powered vehicle according to an embodiment. FIG. 2 is a first perspective view showing the vicinity of the battery for the human-powered vehicle in FIG. 1; FIG. 2 is a second perspective view showing the vicinity of the battery for the human-powered vehicle in FIG. 1; FIG. 2 is a third perspective view showing the vicinity of the battery for the human-powered vehicle in FIG. 1; FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing an electrical configuration of a human-powered vehicle including a battery for a human-powered vehicle and a battery system for a human-powered vehicle according to an embodiment. 6 is a flowchart of a process executed by the control unit of FIG. 5 to determine a predetermined state. The perspective view which shows the battery for the human-powered vehicles of a modification. FIG. 7 is a perspective view showing the vicinity of a battery support device for a human-powered vehicle according to a modified example.

<Embodiment>
A battery for a human-powered vehicle and a battery system for a human-powered vehicle will be described with reference to FIGS. 1 to 6. The human-powered vehicle 10 is a vehicle that has at least one wheel and can be driven by at least human-powered driving force. The human-powered vehicle 10 includes various types of bicycles, such as mountain bikes, road bikes, city bikes, cargo bikes, hand bikes, and recumbent bikes. The number of wheels that the human-powered vehicle 10 has is not limited. The human-powered vehicle 10 also includes, for example, a one-wheeled vehicle and a vehicle having three or more wheels. The human-powered vehicle 10 is not limited to a vehicle that can be driven only by human-powered driving force. The human-powered vehicle 10 includes an E-bike that uses not only human-powered driving force but also the driving force of an electric motor for propulsion. E-bikes include electrically assisted bicycles whose propulsion is assisted by an electric motor. Hereinafter, in the embodiment, the human-powered vehicle 10 will be described as a power-assisted bicycle.

The human-powered vehicle 10 includes a crank 12 to which human-powered driving force is input. The human powered vehicle 10 further includes wheels 14 and a vehicle body 16. The wheels 14 include a rear wheel 14A and a front wheel 14B. Vehicle body 16 includes a frame 18 . The crank 12 includes a crankshaft 12A that is rotatable with respect to the frame 18, and a pair of crank arms 12B that are respectively provided at axial ends of the crankshaft 12A. A pair of pedals 20 is connected to each crank arm 12B. The rear wheels 14A are driven by the rotation of the crank 12. The rear wheel 14A is supported by the frame 18. The crank 12 and the rear wheel 14A are connected by a drive mechanism 22. The drive mechanism 22 includes a first rotating body 24 connected to the crankshaft 12A. The crankshaft 12A and the first rotating body 24 may be connected to rotate together, or may be connected via a first one-way clutch. The first one-way clutch rotates the first rotating body 24 forward when the crank 12 rotates forward, and allows relative rotation between the crank 12 and the first rotating body 24 when the crank 12 rotates backward. It is composed of The first rotating body 24 includes a sprocket, a pulley, or a bevel gear. The drive mechanism 22 further includes a second rotating body 26 and a connecting member 28. The connecting member 28 transmits the rotational force of the first rotating body 24 to the second rotating body 26 . Connection member 28 includes, for example, a chain, a belt, or a shaft.

The second rotating body 26 is connected to the rear wheel 14A. The second rotating body 26 includes a sprocket, a pulley, or a bevel gear. Preferably, a second one-way clutch is provided between the second rotating body 26 and the rear wheel 14A. The second one-way clutch causes the rear wheel 14A to rotate forward when the second rotating body 26 rotates forward, and causes the second rotating body 26 to rotate relative to the rear wheel 14A when the second rotating body 26 rotates backward. Configured to allow rotation.

A front wheel 14B is attached to the frame 18 via a front fork 30. A handlebar 34 is connected to the front fork 30 via a stem 32. In this embodiment, the rear wheel 14A is connected to the crank 12 by the drive mechanism 22, but at least one of the rear wheel 14A and the front wheel 14B may be connected to the crank 12 by the drive mechanism 22.

The human powered vehicle 10 includes a first electrical component 36 . The first electrical component 36 includes, for example, a motor 36A configured to provide propulsion to the human-powered vehicle 10. Motor 36A includes one or more electric motors. The motor 36A is configured to transmit rotation to at least one of the power transmission path of the human power driving force from the pedal 20 to the rear wheel 14A and the front wheel 14B. The power transmission path of the human power driving force from the pedal 20 to the rear wheel 14A includes the rear wheel 14A. In this embodiment, the motor 36A is provided in the frame 18 of the human-powered vehicle 10 and is configured to transmit rotation to the first rotating body 24. A drive unit is configured including the motor 36A and a housing in which the motor 36A is provided. Preferably, the power transmission path between the motor 36A and the crankshaft 12A is configured such that the rotational force of the crank 12 is not transmitted to the motor 36A when the crankshaft 12A is rotated in the direction in which the human-powered vehicle 10 moves forward. A third one-way clutch is provided. When the motor 36A is provided on at least one of the rear wheels 14A and the front wheels 14B, the motor 36A may include a hub motor. The first electrical component 36 may include at least one of a cycle computer, a rear derailleur, a front derailleur, an internal transmission, an operating device, a suspension device, an adjustable seat post, and a lamp device instead of or in addition to the motor 36A. . The operating device includes, for example, an operating section that operates at least one of a rear derailleur, a front derailleur, an internal transmission, a suspension device, an adjustable seat post, and a lamp device.

Battery system 50 includes a battery 60 and a second electrical component 52. Preferably, the second electrical component 52 is a component that can be attached to the human-powered vehicle 10. The second electrical component 52 is, for example, a cycle computer. The second electrical component 52 may be a smartphone. Preferably, the smartphone is configured to be able to communicate with at least one component of the human-powered vehicle 10 and configured to display information regarding the at least one component of the human-powered vehicle 10 . The second electrical component 52 may include at least one of a cycle computer, a rear derailleur, a front derailleur, an internal transmission, an operating device, a suspension device, an adjustable seat post, and a lamp device. The operating device includes, for example, an operating section that operates at least one of a rear derailleur, a front derailleur, an internal transmission, a suspension device, an adjustable seat post, and a lamp device.

Preferably, battery system 50 further includes an additional battery 54. Additional battery 54 is configured to power a second electrical component 52 that is different from first electrical component 36 . Preferably, the second electrical component 52 houses an additional battery 54. Additional battery 54 includes one or more battery elements 54A. Battery element 54A includes a rechargeable battery. The additional battery 54 may be configured to be removable from the second electrical component 52.

The battery 60 includes a first power supply section 62, an external device holding section 64, and a second power supply section 66. Preferably, battery 60 further includes one or more battery elements 60A and a housing 60B that houses battery elements 60A. Battery element 60A includes a rechargeable battery.

Preferably, battery 60 further includes a first attachment portion 68 . The first attachment portion 68 engages with a second attachment portion 18A that is provided on the human-powered vehicle 10 and restricts movement of the battery 60 with respect to the frame 18. The second attachment portion 18A constitutes at least a portion of the battery support device 40. The battery support device 40 is configured to support a battery 60 that supplies power to the first electrical component 36 of the human-powered vehicle 10 when attached to the human-powered vehicle 10 . Preferably, the first attachment portion 68 includes a recess, and the second attachment portion 18A includes a convex portion that engages with the recess. The battery support device 40 may further include a lock portion that restricts movement of the battery 60 with respect to the frame 18 when the battery 60 is attached to the frame 18. The locking portion includes, for example, a key cylinder and a latch moved by the key cylinder. For example, the latch is configured to protrude from the convex portion and engage with an engaging portion provided in the concave portion. One of the first attachment portion 68 and the second attachment portion 18A may include a hole, and the other of the first attachment portion 68 and the second attachment portion 18A may include a female thread. The battery 60 is attached to the frame 18 by the bolt passing through one of the holes in the first mounting part 68 and the second mounting part 18A and being screwed into the female threaded part of the other of the first mounting part 68 and the second mounting part 18A. It may be attached.

The second attachment portion 18A is provided on the frame 18, for example. The second attachment portion 18A is provided, for example, on the down tube 18B of the frame 18. The second attachment portion 18A may be provided outside the down tube 18B. For example, the second attachment portion 18A is provided on the top tube or the loading platform. The second attachment portion 18A may be provided on the seat tube 18C of the frame 18. The second attachment portion 18A may be provided on the frame 18 so that the battery 60 is attached to the upper wall of the frame 18, or may be provided on the frame 18 so that the battery 60 is attached inside the frame 18. good. The upper part of the frame 18 includes the upper part in the vertical direction when the human-powered vehicle 10 is installed on a horizontal ground. When the second attachment portion 18A is provided on the frame 18 so that the battery 60 is attached inside the frame 18, the frame 18 includes a battery accommodating portion in the internal space of the frame 18. The battery housing section is provided in at least one of the top tube, down tube 18B, and seat tube of the frame 18. When the internal space of the frame 18 includes a battery accommodating portion, the frame 18 is provided with an opening for attaching the battery 60. When the second attachment portion 18A is attached to a portion of the frame 18 that extends in the front-rear direction of the human-powered vehicle 10, the opening may be provided in the wall portion of the upper surface of the frame 18, and the opening may be provided in the wall portion of the lower surface of the frame 18. may be provided. When the second attachment portion 18A is attached to a portion of the frame 18 that extends in the vertical direction of the human-powered vehicle 10, the opening may be provided in the front wall of the frame 18, and the opening may be provided in the rear wall of the frame 18. may be provided. If the opening is provided in the lower wall of the frame 18, and if the battery 60 is installed such that the recess 60C of the battery 60 is located above the frame 18, an opening is provided in the upper wall of the frame 18 in the recess 60C. A hole is provided for arranging the second electrical component 52 or an additional battery 54 not housed in the second electrical component 52 in the external device holding portion 64 of the battery 60 .

The first power supply unit 62 is configured to supply power to the first electric component 36 of the human-powered vehicle 10 in a state where the battery 60 is attached to the human-powered vehicle 10 . Preferably, the first power supply 62 is configured to supply power to the first electrical component 36 via a wired connection. The first power feeding section 62 includes, for example, an electrical connector. Preferably, at least a portion of the first power feeding section 62 is provided outside the housing 60B. The first power feeding section 62 is provided, for example, at one end of the battery 60 in the longitudinal direction. The first power feeding section 62 is provided in a recess formed at one end of the battery 60 in the longitudinal direction. A power receiving section 18D connected to the first electrical component 36 is provided in a portion corresponding to the first power feeding section 62 when the first mounting section 68 is attached to the second mounting section 18A. Power receiving unit 18D may constitute a part of battery support device 40. The power receiving unit 18D is configured to support one end of the battery 60 in the longitudinal direction, for example. The battery 60 is sandwiched between the second attachment part 18A and the power receiving part 18D. Preferably, the battery support device 40 further includes a fourth power feeding section 44. The fourth power supply section 44 is configured to supply power from the battery 60 to the first electrical component 36 . The fourth power feeding section 44 includes, for example, an electrical connector. The first electrical component 36 and the first power supply section 62 are electrically connected via an electrical connector provided on the battery support device 40.

The second power supply unit 66 is configured to supply power to the additional battery 54 . When the additional battery 54 is configured to be removable from the second electrical component 52, the second power supply unit 66 may be configured to supply power to the additional battery 54 that is not housed in the second electrical component 52. good.

Preferably, the second power supply 66 is configured to power the additional battery 54 by wireless power transfer. Preferably, the additional battery 54 includes a power receiving unit 54B that receives power by wireless power transmission. The power receiving unit 54B receives power transmitted from the second power feeding unit 66 and supplies it to the battery element 54A. Preferably, at least a portion of the second power feeding section 66 is provided inside the housing 60B.

Preferably, battery 60 further includes a first power receiving section 70 for receiving external power. Preferably, the first power receiving unit 70 is configured to receive power from the additional battery 54 by wireless power transmission, and is arranged in the same area as the second power feeding unit 66. External power is transmitted from an external power source 90A. The external power supply 90A includes a power transmission section for wireless power transmission. The external power source 90A may include a commercial power source.

Preferably, battery 60 further includes a second power receiving section 72 for receiving external power. Preferably, the second power receiving unit 72 is configured to receive external power through a wired connection. Preferably, at least a portion of the second power receiving section 72 is provided outside the housing 60B. The second power receiving unit 72 includes, for example, an electrical connector. External power is transmitted from external power supply 90B. External power source 90B is connected to second power receiving section 72 by an electric wire. External power source 90B may include a commercial power source.

Preferably, battery 60 includes at least one of a first power receiving section 70 and a second power receiving section 72. The battery 60 may include the first power receiving section 70 and may not include the second power receiving section 72. The battery 60 may not include the first power receiving section 70 but may include the second power receiving section 72. Battery 60 may include both first power receiving section 70 and second power receiving section 72.

The external device holding section 64 holds the additional battery 54 or the second electrical component 52. At least a portion of the external device holding section 64 is provided outside the housing 60B. When the additional battery 54 is not housed in the second electrical component 52 and when the external device holding section 64 is configured to hold the additional battery 54, preferably the external device holding section 64 directly holds the additional battery 54. is configured to hold the When the additional battery 54 is housed in the second electrical component 52 and when the external device holding section 64 is configured to hold the additional battery 54, preferably the external device holding section 64 is housed in the second electrical component 52. 52 is configured to hold an additional battery 54 through the housing. When the additional battery 54 is configured to be removable from the second electrical component 52, the external device holding section 64 may be configured to hold the additional battery 54 that is not housed in the second electrical component 52.

For example, the external device holding portion 64 is provided in a recess 60C formed on the outer surface of the housing 60B. Preferably, the recess 60C corresponds to the shape of the additional battery 54 and the second electrical component 52 held by the external device holding section 64. Preferably, the recess 60C has a size that allows the additional battery 54 and the second electrical component 52 held by the external device holding section 64 to be housed in their entirety. The recess 60C may have a size that accommodates a portion of the additional battery 54 and the second electric component 52 held by the external device holding section 64.

For example, the external device holding section 64 includes a first holder 64A and a second holder 64B. The first holder 64A and the second holder 64B are provided in the housing 60B. The first holder 64A is configured to be movable with respect to the housing 60B. The second holder 64B may be configured to be immovable relative to the housing 60B, or may be configured to be movable relative to the housing 60B. The external device holding section 64 may further include a rail 64C that movably supports the first holder 64A inside the recess 60C.

Preferably, the external device holding section 64 is configured to be able to hold the second electrical component 52 having a different shape. For example, when the second electrical component 52 is sandwiched between the first holder 64A and the second holder 64B, the second electrical component that can be held by the external device holding section 64 is moved by the first holder 64A. The shape of 52 is not limited to a specific shape. Therefore, the second electrical component 52 of various shapes can be held. Therefore, it has high versatility.

Preferably, at least a portion of the second power feeding section 66 is provided in the external device holding section 64. For example, the second power feeding section 66 is provided on the bottom surface of the recess 60C. Preferably, the external device holding section 64 is configured to be movable with respect to the second power feeding section 66.

Preferably, the first power feeding section 62 and the second power feeding section 66 are configured separately.

Preferably, battery 60 further includes a locking mechanism 74. The lock mechanism 74 restricts movement of the second electrical component 52 relative to the human-powered vehicle 10 while the second electrical component 52 is held in the external device holding section 64 . Preferably, locking mechanism 74 includes a cover portion 76 . The cover section 76 covers the second electrical component 52 while the second electrical component 52 is held in the external device holding section 64 . Preferably, the cover portion 76 includes a cover body 76A and a movable mechanism 76B. The movable mechanism 76B moves the cover body 76A to a position where it covers the second electrical component 52 and a position where it does not cover the second electrical component 52. The movable mechanism 76B may be, for example, a hinge attached to the cover body 76A and the battery 60, or may be a slide mechanism. Preferably, the cover section 76 covers at least a portion of the external device holding section 64. Preferably, the cover portion 76 covers at least a portion of the recess 60C. Preferably, the cover portion 76 covers substantially the entire recessed portion 60C. Preferably, the cover portion 76 is configured such that the second electric component 52 or the additional battery 54 disposed in the space formed between the recess portion 60C and the cover portion 76 cannot be removed while covering the recess portion 60C. Ru.

Preferably, the locking mechanism 74 includes a movable part 78 configured to be movable to a first position and a second position different from the first position with respect to the second power supply part 66. When the movable part 78 is in the first position, movement to the second position is allowed by performing a predetermined operation on the locking mechanism 74. The movable part 78 includes, for example, a latch. Locking mechanism 74 includes, for example, a key cylinder that operates a latch. An example of the predetermined operation is an operation of rotating a key cylinder using a key.

Preferably, battery 60 further includes a control section 80. The control unit 80 includes an arithmetic processing unit that executes a predetermined control program. The arithmetic processing device includes, for example, a CPU (Central Processing Unit) or an MPU (Micro Processing Unit). The arithmetic processing units may be provided at multiple locations separated from each other. Control unit 80 may include one or more microcomputers. Preferably, control section 80 includes a storage section. The storage unit stores various control programs and information used for various control processes. The storage unit includes, for example, nonvolatile memory and volatile memory. Nonvolatile memory includes, for example, at least one of ROM (Read-Only Memory), EPROM (Erasable Programmable Read Only Memory), EEPROM (Electrically Erasable Programmable Read-Only Memory), and flash memory. Volatile memory includes, for example, RAM (Random Access Memory). The control unit 80 is provided inside the housing 60B, for example.

Preferably, battery 60 further includes a display section 82 that displays predetermined information. Preferably, the predetermined information includes information regarding the voltage value of battery 60. Preferably, the display section 82 is provided on the housing 60B so that the user can visually confirm information regarding the voltage value of the battery 60 when the battery 60 is attached to the frame 18. When the battery 60 is placed inside the frame 18, the frame 18 is preferably provided with a hole through which the display 82 can be viewed by the user. The display unit 82 includes, for example, a light emitting device such as an LED (light emitting diode) or a liquid crystal display device. The control unit 80 is configured to control the display unit 82 to turn on, blink, or turn off the LED, depending on the voltage value of the battery 60, for example. The control unit 80 may be configured to control the display unit 82 to change the number and color of the LEDs that are lit according to the voltage value of the battery 60. The control unit 80 may be configured to control the display unit 82 so as to display a state in which the display unit 82 is supplying power from the battery 60 to the first electric component 36 . The control unit 80 may be configured to control the display unit 82 so as to display a state in which the display unit 82 is supplying power from the battery 60 to the additional battery 54 . The control unit 80 may be configured to control the display unit 82 so as to display a state in which the display unit 82 is receiving power from the battery 60 from the external power sources 90A and 90B. The control unit 80 may be configured to control the display unit 82 so that the display unit 82 displays information regarding the voltage value of the additional battery 54.

Preferably, the additional battery 54 further includes a control section 54C. The control unit 54C includes an arithmetic processing unit that executes a predetermined control program. The arithmetic processing device includes, for example, a CPU or an MPU. The arithmetic processing units may be provided at multiple locations separated from each other. The control unit 54C may include one or more microcomputers. Preferably, the control section 54C includes a storage section. The storage unit stores various control programs and information used for various control processes. The storage unit includes, for example, nonvolatile memory and volatile memory. Nonvolatile memory includes, for example, at least one of ROM, EPROM, EEPROM, and flash memory. Volatile memory includes, for example, RAM. When the second power supply section 66 supplies power to the second electrical component 52 that accommodates the additional battery 54, the control section 54C may be provided in the second electrical component 52. Preferably, the control unit 80 and the control unit 54C of the additional battery 54 are communicably connected via an electric cable or a wireless communication device. The control unit 54C can communicate with the control unit 80 using, for example, power line communication (PLC), CAN (Controller Area Network), or UART (Universal Asynchronous Receiver/Transmitter).

Preferably, the control unit 80 is configured to control the supply of power from the second power supply unit 66 to the additional battery 54 according to the voltage value of the additional battery 54. Preferably, the control unit 80 does not supply power from the second power supply unit 66 to the additional battery 54 when the voltage value of the additional battery 54 is higher than a predetermined first voltage value.

The process of supplying power to the additional battery 54 will be described with reference to FIG. 6. When power is supplied to the control unit 80, the control unit 80 starts processing and moves to step S11 of the flowchart shown in FIG. 6. When the flowchart of FIG. 6 ends, the control unit 80 repeats the process from step S11 after a predetermined period until the power supply is stopped.

In step S11, the control unit 80 determines whether the voltage value of the additional battery 54 is greater than the first voltage value. For example, the control unit 80 acquires the voltage value of the additional battery 54 through communication with the control unit 54C of the additional battery 54, and determines whether the acquired voltage value of the additional battery 54 is larger than the first voltage value. do. The control unit 80 ends the process when the voltage value of the additional battery 54 is greater than the first voltage value. If the voltage value of the additional battery 54 is not greater than the first voltage value, the control unit 80 moves to step S12.

In step S12, the control unit 80 starts supplying power to the additional battery 54, and proceeds to step S13. For example, the control unit 80 starts wireless power transmission from the second power supply unit 66 to the power reception unit 54B of the additional battery 54. For example, the battery 60 starts wired power transmission from the second power supply section 66 to the power reception section 54B of the additional battery 54. For example, the battery 60 starts transmitting power from the second power supply section 66 to the power reception section 54B of the additional battery 54 via the connector. The connector includes, for example, an engaging portion that engages with the power receiving portion 54B or an electric cable connected to the power receiving portion 54B, and a terminal for electrically connecting with the power receiving portion 54B.

In step S13, the control unit 80 determines whether the voltage value of the additional battery 54 is greater than the first voltage value. For example, the control unit 80 acquires the voltage value of the additional battery 54 at every predetermined control cycle, and uses the latest voltage value of the additional battery 54 to make the determination in step S13. If the voltage value of the additional battery 54 is not greater than the first voltage value, the control unit 80 repeats the process of step S13. If the voltage value of the additional battery 54 is greater than the first voltage value, the control unit 80 moves to step S14. In step S14, the control unit 80 stops supplying power to the additional battery 54, and ends the process.

The control unit 80 may be configured to start the process of step S11 when receiving the power supply request transmitted from the control unit 54C of the additional battery 54. The control unit 80 may be configured to start the process of step S11 when an operation to start supplying power to the additional battery 54 is performed on an operation unit provided in the additional battery 54. When the control unit 80 receives a power supply request transmitted from the control unit 54C of the additional battery 54, and when the operation unit provided in the additional battery 54 performs an operation to start supplying power to the additional battery 54, The configuration may be such that the process of step S11 is started when the process occurs.

The first voltage value is stored, for example, in the storage section of the control section 54C of the additional battery 54. The first voltage value is set to a value suitable for charging the additional battery 54. Preferably, the first voltage value is set according to the electric capacity of the additional battery 54. Preferably, the first voltage value is set to a value equal to or lower than the voltage value when the additional battery 54 is fully charged. The control unit 80 receives information regarding the first voltage value from the control unit 54C of the additional battery 54, and supplies power to the additional battery 54 according to the first voltage value included in the received information. The storage unit of the control unit 54C may be configured to store a first voltage value corresponding to the battery 60 and a first voltage value corresponding to the external power supplies 90A and 90B. When supplying the power of the battery 60 to the additional battery 54, the control unit 80 supplies the power to the additional battery 54 according to the first voltage value corresponding to the battery 60. When power from the external power supplies 90A and 90B is supplied to the additional battery 54, the external power supplies 90A and 90B are configured to supply power to the additional battery 54 according to the first voltage value corresponding to the external power supplies 90A and 90B. be done. For example, the first voltage value corresponding to battery 60 is smaller than the first voltage value corresponding to external power supplies 90A and 90B. In this case, consumption of power from the battery 60 due to power supply to the additional battery 54 can be reduced. The first voltage value may be configured to be changeable. The control unit 54C changes the first voltage value stored in the storage unit when there is a request to change the first voltage value from an external device, an operating device, or the like. The first voltage value may be stored in advance in the storage section of the control section 80. The storage section of the control section 80 may store one predetermined first voltage value, or may store a plurality of first voltage values corresponding to the type of the additional battery 54. When the storage unit of the control unit 80 stores a plurality of first voltage values corresponding to the type of the additional battery 54, for example, the control unit 80 acquires the model number of the additional battery 54 that supplies power from the additional battery 54, The first voltage value corresponding to the obtained model number of the additional battery 54 is selected and the process shown in the flowchart of FIG. 6 is performed. The control unit 80 may be configured to execute the process of the flowchart in FIG. 6 using a current value instead of a voltage value. In this case, the first voltage value is replaced by the first current value.

The control unit 80 may be configured not to supply the power of the battery 60 to the additional battery 54 when the voltage value of the battery 60 is equal to or lower than the second voltage value. The second voltage value may be configured to be changeable. The second voltage value is stored in the storage section of the control section 80. The control unit 80 changes the second voltage value stored in the storage unit when there is a request to change the second voltage value from an external device, an operating device, or the like. The control unit 80 operates between a first mode in which the power of the battery 60 is not supplied to the additional battery 54 when the voltage value of the battery 60 is less than or equal to the second voltage value, and a first mode in which the electric power of the battery 60 is not supplied to the additional battery 54 even when the voltage value of the battery 60 is less than or equal to the second voltage value. , and a second mode in which power from the battery 60 is supplied to the additional battery 54. The control unit 80 is configured to, for example, switch between a first mode and a second mode in accordance with the operation of the operating device.

The battery 60 can power an additional battery 54 of the second electrical component 52 . Therefore, for example, the additional battery 54 can be charged with the electric power of the battery 60 while the human-powered vehicle 10 is not running. Therefore, the additional battery 54 can be charged without using an external power source or the like.

<Modified example>
The description of the embodiments is an example of the form that the battery for a human-powered vehicle, the battery system for a human-powered vehicle, and the battery support device according to the present disclosure may take, and is not intended to limit the form. The battery for a human-powered vehicle, the battery system for a human-powered vehicle, and the battery support device according to the present disclosure are, for example, a combination of a modification of the embodiment shown below and at least two modifications that are not inconsistent with each other. It can take any form. In the following modified examples, the same parts as in the embodiment are given the same reference numerals as in the embodiment, and the explanation thereof will be omitted.

- As shown in FIG. 7, the second power supply section 66 includes a convex portion 66A, and the convex portion 66A may include an electrical contact that can be electrically connected to the additional battery 54. In this case, the second power supply unit 66 is configured to supply power to the additional battery 54 through a wired connection. The second power feeding section 66 is provided, for example, in the second holder 64B.

- As shown in FIG. 8, the battery support device 40 may include a third power feeding section 46. The third power supply 46 is configured to supply power to an additional battery 54 of a second electrical component 52 that is different from the first electrical component 36 . The third power supply unit 46 includes an electrical connector and may be connected to the additional battery 54 by an electric wire. The third power supply section 46 may be configured to supply power to the power reception section 54B of the additional battery 54 by wireless power transmission. In this modification, the second power supply section 66 and the external device holding section 64 may be omitted from the battery 60. In this modification, the battery support device 40 may include an external device holding section that holds the additional battery 54 or the second electrical component 52.

- The external device holding section 64 does not need to include the first holder 64A, the second holder 64B, and the rail 64C. For example, the external device holding section 64 includes a magnet provided in the housing 60B. The external device holding section 64 holds the magnetic part of the additional battery 54 or the second electric component 52 using a magnet. The magnet of the external device holding section 64 is configured to be able to hold the second electrical component 52 having a different shape. Further, the external device holding portion 64 may include a second engaging portion that engages with a first engaging portion provided on the second electrical component 52 or the additional battery 54. The first engaging portion and the second engaging portion include, for example, a recessed portion and a convex portion. The first engagement portion and the second engagement portion may include electrical connectors. In this case, the second power feeding section 66 and the second engaging section may be configured integrally, and the power receiving section 54B and the first engaging section may be configured integrally.

- When the second power feeding section 66 of the battery 60 and the power receiving section 54B of the additional battery 54 are connected by an electric cable, the external device holding section 64 may be omitted.

- The power receiving section 54B may be provided in the second electrical component 52. In this case, for example, the power receiving unit 54B is connected to the additional battery 54 inside the second electric component 52.

- The first power feeding section 62 may be provided with a recess 60C. In this case, for example, the first power feeding section 62 includes an electrical connector and is connected to the first electrical component 36 by an electrical cable.

The expression "at least one" as used herein means "one or more" of the desired options. As an example, the expression "at least one" as used herein means "only one option" or "both of the two options" if the number of options is two. As another example, the expression "at least one" as used herein means "only one option" or "any combination of two or more options" if there are three or more options. means.

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 10... Human-driven vehicle, 18... Frame, 18A... Second attachment part, 36... First electric component, 40... Battery support device, 44... Fourth power supply part, 46... Third power supply part, 50... Battery system, 52 ...Second electrical component, 54...Additional battery, 54B...Power receiving section, 54C...Control section, 60...Battery, 62...First power feeding section, 64...External device holding section, 66...Second power feeding section, 66A...Convex portion , 68... First attachment part, 70... First power receiving part, 72... Second power receiving part, 74... Lock mechanism, 76... Cover part, 78... Movable part, 80... Control part, 82... Display part.

Claims (22)

A battery for a human-powered vehicle,
a first power supply unit configured to supply power to a first electrical component of the human-powered vehicle when attached to the human-powered vehicle;
an additional battery configured to supply power to a second electrical component different from the first electrical component, or an external device holding section that holds the second electrical component that accommodates the additional battery;
a second power supply configured to supply power to the additional battery. The battery of claim 1, wherein the second power supply is configured to power the additional battery by wireless power transfer. further comprising a first power receiving unit for receiving external power,
The battery according to claim 2, wherein the first power receiving unit is configured to receive power from the additional battery by wireless power transmission and is disposed in the same area as the second power feeding unit. further comprising a second power receiving unit for receiving external power,
The battery according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the second power receiving unit is configured to receive the external power through a wired connection. The second power feeding part includes a convex part,
The battery according to claim 1 or 4, wherein the convex portion includes an electrical contact that can be electrically connected to the additional battery. A battery for a human-powered vehicle,
a first power supply unit configured to supply power to a first electrical component of the human-powered vehicle when attached to the human-powered vehicle;
a second power supply configured to supply power to an additional battery configured to supply power to a second electrical component different from the first electrical component;
a recess in which at least a portion of the second electrical component or the additional battery is accommodated ;
The second power supply part is a battery, and the second power supply part includes an electrical contact in the recessed part that can be electrically connected to the additional battery. The battery according to claim 6, further comprising an external device holding section that holds the additional battery or the second electrical component that accommodates the additional battery. The battery according to claim 1 , wherein the external device holding section is configured to be movable with respect to the second power feeding section. The battery according to any one of claims 1 to 5, 7, and 8, wherein the external device holding section is configured to be able to hold the second electrical component having a different shape. Any one of claims 1 to 5 and 7 to 9, further comprising a locking mechanism that restricts movement of the second electrical component with respect to the human-powered vehicle while the second electrical component is held in the external device holding section. The battery described in paragraph 1. The battery according to claim 10, wherein the locking mechanism includes a cover portion that covers the second electrical component when the second electrical component is held in the external device holding portion. The locking mechanism includes a movable part configured to be movable to a first position and a second position different from the first position with respect to the second power feeding part,
The battery according to claim 11, wherein when the movable part is in the first position, movement to the second position is allowed by performing a predetermined operation on the locking mechanism. The battery according to any one of claims 1 to 12, wherein the first power feeding section and the second power feeding section are configured separately. further comprising a first attachment part;
The first attachment portion engages with a second attachment portion that is provided on the human-powered vehicle and restricts movement of the battery with respect to the frame of the human-powered vehicle. battery. further comprising a control section,
The control unit according to any one of claims 1 to 14, wherein the control unit is configured to control supply of power from the second power supply unit to the additional battery according to a voltage value of the additional battery. Battery. The battery according to claim 15, wherein the control unit does not supply power from the second power supply unit to the additional battery when the voltage value of the additional battery is larger than a predetermined first voltage value. The battery according to any one of claims 1 to 16, further comprising a display section that displays predetermined information. The battery according to claim 17, wherein the predetermined information includes information regarding a voltage value of the battery. A battery system for a human-powered vehicle,
A battery according to any one of claims 1 to 18,
The second electric component,
The second electric component is a battery system that is a component attachable to the human-powered vehicle. A battery support device for a human-powered vehicle, comprising:
configured to support a battery for a human-powered vehicle that supplies power to a first electrical component of the human-powered vehicle when attached to the human-powered vehicle;
a second attachment part provided on the frame of the human-powered vehicle and engaged with the first attachment part of the battery;
a third power supply configured to supply power to an additional battery of a second electrical component different from the first electrical component. The battery support device according to claim 20, wherein the battery support device attaches the battery to the frame by sandwiching both ends of the battery. The battery support device according to claim 20 or 21 , further comprising a fourth power supply configured to supply power of the battery to the first electrical component.