JPH10185715A - Method for measuring pedal rotation period for bicycle and energy consumption, pedal rotation period measuring instrument, and energy consumption measuring instrument - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To obtain an instrument for measuring energy consumption for bicycles that has less number of parts, is simple in structure, and is inexpensive. SOLUTION: A measuring instrument has a detector 1 for detecting torque, a means 2 for calculating a torque value based on an input signal from the torque detector 1, a means 3 for setting a time when a torque value exceeds a threshold by comparing the torque value inputted from the torque operation means 2 with the threshold to a pedal stepping start time, a means 6 for calculating a pedal rotary period based on a current time and the pedal stepping start time, and a means 7 for calculating an energy consumption based on the torque value that is outputted from a means 5 for adding torque and a pedal rotary period.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention detects the torque of a rotating shaft driven by a pedal of a bicycle or a device for exercising energy training for strength training or health (hereinafter referred to as a bicycle). The present invention relates to a method of measuring a pedal rotation cycle and energy consumption of a bicycle based on the detected torque value, a pedal rotation cycle measuring instrument and an energy consumption measuring instrument.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, a bicycle wheel rotation cycle is measured based on a magnet mounted on a wheel and a sensor such as a reed switch mounted on a frame to calculate and display a running speed and a running distance. was there. On the other hand, in recent years, the use of bicycles has become a boom for maintaining health and dieting. In such exercises, there is a need to know not only running speed and running distance but also energy consumed by oneself. is there.

[0003]

However, there is no means for measuring the force of stepping on the pedal, the amount of work obtained thereby, and the energy consumed for this purpose. The results and the energy consumed by them could not be known numerically. Also,
The conventional rotation period measurement has a problem that the number of parts is large, the structure is complicated and expensive.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The present invention has been made to solve the above-mentioned problems, and has a simple and inexpensive method for measuring a pedal rotation cycle and energy consumption of a bicycle with a small number of parts, a simple structure, and a pedal rotation cycle measuring instrument and energy. The purpose is to obtain a consumption meter.

[0005]

A method of measuring a pedal rotation period according to the present invention compares a torque value input in a first input step with a threshold value, and compares the torque value input in the first input step. When the value is equal to or greater than the threshold value, the process proceeds to the next step, and when the value is less than the threshold value, the first comparison step returns to the first input step. When the torque value input in the second input step is equal to or greater than the threshold value, the process returns to the second input step. When the torque value input in the second input step is less than the threshold value, the process proceeds to the next step. When the torque value input in the second comparing step and the third input step is smaller than the threshold value, the process returns to the third input step, and when the torque value is equal to or larger than the threshold value, the process proceeds to the next step. Third comparison step A pedal rotation last cycle calculating step of calculating a pedal rotation last cycle based on a current time and the first or second pedal depression start time setting step described later; and a pedal rotation last cycle calculation. A second pedal depression start time setting step in which the current time of the step is a pedal depression start time;
When the torque value input in the input step is equal to or larger than the threshold value, the process returns to the fourth torque input step. When the torque value is smaller than the threshold value, the process returns to the third input step.
And a comparing step.

In addition, a flag setting step of setting an initial flag to 1 and a torque value input in the first input step are compared with a threshold value, and the torque value input in the first input step is compared with the threshold value. When the value is equal to or greater than the threshold value, the process proceeds to the next step, and when the value is less than the threshold value, the process returns to the first input step. A first pedal rotation previous cycle calculating step of calculating a pedal rotation last cycle based on time, a pedal depression start time setting step using the current time as a pedal depression start time, and a torque value input in the second input step Returns to the second input step when is equal to or greater than the threshold value, and proceeds to the next step when the value is less than the threshold value. When the first flag is 1, the process proceeds to the next step. When the first flag is not 1, the flag comparing step proceeds to the first input step. A second previous pedal rotation cycle calculating step of calculating the previous pedal rotation cycle based on the step-on start time; and a first flag setting step of setting the first flag to 0 and returning to the first input step.

In the energy consumption measuring method according to the present invention, the torque value input in the first input step is compared with a threshold value, and the torque value input in the first input step is compared with the threshold value. At this time, the process proceeds to the next step, and returns to the first input step when the value is less than the threshold value. A first comparison step, and a first pedal depression start time setting that sets the current time to a pedal depression start time And a second comparing step of returning to the second input step when the torque value input in the second input step is equal to or greater than the threshold value and proceeding to the next step when the torque value is less than the threshold value. And returning to the third input step when the torque value input in the third input step is less than the threshold value.
A third comparison step for proceeding to the next step when the value is equal to or greater than the threshold value; and a previous cycle of the pedal rotation based on the current time and the first or second pedal depression start time setting step described later. , A second pedal depression start time setting step that sets the current time of the pedal rotation previous period computation step to a pedal depression start time, and a torque addition step of adding a torque value. An energy consumption calculating step of calculating an energy consumption based on the added torque and the previous cycle of the pedal rotation; and, when the torque value input in the fourth input step is equal to or larger than the threshold value, the torque A fourth comparing step of returning to the adding step and returning to the third input step when the value is smaller than the threshold value.

[0008] Further, a flag setting step of setting the initial flag to 1 and a torque value input in the first input step are compared with a threshold value, and the torque value input in the first input step is determined by the first input step. When the value is equal to or greater than the threshold value, the process proceeds to the next step, and when the value is less than the threshold value, the process returns to the first input step. A first pedal rotation previous cycle calculating step of calculating a pedal rotation last cycle based on time, a pedal depression start time setting step using the current time as a pedal depression start time, a torque addition step of adding a torque value, and a second The second ratio returns to the torque adding step when the torque value input in the input step is equal to or larger than the threshold value, and proceeds to the next step when the torque value is smaller than the threshold value. If the first flag is 1, the process proceeds to the next step. If the first flag is not 1, a flag comparison step proceeds to an energy consumption calculation step described later. A second pedal rotation previous cycle calculation step of calculating a previous pedal rotation cycle based on the pedal depression start time of the pedal depression start time setting step, an initial flag setting step of setting an initial flag to 0, and the addition Calculating the energy consumption based on the torque added in the torque step and the previous pedal rotation cycle calculated in the first or second pedal rotation last cycle calculation step, and returning to the first input step. And a quantity calculation step.

In the bicycle pedal rotation cycle measuring device according to the present invention, a chevron-shaped magnetic anisotropy is provided on the outer periphery symmetrically and inclined in opposite directions to each other, and the pedal is mounted via a crank. A torque detector including a rotating shaft and a detection coil, and a coil unit disposed on the outer periphery of the rotating shaft; a torque calculating means for calculating a torque value based on an input signal from the torque detector; Comparing the torque value input from the calculating means with a threshold value, and setting a time when the torque value becomes equal to or greater than the threshold value as a pedal depression start time; A time storage means for storing a time; a pedal rotation last cycle for calculating a pedal rotation cycle based on a current time and the pedal depression start time stored in the time storage means; And a calculation unit.

A running speed and a running distance are calculated based on the pedal rotation cycle, the wheel diameter of the bicycle, and the gear diameter of the pedal rotating section output from the pedal rotation last cycle calculating means,
The display device is provided with speed / distance calculating means for outputting the running speed and the running distance.

[0011] The energy consumption measuring instrument according to the present invention comprises:
A chevron-shaped magnetic anisotropy is provided on the outer periphery symmetrically and inclined in opposite directions to each other, and the pedal has a rotation shaft and a detection coil attached via a crank and is disposed on the outer periphery of the rotation shaft. A torque detector comprising a coil unit, a torque calculator for calculating a torque value based on an input signal from the torque detector, and a torque value input from the torque calculator being compared with a threshold value. The time when the torque value becomes equal to or greater than the threshold value is set as a pedal depression start time, and a pedal depression start time setting means for outputting a torque value greater than or equal to the threshold value, and the pedal depression start time is stored. Time storage means, a torque addition means for adding the torque value output from the pedal depression start time setting output means, and a current time stored in the time storage means. A pedal rotation previous cycle calculating means for calculating a pedal rotation cycle based on the dull stepping start time; and a torque value output from the torque adding means and a pedal rotation cycle output from the pedal rotation previous cycle calculating means. Energy consumption calculating means for calculating the energy consumption based on the calculated energy consumption.

The torque calculating means calculates the torque value when the torque value is equal to or greater than the threshold value, and the energy consumption calculation calculates the energy consumption when the torque value is less than the threshold value.

[0013]

BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION

Embodiment 1 FIG. FIG. 1 shows a first embodiment of the present invention, in which a basic block diagram of an energy consumption measuring instrument for calculating and displaying a pedal depression force, a work amount, a pedal rotation cycle, an energy consumption amount, etc., and FIG. It is a circuit configuration block diagram of a main part of a quantity measuring instrument. In FIG. 1, reference numeral 1 denotes a torque detector arranged on the outer periphery of a rotating shaft on which a bicycle pedal is mounted via a crank, and 2 denotes a torque calculating means for calculating a torque value based on an input signal from the torque detector 1. ,
Numeral 3 compares the torque value input from the torque calculation means 2 with a threshold value, and sets a time when the torque value becomes equal to or more than the threshold value as a pedal depression start time and a torque value equal to or more than the threshold value. Is output from the pedal depression start time setting means.

4 is a time storage means for storing the pedal depression start time, 5 is a torque addition means for adding the torque value output from the pedal depression start time setting means 3, and 6 is the current time and the time storage means 4. A pedal rotation cycle calculating means for calculating a pedal rotation cycle based on the pedal depression start time stored in the storage section; and 7, a torque value output from the torque adding means 5 and a torque value output from the pedal rotation previous cycle calculating means 6. An energy consumption calculating means 8 for calculating the energy consumption based on the pedal rotation cycle is a display device for displaying the energy consumption output from the energy consumption calculating means 7. The torque calculation means 2, the pedal depression start time setting output means 3, the time storage means 4, the torque addition means 5, the pedal rotation last cycle calculation means 6, and the energy consumption calculation means 7 are inside the control circuit 9.

In FIG. 2, reference numeral 10 denotes an A / D conversion circuit for A / D converting the signal of the torque detector 1;
Reference numeral 2 denotes a ROM in which a program for calculating a pedal rotation cycle, pedal depression force, work amount, running speed, running distance, energy consumption, and the like is stored based on the detected torque. Reference numeral 13 denotes a work area used in the calculation. RAM to be secured, 14
Is a clock for outputting the time to the CPU.

Next, the structure of the torque detector 1 is shown in FIGS.
This will be described below. FIG. 3 is a schematic perspective view of a bottom bracket portion of the bicycle on which the torque detector 1 is mounted. In the figure, reference numeral 21 denotes a bottom bracket portion, in which a rotating shaft 23 is inserted into a cylindrical housing 22 and is rotatably supported via a bearing. And, at one end of the rotating shaft 23,
A crank 25a, to which a pedal 24a is rotatably mounted, is fixed to the tip end. A gear 26 for driving a chain is fitted to the other end of the rotating shaft 23.
Is fixed.

FIG. 4 shows a torque detector 1a of the torque detector 1.
FIG. In the figure, 21 is a bottom bracket portion, 22 is a housing, and 23 is a rotating shaft. The rotating shaft 23 is made of, for example, a magnetic material such as an Fe—Al alloy, an Fe—Ni alloy, or an SNCM carburized steel.

Reference numerals 27a and 27b denote chevron-shaped grooves provided symmetrically on the rotating shaft 23 and inclined in opposite directions to each other. The rotating shaft 23 has these grooves 27a and 27b.
Thereby impart magnetic anisotropy in directions opposite to each other.
Numeral 28 denotes a cylindrical coil unit fixed to the inner wall of the housing 22. First and second detection coils 29a and 29b are provided via a yoke 28a, and torque is detected by the rotating shaft 23 and the coil unit 28. The part 1a is constituted. In addition, do not use a magnetic material for the rotating shaft,
A magnetic foil provided with magnetic anisotropy may be fixed on the surface. Hereinafter, a case where a magnetic material is used for the rotating shaft 23 will be described.

FIG. 5 is a block diagram showing an example of a torque detection circuit when torsional stress is applied to the rotating shaft 23 in the directions a1 and a2. 31a and 31b are detection coils provided in the coil unit 28, R1 and R2 are resistors,
These form a bridge circuit 32. 33
Is an oscillation circuit for applying an oscillation voltage eV to the bridge circuit 32. 34 is an output AC voltage e1 of the bridge circuit 32,
A synchronous detection circuit for detecting e2, a comparison circuit 35 for comparing the two detected DC voltages E1, E2 and outputting a difference voltage .DELTA.E, and an amplification circuit 36 for amplifying the output voltage .DELTA.E of the comparison circuit 35. Constitute the torque detection circuit 16.

Next, an outline of the operation of the energy consumption measuring instrument of the present invention will be described. First, in the torque detection circuit 16 of the torque detector 1, when no torsional stress is applied to the rotating shaft 23, the grooves 27 a and 2
7b are kept equal, and the self-inductance L of the detection coils 31a and 31b at this time is maintained.
1 and L2 are represented by the following equations. L1 = 4πN1 ² μ1 A [1] L2 = 4πN2 ² μ2 A [2] where N1 is the number of coil turns of the detection coil 31a N2 is the number of coil turns of the detection coil 31b A is a coefficient determined by the shape of the core Therefore, N1 = N2, If μ1 = μ2,
From the equations [1] and [2], L1 = L2.

The detection coils 31a and 31b are connected to resistors R1,
A bridge circuit 32 is formed by R2 and the voltages e1 and e2 at the middle points are represented by the following equations. e1 = jωL1 / (jωL1 + R1) · e [3] e2 = jωL2 / (jωL2 + R2) · e [4] Now, when torsional stress in the a1 and a2 directions is applied to the rotating shaft 23, the chevron-shaped concave grooves 27a and Among the grooves 27b, the magnetic permeability μ1 increases due to the Villari effect because tensile stress is applied to the concave groove 27a, and the magnetic permeability μ2 decreases because compressive force is applied to the concave groove 27b.

As described above, the self-inductances L1 and L2 of the detection coils 31a and 31b are L1 = 4πN12 ² μ1 A L2 = 4πN2 ² μ2 A. When the torsional stresses a1 and a2 are applied to the rotating shaft 23, μ1 increases. , Μ2 change to a small value, so that L1 is large and L2 is small.

Therefore, from the equations [3] and [4], the voltage e1 at the middle point of the bridge circuit 32 rises, and e2 falls. The two voltages e1 and e2 are respectively smoothed by the synchronous detection circuit 34, and the output DC voltages E1 and E2 are compared with the comparison circuit 35.
And a voltage ΔE of the difference is output. The voltage ΔE of this difference is amplified by the amplifier 36 and is taken out as an output signal.

Now, as shown in FIG. 6, when the pedal is depressed to rotate the crank 25b in the direction of arrow a (the forward direction of the bicycle), the rotational force is transmitted from the crank 25b to the rotating shaft 23.
Is transmitted to At this time, the other crank 25a generates torsional stress on the rotating shaft 3 due to the weight of the foot applied to the pedal 24a, and the torque is detected. However, this torque is ignored because it is a negative value.

Next, when the other crank 25a is rotated in the direction of arrow a, the crank 25b is in a free state, but the chain C is hung on the gear 26 connected to the rotating shaft 23, and Since the tension is applied, a torsional stress in the direction of arrow a1 shown in FIG. Thereby, the concave groove 2 provided on the rotating shaft 23
7a and 27b, the tensile stress is on the concave groove 27a side,
Further, since a compressive stress is applied to the concave groove 27b side, the magnetic permeability of the rotating shaft 23 changes correspondingly.

As described above, the self-inductance of the first and second detection coils 31a and 31b changes with the change in the magnetic permeability of the rotating shaft 23, and the bridge circuit 32 changes the impedance. Output unbalanced voltages e1 and e2 corresponding to the magnitude of the torque applied to. The output voltages e1 and e2 are processed and output by the process described with reference to FIG. This output voltage is
3 is a value corresponding to the torque applied. As described above, in the first embodiment, a signal corresponding to the torque applied to the rotating shaft 23 is output while the gear 26 makes one rotation, that is, while the pedal 24a on the opposite side of the gear 26 is depressed. You.

Next, the torque calculation means 2 calculates a torque value based on an input signal input from the torque detector 1 via the A / D conversion circuit 10.

Next, the pedal depression start time setting output means 3 will be described with reference to FIG. The torque value input from the torque calculating means 2 is compared with a predetermined threshold value 3b in a torque comparing section 3a. When the torque value becomes equal to or larger than the threshold value, the torque value is output to the torque adding means 5, and the pedal depression start time setting unit 3c sets the time output from the clock unit 3d as the pedal depression start time, and stores the time. The information is stored in the means 4.

8A and 8B are diagrams showing the relationship between the pedal rotation and the torque, FIG. 8A is a diagram showing the relationship between the pedal rotation state and the torque, and FIG. 8B is a diagram showing the relationship between the time after the start of pedal depression and the torque. As shown in FIG. 8a, A
When the pedal 24a on the opposite side of the gear 26 at the point is depressed half a turn in the direction of arrow a, torque is generated, and in the next half turn (arrow b), the pedal 24a is not depressed but the foot is on the pedal. Therefore, a torque opposite to the direction in which the pedal is depressed is generated, resulting in a negative torque.

At the time t ₀ at the start of the actual stepping on the point A,
As shown in FIGS. 8 (a) and 8 (b), the torque is 0, but a torque value that has been increased to some extent is set in advance as a threshold value, and B the time t ₁ of the point is the pedal depression start time.
Time t ₂ at the point C is finish stepping half turn to the other side of the pedal 24a of the gear 26 in the direction of arrow a, a time equal to or less than the threshold value, the end next half rotation (arrow b), 2 nd depression It was carried out, the time point B where the torque value is equal to or greater than the threshold value is t _3. t ₄ is a time at which the time becomes equal to or less than the threshold, and T 4
Is the pedal rotation cycle.

The time storage means 4 stores the pedal depression start time set by the pedal depression start time setting means 3. Next, the torque adding means 5 adds the torque value output from the pedal depression start time setting means 3. Next, the previous pedal rotation cycle calculating means 6 calculates the pedal rotation cycle based on the current time and the pedal depression start time stored in the time storage means 4. For example, FIG.
In a and 8b, if the current time is t ₃ , the pedal depression start time is t _1, and the previous cycle of pedal rotation is T, T = t
₃ becomes over t _1. Incidentally, the pedaling start time using t _2, when the current time is t _4, T = t ₄ calculated were similar results even if the over t ₂ is obtained.

Next, the energy consumption calculating means 7 calculates the energy consumption based on the torque value output from the torque adding means 5 and the pedal rotation cycle output from the pedal rotation last cycle calculation means 5 and 5.

In the calculation of the energy consumption by the energy consumption calculating means 7, first, the pedal depression force is obtained from the torque value output from the torque calculating means 2. That is, assuming that the torque is Trq, the pedal effort is F, and the length from the center of the rotary shaft 23 to the center of the pedal axis of the cranks 25a and 25b (hereinafter referred to as the crank length) is R. There is a relationship. Trq = F × R [5] Accordingly, the pedal effort F is obtained by the following equation. F = Trq / R [6]

The amount of work dW performed by depressing the pedals 24a and 24b is
The product of the force applied to b (that is, the pedaling force F) and the travel distance of the pedals 24a and 24b (hereinafter referred to as the pedal travel distance) ds is obtained by dW = F × ds.
Connect the bicycle pedals 24a, 24b to the cranks 25a, 25.
Since the pedal movement distance ds when dθ radian is rotated with respect to the center of the rotation shaft 23 of b is obtained by ds = R × dθ, the work amount W when the pedals 24a and 24b are rotated by θ radian is

[0035]

(Equation 1)

## EQU1 ## The unit of work is joule (J). When this is converted into nutritional calorie E, one calorie is 4.18 × 10 3 (J).

[0037]

(Equation 2)

## EQU4 ## On the other hand, during one rotation of the gear 26, the pedal depression force F reaches the maximum value twice when the pedal is depressed most strongly with the right foot and twice when the pedal is depressed most strongly with the left foot. When the pedal 24b is depressed (right foot), no torque is detected, and only when the pedal 24a is depressed, the torque is detected. Therefore, if the period in which the torque is detected is T, the rotational angular velocity of the pedal is 2π / T radians. Therefore, the pedal rotation angle d for dt time
θ is 2π / T × dt.

When performing torque detection every dt time,
The energy consumption dE during this time is calculated as follows:
Based on the pedal depression force FK obtained by the torque detection,
From equation [8], dE = 1 / (4.18.times.10.sup.3) .times.Trq.times.2.pi. / TK.times.dt [9]. As described above, the energy consumption E when the pedal is rotated by θ radians is obtained by performing the above calculation each time the torque is detected, calculating the energy consumed during the detection, and adding the calculated energy to the accumulated energy value. Note that the calculation of the energy consumption is based on the torque generated when the user steps on the left foot, and actually exercises on the right foot, so doubling the calculated value gives the actual energy consumption. Can be

Next, the display device 8 displays the energy consumption output from the energy consumption calculation means 7, the previous pedal rotation cycle output from the pedal rotation last cycle calculation means 6, and the torque value output from the torque calculation means 2. Is displayed.

Next, a specific calculation method of the pedal rotation cycle and the energy consumption will be described with reference to the flowchart shown in FIG.

First, step S11 is a first input step, in which a torque value output from the torque detector 1 and calculated by the torque calculating means 2 is input (hereinafter, this processing is referred to as inputting a torque value). . Next step S1
2 is a first comparison step, in which the input torque value is compared with a threshold value, and when the torque value input in the first input step S11 is equal to or more than the threshold value, the process proceeds to the next step. , When the threshold value is equal to or less than the threshold value, the first input step S
Return to 11. Step S13 is a first pedal depression start time setting step, in which the current time is set as the pedal depression start time and stored in the time storage means 4. Step S14
Is a second input step for inputting a torque value.

Next, step S15 is a second comparison step. When the input torque value is equal to or larger than the threshold value, the flow returns to step S14, which is the second input step.
Proceed to the next step when it is less than the threshold. Step S
Reference numeral 16 denotes a third input step for inputting a torque value. Step S17 is a third comparison step. When the input torque value is equal to or larger than the threshold value, the process returns to the third input step S16. When the input torque value is smaller than the threshold value, the process proceeds to the next step.

Step S18 is a pedal rotation last cycle calculating step. The pedal rotation last cycle calculating means 6 calculates the last time of pedal rotation based on the current time and the first pedal depression start time setting step S13. Calculate the period. Step S19 is a second pedal depression start time setting step, in which the pedal depression start time setting means 3 stores the current time in the pedal rotation last cycle calculation step S18 as the pedal depression start time in the time storage means 4. .

Step S20 is a torque adding step, in which the torque adding means 5 adds the torque value that has become equal to or greater than the threshold value in steps S17 and S23.
Step S21 is an energy consumption calculation step,
The energy consumption calculating means 7 calculates the energy consumption based on the torque added in step S20 and the previous cycle of the pedal rotation obtained in step S18.

Step S22 is a display step, in which the display device 8 displays the torque value obtained in step S20, the previous cycle of the pedal rotation obtained in step S18, and the energy consumption obtained in step S21. Step S23 is a fourth input step, in which a torque value is input.

Step S24 is a fourth comparison step. When the input torque value is equal to or more than the threshold value, the process returns to the torque adding step S20. When the input torque value is less than the threshold value, the process returns to the third input step S16. .

Next, the relationship between the operation according to the flowchart of FIG. 9 and the pedal rotation state will be described with reference to FIGS. 10 (a), 10 (b) and 10 (c).
This will be described below. FIG. 10A is a diagram showing the relationship between the time after the start of pedal depression and the torque, FIG. 10B is a diagram showing the torque and each calculation situation in the first pedal rotation, and FIG.
(C) is a diagram showing the torque and each calculation situation in the second pedal rotation.

In FIGS. 10 (a), 10 (b) and 10 (c), when the pedal 24a on the opposite side of the gear 26 is depressed half a turn in the direction of arrow a, torque is generated, and in the next half turn, the pedal is depressed. A torque opposite to the direction is generated, resulting in a negative torque.
A is a point at which the pedal starts to rotate, and at a point B, the time at which the torque becomes equal to or greater than the threshold, and this time t ₁ is set as the pedal depression start time. At point C, pedal 2 on the opposite side of gear 26
4a the end stepping half turn in the direction of arrow a, a time t ₂ equal to or less than the threshold value, the first rotation is completed at the next half rotation. In the second rotation, the next step is performed, and the time becomes t ₃ at a point B where the torque value becomes equal to or larger than the threshold value. C
End stepped half turn to the other side of the pedal 24a of the gear 26 is a point, a time t ₄ when the below the threshold, the second rotation is completed at the next half rotation. T ₁ is a pedal rotation period of the first time, T ₂ is a pedal rotation period of the second time.

In the first pedal rotation, FIG.
As shown in FIG. 10, the pedal depression start time in step S13 is set at the point B, and in the second pedal rotation, FIG.
As shown in (c), between step S17 at point B and step S24 at point C, input of a torque value, addition of the input torque, calculation of the previous cycle of pedal rotation and calculation of energy consumption are performed.

As described above, the torque generated by the rotation of the pedal of the bicycle is detected by the torque detector, the rotation period of the pedal is calculated based on the torque, and the traveling speed and the traveling distance are calculated based on the rotation period. Furthermore, in order to calculate the energy consumption based on the torque value and the rotation cycle, there is no need to provide another detector for measuring the pedal rotation cycle, the number of parts is small, the structure is simpler and less expensive. Things.

Embodiment 2 In the first embodiment, the input of the torque and the respective calculations are performed only during the half-revolution in which the torque is generated by depressing the pedal. In the second embodiment, the input and the torque of the torque are performed for each half-revolution of the pedal. Each operation is performed in a distributed manner.

The configuration of the energy consumption measuring device according to the second embodiment is the same as that of FIGS. 1 and 2 shown in the first embodiment, and the operation is different. The operation will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG.

First, in the flag setting step of step S31, 1 is set to the initial flag. Next, step S
In a first input step of 32, a torque value is input. Then, in a first comparison step of step S33, the input torque value is compared with a threshold value. When the torque value input in the first input step S31 is equal to or larger than the threshold value, the next step is performed. And returns to the first input step S3 when the value is equal to or smaller than the threshold value.

Next, in the first pedal rotation last cycle calculating step of step S34, the pedal rotation last cycle calculating means 6 calculates the pedal rotation last time based on the current time and the next stepping start time in the next stepping start time setting step. Calculate the period. At this time, immediately after the initial state (when the first flag = 1), the pedal depression start time is calculated with an indefinite value, and the previous cycle of the pedal rotation is naturally not a correct value. This will be recalculated after step S39. Then, step S35
In the pedal depression start time setting step, the current time is set as the pedal depression start time and stored in the time storage means 4. Next, in a torque addition step of step S36, the torque value is added by the torque addition means 5. Then, in a second input step of step S37, a torque value is input. Next, in the second comparison step of step S38, when the input torque value is equal to or more than the threshold value, the process returns to the torque adding step S36, and when the input torque value is less than the threshold value, the process proceeds to the next step.

Then, in the flag comparison step of step S39, it is determined whether the first flag is 1 or not. When the first flag is 1, the process proceeds to the next step. When the first flag is not 1, the energy consumption calculation described later is performed. Proceeding to step S42, next, in the second pedal rotation last cycle calculation step of step S40, the pedal rotation last cycle calculation means 6
The previous cycle of the pedal rotation is calculated based on the current time and the pedal depression start time in the pedal depression start time setting step S35.

Then, the initial flag is set to 0 in the initial flag setting step of step S41. Next, step S
In the energy consumption calculation step of 42, the torque added by the energy consumption calculation means 7 in the addition torque step S36 and the first pedal rotation last cycle calculation step S34,
Alternatively, the second pedal rotation previous cycle calculation step S40
The energy consumption is calculated based on the previous cycle of the pedal rotation calculated in the above. Then, in the display step of step S43, the torque value, the previous cycle of the pedal rotation and the energy consumption are displayed.

Next, the relationship between the operation according to the flowchart of FIG. 11 and the pedal rotation state will be described with reference to FIGS. 12 (a) and 12 (b).
This will be described with reference to (c). 12A) is a diagram showing the relationship between the time after the start of pedal depression and the torque, FIG. 12B is a diagram showing the torque and the state of each calculation in the first pedal rotation, FIG.
FIG. 2 (c) is a diagram showing the torque and each calculation state in the second pedal rotation.

In FIGS. 12A, 12B and 12C, A
Is the point at which the rotation of the pedal starts, and at point B, the time at which the torque is equal to or greater than the threshold, and this time t ₁ is defined as the pedal depression start time. At point C, the pedal 24 on the opposite side of the gear 26
the a end tread half rotation, is a time t ₂ equal to or less than the threshold, the first round of rotation is completed in the next half rotation. In the second rotation, the next step is performed, the time becomes t ₃ at a point B where the torque value becomes equal to or larger than the threshold value, and at the point C, the gear 26
The opposite side of the pedal 24a end tread half turn of a time t ₄ when the below the threshold, the second rotation is completed at the next half rotation. T ₁ is the first pedal rotation cycle, T ₂
Is the second pedal rotation cycle.

In the first pedal rotation, FIG.
As shown in (1), first, the pedal depression start time is set at step B in step S35. Then, the input and addition of the torque value are performed between the point B and the step S38 at the point C. Next, between step S38 at point C and point B, the previous cycle of pedal rotation and the energy consumption are calculated.

In the second pedal rotation, FIG.
As shown in step S33 at step B and step S33 at point C
The input and the addition of the torque value are performed between 38. Next, C
An energy consumption calculation is performed between the point S38 and the point B.

As described above, the pedal rotation cycle and the energy consumption can be more easily obtained from the torque caused by the rotation of the pedal of the bicycle.

The program in the ROM 12 of the control circuit 9 is composed of a main program and a timer interrupt routine. The timer interrupt routine is executed at regular time intervals (for example, every 10 msec or 0.1 sec).
c), the torque is detected and the previous cycle calculation of the pedal rotation is performed, and in the main program, when the timer interrupt routine is not operating, a background process is performed based on the torque detected by the timer interrupt routine. Thus, the pedal effort, the previous cycle of the pedal rotation, or the energy consumption may be calculated.

Embodiment 3 FIG. 13 shows a third embodiment of the present invention, and is a basic block diagram of a rotation cycle measuring device that calculates a pedal rotation cycle and displays a rotation cycle, a running speed, and a running distance. In the figure, 1 is a torque detector arranged on the outer periphery of a rotating shaft on which a bicycle pedal is mounted via a crank, 2 is a torque calculating means for calculating a torque value based on an input signal from the torque detector 1, 3 compares the torque value input from the torque calculation means 2 with a threshold value, and sets the time when the torque value becomes equal to or greater than the threshold value,
This is a pedal depression start time setting output means that outputs a torque value equal to or greater than a threshold value as well as a pedal depression start time.

4 is a time storage means for storing a pedal depression start time, and 6 is a previous pedal rotation cycle calculation for calculating a previous cycle of pedal rotation based on the current time and the pedal depression start time stored in the time storage means. The means 8 is a display device for displaying the previous cycle of pedal rotation output from the previous cycle of pedal rotation calculating means 6.

The torque detector is the rotation axis 2 of the bicycle pedal.
A signal generated by a change in the magnetic permeability corresponding to the torque of No. 3 is output.

Next, the torque calculation means 2 calculates a torque value based on an input signal input from the torque detector 1 via the A / D conversion circuit 10.

Next, the pedal depressing start time setting output means 3
Compares the torque value input from the torque calculation means 2 with a threshold value, and sets the time when the torque value becomes equal to or greater than the threshold value as the pedal depression start time.

The time storage means 4 stores the pedal depression start time set by the pedal depression start time setting output means 3. Next, the pedal rotation last cycle calculating means 6
Calculates the pedal rotation cycle based on the current time and the pedal depression start time stored in the time storage means 4. 1
Reference numeral 5 denotes speed / distance calculating means for calculating a running speed, a running distance, and the like based on a previous cycle of pedal rotation, a gear diameter on the crankshaft side and a rear wheel side, and a wheel diameter.

Next, the display device 8 displays the previous cycle of the pedal rotation output from the previous cycle of pedal rotation calculating means 6 and the running speed and the running distance output from the speed / distance calculating means 15.

The specific method of calculating the pedal rotation cycle is the same as the operation flowchart shown in FIG. 9 of the first embodiment except for steps S20 and S21, or the flowchart shown in FIG. 11 of the second embodiment. Step S
36 and S42 are omitted, and the description is omitted.
The calculation of the traveling speed and the traveling distance is performed in step S2 in FIG.
1. It may be performed in step S42 of FIG.

As described above, the pedal rotation cycle, the traveling speed, the traveling distance, and the energy consumption can be easily obtained from the torque caused by the pedal rotation of the bicycle.

In the first to third embodiments, the gear 2
When the torque generated when the pedal 32a on the opposite side of the gear 24 is depressed during one rotation of the gear 4 is detected, and based on this, the pedal rotation cycle, energy consumption, running speed and running distance are calculated. Was shown, but Japanese Patent Application No. 7-1470
Also in the example shown in Embodiment 56 of the present invention, while the gear 24 makes one rotation, the torque generated by depressing the pedal 32a on the opposite side of the gear 24 and the pedal 32b on the gear 24 side is detected. The pedal rotation cycle, the traveling speed, the traveling distance, and the energy consumption can be calculated in the same manner as in the above embodiment.

[0074]

As described above, according to the present invention, the rotation period of the pedal is calculated based on the torque value detected by the torque detector, and the traveling speed and the traveling distance are calculated based on the rotation period. In order to calculate the energy consumption based on the torque value and the rotation cycle, there is no need to provide a separate detector for measuring the pedal rotation cycle, the number of parts is small, and the structure is simpler and cheaper. be able to. In addition, since the energy consumption is calculated from the torque generated by depressing the pedal, an accurate value can be obtained.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a basic block diagram of an energy consumption measuring device according to a first embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a circuit configuration block diagram of the energy consumption measuring device according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 3 is a perspective view of a bottom bracket portion of the bicycle.

FIG. 4 is a sectional view of a torque detector.

FIG. 5 is a block diagram of a torque detector.

FIG. 6 is a relationship diagram between a crank and a gear.

FIG. 7 is a block diagram of a pedal depressing start time setting output unit in FIG. 2;

FIG. 8 is a relationship diagram between pedal rotation and torque.

FIG. 9 is an operation flowchart of the energy consumption measuring device according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating the relationship between the operation of the energy consumption measuring device and the pedal rotation according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 11 is an operation flowchart of the energy consumption measuring device according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 12 is a diagram illustrating the relationship between the operation of the energy consumption measuring device and the pedal rotation according to the second embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 13 is a basic block diagram of a pedal rotation cycle measuring device according to a third embodiment of the present invention.

[Explanation of symbols]

 DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Torque detector 2 Torque calculating means 3 Pedal depression start time setting and outputting means 4 Time storage means 5 Torque adding means 6 Pedal rotation previous cycle calculating means 7 Energy consumption calculating means 8 Display device 15 Speed / distance calculating means

Claims (8)

[Claims] 1. A torque value input in a first input step is compared with a threshold value, and when the torque value input in the first input step is equal to or larger than the threshold value, the next step is performed. A first comparison step that proceeds and returns to the first input step when the value is less than the threshold value; a first pedal depression start time setting step in which the current time is the pedal depression start time; and a second input step. When the input torque value is equal to or greater than the threshold value, the process returns to the second input step, and when the input torque value is less than the threshold value, proceeds to the next step; A third comparing step of returning to the third input step when the applied torque value is less than the threshold value and proceeding to the next step when the torque value is equal to or greater than the threshold value; The second pedal described later A pedal rotation previous cycle calculating step of calculating a previous pedal rotation cycle based on the stepping start time of the stepping start time setting step; and a second pedal having the current time of the pedal rotation last cycle calculating step as a pedal stepping start time. When the torque value input in the step of starting to step on and the fourth input step are equal to or greater than the threshold value, the process returns to the fourth torque input step, and when the torque value is less than the threshold value, the third input is performed. And a fourth comparing step returning to the step. 2. A flag setting step for setting an initial flag to 1 and a torque value input in a first input step are compared with a threshold value, and the torque value input in the first input step is When the value is equal to or more than the threshold value, the process proceeds to the next step. When the value is less than the threshold value, the process returns to the first input step.
And a first step of calculating the previous cycle of the pedal rotation based on the current time and the step-on start time of the next step-on step for setting the step on the pedal.
A pedal rotation previous cycle calculation step, a pedal depression start time setting step using the current time as a pedal depression start time, and a second step when the torque value input in the second input step is equal to or larger than the threshold value. Returning to the input step, the second comparison step which proceeds to the next step when the value is less than the threshold value, and whether or not the first flag is 1, and when the first flag is 1, proceeds to the next step and the first flag Is not 1, the second step of calculating the previous cycle of the pedal rotation based on the current time and the pedal depression start time in the pedal depression start time setting step. A pedal rotation, comprising: a previous rotation period calculating step; and an initial flag setting step of setting an initial flag to 0 and returning to the first step. The period measurement method. 3. The method according to claim 1, wherein the torque value input in the first input step is compared with a threshold value, and when the torque value input in the first input step is equal to or greater than the threshold value, the next step is performed. A first comparison step that proceeds and returns to the first input step when the value is less than the threshold value; a first pedal depression start time setting step in which the current time is the pedal depression start time; and a second input step. When the input torque value is equal to or greater than the threshold value, the process returns to the second input step, and when the input torque value is less than the threshold value, proceeds to the next step; A third comparing step of returning to the third input step when the applied torque value is less than the threshold value and proceeding to the next step when the torque value is equal to or greater than the threshold value; The second pedal described later A pedal rotation previous cycle calculating step of calculating a previous pedal rotation cycle based on the stepping start time of the stepping start time setting step; and a second pedal having the current time of the pedal rotation last cycle calculating step as a pedal stepping start time. A depressing start time setting step; a torque adding step of adding a torque value; an energy consumption calculating step of calculating an energy consumption based on the added torque and the previous cycle of pedal rotation; and a fourth input step. A fourth comparing step of returning to the torque adding step when the input torque value is equal to or greater than the threshold value and returning to the third input step when the input torque value is less than the threshold value. Energy consumption measurement method. 4. A flag setting step for setting an initial flag to 1 and a torque value input in a first input step are compared with a threshold value, and the torque value input in the first input step is When the value is equal to or more than the threshold value, the process proceeds to the next step. When the value is less than the threshold value, the process returns to the first input step.
And a first step of calculating the previous cycle of the pedal rotation based on the current time and the step-on start time of the next step-on step for setting the step on the pedal.
A step of calculating the previous cycle of pedal rotation, a step of setting a pedal depression start time using the current time as a pedal depression start time, a torque addition step of adding a torque value, and a torque value input in the second input step. When the threshold value is equal to or more than the threshold value, the process returns to the torque adding step, and when the value is smaller than the threshold value, the process proceeds to the next step. Proceeding to the next step, when the first time flag is not 1, the flag comparing step proceeding to an energy consumption calculating step described later, and the pedal rotation based on the current time and the pedal depression start time in the pedal depression start time setting step. A second pedal rotation previous cycle calculating step of calculating a previous cycle; an initial flag setting step of setting an initial flag to 0; The torque added in the calculation torque step and the first
Or an energy consumption calculating step of calculating an energy consumption based on the pedal rotation last cycle calculated in the second pedal rotation last cycle calculation step and returning to the first input step. Energy consumption measurement method. 5. A chevron-shaped magnetic anisotropy provided on the outer periphery symmetrically and inclined in opposite directions to each other,
A torque detector comprising a coil unit disposed on the outer periphery of the rotary shaft, the rotary shaft having a pedal mounted via a crank and a detection coil, and calculating a torque value based on an input signal from the torque detector. A torque calculation means for comparing the torque value input from the torque calculation means with a threshold value, and setting a time when the torque value becomes equal to or greater than the threshold value as a pedal depression start time. Setting means, time storage means for storing the pedal depression start time, and pedal rotation last cycle calculation means for calculating a pedal rotation cycle based on the current time and the pedal depression start time stored in the time storage means. A pedal rotation cycle measuring device comprising: 6. A speed at which a running speed and a running distance are calculated based on a pedal rotation cycle, a wheel diameter and a gear diameter of a bicycle output from a pedal rotation last cycle calculating means, and the running speed and the running distance are output to a display device. 6. The pedal rotation cycle measuring device according to claim 5, further comprising a distance calculating means. 7. A chevron-like magnetic anisotropy provided on the outer periphery symmetrically and inclined in opposite directions to each other,
A torque detector comprising a coil unit disposed on the outer periphery of the rotary shaft, the rotary shaft having a pedal mounted via a crank and a detection coil, and calculating a torque value based on an input signal from the torque detector. Comparing the torque value input from the torque calculating means with a threshold value, and setting a time when the torque value becomes equal to or greater than the threshold value as a pedal depression start time and a threshold value. Pedal departure start time setting output means for outputting a torque value equal to or greater than a value, time storage means for storing the pedal depression start time, and torque addition means for adding the torque value output from the pedal departure start time setting output means And a pedal rotation last cycle calculating means for calculating a pedal rotation cycle based on the current time and the pedal depression start time stored in the time storage means, Energy consumption calculating means for calculating energy consumption based on the torque value output from the torque adding means and the pedal rotation cycle output from the pedal rotation last cycle calculating means. Energy consumption meter. 8. The torque calculation means calculates a torque value when the torque value is equal to or greater than a threshold value, and the energy consumption calculation calculates an energy consumption when the torque value is less than the threshold value. The energy consumption meter according to claim 7.