JP7601615B2 - CONTROL DEVICE FOR HUMAN-POWERED VEHICLE AND CONTROL SYSTEM FOR HUMAN-POWERED VEHICLE - Google Patents

Description

The present invention relates to a control device for a human-powered vehicle and a control system for a human-powered vehicle.

For example, Patent Document 1 discloses a brake control device for a human-powered vehicle.

International Publication No. 2019/155371

One of the objectives of the present disclosure is to provide a control device for a human-powered vehicle and a control system for a human-powered vehicle that can suitably output information related to a brake control device for the human-powered vehicle.

A control device according to a first aspect of the present invention is a control device for a human-powered vehicle. The human-powered vehicle includes a brake device and a brake control device configured to be capable of controlling the braking force of the brake device. The control device includes a communication unit configured to be able to transmit information to an external device, and a control unit that controls the communication unit, and the control unit controls the communication unit to transmit operation information related to the brake control device to the external device.
According to the control device of the first aspect described above, operation information relating to the brake control device is transmitted to an external device, so that information relating to the brake control device for a human-powered vehicle can be suitably output.

In the control device of a second aspect according to the first aspect, the operation information includes at least one of first information relating to an operation history of the brake control device and second information relating to an operation condition of the brake control device.
According to the control device of the second aspect, the first information relating to the operation history of the brake control device and the second information relating to the operating conditions of the brake control device can be transmitted to an external device.

In a control device of a third aspect according to the first aspect or the second aspect, the external device is provided in a remotely-powered vehicle.
According to the control device of the third aspect, operation information relating to the brake control device can be transmitted to an external device provided in the remotely powered vehicle.

In the control device of a fourth aspect according to the third aspect, the human-powered vehicle is provided with a component, the communication unit is configured to be able to receive information regarding another brake control device of the human-powered vehicle from the external device, and the control unit is configured to be able to control the component based on other operation information regarding the other brake control device received by the communication unit.
According to the control device of the fourth aspect, the components can be controlled based on other operation information relating to the other brake control device.

In the control device of a fifth aspect according to the fourth aspect, the component includes an alarm unit, the communication unit receives the remote operation information and identification information of the remote-powered vehicle from the external device, and the control unit controls the alarm unit to alarm the remote operation information and the identification information.
According to the control device of the fifth aspect described above, the user of the human-powered vehicle can grasp the remote operation information and the identification information of the human-powered vehicle by the notification section.

In the control device of a sixth aspect according to the first to fifth aspects, the external device includes a mobile terminal having a display unit capable of visually displaying the operation information.
According to the control device of the sixth aspect, a user of a human-powered vehicle can visually grasp operation information related to the brake control device using a mobile terminal.

In the control device of a seventh aspect following the first aspect to the sixth aspect, the control unit activates the brake control device when a difference between a front wheel rotation speed of the human-powered vehicle and a rear wheel rotation speed of the human-powered vehicle is equal to or greater than a first predetermined value, and when the brake control device is activated, controls the communication unit to transmit the operation information to the external device.
According to the control device of the seventh aspect, when the brake control device is operated in accordance with the difference between the front wheel rotation speed of a human-powered vehicle and the rear wheel rotation speed of the human-powered vehicle, operation information of the brake control device can be transmitted to an external device.

In the control device of an eighth aspect following the first aspect to the seventh aspect, the control unit activates the brake control device when a difference between a body speed of the human-powered vehicle and a wheel speed of the human-powered vehicle is equal to or greater than a second predetermined value, and when the brake control device is activated, controls the communication unit to transmit the operation information to the external device.
According to the control device of the eighth aspect, when the brake control device is operated in accordance with the difference between the body speed of the human-powered vehicle and the wheel speed of the human-powered vehicle, operation information of the brake control device can be transmitted to an external device.

In the control device of a ninth side which follows the first side to the eighth side, the brake device includes a brake actuator and a brake operation device configured to operate the brake actuator, and the control unit activates the brake control device when the operation state of the brake operation device is at or above a predetermined state, and when the brake control device is activated, controls the communication unit to transmit the operation information to the external device.
According to the control device of the ninth aspect, when the brake control device is operated in response to the operation state of the operating device of the brake device, operation information of the brake control device can be transmitted to an external device.

In a brake control device of a tenth aspect which follows the first aspect to the ninth aspect, the brake device operates by fluid pressure, and the control unit activates the brake control device when the fluid pressure is equal to or greater than a predetermined pressure, and when the brake control device is activated, controls the communication unit to transmit the operation information to the external device.
According to the control device of the tenth aspect, when the brake device is operated in response to the pressure of the fluid in the brake device, operation information of the brake control device can be transmitted to an external device.

A control system according to an eleventh aspect of the present invention is a control system for human-powered vehicles, the control system including a first control device provided in a first human-powered vehicle and a second control device provided in a second human-powered vehicle, the first control device including a first control unit and a first communication unit, the second control device including a second control unit and a second communication unit, the first human-powered vehicle includes a first brake device and a first brake control device configured to be capable of controlling the braking force by the first brake device, the second human-powered vehicle includes a component, the first control unit controls the first communication unit to transmit operation information regarding the first brake control device, the second communication unit is configured to be capable of receiving the operation information, and the second control unit controls the component based on the operation information received by the second communication unit.
According to the control system of the eleventh aspect, the second control unit can control components of the second human-powered vehicle based on operation information relating to the first brake control device of the first human-powered vehicle.

In the control system of a twelfth aspect according to the eleventh aspect, the control system further includes a communication device provided in the second human-powered vehicle, and the second communication unit is configured to be able to receive the operation information via the communication device.
According to the control system of the twelfth aspect, the second communication section can receive operation information via the communication device.

In a control system of a thirteenth aspect according to the eleventh aspect to the twelfth aspect, the component includes an alarm unit that notifies the operation information, and the second control unit controls the alarm unit to notify the operation information.
According to the control system of the thirteenth aspect, the passenger of the second human-powered vehicle can grasp operation information related to the first brake control device through the notification section.

In the control system of a fourteenth aspect according to the eleventh to thirteenth aspects, the component includes a motor that assists in propulsion of the second human-powered vehicle, and the second control unit controls the motor in accordance with the operation information.
According to the control system of the fourteenth aspect, the motor that assists the propulsion of the second human-powered vehicle can be controlled in accordance with operation information relating to the first brake control device of the first human-powered vehicle.

In a control system of a fifteenth aspect according to the eleventh to fourteenth aspects, the component includes a second brake device, and the second control unit controls the second brake device in response to the operation information.
According to the control system of the fifteenth aspect, the second brake device can be controlled in accordance with the operation information relating to the first brake control device of the first human-powered vehicle.

In a control system of a sixteenth aspect following the eleventh aspect to the fourteenth aspect, the second human-powered vehicle includes a second brake device, the component includes a second brake control device configured to be able to control the braking force by the second brake device, and the second control unit controls the second brake control device in accordance with the operation information.
According to the control system of the sixteenth aspect, the second brake control device can be controlled in accordance with operation information relating to the first brake control device of the first human-powered vehicle.

In a control system of a 17th aspect following the 11th aspect to the 16th aspect, the first control unit controls the first communication unit to transmit the operation information and identification information of the first human-powered vehicle from the first communication unit, and the second control unit controls the component in accordance with the operation information and the identification information.
According to the control system of the seventeenth aspect, the components of the second human-powered vehicle can be controlled based on operation information relating to the first brake control device of the first human-powered vehicle and the identification information of the first human-powered vehicle.

In the control system of an 18th aspect which follows the 11th aspect to the 17th aspect, the first control unit activates the first brake control device when a difference between a front wheel rotation speed of the first human-powered vehicle and a rear wheel rotation speed of the first human-powered vehicle is equal to or greater than a first predetermined value, and when activating the first brake control device, controls the first communication unit to transmit the operation information.
According to the control system of the eighteenth aspect, operation information for the first brake control device can be transmitted according to the difference between the front wheel rotation speed of the first human-powered vehicle and the rear wheel rotation speed of the first human-powered vehicle.

In a control system of a 19th aspect following the 11th aspect to the 18th aspect, the first control unit activates the first brake control device when a difference between a body speed of the first human-powered vehicle and a wheel speed of the first human-powered vehicle is equal to or greater than a second predetermined value, and when activating the first brake control device, controls the first communication unit to transmit the operation information.
According to the control system of the 19th aspect, when the first brake control device is operated in accordance with the difference between the body speed of the first human-powered vehicle and the wheel speed of the first human-powered vehicle, operation information regarding the first brake control device can be transmitted.

In a control system of a 20th aspect following the 11th aspect to the 19th aspect , the first brake device includes a first brake actuator and a first brake operation device configured to operate the first brake actuator, and the first control unit activates the first brake control device when operation information of the first brake operation device is equal to or greater than predetermined information, and controls the first communication unit to transmit the operation information when the first brake control device is activated.
According to the control system of the twentieth aspect, when the first brake control device is operated in response to operation information from an operating device configured to be able to operate the first brake device, operation information regarding the first brake control device can be transmitted.

In a control system of a 21st aspect which follows the 11th aspect to the 20th aspect, the first brake device operates by a fluid pressure, and the first control unit activates the first brake control device when the fluid pressure is equal to or higher than a predetermined pressure, and when activating the first brake control device, controls the first communication unit to transmit the operation information.
According to the control system of the twenty-first aspect, when the first brake control device is operated in response to the pressure of the fluid, operation information regarding the first brake control device can be transmitted.

In a control system of a 22nd aspect following the 11th aspect to the 21st aspect, the operation information includes at least one of first information regarding the operation history of the first brake control device and second information regarding the operation conditions of the brake control device.
According to the control device of the 21st aspect, first information regarding the operation history of the first brake control device of the first human-powered vehicle and second information regarding the operating conditions of the brake control device can be transmitted to the second communication unit of the second human-powered vehicle.

The control device for a human-powered vehicle and the control system for a human-powered vehicle disclosed herein can provide a control device for a human-powered vehicle and a control system for a human-powered vehicle that can suitably output information related to a brake control device for a human-powered vehicle.

1 is a side view of a human-powered vehicle including a control device for a human-powered vehicle according to a first embodiment. 1 is a schematic diagram showing a configuration of a brake control system controlled by a control device for a human-powered vehicle according to a first embodiment; FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the brake control system shown in FIG. 2 . FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing an electrical configuration of the control device for the human-powered vehicle according to the first embodiment; 5 is a flowchart showing a first example of a process executed by the control unit of FIG. 4 . 5 is a flowchart showing a second example of the process executed by the control unit in FIG. 4 . FIG. 11 is a block diagram showing an electrical configuration of a control system for a human-powered vehicle according to a second embodiment. 8 is a flowchart showing a process executed by a first control unit in FIG. 7 . 8 is a flowchart showing a process executed by a second control unit in FIG. 7 .

First Embodiment
A control device 70 for a human-powered vehicle of the first embodiment will be described with reference to Figs. 1 to 6. The control device 70 is provided at any location on the human-powered vehicle 10. In this embodiment, the control device 70 is provided on the main body 44 (described later) of the brake control device 42 (see Figs. 2 and 3). Fig. 1 shows the human-powered vehicle 10 to which the control device 70 relates. The human-powered vehicle 10 is a vehicle that has at least one wheel 12 and can be driven at least by 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 recumbents. The number of wheels 12 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 12. 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 not only human-powered driving force but also E-bikes that use the driving force of an electric motor for propulsion. E-bikes include electrically assisted bicycles whose propulsion is assisted by an electric motor. In the following embodiments, the human-powered vehicle 10 will be described as a bicycle.

The human-powered vehicle 10 includes wheels 12 and a vehicle body 14. The wheels 12 include a front wheel 12F and a rear wheel 12R. The vehicle body 14 includes a frame 16 and a front fork 18. A handlebar 20 is connected to the front fork 18 via a stem 22.

In this specification, the following directional terms "front," "rear," "forward," "backward," "left," "right," "sideways," "upward," and "downward," as well as any other similar directional terms, refer to those directions determined with reference to a rider facing the handlebars 20 in a reference position of the human-powered vehicle 10 (e.g., on the saddle or seat). In this specification, a rider includes the driver of the human-powered vehicle and a passenger who is not involved in driving the human-powered vehicle. When the human-powered vehicle is a bicycle, the rider is the rider. When the human-powered vehicle is a one-person bicycle, the rider is both the driver and the rider.

The human-powered vehicle 10 further includes a crank 24 to which a human-powered driving force is input. The crank 24 includes a crank shaft 24A that can rotate with respect to the frame 16, and a pair of crank arms 24B that are provided at the axial ends of the crank shaft 24A. Pedals 26 are connected to each crank arm 24B. The rear wheel 12R is driven by the rotation of the crank 24. The crank 24 is connected to the rear wheel 12R by a drive mechanism 28. The drive mechanism 28 includes a first rotating body 30 that is connected to the crank shaft 24A. The crank shaft 24A may be connected to the first rotating body 30 so as to rotate integrally therewith, or may be connected via a first one-way clutch. The first one-way clutch is configured to rotate the first rotating body 30 forward when the crank 24 rotates forward, and to allow relative rotation between the crank 24 and the first rotating body 30 when the crank 24 rotates backward. The first rotating body 30 includes a sprocket, a pulley, or a bevel gear.

The drive mechanism 28 further includes a second rotating body 32 and a connecting member 34. The connecting member 34 transmits the rotational force of the first rotating body 30 to the second rotating body 32. The connecting member 34 includes, for example, a chain, a belt, or a shaft. The second rotating body 32 is connected to the rear wheel 12R. The second rotating body 32 includes a sprocket, a pulley, or a bevel gear. A second one-way clutch is preferably provided between the second rotating body 32 and the rear wheel 12R. The second one-way clutch is configured to rotate the rear wheel 12R forward when the second rotating body 32 rotates forward, and to allow relative rotation between the second rotating body 32 and the rear wheel 12R when the second rotating body 32 rotates backward. In this embodiment, the rear wheel 12R is connected to the crank 24 by the drive mechanism 28, but at least one of the front wheel 12F and the rear wheel 12R may be connected to the crank 24 by the drive mechanism 28.

The human-powered vehicle 10 is equipped with a brake device 36. Preferably, the brake device 36 includes a brake actuator 38 and a brake operating device 40 configured to be able to operate the brake actuator 38. The brake device 36 includes a connection member 41 that connects the brake actuator 38 and the brake operating device 40. The brake device 36 applies a braking force to the front wheels 12F. The brake device 36 may also apply a braking force to the rear wheels 12R. The connection member 41 connects the brake operating device 40 and the brake actuator 38 via a main body 44 (described below) of the brake control device 42.

As shown in FIG. 2, the brake operating device 40 is provided, for example, on the handlebar 20. The brake device 36 may be a disc brake system, a rim brake system, or a roller brake system. In this embodiment, the brake device 36 is a disc brake system, and the brake actuator 38 is a disc brake caliper. The brake actuator 38 is configured to brake a disc brake rotor provided on the wheel 12 (here, the front wheel 12F). Preferably, the brake device 36 is operated by the pressure of a fluid. The fluid is, for example, hydraulic oil. The interior of the connection member 41 is filled with a fluid. The connection member 41 is a brake hose.

The brake operating device 40 operates the brake actuator 38 by the movement of fluid accompanying the operation of the brake operating device 40. The brake actuator 38 operates according to the amount of operation of the brake operating device 40. The greater the amount of operation of the brake operating device 40, the greater the braking force provided by the brake actuator 38.

As shown in Figures 2 and 3, the human-powered vehicle 10 is equipped with a brake control device 42 configured to be able to control the braking force applied by the brake device 36. The brake control device 42 is configured to be able to change the relationship between the operation amount of the brake operation device 40 and the braking force. The brake control device 42 has a main body 44. The main body 44 is provided, for example, on the frame 16. In this embodiment, the main body 44 is provided inside the frame 16. The main body 44 may be attached to the outer surface of the frame 16. The main body 44 may be provided on the stem 22, the handlebar 20, or the front fork 18.

As shown in FIG. 3, the main body 44 includes a pressure control unit 50 and a drive unit 52 that drives the pressure control unit 50. The pressure control unit 50 controls the pressure of the fluid between the brake operating device 40 and the brake actuator 38. Preferably, the pressure control unit 50 includes a valve 50A provided in the fluid chamber of the main body 44. The drive unit 52 includes an electric actuator 52A. The electric actuator 52A drives the valve 50A. The electric actuator 52A is, for example, an electric motor. The electric actuator 52A may be a solenoid. The drive unit 52 includes a conversion mechanism that converts the rotational motion of the rotating body of the electric actuator 52A into linear motion and transmits it to the pressure control unit 50, and a transmission mechanism (speed change mechanism) that changes the speed of the rotational motion of the rotating body of the electric actuator 52A and transmits it to the conversion mechanism.

The connection member 41 includes a first connection member 46 and a second connection member 48. The main body 44 has a first port 54 connected to the brake operating device 40 via the first connection member 46 and a second port 56 connected to the brake actuator 38 via the second connection member 48. The valve 50A changes the flow state of the fluid between the first port 54 and the second port 56. The electric actuator 52A of the drive unit 52 is configured to drive the valve 50A. The drive unit 52 is electrically connected to a power source that supplies power to the electric actuator 52A. Preferably, the power source is a battery (secondary battery) 58 that is electrically connected to an assist motor that assists the propulsion of the human-powered vehicle 10. A power source dedicated to the brake control device 42 may be prepared separately from the battery 58. The assist motor may be provided on the crankshaft 24A or may be a hub motor provided on the wheel 12.

Preferably, the human-powered vehicle 10 includes a component 60. Preferably, the component 60 includes an alarm unit 60A. The alarm unit 60A includes, for example, a display unit 60AX. The display unit 60AX includes, for example, a display panel. The display unit 60AX includes, for example, at least one of a portable electronic device, a display, a smartphone, a tablet computer, and a cycle computer. The alarm unit 60A may include a speaker.

As shown in FIG. 4, the control device 70 includes a control unit 72. The control unit 72 includes an arithmetic processing device 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 device may be provided in a plurality of locations that are separated from each other. The control device 70 may include one or a plurality of microcomputers. The control unit 72 may be entirely provided in the main body 44 of the brake control device 42, at least a portion of the control unit 72 may be entirely provided outside the brake control device 42. The control device 70 may be entirely provided in the main body 44 of the brake control device 42, at least a portion of the control unit 72 may be entirely provided outside the brake control device 42.

Preferably, the control device 70 further includes a storage unit 76. The storage unit 76 stores various control programs and information used in various control processes. The various control programs and information used in various control processes include, for example, information related to the operating conditions of the brake control device 42. The storage unit 76 includes, for example, a non-volatile memory and a volatile memory. The non-volatile memory includes, for example, at least one of a ROM (Read-Only Memory), an EPROM (Erasable Programmable Read Only Memory), an EEPROM (Electrically Erasable Programmable Read-Only Memory), and a flash memory. The volatile memory includes, for example, a RAM (Random access memory).

The control unit 72 is configured to be able to control the brake control device 42. The control unit 72 drives the electric actuator 52A and thus the valve 50A based on the operating conditions for operating the brake control device 42. Preferably, the brake control device 42 has an ABS (Anti-lock Braking System) function. The control unit 72 drives the electric actuator 52A when the wheel 12 (here, the front wheel 12F) in the human-powered vehicle 10 is in a state in which slip or lock is predicted. Preferably, the control unit 72 controls the brake control device 42 so that the braking force by the brake device 36 is reduced. Preferably, the control unit 72 controls the brake control device 42 so that the braking force by the brake device 36 is repeatedly reduced and restored. When the ABS operates, the electric actuator 52A moves the valve 50A. Accordingly, the flow path between the first port 54 and the second port 56 is blocked, and the volume of the flow path on the second port 56 side of the valve 50A in the pressure control unit 50 increases. As a result, the fluid pressure in the brake actuator 38 drops, reducing the braking force and preventing the wheel 12 (here, the front wheel 12F) from slipping or locking. Next, the electric actuator 52A moves the valve 50A so as to connect the flow path between the first port 54 and the second port 56. As a result, if the operation of the brake operating device 40 continues, hydraulic oil is again supplied to the brake actuator 38, and the braking force is restored. Various configurations are possible for such a pressure reduction mechanism (ABS mechanism). Any pressure reduction mechanism can be used for the brake control device 42. The brake control device 42 is connected to the control unit 72 via a wireless communication device or an electric cable.

The control unit 72 operates the brake control device 42 by at least one of the first to fourth examples. Preferably, the human-powered vehicle 10 further includes a detection unit 62. The detection unit 62 includes at least one of a vehicle speed detection unit, an acceleration detection unit, an operation state detection unit, and a fluid pressure detection unit.

In the first example, the control unit 72 activates the brake control device 42 when the difference L between the front wheel rotation speed of the human-powered vehicle 10 and the rear wheel rotation speed of the human-powered vehicle 10 is equal to or greater than a first predetermined value LA. In the first example, the detection unit 62 preferably includes a vehicle speed detection unit. The vehicle speed detection units are provided corresponding to the front wheels 12F and the rear wheels 12R, respectively. The front wheel rotation speed of the human-powered vehicle 10 and the rear wheel rotation speed of the human-powered vehicle 10 are detected by the vehicle speed detection unit. The control unit 72 calculates the difference L based on the front wheel rotation speed of the human-powered vehicle 10 and the rear wheel rotation speed of the human-powered vehicle 10 detected by the vehicle speed detection units provided corresponding to the front wheels 12F and the rear wheels 12R.

In the second example, the control unit 72 activates the brake control device 42 when the difference M between the vehicle body speed of the human-powered vehicle 10 and the wheel speed of the human-powered vehicle 10 is equal to or greater than a second predetermined value MA. In the second example, the detection unit 62 preferably includes a vehicle speed detection unit and an acceleration detection unit. The vehicle speed detection unit is provided corresponding to one of the front wheels 12F and the rear wheels 12R. One of the front wheel rotation speed of the human-powered vehicle 10 and the rear wheel rotation speed of the human-powered vehicle 10 is detected by the vehicle speed detection unit. The control unit 72 calculates the vehicle body speed by integrating the acceleration detected by the acceleration detection unit. The control unit 72 calculates the difference M using the wheel rotation speed of the human-powered vehicle 10 detected by the vehicle speed detection unit corresponding to one of the front wheels 12F and the rear wheels 12R, and the vehicle body speed acquired by the control unit 72. The vehicle body speed can be acquired arbitrarily. For example, the control unit 72 may obtain the vehicle speed using a global positioning system (GPS).

In the third example, the control unit 72 operates the brake control device 42 when the operation state of the brake operation device 40 is equal to or greater than a predetermined state. The operation state includes an operation amount N of the brake operation device 40 per predetermined time. Preferably, the brake operation device 40 includes an operation lever 40A (see FIG. 2). For example, the operation amount N includes an operation amount of the operation lever 40A per predetermined time. The operation amount N includes at least one of the rotation angle, distortion amount, and rotation speed of the operation lever 40A. In the third example, preferably, the detection unit 62 includes an operation state detection unit. The operation state detection unit is configured to detect the state of the operation lever 40A. For example, the operation state detection unit includes at least one of a rotation angle detection unit configured to detect the rotation angle of the operation lever 40A, a distortion detection unit configured to detect the distortion of the operation lever 40A, and a rotation speed detection unit configured to detect the rotation speed of the operation lever 40A. The control unit 72 calculates the operation amount N of the brake operation device 40 based on the operation state of the operating lever 40A detected by the operation state detection unit.

In the fourth example, the control unit 72 activates the brake control device 42 when the fluid pressure P is equal to or greater than a predetermined pressure PA. In the fourth example, the detection unit 62 preferably includes a pressure detection unit. The pressure detection unit is configured to detect the fluid pressure P inside the brake device 36.

The communication unit 74 is configured to be able to transmit information to the external device 80. The control unit 72 controls the communication unit 74.

In this embodiment, the communication unit 74 is configured to include a wireless communication unit and performs wireless communication. For example, any one of the communication standards Ant+ (registered trademark), Bluetooth (registered trademark), WiFi (registered trademark), Zigbee (registered trademark), wireless LAN (Local Area Network), and NFC (Near Field Communication) is used for the wireless communication. Power is supplied to the communication unit 74 from the battery 58. The communication unit 74 is configured to be able to communicate with another communication unit 80C of the external device 80.

As shown in FIG. 4, the external device 80 is provided in a human-powered vehicle 82. The human-powered vehicle 82 is a human-powered vehicle different from the human-powered vehicle 10. The human-powered vehicle 82 includes an other brake device 84 and an other brake control device 84A. Preferably, the other brake device 84 includes a configuration similar to that of the brake device 36. Preferably, the other brake control device 84A includes a configuration similar to that of the brake control device 42. The external device 80 may include a mobile terminal 86 having a display unit capable of visually displaying the operation information A. The mobile terminal 86 is, for example, a smartphone. When the external device 80 includes the mobile terminal 86, the mobile terminal 86 is preferably configured to be able to communicate with a control device provided in the human-powered vehicle 82.

The external device 80 includes a controller 80A. The controller 80A includes a processor that executes a predetermined control program. The processor includes, for example, a CPU or an MPU. The processor may be provided in multiple locations that are separate from one another. The external device 80 may include one or multiple microcomputers.

The external device 80 further includes an other storage unit 80B. The other storage unit 80B stores various control programs and information used in various control processes. The various control programs and information used in various control processes include, for example, information related to the operating conditions of the other brake control device 84A. The other storage unit 80B includes, for example, a non-volatile memory and a volatile memory. The non-volatile memory includes, for example, at least one of a ROM, an EPROM, an EEPROM, and a flash memory. The volatile memory includes, for example, a RAM.

The external device 80 further includes an other communication unit 80C. In this embodiment, the other communication unit 80C is configured to include a wireless communication unit and performs wireless communication. For example, any one of the communication standards of Ant+, Bluetooth, WiFi, Zigbee, wireless LAN, and NFC is used for the wireless communication. Power is supplied to the other communication unit 80C from the battery 58. The other communication unit 80C is configured to be able to communicate with the communication unit 74.

The control unit 72 controls the communication unit 74 to transmit operation information A related to the brake control device 42 to the external device 80. Preferably, the operation information A includes at least one of first information related to the operation history of the brake control device 42 and second information related to the operation conditions of the brake control device 42. The first information related to the operation history includes, for example, information such as the number of times the brake control device 42 has been operated and the point on the travel path where the brake control device 42 has been operated. The second information related to the operation conditions of the brake control device 42 includes, for example, information indicating that at least one of the operation conditions of the first to fourth examples described above has been satisfied.

Preferably, when the control unit 72 operates the brake control device 42, it controls the communication unit 74 to transmit operation information A to the external device 80.

The control process of the communication unit 74 will be described with reference to FIG. 5. When power is supplied to the control unit 72, the control unit 72 starts the process shown in FIG. 5 and proceeds to step S11 of the flowchart. The control unit 72 repeats the process shown in FIG. 5 at a predetermined cycle.

In step S11, the control unit 72 determines whether the operating conditions of the brake control device 42 are satisfied. If the determination result in step S11 is a negative determination, the control unit 72 ends the processing. If the determination result in step S11 is a positive determination, the control unit 72 proceeds to step S12.

In step S12, the control unit 72 activates the brake control device 42 and proceeds to step S13. In step S13, the control unit 72 controls the communication unit 74 to transmit the activation information A to the external device 80, and ends the process.

Preferably, the communication unit 74 receives the other operation information B and the identification information C of the other-powered vehicle 82 from the external device 80. The control unit 72 controls the notification unit 60A to notify the other operation information B and the identification information C. As with the above-mentioned operation information A, the other operation information B includes first information related to the operation history of the other brake control device 84A and second information related to the operation conditions of the other brake control device 84A. The communication unit 74 may be configured to be able to receive information related to the other brake control device 84A of the other-powered vehicle 82 from the external device 80. The control unit 72 may be configured to be able to control the component 60 based on the other operation information B related to the other brake control device 84A received by the communication unit 74.

For example, when the control unit 72 receives the other operation information B and the identification information C, it causes the display unit 60AX to display the other operation information B and the identification information C. This allows the rider to know that the brake control device 42 of the other-powered vehicle 82 corresponding to the identification information C has been activated.

The control process of the component 60 will be described with reference to FIG. 6. When power is supplied to the control unit 72, the control unit 72 starts the process shown in FIG. 6 and proceeds to step S21 of the flowchart. The control unit 72 repeats the control process of FIG. 6 at a predetermined cycle.

In step S21, the control unit 72 determines whether or not it has received the remote operation information B and the identification information C of the remote-powered vehicle 82 from the external device 80. If the determination result in step S21 is a negative determination, the control unit 72 ends the process. If the determination result in step S21 is a positive determination, the control unit 72 proceeds to step S22.

In step S22, the control unit 72 controls the notification unit 60A to notify other operation information B and identification information C, and then ends the process.

In place of or in addition to the notification unit 60A, the component 60 may include the brake device 36, the brake control device 42, and a motor that assists the propulsion of the human-powered vehicle 10. When the component 60 includes at least one of the brake device 36, the brake control device 42, and a motor that assists the propulsion of the human-powered vehicle 10, the control unit 72 may control the brake device 36, the brake control device 42, and the motor that assists the propulsion of the human-powered vehicle 10 based on the other operation information B. In this case, the control unit 72 may control a component for the human-powered vehicle other than the notification unit 60A based on the other operation information B and the identification information C in step S22.

Second Embodiment
A control device 70 for a human-powered vehicle and a control system 110 for a human-powered vehicle of the second embodiment will be described with reference to Figures 7 to 9. The control device 70 for a human-powered vehicle and the control system 110 for a human-powered vehicle of the second embodiment include components common to the control device 70 for a human-powered vehicle of the first embodiment, so components common to the first embodiment are given the same reference numerals as in the first embodiment and redundant explanations will be omitted.

As shown in FIG. 7, the control system 110 includes a first control device 112 provided in the first human-powered vehicle 90 and a second control device 120 provided in the second human-powered vehicle 96. The first control device 112 includes a first control unit 114 and a first communication unit 116. The first control device 112 further includes a first memory unit 118. The second control device 120 includes a second control unit 122 and a second communication unit 124. The second control device 120 further includes a second memory unit 126. Both the first human-powered vehicle 90 and the second human-powered vehicle 96 are bicycles, and the elements related to driving are configured in the same way as the human-powered vehicle 10.

Preferably, the first control unit 114 and the second control unit 122 have a configuration similar to that of the control unit 72. Preferably, the first communication unit 116 and the second communication unit 124 have a configuration similar to that of the communication unit 74. Preferably, the first memory unit 118 and the second memory unit 126 have a configuration similar to that of the memory unit 76.

The first human-powered vehicle 90 is equipped with a first brake device 92 and a first brake control device 94 configured to be able to control the braking force by the first brake device 92. The first brake device 92 has a similar configuration to the brake device 36. The first brake control device 94 has a similar configuration to the brake control device 42. The first brake device 92 includes a first brake actuator and a first brake operation device configured to be able to operate the first brake actuator. The first brake actuator and the first brake operation device configured to be able to operate the first brake actuator have a similar configuration to the brake actuator 38 and the brake operation device 40.

The second human-powered vehicle 96 includes a second brake device 106. The second human-powered vehicle 96 includes a second brake control device 108 configured to be able to control the braking force by the second brake device 106. The second brake device 106 has a similar configuration to the brake device 36. The second brake control device 108 has a similar configuration to the brake control device 42. The second brake device 106 includes a second brake actuator and a second brake operation device configured to be able to operate the second brake actuator. The second brake actuator and the second brake operation device configured to be able to operate the second brake actuator have a similar configuration to the brake actuator 38 and the brake operation device 40.

The first control unit 114 controls the first communication unit 116 to transmit operation information A1 related to the first brake control device 94. Similar to the operation information A described above, the operation information A1 includes at least one of first information related to the operation history of the first brake control device 94 and second information related to the operation conditions of the first brake control device 94. Preferably, the first control unit 114 controls the first communication unit 116 to transmit the operation information A1 and the identification information C1 of the first human-powered vehicle 90 from the first communication unit 116.

Preferably, the control system 110 further includes a communication device 128 provided in the second human-powered vehicle 96. The second communication unit 124 is configured to be able to receive the operation information A1 via the communication device 128. The communication device 128 is, for example, a smartphone. The second communication unit 124 may be configured to be able to communicate with the first communication unit 116 without going through the communication device 128.

The second human-powered vehicle 96 includes a component 98. The component 98 includes a notification unit 100 that notifies the operation information A1. The notification unit 100 has a configuration similar to that of the notification unit 60A of the first embodiment. The second control unit 122 controls the notification unit 100 to notify the operation information A1.

For example, the component 98 includes a motor 104 that assists in propulsion of the second human-powered vehicle 96. The second control unit 122 controls the motor 104 in accordance with the operation information A1. In this case, for example, the second control unit 122 controls the motor 104 so that the operation of the motor 104 is suppressed.

For example, the component 98 includes the second braking device 106. The second control unit 122 controls the second braking device 106 in accordance with the operation information A1. In this case, for example, the second control unit 122 operates the second braking device 106.

For example, the component 98 includes a second brake control device 108 configured to be able to control the braking force applied by the second brake device 106. The second control unit 122 controls the second brake control device 108 in accordance with the operation information A1. In this case, for example, the second control unit 122 operates the second brake control device 108.

The first human-powered vehicle 90 further includes a first detection unit 130 configured similarly to the detection unit 62 of the human-powered vehicle 10. The second human-powered vehicle 96 further includes a second detection unit 132 configured similarly to the detection unit 62 of the human-powered vehicle 10. The first detection unit 130 includes at least one of a vehicle speed detection unit, an acceleration detection unit, an operation state detection unit, and a fluid pressure detection unit. The second detection unit 132 includes at least one of a vehicle speed detection unit, an acceleration detection unit, an operation state detection unit, and a fluid pressure detection unit.

The first control unit 114 operates the first brake control device 94 by at least one of the first to fourth examples.

In the first example, the first control unit 114 activates the first brake control device 94 when the difference between the front wheel rotation speed of the first human-powered vehicle 90 and the rear wheel rotation speed of the first human-powered vehicle 90 is equal to or greater than a first predetermined value. In the first example, the first detection unit 130 is preferably configured similarly to the detection unit 62 in the first example of the first embodiment.

In the second example, the first control unit 114 activates the first brake control device 94 when the difference between the vehicle speed of the first human-powered vehicle 90 and the wheel speed of the first human-powered vehicle 90 is equal to or greater than a second predetermined value. In the second example, the first detection unit 130 is preferably configured in the same manner as the detection unit 62 in the second example of the first embodiment.

In the third example, the first control unit 114 activates the first brake control device 94 when the operation information of the first brake operating device is equal to or greater than the predetermined information. In the third example, the first detection unit 130 is preferably configured similarly to the detection unit 62 in the third example of the first embodiment.

In the fourth example, the first brake device 92 operates by fluid pressure. The first control unit 114 activates the first brake control device 94 when the fluid pressure is equal to or greater than a predetermined pressure. In the fourth example, the first detection unit 130 is preferably configured similarly to the detection unit 62 in the fourth example of the first embodiment.

When the first brake control device 94 is operated, the first control unit 114 controls the first communication unit 116 to transmit operation information A1.

The process in which the first control unit 114 controls the first brake control device 94 and the first communication unit 116 will be described with reference to FIG. 8. When power is supplied to the first control unit 114, the first control unit 114 starts the process and proceeds to step S31 of the flowchart shown in FIG. 8. When the flowchart in FIG. 8 ends, the first control unit 114 repeats the process from step S31 after a predetermined period until the supply of power is stopped.

In step S31, the first control unit 114 determines whether the operating conditions of the first brake control device 94 are satisfied. If the determination result in step S31 is a negative determination, the first control unit 114 ends the processing. If the determination result in step S31 is a positive determination, the first control unit 114 proceeds to step S32.

In step S32, the first control unit 114 activates the first brake control device 94 and proceeds to step S33. In step S33, the first control unit 114 controls the first communication unit 116 to transmit the activation information A1 and the identification information C1, and ends the process.

The second communication unit 124 is configured to be able to receive the operation information A1. The second control unit 122 controls the component 98 based on the operation information A1 received by the second communication unit 124. Preferably, the second control unit 122 controls the component 98 in accordance with the operation information A1 and the identification information C1.

The process performed by the second control unit 122 will be described with reference to FIG. 9. When power is supplied to the second control unit 122, the second control unit 122 starts the process and proceeds to step S41 of the flowchart shown in FIG. 9. When the flowchart in FIG. 9 ends, the second control unit 122 repeats the process from step S41 after a predetermined period until the supply of power is stopped.

In step S41, the second control unit 122 determines whether or not the operation information A1 and the identification information C1 of the first human-powered vehicle 90 have been received from the first communication unit 116. If the determination result in step S41 is a negative determination, the second control unit 122 ends the processing. If the determination result in step S41 is a positive determination, the second control unit 122 proceeds to step S42.

In step S42, the second control unit 122 controls the component 98 based on the operation information A1 and the identification information C1 of the first human-powered vehicle 90, and then ends the process.

<Modification>
The explanations of the embodiments are examples of forms that a control device for a human-powered vehicle according to the present disclosure can take, and are not intended to limit the forms. A control device for a human-powered vehicle according to the present disclosure can take forms, for example, modified versions of the embodiments shown below, or a combination of at least two mutually consistent modified versions. In the following modified versions, parts that are common to the embodiments are given the same reference numerals as in the embodiments, and descriptions thereof are omitted.

- The operation information A may include information regarding wear on the wheels 12 of the human-powered vehicle 10. In this case, in step S22, the control unit 72 controls the notification unit 60A to notify information regarding wear on the wheels 12.

In the second embodiment, the control system 110 may include three or more human-powered vehicles. In this case, at least one of the three or more human-powered vehicles includes a configuration similar to that of the first human-powered vehicle 90, and the other human-powered vehicles include a configuration similar to that of the second human-powered vehicle 96. The relationship between the first human-powered vehicle 90 and the second human-powered vehicle 96 may be reversed.

- In the first embodiment, the control unit 72 may omit the identification information C in step S22 of FIG. 6 and control the component 60 based on the other operation information B.

- In the second embodiment, the second control unit 122 may omit the identification information C1 in step S42 of FIG. 9 and control the component 98 based on the operation information A1.

- The brake control device 42, 94, 108 may include a pump instead of or in addition to the electric actuator 52A.

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

10...human-powered vehicle, 12F...front wheel, 12R...rear wheel, 36...brake device, 38...brake actuator, 40...brake operation device, 42...brake control device, 60...component, 60A...alert section, 60AX...display section, 62...detection section, 70...control device, 72...control section, 74...communication section, 76...storage section, 80...external device, 80A...other control section, 80B...other storage section, 80C...other communication section, 82...other human-powered vehicle, 84...other brake device, 84A...other brake control device, 86...mobile terminal, 90...first human-powered vehicle, 92...first brake device , 9 4...first brake control device, 96...second human-powered vehicle, 98...component, 100...alarm unit, 102...display unit, 104...motor, 106...second brake device, 108...second brake control device, 110...control system, 112...first control device, 114...first control unit, 116...first communication unit, 118...first memory unit, 120...second control device, 122...second control unit, 124...second communication unit, 126...second memory unit, 128...communication device, 130...first detection unit, 132...second detection unit.

Claims (22)

A control device for a human-powered vehicle,
The human-powered vehicle includes a brake device, a brake control device configured to be able to control the braking force applied by the brake device, and a component;
a communication unit configured to be able to receive information relating to the other brake control device of the other powered vehicle from an external device;
A control unit that controls the communication unit,
The control unit is configured to be able to control the component based on other operation information related to the other brake control device received by the communication unit,
The communication unit is configured to be able to transmit information to the external device,
The control unit is configured to control the communication unit to transmit operation information regarding the brake control device to the external device . The control device according to claim 1 , wherein the operation information includes at least one of first information relating to an operation history of the brake control device and second information relating to an operating condition of the brake control device. A control device for a human-powered vehicle,
the human-powered vehicle includes a brake device and a brake control device configured to be able to control the braking force applied by the brake device;
A communication unit configured to be able to transmit information to an external device;
A control unit that controls the communication unit,
The control unit controls the communication unit to transmit operation information related to the brake control device to the external device,
The operation information includes first information regarding an operation history of the brake control device,
A control device, wherein the first information includes information about a point on a road where the brake control device was activated. The human-powered vehicle includes a component,
The communication unit is configured to be able to receive information regarding a separate brake control device for a remotely-powered vehicle from the external device,
The control device according to claim 3 , wherein the control unit is configured to be able to control the component based on other operation information related to the other brake control device received by the communication unit. The component includes a notification unit,
the communication unit receives the other operation information and the identification information of the other-powered vehicle from the external device,
The control device according to claim 4 , wherein the control unit controls the notification unit to notify the other operation information and the identification information. The control device according to claim 1 , wherein the external device includes a mobile terminal having a display unit capable of visually displaying the operation information. The control unit is
activating the brake control device when a difference between a front wheel rotation speed of the human-powered vehicle and a rear wheel rotation speed of the human-powered vehicle is equal to or greater than a first predetermined value;
The control device according to claim 1 , further comprising: a control unit configured to control the communication unit to transmit the operation information to the external device when the brake control device is operated. The control unit is
activating the brake control device when a difference between a vehicle body speed of the human-powered vehicle and a wheel speed of the human-powered vehicle is equal to or greater than a second predetermined value;
The control device according to claim 1 , further comprising : a control unit configured to control the communication unit to transmit the operation information to the external device when the brake control device is operated. The brake device includes a brake actuator and a brake operation device configured to be able to operate the brake actuator,
The control unit activates the brake control device when the operation state of the brake operation device is equal to or greater than a predetermined state,
The control device according to claim 1 , further comprising : a control unit configured to control the communication unit to transmit the operation information to the external device when the brake control device is operated. The brake device is operated by fluid pressure,
The control unit activates the brake control device when the pressure of the fluid is equal to or higher than a predetermined pressure,
The control device according to claim 1 , further comprising: a control unit configured to control the communication unit to transmit the operation information to the external device when the brake control device is operated. 1. A control system for a human-powered vehicle, comprising:
The control system includes:
a first control device provided in the first human-powered vehicle;
a second control device provided in the second human-powered vehicle;
The first control device includes a first control unit and a first communication unit,
The second control device includes a second control unit and a second communication unit,
the first human-powered vehicle includes a first brake device and a first brake control device configured to be able to control a braking force applied by the first brake device;
the second human-powered vehicle includes a component;
The first control unit controls the first communication unit to transmit operation information related to the first brake control device,
The second communication unit is configured to be able to receive the operation information,
The second control unit controls the component based on the operation information received by the second communication unit. the control system further includes a communication device provided in the second human-powered vehicle;
The control system according to claim 11 , wherein the second communication unit is configured to be able to receive the operation information via the communication device. The component includes a notification unit that notifies the operation information,
The control system according to claim 11 or 12 , wherein the second control unit controls the notification unit to notify the operation information. the components include a motor that assists in propulsion of the second human-powered vehicle;
The control system according to claim 11 , wherein the second control unit controls the motor in response to the operation information. the component includes a second braking device;
The control system according to claim 11 , wherein the second control unit controls the second brake device in response to the operation information. the second human-powered vehicle includes a second brake device;
The component includes a second brake control device configured to be able to control the braking force applied by the second brake device,
The control system according to claim 11 , wherein the second control unit controls the second brake control device in response to the operation information. the first control unit controls the first communication unit to transmit the operation information and the identification information of the first human-powered vehicle from the first communication unit;
The control system according to claim 11 , wherein the second control unit controls the component in response to the operation information and the identification information. The first control unit is
activating the first brake control device when a difference between a front wheel rotation speed of the first human-powered vehicle and a rear wheel rotation speed of the first human-powered vehicle is equal to or greater than a first predetermined value;
The control system according to claim 11 , further comprising : a control unit configured to control the first communication unit to transmit the operation information when the first brake control device is operated. The first control unit is
activating the first brake control device when a difference between a vehicle body speed of the first human-powered vehicle and a wheel speed of the first human-powered vehicle is equal to or greater than a second predetermined value;
The control system according to claim 11 , further comprising : a control unit configured to control the first communication unit to transmit the operation information when the first brake control device is operated. The first brake device includes a first brake actuator and a first brake operation device configured to be able to operate the first brake actuator,
The first control unit is
When the operation information of the first brake operation device is equal to or greater than a predetermined value, the first brake control device is actuated;
The control system according to claim 11 , further comprising : a control unit configured to control the first communication unit to transmit the operation information when the first brake control device is operated. the first brake device is operated by fluid pressure;
The first control unit is
When the pressure of the fluid is equal to or greater than a predetermined pressure, the first brake control device is actuated;
The control system according to claim 11 , further comprising : a control unit configured to control the first communication unit to transmit the operation information when the first brake control device is operated. 21. The control system of claim 11 , wherein the operation information includes at least one of first information regarding an operation history of the first brake control device and second information regarding an operation condition of the first brake control device.