WO2021117806A1 - Bicycle component and bicycle - Google Patents

Bicycle component and bicycle Download PDF

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Publication number
WO2021117806A1
WO2021117806A1 PCT/JP2020/046037 JP2020046037W WO2021117806A1 WO 2021117806 A1 WO2021117806 A1 WO 2021117806A1 JP 2020046037 W JP2020046037 W JP 2020046037W WO 2021117806 A1 WO2021117806 A1 WO 2021117806A1
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WO
WIPO (PCT)
Prior art keywords
frame
case
bicycle
bicycle component
sensor
Prior art date
Application number
PCT/JP2020/046037
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French (fr)
Japanese (ja)
Inventor
孝浩 森岡
Original Assignee
パナソニックＩｐマネジメント株式会社
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
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Publication date
Application filed by パナソニックＩｐマネジメント株式会社 filed Critical パナソニックＩｐマネジメント株式会社
Priority to DE112020006104.3T priority Critical patent/DE112020006104T5/en
Publication of WO2021117806A1 publication Critical patent/WO2021117806A1/en

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    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B62—LAND VEHICLES FOR TRAVELLING OTHERWISE THAN ON RAILS
    • B62J—CYCLE SADDLES OR SEATS; AUXILIARY DEVICES OR ACCESSORIES SPECIALLY ADAPTED TO CYCLES AND NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR, e.g. ARTICLE CARRIERS OR CYCLE PROTECTORS
    • B62J45/00—Electrical equipment arrangements specially adapted for use as accessories on cycles, not otherwise provided for
    • B62J45/40—Sensor arrangements; Mounting thereof
    • B62J45/41—Sensor arrangements; Mounting thereof characterised by the type of sensor
    • B62J45/411—Torque sensors
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B62—LAND VEHICLES FOR TRAVELLING OTHERWISE THAN ON RAILS
    • B62J—CYCLE SADDLES OR SEATS; AUXILIARY DEVICES OR ACCESSORIES SPECIALLY ADAPTED TO CYCLES AND NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR, e.g. ARTICLE CARRIERS OR CYCLE PROTECTORS
    • B62J45/00—Electrical equipment arrangements specially adapted for use as accessories on cycles, not otherwise provided for
    • B62J45/40—Sensor arrangements; Mounting thereof
    • B62J45/42—Sensor arrangements; Mounting thereof characterised by mounting
    • B62J45/421—Sensor arrangements; Mounting thereof characterised by mounting at the pedal crank
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B62—LAND VEHICLES FOR TRAVELLING OTHERWISE THAN ON RAILS
    • B62M—RIDER PROPULSION OF WHEELED VEHICLES OR SLEDGES; POWERED PROPULSION OF SLEDGES OR SINGLE-TRACK CYCLES; TRANSMISSIONS SPECIALLY ADAPTED FOR SUCH VEHICLES
    • B62M6/00—Rider propulsion of wheeled vehicles with additional source of power, e.g. combustion engine or electric motor
    • B62M6/40—Rider propelled cycles with auxiliary electric motor
    • B62M6/45—Control or actuating devices therefor
    • B62M6/50—Control or actuating devices therefor characterised by detectors or sensors, or arrangement thereof
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B62—LAND VEHICLES FOR TRAVELLING OTHERWISE THAN ON RAILS
    • B62M—RIDER PROPULSION OF WHEELED VEHICLES OR SLEDGES; POWERED PROPULSION OF SLEDGES OR SINGLE-TRACK CYCLES; TRANSMISSIONS SPECIALLY ADAPTED FOR SUCH VEHICLES
    • B62M6/00—Rider propulsion of wheeled vehicles with additional source of power, e.g. combustion engine or electric motor
    • B62M6/40—Rider propelled cycles with auxiliary electric motor
    • B62M6/55—Rider propelled cycles with auxiliary electric motor power-driven at crank shafts parts

Definitions

  • the present invention relates to a bicycle component and a bicycle including the same.
  • the current status of bicycles includes, for example, driver presence / absence detection, driver weight detection, frame stress detection, pedaling detection, frame life estimation, road surface condition detection, steering force detection, brake detection, luggage detection, and riding. This includes detection of the presence or absence of a person and detection of passenger weight.
  • the reality is that mounting a sensor dedicated to each detection on a bicycle complicates the mechanical and electrical structure.
  • an object of the present invention is to provide a bicycle capable of detecting the current state of the bicycle while suppressing the complication of the structure.
  • a bicycle component attached to a bicycle frame, a case connected to the frame, a variation attached to the case and transmitted from the frame to the case, and a variation of the frame. It includes a sensor unit that detects at least one of them.
  • the bicycle according to the present invention is provided with the above-mentioned bicycle component.
  • FIG. 1 is an overall side view of the electric bicycle according to the embodiment.
  • FIG. 2 is a partially cutaway side view of the electric bicycle according to the embodiment.
  • FIG. 3 is a plan view showing an assembling structure of the motor unit and the frame according to the embodiment.
  • FIG. 4 is a plan view showing a disassembled state of the motor unit and the frame according to the embodiment.
  • FIG. 5 is a perspective view showing a schematic configuration of the motor unit according to the embodiment.
  • FIG. 6 is a perspective view showing a schematic configuration of the sensor unit according to the embodiment.
  • each figure is a schematic view and is not necessarily exactly illustrated. Therefore, for example, the scales and the like do not always match in each figure. Further, in each figure, substantially the same configuration is designated by the same reference numerals, and duplicate description will be omitted or simplified.
  • the left-right direction and the front-back direction in the following description refer to the direction in which the driver is on the electric bicycle 1 in the direction of travel.
  • FIG. 1 is an overall side view of the electric bicycle 1 according to the embodiment.
  • FIG. 2 is a partially cutaway side view of the electric bicycle 1 according to the embodiment.
  • the electric bicycle 1 includes a frame 2, a front wheel 3, a rear wheel 4, a handle 5, a saddle 6, a crank 7, a pedal 8, a motor unit 20, and a battery. It includes 12, a sprocket 13, a rear sprocket 14, a chain 15, a chain cover 17, and a stand 16.
  • the frame 2 is a frame made of metal, and includes a head pipe 2a, a front fork 2b, a main pipe 2c, a standing pipe 2d, a chain stay 2e, a seat stay 2f, and the like.
  • the front wheel 3 is rotatably attached to the lower end of the front fork 2b.
  • the rear wheel 4 is rotatably attached to the rear end of the chain stay 2e.
  • the handle 5 is a portion for changing the direction of the front wheel 3, and is connected to the head pipe 2a.
  • the handle 5 is provided with a brake lever 55 for operating the brake, a hand operation unit (not shown) that can be operated by a driver or the like, and the like.
  • the saddle 6 is attached to the vertical pipe 2d.
  • the crank 7 includes a crank arm 7b provided on each of the left and right sides and a crank shaft 7a connecting the left and right crank arms 7b to each other.
  • a pedal 8 is attached to each crank arm 7b.
  • a human-powered driving force composed of pedaling force is applied to the pedal 8.
  • the motor unit 20 is an example of a bicycle component attached to the electric bicycle 1.
  • the motor unit 20 includes an electric motor 21 (see FIG. 3) as a drive source for generating an auxiliary driving force (assist force) and a control unit 24 (see FIG. 3) that performs various electrical controls including the motor 21. ) Etc. are provided. Details of the motor unit 20 will be described later.
  • the battery 12 is a capacitor that supplies electric power for driving to the motor 21.
  • Examples of the power storage device include a secondary battery and a capacitor.
  • the sprocket 13 is a driving force output wheel body that is attached to the crankshaft 7a so as to rotate integrally with the crankshaft 7a in a coaxial center and outputs a human-powered driving force.
  • the sprocket 13 is also referred to as a front sprocket, a crank sprocket or a front gear.
  • the rear sprocket 14 is a rear wheel body attached to the hub 9 of the rear wheel 4.
  • the rear sprocket 14 may also be referred to as a rear gear.
  • the electric bicycle 1 is provided with an auxiliary driving force output sprocket 29 that outputs an auxiliary driving force from the motor 21 in addition to the sprocket 13.
  • the auxiliary driving force output sprocket 29 is connected to the biaxial motor unit 20.
  • the auxiliary driving force of the motor 21 is output from the auxiliary driving force output sprocket 29 via a reduction mechanism (not shown), and the auxiliary driving force is combined by the chain 15 and transmitted to the rear wheels 4. ..
  • the chain 15 is an endless driving force transmitter that is wound endlessly over the sprocket 13, the rear sprocket 14, and the auxiliary driving force output sprocket 29 in a rotatable state.
  • the chain cover 17 is a cover that covers the chain 15 and the like from the side.
  • the motor unit 20 is arranged at an intermediate position (more specifically, the lower part of the intermediate position) between the front wheels 3 and the rear wheels 4, such as substantially behind the crankshaft 7a.
  • the motor unit 20 having a relatively large weight is arranged at the center of the electric bicycle 1 in the front-rear direction. Therefore, the front wheels 3 and the rear wheels 4 can be easily lifted, and even if there is a step on the traveling path, the vehicle body (frame 2, etc.) of the electric bicycle 1 can be easily handled, and the traveling stability can be easily obtained. Will also be good.
  • FIG. 3 is a plan view showing an assembling structure of the motor unit 20 and the frame 2 according to the embodiment.
  • FIG. 4 is a plan view showing a disassembled state of the motor unit 20 and the frame 2 according to the embodiment.
  • FIGS. 3 and 4 only a part of the main pipe 2c and the vertical pipe 2d is shown. Further, in FIGS. 3 and 4, the shaft body for transmitting power to the auxiliary driving force output sprocket 29 is not shown.
  • a flange portion 50 fixed to the main pipe 2c and the vertical pipe 2d is provided in the lower center of the frame 2.
  • the flange portion 50 includes a front flange 51 and a rear flange 52.
  • the front flange 51 is arranged in front of the rear flange 52 and is fixed in the vicinity of the rear end of the main pipe 2c.
  • the front flange 51 has a pair of left and right plate-shaped portions, and the pair of plate-shaped portions covers the front end portion of the motor unit 20.
  • the rear flange 52 is arranged behind the front flange 51 and is fixed in the vicinity of the lower end of the vertical pipe 2d.
  • the rear flange 52 has a pair of left and right plate-shaped portions, and the pair of plate-shaped portions covers the upper end portion of the motor unit 20.
  • FIG. 5 is a perspective view showing a schematic configuration of the motor unit 20 according to the embodiment.
  • the motor unit 20 includes a case 22, a motor 21, a sensor unit 60, and a control unit 24.
  • the case 22 is configured by assembling a pair of left and right case bodies for accommodating the motor 21, the control unit 24, and the like.
  • a crankshaft 7a penetrates left and right through the front portion of the case 22.
  • the case 22 is provided with a front mounting portion 221 to be mounted on the front flange 51 at a position corresponding to the front of the crankshaft 7a.
  • the front mounting portion 221 is provided on each of the pair of left and right case bodies.
  • the front mounting portion 221 and the front flange 51 are connected by being fastened with fasteners such as screws and rivets.
  • a rear mounting portion 222 to be mounted on the rear flange 52 is provided on the upper portion of the case 22.
  • the rear mounting portion 222 is provided on each of the pair of left and right case bodies.
  • the rear mounting portion 222 and the rear flange 52 are connected by being fastened with fasteners such as screws and rivets.
  • the sensor unit 60 is attached between the front mounting portion 221 and the rear mounting portion 222. Specifically, the front portion of the sensor unit 60 is sandwiched by the front mounting portions 221 of each of the pair of left and right case bodies, and the rear portion of the sensor portion 60 is sandwiched by the rear mounting portions 222 of each of the pair of left and right case bodies. It is sandwiched. Therefore, the fluctuation of the frame 2 is also transmitted to the sensor unit 60.
  • FIG. 6 is a perspective view showing a schematic configuration of the sensor unit 60 according to the embodiment.
  • the sensor unit 60 has a base 61 and a strain sensor 62. At least one strain sensor 62 may be provided.
  • the base 61 is a long rod-shaped body, and is provided with a pair of connecting portions (front connecting portion 611, rear connecting portion 612) that are connected to the case 22 and the frame 2, respectively.
  • the front end portion of the base 61 is provided with a front connecting portion 611 connected to the front flange 51 together with the front mounting portion 221.
  • the rear end portion of the base 61 is provided with a rear connecting portion 612 connected to the rear flange 52 together with the rear mounting portion 222.
  • Through holes 613 and 614 through which fasteners are inserted are formed in the front connecting portion 611 and the rear connecting portion 612, respectively.
  • the intermediate portion between the front connecting portion 611 and the rear connecting portion 612 has a thin portion 615 which is thinner than the other portions. Since the thin-walled portion 615 is thinner than the other portions, the thin-walled portion 615 is a portion where stress is concentrated on the base 61. Further, since the thin-walled portion 615 is thinner than the other portions, it is also a portion that is easily distorted. Therefore, the thin-walled portion 615 is a portion where the fluctuation transmitted from the frame 2 and the case 22 to the base 61 appears remarkably.
  • the strain sensor 62 is attached to the surface of the thin portion 615 of the base 61.
  • the strain sensor 62 is a strain sensor formed in a sheet shape, and detects the strain generated in the thin portion 615.
  • the strain sensor 62 is electrically connected to the control unit 24 via wiring (not shown).
  • the control unit 24 performs various controls based on the detection result received from the strain sensor 62. For example, the control unit 24 can estimate the current state of the electric bicycle 1 based on the detection result.
  • the load on the electric bicycle 1 is concentrated. That is, the situation of the electric bicycle 1 tends to appear as a fluctuation in the motor unit 20 provided in the vicinity of the portion.
  • a plurality of types of situations of the electric bicycle 1 can be estimated by analyzing the fluctuation of the motor unit 20. Specifically, by analyzing the strain of the base 61 detected by the strain sensor 62, it is possible to estimate a plurality of types of situations of the electric bicycle 1. That is, if the control unit 24 records in advance an analysis program based on the detection result of the strain sensor 62, it is possible to detect a plurality of types of the current state of the electric bicycle 1.
  • the current situation of the electric bicycle 1 includes, for example, driver presence / absence detection, driver weight detection, frame 2 stress detection, pedaling detection, frame 2 life estimation, road surface condition detection, push force detection on the steering wheel 5, and brake detection.
  • the presence / absence detection of a driver is to detect whether or not a driver is on board.
  • the driver weight detection is to detect the weight of the driver on board.
  • the stress detection of the frame 2 is to detect the stress acting on the frame 2.
  • the pedaling detection is to detect the rotational force with respect to the pedal 8.
  • the life estimation of the frame 2 is to detect the life of the frame 2.
  • the road surface condition detection is to detect an uneven condition such as a step on the road surface, an inclined condition, and the like.
  • the push force detection on the steering wheel 5 is to detect the push force from the driver acting on the steering wheel 5.
  • Brake detection is to detect whether or not the brake is operating.
  • the baggage detection is to detect whether or not a baggage is placed on the frame 2.
  • Passenger presence / absence detection is to detect whether or not a passenger is on board.
  • Passenger weight detection is to detect the weight of a passenger on board.
  • control unit 24 can execute the control of the auxiliary driving force suitable for the current situation. Further, if the control unit 24 can detect a plurality of types of the current state of the electric bicycle 1, the history of each type can be acquired, so that more diverse data can be acquired. Based on the various acquired data, the accuracy of life estimation and failure estimation of the electric bicycle 1 can be improved.
  • the motor unit 20 attached to the frame 2 is a case 22 connected to the frame 2 and a pair of crank arms 7b housed in the case 22.
  • the electric bicycle 1 is provided with the above-mentioned motor unit 20.
  • the electric bicycle 1 is based on the detection result. Multiple types of situations can be estimated. If a plurality of types of situations of the electric bicycle 1 can be estimated by one sensor unit 60 in this way, it is possible to suppress the complexity of the structure because the sensors dedicated to each type are not required.
  • the sensor unit 60 includes a base 61 connected to the case 22 and the frame 2, and a strain sensor 62 for detecting the fluctuation transmitted from the case 22 and the frame 2 to the base 61.
  • the distortion that appears as the fluctuation of the base 61 can be detected by the distortion sensor 62. That is, since the fluctuation of the frame 2 can be indirectly detected as the distortion of the base 61, the fluctuation of the frame 2 can be indirectly detected by the structure in which the sensor unit 60 is attached to the case 22.
  • the base 61 has a pair of connecting portions (front connecting portion 611, rear connecting portion 612) that are connected to the case 22 and the frame 2, respectively, and a thin wall that is thinner than other portions between the pair of connecting portions. It has a portion 615, and the strain sensor 62 is attached to the thin portion 615.
  • the strain sensor 62 is attached to the thin-walled portion 615, which is a portion where the fluctuation transmitted from the frame 2 and the case 22 to the base 61 appears remarkably, the distortion of the base 61 is more reliably distorted. It can be detected by the sensor 62.
  • the motor unit 20 is housed in the case 22 and includes a control unit 24 that controls the motor 21 and receives the detection result of the sensor unit 60.
  • control unit 24 and the sensor unit 60 housed in the case 22 are electrically connected, the wiring structure can be simplified. Therefore, it is possible to further suppress the complexity of the structure.
  • the sensor unit 60 having the strain sensor 62 is illustrated.
  • the sensor unit may be any sensor unit that is attached to the case and detects at least one of the fluctuation transmitted from the frame to the case and the fluctuation of the frame.
  • the sensor unit may be inside or outside the case.
  • the electrical connection between the sensor unit and the control unit can be simplified.
  • other sensor units include a sensor unit having a pressure sensor, a vibration sensor, an optical fluctuation sensor, and the like.
  • the sensor unit may include a plurality of sensors of the same type or different types. By analyzing the detection results of a plurality of sensors in a complex manner, the situation of the electric bicycle can be estimated more accurately.
  • each strain sensor may be installed so as to detect distortion in different directions.
  • the electric bicycle 1 has been described as an example, but it may be a simple bicycle that does not generate an auxiliary driving force.
  • the motor unit 20 is illustrated as an example of the bicycle component, but any component other than the motor unit may be used as long as it is a component attached to the bicycle.
  • Other bicycle components include bicycle accessories, child seats, cycle computers, key locks and the like. It may also be a dedicated component for detecting at least one of the fluctuations transmitted from the frame to the case and the fluctuations of the frame.

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  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Chemical & Material Sciences (AREA)
  • Combustion & Propulsion (AREA)
  • Mechanical Engineering (AREA)
  • Transportation (AREA)
  • Electric Propulsion And Braking For Vehicles (AREA)
  • Force Measurement Appropriate To Specific Purposes (AREA)

Abstract

This bicycle component (20), which is attached to the frame (2) of a bicycle (1), is provided with a case (22) which is linked to the frame (2), and a sensor unit (60) which is attached to the case (22) and which detects fluctuations transmitted from the frame (2) to the case (22) and/or fluctuations of the frame (2).

Description

自転車用コンポーネント及び自転車Bicycle components and bicycles
　本発明は、自転車用コンポーネント及びそれを備えた自転車に関するものである。 The present invention relates to a bicycle component and a bicycle including the same.
　近年、バッテリなどの蓄電器から給電されるモータを有し、ペダルに加えられる踏力からなる人力駆動力をトルクセンサにより検出し、人力駆動力に対応したモータの補助駆動力（アシスト力）を加えることで、上り坂等でも楽に走行できる電動自転車が知られている（例えば特許文献１参照）。 In recent years, it has a motor that is powered by a power storage device such as a battery, detects a human-powered driving force consisting of pedaling force applied to the pedal with a torque sensor, and adds an auxiliary driving force (assisting force) of the motor corresponding to the human-powered driving force. Therefore, an electric bicycle that can easily run on an uphill or the like is known (see, for example, Patent Document 1).
特開２００９－２０８７１０号公報JP-A-2009-208710
　近年においては、自転車の現在の状況を検出することが求められている。自転車の現在の状況としては、例えば、運転者有無検出、運転者体重検出、フレームの応力検出、ペダリング検出、フレームの寿命推定、路面状態検出、ハンドルに対する押力検出、ブレーキ検出、荷物検出、同乗者有無検出、同乗者体重検出などが挙げられる。各検出に対してそれ専用のセンサを自転車に搭載すると、機械的及び電気的な構造が複雑となるのが実状である。 In recent years, it has been required to detect the current status of bicycles. The current status of bicycles includes, for example, driver presence / absence detection, driver weight detection, frame stress detection, pedaling detection, frame life estimation, road surface condition detection, steering force detection, brake detection, luggage detection, and riding. This includes detection of the presence or absence of a person and detection of passenger weight. The reality is that mounting a sensor dedicated to each detection on a bicycle complicates the mechanical and electrical structure.
　このため、本発明は、構造の複雑化を抑えつつも、自転車の現在の状況を検出することができる自転車を提供することを目的とする。 Therefore, an object of the present invention is to provide a bicycle capable of detecting the current state of the bicycle while suppressing the complication of the structure.
　上記課題を解決するために、自転車のフレームに取り付けられる自転車用コンポーネントであって、フレームに対して連結されたケースと、ケースに取り付けられて、フレームからケースに伝達された変動及びフレームの変動の少なくとも一方を検出するセンサ部と、を備えている。 In order to solve the above problems, a bicycle component attached to a bicycle frame, a case connected to the frame, a variation attached to the case and transmitted from the frame to the case, and a variation of the frame. It includes a sensor unit that detects at least one of them.
　また、本発明に係る一態様である自転車は、上記の自転車用コンポーネントを備えている。 Further, the bicycle according to the present invention is provided with the above-mentioned bicycle component.
　本発明によれば、自転車の構造の複雑化を抑えつつも、自転車の現在の状況を検出することができる。 According to the present invention, it is possible to detect the current state of the bicycle while suppressing the complexity of the structure of the bicycle.
図１は、実施の形態に係る電動自転車の全体側面図である。FIG. 1 is an overall side view of the electric bicycle according to the embodiment. 図２は、実施の形態に係る電動自転車の部分切欠側面図である。FIG. 2 is a partially cutaway side view of the electric bicycle according to the embodiment. 図３は、実施の形態に係るモータユニットとフレームとの組付け構造を示す平面図である。FIG. 3 is a plan view showing an assembling structure of the motor unit and the frame according to the embodiment. 図４は、実施の形態に係るモータユニットとフレームとの分解した状態を示す平面図である。FIG. 4 is a plan view showing a disassembled state of the motor unit and the frame according to the embodiment. 図５は、実施の形態に係るモータユニットの概略構成を示す斜視図である。FIG. 5 is a perspective view showing a schematic configuration of the motor unit according to the embodiment. 図６は、実施の形態に係るセンサ部の概略構成を示す斜視図である。FIG. 6 is a perspective view showing a schematic configuration of the sensor unit according to the embodiment.
　以下では、本発明の実施の形態に係る電動自転車について、図面を用いて詳細に説明する。なお、以下に説明する実施の形態は、いずれも本発明の好ましい一具体例を示すものである。したがって、以下の実施の形態で示される数値、形状、材料、構成要素、構成要素の配置及び接続形態などは、一例であり、本発明を限定する趣旨ではない。よって、以下の実施の形態における構成要素のうち、本発明の最上位概念を示す独立請求項に記載されていない構成要素については、任意の構成要素として説明される。 Hereinafter, the electric bicycle according to the embodiment of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. It should be noted that all of the embodiments described below show a preferred specific example of the present invention. Therefore, the numerical values, shapes, materials, components, arrangement of components, connection modes, etc. shown in the following embodiments are examples, and are not intended to limit the present invention. Therefore, among the components in the following embodiments, the components not described in the independent claims indicating the highest level concept of the present invention will be described as arbitrary components.
　また、各図は、模式図であり、必ずしも厳密に図示されたものではない。したがって、例えば、各図において縮尺などは必ずしも一致しない。また、各図において、実質的に同一の構成については同一の符号を付しており、重複する説明は省略又は簡略化する。 In addition, each figure is a schematic view and is not necessarily exactly illustrated. Therefore, for example, the scales and the like do not always match in each figure. Further, in each figure, substantially the same configuration is designated by the same reference numerals, and duplicate description will be omitted or simplified.
　以下の説明における左右方向及び前後方向は、進行方向に向って当該電動自転車１に運転者が搭乗した状態での方向を言う。 The left-right direction and the front-back direction in the following description refer to the direction in which the driver is on the electric bicycle 1 in the direction of travel.
　［構成］
　図１は、実施の形態に係る電動自転車１の全体側面図である。図２は、実施の形態に係る電動自転車１の部分切欠側面図である。図１及び図２に示すように、電動自転車１は、フレーム２と、前輪３と、後輪４と、ハンドル５と、サドル６と、クランク７と、ペダル８と、モータユニット２０と、バッテリ１２と、スプロケット１３と、後スプロケット１４と、チェーン１５と、チェーンカバー１７と、スタンド１６と、を備えている。 [Constitution]
FIG. 1 is an overall side view of the electric bicycle 1 according to the embodiment. FIG. 2 is a partially cutaway side view of the electric bicycle 1 according to the embodiment. As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the electric bicycle 1 includes a frame 2, a front wheel 3, a rear wheel 4, a handle 5, a saddle 6, a crank 7, a pedal 8, a motor unit 20, and a battery. It includes 12, a sprocket 13, a rear sprocket 14, a chain 15, a chain cover 17, and a stand 16.
　フレーム２は、金属により形成されたフレームであり、ヘッドパイプ２ａ、前フォーク２ｂ、メインパイプ２ｃ、立パイプ２ｄ、チェーンステー２ｅ、シートステー２ｆなどを備えている。 The frame 2 is a frame made of metal, and includes a head pipe 2a, a front fork 2b, a main pipe 2c, a standing pipe 2d, a chain stay 2e, a seat stay 2f, and the like.
　前輪３は、前フォーク２ｂの下端に回転自在に取り付けられている。後輪４は、チェーンステー２ｅの後端に回転自在に取り付けられている。ハンドル５は、前輪３の向きを変更するための部位であり、ヘッドパイプ２ａに対して連結されている。ハンドル５には、ブレーキを動作させるためのブレーキレバー５５と、運転者などが操作可能な手元操作部（図示省略）などが取り付けられている。サドル６は、立パイプ２ｄに取り付けられている。 The front wheel 3 is rotatably attached to the lower end of the front fork 2b. The rear wheel 4 is rotatably attached to the rear end of the chain stay 2e. The handle 5 is a portion for changing the direction of the front wheel 3, and is connected to the head pipe 2a. The handle 5 is provided with a brake lever 55 for operating the brake, a hand operation unit (not shown) that can be operated by a driver or the like, and the like. The saddle 6 is attached to the vertical pipe 2d.
　クランク７は、左右にそれぞれ設けられるクランクアーム７ｂと、左右のクランクアーム７ｂ同士を連結するクランク軸７ａとからなる。各クランクアーム７ｂにはペダル８が取り付けられている。ペダル８には、踏力からなる人力駆動力がかけられる。 The crank 7 includes a crank arm 7b provided on each of the left and right sides and a crank shaft 7a connecting the left and right crank arms 7b to each other. A pedal 8 is attached to each crank arm 7b. A human-powered driving force composed of pedaling force is applied to the pedal 8.
　モータユニット２０は、電動自転車１に取り付けられる自転車用コンポーネントの一例である。モータユニット２０には、補助駆動力（アシスト力）を発生させる駆動源としての電動のモータ２１（図３参照）及びこのモータ２１を含めた各種の電気的制御を行う制御部２４（図３参照）などが設けられている。モータユニット２０の詳細については、後述する。 The motor unit 20 is an example of a bicycle component attached to the electric bicycle 1. The motor unit 20 includes an electric motor 21 (see FIG. 3) as a drive source for generating an auxiliary driving force (assist force) and a control unit 24 (see FIG. 3) that performs various electrical controls including the motor 21. ) Etc. are provided. Details of the motor unit 20 will be described later.
　バッテリ１２は、モータ２１に駆動用の電力を供給する蓄電器である。蓄電器としては、例えば、二次電池、キャパシタなどが挙げられる。 The battery 12 is a capacitor that supplies electric power for driving to the motor 21. Examples of the power storage device include a secondary battery and a capacitor.
　スプロケット１３は、クランク軸７ａと同軸心で一体的に回転するように、当該クランク軸７ａに取り付けられ、人力駆動力を出力する駆動力出力輪体である。スプロケット１３は、前スプロケット、クランクスプロケットまたは前ギヤとも称せられる。後スプロケット１４は、後輪４のハブ９に取り付けられた後部輪体である。後スプロケット１４は、後ギヤとも称せられることがある。 The sprocket 13 is a driving force output wheel body that is attached to the crankshaft 7a so as to rotate integrally with the crankshaft 7a in a coaxial center and outputs a human-powered driving force. The sprocket 13 is also referred to as a front sprocket, a crank sprocket or a front gear. The rear sprocket 14 is a rear wheel body attached to the hub 9 of the rear wheel 4. The rear sprocket 14 may also be referred to as a rear gear.
　また電動自転車１には、スプロケット１３とは別に、モータ２１からの補助駆動力を出力する補助駆動力出力スプロケット２９が設けられている。この補助駆動力出力スプロケット２９は、二軸式のモータユニット２０に対して連結されている。本実施の形態では、モータ２１の補助駆動力が、図示しない減速機構を介して、補助駆動力出力スプロケット２９から出力され、補助駆動力がチェーン１５で合成されて、後輪４に伝達される。 Further, the electric bicycle 1 is provided with an auxiliary driving force output sprocket 29 that outputs an auxiliary driving force from the motor 21 in addition to the sprocket 13. The auxiliary driving force output sprocket 29 is connected to the biaxial motor unit 20. In the present embodiment, the auxiliary driving force of the motor 21 is output from the auxiliary driving force output sprocket 29 via a reduction mechanism (not shown), and the auxiliary driving force is combined by the chain 15 and transmitted to the rear wheels 4. ..
　チェーン１５は、スプロケット１３と後スプロケット１４と補助駆動力出力スプロケット２９とにわたって回転可能な状態で無端状に巻回された無端状駆動力伝達体である。チェーンカバー１７は、チェーン１５などを側方から覆うカバーである。 The chain 15 is an endless driving force transmitter that is wound endlessly over the sprocket 13, the rear sprocket 14, and the auxiliary driving force output sprocket 29 in a rotatable state. The chain cover 17 is a cover that covers the chain 15 and the like from the side.
　電動自転車１には、クランク軸７ａの略後方など、前輪３と後輪４との間の中間位置（より詳しくは中間位置の下部）にモータユニット２０が配置されている。このような配置構成にすることで、重量が比較的大きいモータユニット２０が、電動自転車１の前後方向中央に配置される。このため、前輪３や後輪４を持ち上げ易くて、走行路に段差があっても容易に乗り越えることができるなど、電動自転車１の車体（フレーム２など）の取り回しがよく、また、走行安定性も良好となる。 In the electric bicycle 1, the motor unit 20 is arranged at an intermediate position (more specifically, the lower part of the intermediate position) between the front wheels 3 and the rear wheels 4, such as substantially behind the crankshaft 7a. With such an arrangement configuration, the motor unit 20 having a relatively large weight is arranged at the center of the electric bicycle 1 in the front-rear direction. Therefore, the front wheels 3 and the rear wheels 4 can be easily lifted, and even if there is a step on the traveling path, the vehicle body (frame 2, etc.) of the electric bicycle 1 can be easily handled, and the traveling stability can be easily obtained. Will also be good.
　図３は、実施の形態に係るモータユニット２０とフレーム２との組付け構造を示す平面図である。図４は、実施の形態に係るモータユニット２０とフレーム２との分解した状態を示す平面図である。図３及び図４では、メインパイプ２ｃ及び立パイプ２ｄの一部のみを図示している。また、図３及び図４では、補助駆動力出力スプロケット２９に動力を伝達する軸体の図示を省略している。 FIG. 3 is a plan view showing an assembling structure of the motor unit 20 and the frame 2 according to the embodiment. FIG. 4 is a plan view showing a disassembled state of the motor unit 20 and the frame 2 according to the embodiment. In FIGS. 3 and 4, only a part of the main pipe 2c and the vertical pipe 2d is shown. Further, in FIGS. 3 and 4, the shaft body for transmitting power to the auxiliary driving force output sprocket 29 is not shown.
　図３及び図４に示すように、フレーム２の中央下部には、メインパイプ２ｃ及び立パイプ２ｄに固定されたフランジ部５０が設けられている。フランジ部５０は、前部フランジ５１と、後部フランジ５２とを備えている。 As shown in FIGS. 3 and 4, a flange portion 50 fixed to the main pipe 2c and the vertical pipe 2d is provided in the lower center of the frame 2. The flange portion 50 includes a front flange 51 and a rear flange 52.
　前部フランジ５１は、後部フランジ５２よりも前方に配置されており、メインパイプ２ｃの後端部近傍に固定されている。前部フランジ５１は、左右一対の板状の部位を有しており、当該一対の板状の部位によりモータユニット２０の前端部を覆っている。 The front flange 51 is arranged in front of the rear flange 52 and is fixed in the vicinity of the rear end of the main pipe 2c. The front flange 51 has a pair of left and right plate-shaped portions, and the pair of plate-shaped portions covers the front end portion of the motor unit 20.
　後部フランジ５２は、前部フランジ５１よりも後方に配置されており、立パイプ２ｄの下端部近傍に固定されている。後部フランジ５２は、左右一対の板状の部位を有しており、当該一対の板状の部位によりモータユニット２０の上端部を覆っている。 The rear flange 52 is arranged behind the front flange 51 and is fixed in the vicinity of the lower end of the vertical pipe 2d. The rear flange 52 has a pair of left and right plate-shaped portions, and the pair of plate-shaped portions covers the upper end portion of the motor unit 20.
　次に、モータユニット２０について説明する。図５は、実施の形態に係るモータユニット２０の概略構成を示す斜視図である。 Next, the motor unit 20 will be described. FIG. 5 is a perspective view showing a schematic configuration of the motor unit 20 according to the embodiment.
　図３～図５に示すように、モータユニット２０は、ケース２２と、モータ２１と、センサ部６０と、制御部２４とを備えている。 As shown in FIGS. 3 to 5, the motor unit 20 includes a case 22, a motor 21, a sensor unit 60, and a control unit 24.
　ケース２２は、モータ２１、制御部２４などを収容する左右一対のケース体が組み立てられることで構成されている。ケース２２の前部には、クランク軸７ａが左右に貫通している。 The case 22 is configured by assembling a pair of left and right case bodies for accommodating the motor 21, the control unit 24, and the like. A crankshaft 7a penetrates left and right through the front portion of the case 22.
　ケース２２には、クランク軸７ａの前方に対応する箇所に、前部フランジ５１に取り付けられる前部取付部２２１が設けられている。前部取付部２２１は、左右一対のケース体のそれぞれに設けられている。前部取付部２２１と、前部フランジ５１とは、例えばネジ、リベットなどの締結具で締結されることで連結されている。 The case 22 is provided with a front mounting portion 221 to be mounted on the front flange 51 at a position corresponding to the front of the crankshaft 7a. The front mounting portion 221 is provided on each of the pair of left and right case bodies. The front mounting portion 221 and the front flange 51 are connected by being fastened with fasteners such as screws and rivets.
　ケース２２の上部には、後部フランジ５２に取り付けられる後部取付部２２２が設けられている。後部取付部２２２は、左右一対のケース体のそれぞれに設けられている。後部取付部２２２と、後部フランジ５２とは、例えばネジ、リベットなどの締結具で締結されることで連結されている。 A rear mounting portion 222 to be mounted on the rear flange 52 is provided on the upper portion of the case 22. The rear mounting portion 222 is provided on each of the pair of left and right case bodies. The rear mounting portion 222 and the rear flange 52 are connected by being fastened with fasteners such as screws and rivets.
　このように、ケース２２においては、前部取付部２２１と前部フランジ５１とが連結され、後部取付部２２２と後部フランジ５２とが連結されているので、フレーム２の変動に連動してケース２２も変動するようになっている。 In this way, in the case 22, the front mounting portion 221 and the front flange 51 are connected, and the rear mounting portion 222 and the rear flange 52 are connected, so that the case 22 is linked to the fluctuation of the frame 2. Is also fluctuating.
　ここで、ケース２２には、前部取付部２２１と後部取付部２２２との間に、センサ部６０が取り付けられている。具体的には、センサ部６０の前部は、左右一対のケース体それぞれの前部取付部２２１によって挟持されており、センサ部６０の後部は、左右一対のケース体それぞれの後部取付部２２２によって挟持されている。このため、センサ部６０に対しても、フレーム２の変動が伝達されるようになっている。 Here, in the case 22, the sensor unit 60 is attached between the front mounting portion 221 and the rear mounting portion 222. Specifically, the front portion of the sensor unit 60 is sandwiched by the front mounting portions 221 of each of the pair of left and right case bodies, and the rear portion of the sensor portion 60 is sandwiched by the rear mounting portions 222 of each of the pair of left and right case bodies. It is sandwiched. Therefore, the fluctuation of the frame 2 is also transmitted to the sensor unit 60.
　次に、センサ部６０について説明する。図６は、実施の形態に係るセンサ部６０の概略構成を示す斜視図である。図６に示すように、センサ部６０は、基台６１と、歪センサ６２とを有している。歪センサ６２は、少なくとも一つ設けられていればよい。基台６１は、長尺な棒状体であり、ケース２２及びフレーム２にそれぞれ連結される一対の連結部（前方連結部６１１、後方連結部６１２）が備えられている。 Next, the sensor unit 60 will be described. FIG. 6 is a perspective view showing a schematic configuration of the sensor unit 60 according to the embodiment. As shown in FIG. 6, the sensor unit 60 has a base 61 and a strain sensor 62. At least one strain sensor 62 may be provided. The base 61 is a long rod-shaped body, and is provided with a pair of connecting portions (front connecting portion 611, rear connecting portion 612) that are connected to the case 22 and the frame 2, respectively.
　具体的には、基台６１の前端部には、前部取付部２２１とともに前部フランジ５１に連結される前方連結部６１１が設けられている。基台６１の後端部には、後部取付部２２２とともに後部フランジ５２に連結される後方連結部６１２が設けられている。前方連結部６１１及び後方連結部６１２のそれぞれには、締結具が挿通される貫通孔６１３、６１４が形成されている。 Specifically, the front end portion of the base 61 is provided with a front connecting portion 611 connected to the front flange 51 together with the front mounting portion 221. The rear end portion of the base 61 is provided with a rear connecting portion 612 connected to the rear flange 52 together with the rear mounting portion 222. Through holes 613 and 614 through which fasteners are inserted are formed in the front connecting portion 611 and the rear connecting portion 612, respectively.
　また、基台６１において、前方連結部６１１と後方連結部６１２との間の中間部は、他の部分よりも薄肉な薄肉部６１５を有している。薄肉部６１５は、他の部分よりも薄肉なために、基台６１に対する応力が集中する部位である。また、薄肉部６１５は、他の部分よりも薄肉なために、歪みやすい部位でもある。このため、薄肉部６１５は、フレーム２及びケース２２から基台６１に伝達された変動が顕著に現れる部位である。 Further, in the base 61, the intermediate portion between the front connecting portion 611 and the rear connecting portion 612 has a thin portion 615 which is thinner than the other portions. Since the thin-walled portion 615 is thinner than the other portions, the thin-walled portion 615 is a portion where stress is concentrated on the base 61. Further, since the thin-walled portion 615 is thinner than the other portions, it is also a portion that is easily distorted. Therefore, the thin-walled portion 615 is a portion where the fluctuation transmitted from the frame 2 and the case 22 to the base 61 appears remarkably.
　歪センサ６２は、基台６１の薄肉部６１５の表面に貼り付けられている。歪センサ６２は、シート状に形成された歪センサであり、薄肉部６１５に生じる歪みを検出する。歪センサ６２は、図示しない配線を介して制御部２４に電気的に接続されている。制御部２４は、歪センサ６２から受信した検出結果に基づいて、種々の制御を行う。例えば、制御部２４は、検出結果に基づいて電動自転車１の現在の状況を推定することが可能である。フレーム２の中央下部、具体的には、メインパイプ２ｃと立パイプ２ｄとの連結位置においては、電動自転車１に対する負荷が集中する箇所である。つまり、当該箇所の近傍に設けられたモータユニット２０には、電動自転車１の状況が変動として現れやすい。本発明者らの鋭意検討により、モータユニット２０の変動を解析することで、電動自転車１の複数種類の状況を推定できることが見出された。具体的には、歪センサ６２によって検出された基台６１の歪みを解析すれば、電動自転車１の複数種類の状況を推定することが可能である。つまり、制御部２４に、歪センサ６２の検出結果に基づく解析プログラムを予め記録させておけば、電動自転車１の現在の状況を複数種類検出することができる。電動自転車１の現在の状況としては、例えば、運転者有無検出、運転者体重検出、フレーム２の応力検出、ペダリング検出、フレーム２の寿命推定、路面状態検出、ハンドル５に対する押力検出、ブレーキ検出、荷物検出、同乗者有無検出、同乗者体重検出などが挙げられる。運転者有無検出とは、運転者が乗車しているか否かを検出することである。運転者体重検出とは、乗車している運転者の体重を検出することである。フレーム２の応力検出とは、フレーム２に作用する応力を検出することである。ペダリング検出とは、ペダル８に対する回転力を検出することである。フレーム２の寿命推定とは、フレーム２の寿命を検出することである。路面状態検出とは、路面の段差等の凹凸状態、傾斜状態などを検出することである。ハンドル５に対する押力検出とは、ハンドル５に作用する運転者からの押力を検出することである。ブレーキ検出とは、ブレーキが動作しているか否かを検出することである。荷物検出とは、フレーム２に荷物が載せられているか否かを検出することである。同乗者有無検出とは、同乗者が乗車しているか否かを検出することである。同乗者体重検出とは、乗車している同乗者の体重を検出することである。 The strain sensor 62 is attached to the surface of the thin portion 615 of the base 61. The strain sensor 62 is a strain sensor formed in a sheet shape, and detects the strain generated in the thin portion 615. The strain sensor 62 is electrically connected to the control unit 24 via wiring (not shown). The control unit 24 performs various controls based on the detection result received from the strain sensor 62. For example, the control unit 24 can estimate the current state of the electric bicycle 1 based on the detection result. At the lower center of the frame 2, specifically, at the connecting position between the main pipe 2c and the standing pipe 2d, the load on the electric bicycle 1 is concentrated. That is, the situation of the electric bicycle 1 tends to appear as a fluctuation in the motor unit 20 provided in the vicinity of the portion. Through diligent studies by the present inventors, it has been found that a plurality of types of situations of the electric bicycle 1 can be estimated by analyzing the fluctuation of the motor unit 20. Specifically, by analyzing the strain of the base 61 detected by the strain sensor 62, it is possible to estimate a plurality of types of situations of the electric bicycle 1. That is, if the control unit 24 records in advance an analysis program based on the detection result of the strain sensor 62, it is possible to detect a plurality of types of the current state of the electric bicycle 1. The current situation of the electric bicycle 1 includes, for example, driver presence / absence detection, driver weight detection, frame 2 stress detection, pedaling detection, frame 2 life estimation, road surface condition detection, push force detection on the steering wheel 5, and brake detection. , Luggage detection, passenger presence / absence detection, passenger weight detection, etc. The presence / absence detection of a driver is to detect whether or not a driver is on board. The driver weight detection is to detect the weight of the driver on board. The stress detection of the frame 2 is to detect the stress acting on the frame 2. The pedaling detection is to detect the rotational force with respect to the pedal 8. The life estimation of the frame 2 is to detect the life of the frame 2. The road surface condition detection is to detect an uneven condition such as a step on the road surface, an inclined condition, and the like. The push force detection on the steering wheel 5 is to detect the push force from the driver acting on the steering wheel 5. Brake detection is to detect whether or not the brake is operating. The baggage detection is to detect whether or not a baggage is placed on the frame 2. Passenger presence / absence detection is to detect whether or not a passenger is on board. Passenger weight detection is to detect the weight of a passenger on board.
　これにより、制御部２４は、現在の状況に適切な補助駆動力の制御を実行することが可能である。また、制御部２４は、電動自転車１の現在の状況を複数種類検出することができれば、種類毎の履歴を取得することができるので、より多様なデータ取得が可能となる。取得した多様なデータを元に、電動自転車１の寿命推定、故障推定の正確性も高められる。 Thereby, the control unit 24 can execute the control of the auxiliary driving force suitable for the current situation. Further, if the control unit 24 can detect a plurality of types of the current state of the electric bicycle 1, the history of each type can be acquired, so that more diverse data can be acquired. Based on the various acquired data, the accuracy of life estimation and failure estimation of the electric bicycle 1 can be improved.
　［効果など］
　以上のように、本実施の形態によれば、フレーム２に取り付けられたモータユニット２０であって、フレーム２に対して連結されたケース２２と、ケース２２内に収容され、一対のクランクアーム７ｂのそれぞれのペダル８からの踏力による人力駆動力に対して補助駆動力を加えるためのモータ２１と、ケース２２に取り付けられて、フレーム２からケース２２に伝達された変動及びフレーム２の変動の少なくとも一方を検出するセンサ部６０と、を備えている。 [Effects, etc.]
As described above, according to the present embodiment, the motor unit 20 attached to the frame 2 is a case 22 connected to the frame 2 and a pair of crank arms 7b housed in the case 22. A motor 21 for applying an auxiliary driving force to a human-powered driving force due to the pedaling force from each of the pedals 8 and at least the fluctuation transmitted from the frame 2 to the case 22 and the fluctuation of the frame 2 attached to the case 22. It includes a sensor unit 60 that detects one of them.
　また、電動自転車１は、上記のモータユニット２０を備えている。 Further, the electric bicycle 1 is provided with the above-mentioned motor unit 20.
　これらによれば、ケース２２に取り付けられたセンサ部６０が、フレーム２からケース２２に伝達された変動及びフレーム２の変動の少なくとも一方を検出するので、当該検出結果に基づいて、電動自転車１の状況を複数種類推定することができる。このように１つのセンサ部６０によって電動自転車１の状況を複数種類推定することができれば、各種類専用のセンサも不要となるため構造の複雑化も抑えることが可能である。 According to these, since the sensor unit 60 attached to the case 22 detects at least one of the fluctuation transmitted from the frame 2 to the case 22 and the fluctuation of the frame 2, the electric bicycle 1 is based on the detection result. Multiple types of situations can be estimated. If a plurality of types of situations of the electric bicycle 1 can be estimated by one sensor unit 60 in this way, it is possible to suppress the complexity of the structure because the sensors dedicated to each type are not required.
　また、センサ部６０は、ケース２２及びフレーム２に連結された基台６１と、ケース２２及びフレーム２から基台６１に伝達された変動を検出する歪センサ６２とを備えている。 Further, the sensor unit 60 includes a base 61 connected to the case 22 and the frame 2, and a strain sensor 62 for detecting the fluctuation transmitted from the case 22 and the frame 2 to the base 61.
　これによれば、基台６１の変動として現れた歪みを歪センサ６２によって検出することができる。つまり、フレーム２の変動を間接的に基台６１の歪みとして検出することができるので、ケース２２にセンサ部６０を取り付ける構造で、間接的にフレーム２の変動を検出することができる。 According to this, the distortion that appears as the fluctuation of the base 61 can be detected by the distortion sensor 62. That is, since the fluctuation of the frame 2 can be indirectly detected as the distortion of the base 61, the fluctuation of the frame 2 can be indirectly detected by the structure in which the sensor unit 60 is attached to the case 22.
　また、基台６１は、ケース２２及びフレーム２にそれぞれ連結される一対の連結部（前方連結部６１１、後方連結部６１２）と、一対の連結部間において他の部位よりも薄肉化された薄肉部６１５とを有し、歪センサ６２は薄肉部６１５に取り付けられている。 Further, the base 61 has a pair of connecting portions (front connecting portion 611, rear connecting portion 612) that are connected to the case 22 and the frame 2, respectively, and a thin wall that is thinner than other portions between the pair of connecting portions. It has a portion 615, and the strain sensor 62 is attached to the thin portion 615.
　これによれば、フレーム２及びケース２２から基台６１に伝達された変動が顕著に現れる部位である薄肉部６１５に歪センサ６２が取り付けられているので、基台６１の歪みをより確実に歪センサ６２で検出することができる。 According to this, since the strain sensor 62 is attached to the thin-walled portion 615, which is a portion where the fluctuation transmitted from the frame 2 and the case 22 to the base 61 appears remarkably, the distortion of the base 61 is more reliably distorted. It can be detected by the sensor 62.
　また、モータユニット２０は、ケース２２内に収容され、モータ２１を制御するとともに、センサ部６０の検出結果を受信する制御部２４を備えている。 Further, the motor unit 20 is housed in the case 22 and includes a control unit 24 that controls the motor 21 and receives the detection result of the sensor unit 60.
　これによれば、ケース内２２に収容された制御部２４とセンサ部６０とが電気的に接続されるので、配線構造を簡素化することができる。したがって、構造の複雑化をより抑制することが可能である。 According to this, since the control unit 24 and the sensor unit 60 housed in the case 22 are electrically connected, the wiring structure can be simplified. Therefore, it is possible to further suppress the complexity of the structure.
　［その他］
　以上、本発明に係る電動自転車について、上記の実施の形態に基づいて説明したが、本発明は、上記の実施の形態に限定されるものではない。 [Other]
The electric bicycle according to the present invention has been described above based on the above-described embodiment, but the present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiment.
　例えば、上記実施の形態では、歪センサ６２を有したセンサ部６０を例示した。しかしながら、センサ部は、ケースに取り付けられて、フレームからケースに伝達された変動及び前記フレームの変動の少なくとも一方を検出するセンサ部であれば如何様でもよい。センサ部は、ケースに取り付けられる際、ケースの内側であっても外側であっても構わない。センサ部をケースの内側に取り付けた場合、センサ部と制御部との電気的な接続を簡素化することができる。その他のセンサ部としては、圧力センサ、振動センサ、光学式変動センサ等を有するセンサ部などが挙げられる。また、センサ部は、同一種類のセンサあるいは種類の異なるセンサを複数備えていてもよい。複数のセンサの検出結果を複合的に解析することで、電動自転車の状況をより正確に推定することができる。例えば、歪センサを複数備えたセンサ部の場合には、各歪センサは異なる方向の歪みを検出するように設置されていればよい。 For example, in the above embodiment, the sensor unit 60 having the strain sensor 62 is illustrated. However, the sensor unit may be any sensor unit that is attached to the case and detects at least one of the fluctuation transmitted from the frame to the case and the fluctuation of the frame. When attached to the case, the sensor unit may be inside or outside the case. When the sensor unit is attached to the inside of the case, the electrical connection between the sensor unit and the control unit can be simplified. Examples of other sensor units include a sensor unit having a pressure sensor, a vibration sensor, an optical fluctuation sensor, and the like. Further, the sensor unit may include a plurality of sensors of the same type or different types. By analyzing the detection results of a plurality of sensors in a complex manner, the situation of the electric bicycle can be estimated more accurately. For example, in the case of a sensor unit including a plurality of strain sensors, each strain sensor may be installed so as to detect distortion in different directions.
　また、上記実施の形態では、電動自転車１を例示して説明したが、補助駆動力を発生しない単なる自転車であってもよい。 Further, in the above-described embodiment, the electric bicycle 1 has been described as an example, but it may be a simple bicycle that does not generate an auxiliary driving force.
　また、上記実施の形態では、自転車用コンポーネントの一例としてモータユニット２０を例示したが、自転車に取り付けられる部品であれば、モータユニット以外のものであってもよい。その他の自転車用コンポーネントとしては、自転車用アクセサリ、チャイルドシート、サイクルコンピュータ、キーロックなどが挙げられる。また、フレームからケースに伝達された変動及びフレームの変動の少なくとも一方を検出するための専用のコンポーネントであってもよい。 Further, in the above embodiment, the motor unit 20 is illustrated as an example of the bicycle component, but any component other than the motor unit may be used as long as it is a component attached to the bicycle. Other bicycle components include bicycle accessories, child seats, cycle computers, key locks and the like. It may also be a dedicated component for detecting at least one of the fluctuations transmitted from the frame to the case and the fluctuations of the frame.
　その他、各実施の形態に対して当業者が思いつく各種変形を施して得られる形態や、本発明の趣旨を逸脱しない範囲で各実施の形態における構成要素及び機能を任意に組み合わせることで実現される形態も本発明に含まれる。 In addition, it is realized by arbitrarily combining the components and functions in each embodiment within the range obtained by applying various modifications to each embodiment and the gist of the present invention. Forms are also included in the present invention.
１　電動自転車
２　フレーム
７ｂ　クランクアーム
８　ペダル
２０　モータユニット
２１　モータ
２２　ケース
２４　制御部
６０　センサ部
６１　基台
６２　歪センサ
６１１　前方連結部（連結部）
６１２　後方連結部（連結部）
６１５　薄肉部 1 Electric bicycle 2 Frame 7b Crank arm 8 Pedal 20 Motor unit 21 Motor 22 Case 24 Control unit 60 Sensor unit 61 Base 62 Distortion sensor 611 Front connection unit (connection unit)
612 Rear connecting part (connecting part)
615 Thin wall part

Claims (6)

  1. 　自転車のフレームに取り付けられる自転車用コンポーネントであって、
    　前記フレームに対して連結されたケースと、
    　前記ケースに取り付けられて、前記フレームから前記ケースに伝達された変動及び前記フレームの変動の少なくとも一方を検出するセンサ部と、を備える
    　自転車用コンポーネント。     A bicycle component that attaches to the bicycle frame
    The case connected to the frame and
    A bicycle component that is attached to the case and includes a sensor unit that detects at least one of the fluctuation transmitted from the frame to the case and the fluctuation of the frame.
  2. 　前記センサ部は、
    　前記ケース及び前記フレームに連結された基台と、
    　前記ケース及び前記フレームから前記基台に伝達された変動を検出する歪センサとを備える
    　請求項１に記載の自転車用コンポーネント。     The sensor unit
    With the case and the base connected to the frame,
    The bicycle component according to claim 1, further comprising the case and a strain sensor that detects fluctuations transmitted from the frame to the base.
  3. 　前記基台は、
    　前記ケース及び前記フレームにそれぞれ連結される一対の連結部と、
    　前記一対の連結部間において他の部位よりも薄肉化された薄肉部とを有し、
    　前記歪センサは前記薄肉部に取り付けられている
    　請求項２に記載の自転車用コンポーネント。     The base is
    A pair of connecting portions connected to the case and the frame, respectively,
    It has a thin-walled portion that is thinner than the other parts between the pair of connecting portions.
    The bicycle component according to claim 2, wherein the strain sensor is attached to the thin wall portion.
  4. 　前記自転車用コンポーネントは、
    　前記ケース内に収容され、一対のクランクアームのそれぞれのペダルからの踏力による人力駆動力に対して補助駆動力を加えるためのモータを有する電動自転車用のモータユニットである
    　請求項１～３のいずれか一項に記載の自転車用コンポーネント。     The bicycle component
    Any of claims 1 to 3, which is a motor unit for an electric bicycle housed in the case and having a motor for applying an auxiliary driving force to a human-powered driving force generated by pedaling force from each pedal of a pair of crank arms. The bicycle component described in item 1.
  5. 　前記自転車用コンポーネントは、
    　前記ケース内に収容され、前記モータを制御するとともに、前記センサ部の検出結果を受信する制御部を備える
    　請求項４に記載の自転車用コンポーネント。     The bicycle component
    The bicycle component according to claim 4, further comprising a control unit housed in the case, controlling the motor, and receiving the detection result of the sensor unit.
  6. 　請求項１～５のいずれか一項に記載の自転車用コンポーネントを備える
    　自転車。     A bicycle comprising the bicycle component according to any one of claims 1 to 5.
PCT/JP2020/046037 2019-12-13 2020-12-10 Bicycle component and bicycle WO2021117806A1 (en)

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