JP7570031B2 - Control system, management system, control method, program, and mobile object - Google Patents

Description

The present disclosure generally relates to a control system, a management system, a control method, a program, and a mobile object, and more specifically, to a control system, a management system, a control method, a program, and a mobile object that controls the battery of a mobile object.

Patent document 1 describes an electrically assisted bicycle (mobile body) equipped with wireless communication capabilities. The electrically assisted bicycle described in Patent document 1 includes an electric motor (motor), a battery, and a wireless communication unit (communication unit). The battery supplies driving power to the electric motor and supplies operating power to the wireless communication unit.

JP 2018-83529 A

In electrically assisted bicycles such as those described in Patent Document 1, it is desirable to reduce the power consumption of the battery.

The objective of the present disclosure is to provide a control system, a management system, a control method, a program, and a mobile body that can reduce the battery power consumption of a mobile body.

A control system according to an aspect of the present disclosure includes a communication unit and a setting unit. The communication unit receives power from a battery and communicates with an external device. The setting unit receives power from the battery and sets a communication frequency between the communication unit and the external device. The setting unit sets the communication frequency to a first frequency when a lock device attached to a mobile object is unlocked. The setting unit sets the communication frequency to a frequency lower than the first frequency when the lock device is locked. The setting unit sets the communication frequency to a frequency lower than the first frequency when the lock device is unlocked and the mobile object is not being used.
A control system according to another aspect of the present disclosure includes a communication unit and a setting unit. The communication unit is supplied with power from a battery and communicates with an external device installed at a location away from a mobile body. The setting unit is supplied with power from the battery and sets a communication frequency between the communication unit and the external device. When a lock device attached to the mobile body is unlocked, the setting unit sets the communication frequency to a first frequency. When the lock device is locked, the setting unit sets the communication frequency to a frequency lower than the first frequency. Data transmitted by the communication unit to the external device includes information regarding the rental of the mobile body.
A control system according to another aspect of the present disclosure includes a communication unit and a setting unit. The communication unit receives power from a battery and communicates with an external device. The setting unit receives power from the battery and sets a frequency of communication between the communication unit and the external device. The setting unit sets the communication frequency to a first frequency when a locking device attached to a mobile object is unlocked. The setting unit sets the communication frequency to a frequency lower than the first frequency when the locking device is locked and the mobile object is located in a storage location.

A management system according to one aspect of the present disclosure includes the control system and the external device.

A control method according to one aspect of the present disclosure includes a communication step and a setting step. The communication step is a step of communicating with an external device by receiving power from a battery. The setting step is a step of receiving power from the battery and setting a communication frequency with the external device in the communication step. In the setting step, when a lock device attached to a mobile object is unlocked, the communication frequency is set to a first frequency. In the setting step, when the lock device is locked, the communication frequency is set to a frequency lower than the first frequency. In the setting step, when the lock device is unlocked and the mobile object is not being used, the communication frequency is set to a frequency lower than the first frequency.

A program according to one aspect of the present disclosure is a program for causing one or more processors to execute the control method.

A moving body according to one aspect of the present disclosure includes the control system and a moving body. The moving body has the control system attached thereto.

This disclosure makes it possible to reduce the power consumption of a mobile device's battery.

FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing an overview of a control system, a management system, and an electric bicycle according to an embodiment. FIG. 2 is a side view of the electric bicycle. FIG. 3 is a flowchart showing the operation of the setting unit of the control system. FIG. 4 is a flowchart showing the operation of the communication unit of the control system.

(Embodiment)
Hereinafter, a control system 1, a management system 10, a control method, a program, and a moving object 2 according to the present embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. 1 to 4. FIG.

(1) Overview First, an overview of a control system 1, a management system 10, and a mobile object 2 according to this embodiment will be described with reference to FIG.

In this embodiment, the moving object 2 is a bicycle. More specifically, in this embodiment, the moving object 2 is an electric bicycle. Therefore, hereinafter, unless otherwise specified, the "moving object 2" will be described as an "electric bicycle 2".

The control system 1 and management system 10 according to this embodiment are used, for example, when a user rents an electric bicycle 2. That is, in this embodiment, the electric bicycle 2 is managed by a rental service provider and is temporarily rented out to users who have signed a contract with the provider. When not in use, the electric bicycle 2 is, in principle, parked in a bicycle parking area (bicycle parking port) prepared by the provider.

As shown in FIG. 1, the management system 10 includes a control system 1 and an external device 3. The external device 3 is not attached to the electric bicycle 2, but is provided at a location separate from the electric bicycle 2. The external device 3 is, for example, a server operated by a rental service provider.

In this embodiment, the control system 1 is attached to the electric bicycle 2. More specifically, the control system 1 is provided in a circle lock (lock device) 6 attached to the electric bicycle 2. As shown in FIG. 1, the control system 1 includes a setting unit 111 and a communication unit 12.

The setting unit 111 receives power from the battery 41 (described below) and sets the frequency of communication with the external device 3 by the communication unit 12. When the circle lock 6 attached to the electric bicycle 2 is unlocked, the setting unit 111 sets the communication frequency to a first frequency. When the circle lock 6 is locked, the setting unit 111 sets the communication frequency to a frequency lower than the first frequency (the second or third frequency (described below)).

The communication unit 12 receives power from the battery 41 and communicates with the external device 3. The communication unit 12 communicates bidirectionally with the external device 3 located away from the electric bicycle 2 via a network N1 such as the Internet.

As described above, in the control system 1 according to this embodiment, when the circle lock 6 is locked, the setting unit 111 sets the communication frequency with the external device 3 by the communication unit 12 to a frequency lower than the first frequency. This makes it possible to reduce the power consumption of the battery 41 compared to when the communication frequency when the circle lock 6 is locked is set to the first frequency.

(2) Details Next, the control system 1, management system 10, and electric bicycle 2 according to this embodiment will be described in detail with reference to FIG.

The electric bicycle 2 according to this embodiment includes a control system 1 and a motor unit 5 capable of communicating with the control system 1. The management system 10 according to this embodiment includes the control system 1 attached to the electric bicycle 2 and an external device 3 provided separately from the electric bicycle 2 and capable of communicating with the control system 1.

In this embodiment, a user can rent an electric bicycle 2 managed by the external device 3 by accessing the external device 3 using a terminal 8. The terminal 8 is a device carried by the user, such as a smartphone or a tablet computer. The terminal 8 communicates with the communication unit 32 of the external device 3 via a network N1 such as the Internet, using a wireless communication module, for example, optical wireless communication using light such as infrared or visible light as a medium, or wireless communication using radio waves as a medium. As an example, the wireless communication may use a mobile phone communication standard such as LTE (Long Term Evolution).

As shown in FIG. 1, the electric bicycle 2 includes an operating device 23, a battery unit 4, a motor unit 5, and a circle lock (lock device) 6. The motor unit 5 will be described in detail in "(3) Electric bicycle" below.

The circle lock 6 is attached to the frame 7 (see FIG. 2) described below, and can be in a locked or unlocked state. The locked state prohibits the electric bicycle 2 from traveling by restricting the rotation of the rear wheel 89 (see FIG. 2) described below. The unlocked state allows the electric bicycle 2 to travel without restricting the rotation of the rear wheel 89. In this embodiment, the circle lock 6 is in principle in a locked state when the electric bicycle 2 is not in use. In this embodiment, the control system 1 is provided in the circle lock 6. The circle lock 6 is attached, for example, to the seat stay 74 of the frame 7.

As shown in FIG. 1, the control system 1 includes a control unit 11, a communication unit 12, and a storage unit 13. In this embodiment, the circle lock 6 (i.e., the control system 1) and the motor unit 5 are connected, for example, by a wire harness, and can communicate with each other via this wire harness. In this embodiment, the control system 1 receives power from the battery 41 and, as long as the remaining charge of the battery 41 is sufficient, in principle, it operates continuously.

The control unit 11 includes, for example, a computer system. The computer system is mainly composed of a processor and memory as hardware. The functions of the control unit 11 (including the setting unit 111 described below) are realized by the processor executing a program recorded in the memory of the computer system. The program may be pre-recorded in the memory of the computer system, may be provided via a telecommunications line, or may be recorded and provided on a non-transitory recording medium such as a memory card, optical disk, or hard disk drive that can be read by the computer system.

As shown in FIG. 1, the control unit 11 has a setting unit 111.

The setting unit 111 executes a process of setting the communication frequency with the external device 3 by the communication unit 12 as setting steps S4 to S7 (see FIG. 3) described later. When the circle lock 6 is unlocked, the setting unit 111 sets the communication frequency to a first frequency. When the circle lock 6 is locked, the setting unit 111 sets the communication frequency to a frequency lower than the first frequency. More specifically, when the circle lock 6 is locked and the electric bicycle 2 is not located in a storage location, the setting unit 111 sets the communication frequency to a second frequency lower than the first frequency. When the circle lock 6 is locked and the electric bicycle 2 is located in a storage location, the setting unit 111 sets the communication frequency to a third frequency lower than the second frequency. In this embodiment, the storage location is a bicycle parking lot (bicycle parking port) prepared by the rental service provider. Furthermore, if the electric bicycle 2 is not being used even when the circle lock 6 is unlocked, the setting unit 111 sets the communication frequency to a fourth frequency that is lower than the first frequency. The fourth frequency only needs to be lower than the first frequency, and may be greater than, the same as, or less than the second frequency. The fourth frequency may also be greater than, the same as, or less than the third frequency. The setting unit 111 determines that the electric bicycle 2 is not being used if the position information of the electric bicycle 2 acquired by the communication unit 12 in communication with the external device 3 has not changed for a predetermined period of time. The operation of the setting unit 111 will be described in detail in "(4.1) Operation of the setting unit" below.

The communication unit 12 is a communication interface for communicating with the external device 3. The communication unit 12 has a wireless communication module. The communication unit 12 communicates with a communication unit 32 (described later) of the external device 3 via a network N1 such as the Internet, for example, by optical wireless communication using light such as infrared or visible light as a medium, or wireless communication using radio waves as a medium, using the wireless communication module. As an example, the wireless communication may use a mobile phone communication standard such as LTE.

The communication unit 12 executes a process of transmitting the first data or the second data to the external device 3 as communication steps S12 and S13 (see FIG. 4) described below. The first data is data to be transmitted to the external device 3 when the circle lock 6 is in an unlocked state. The second data is data to be transmitted to the external device 3 when the circle lock 6 is in a locked state. The communication unit 12 also periodically receives (acquires) position information of the electric bicycle 2 in communication with the external device 3. Furthermore, the communication unit 12 transmits to the external device 3 an inquiry signal generated by the control unit 11 when the operation unit 230 of the operation device 23 described below is pressed. The inquiry signal is a signal for inquiring about unlocking the circle lock 6.

The first data includes, for example, the unique number of the circle lock 6, the current time measured by the control unit 11, the rental start time of the electric bicycle 2, the rental end time of the electric bicycle 2, the communication state of the motor unit 5 described below, and the remaining charge of the battery 41. The first data also includes the unique number of the battery 41, the accumulated mileage of the electric bicycle 2, error information of the motor unit 5, error information of the circle lock 6, and the state of the circle lock 6 (unlocked, locked, or unavailable). The first data also includes position information of the electric bicycle 2 from the GPS (Global Positioning System), the number of a beacon installed in the bicycle parking lot, speed information of the electric bicycle 2 from the GPS, speed information and cadence information of the electric bicycle 2 from a speed sensor attached to the electric bicycle 2. The first data also includes current information of the motor 51, shock detection results from various sensors, version information of the motor 51, version information of the circle lock 6, and assist information of the electric bicycle 2.

The second data includes detailed information on the battery 41 and the remaining battery charge of the beacon in addition to the first data described above. The detailed information on the battery 41 includes, for example, the cell voltage, actual capacity, number of discharges, maximum temperature, minimum temperature, number of charges, error information, remaining charge, battery temperature, and battery production date. That is, in this embodiment, the amount of data of the second data is greater than the amount of data of the first data. Also, in this embodiment, as described above, the first data that the communication unit 12 transmits to the external device 3 when the circle lock 6 is unlocked is different from the second data that the communication unit 12 transmits to the external device 3 when the circle lock 6 is locked. The operation of the communication unit 12 will be described in detail in "(4.2) Operation of the communication unit" below.

The storage unit 13 includes, for example, an electrically rewritable non-volatile memory such as an EEPROM (Electrically Erasable Programmable Read-Only Memory), and a volatile memory such as a RAM (Random Access Memory). The storage unit 13 stores, for example, the above-mentioned information contained in at least one of the first data and the second data. The storage unit 13 also stores, for example, an identifier and identification information (for example, an address) of the electric bicycle 2.

The operating device 23 is attached to the handle 83 (see FIG. 2) described below. The operating device 23 has an operating section 230. The operating section 230 is, for example, a power switch that is pressed by the user. When the operating section 230 is pressed, the operating device 23 transmits a start-up signal to the control section 52 of the motor unit 5. The operating device 23 also has a switch that accepts input to change the degree to which the motor 51 assists the user's pedaling force (pedal force), and a display that displays parameters such as the remaining charge of the battery 41.

As shown in FIG. 1, the battery unit 4 includes a battery 41 and a battery control unit 42.

The battery 41 supplies power to the motor 51 and the control unit 52 of the motor unit 5, and the control system 1. In addition to the motor 51, the battery 41 also supplies power to, for example, the headlight and the operating device 23. The battery 41 is removably attached to the seat tube 73 (see FIG. 2), which will be described later. In other words, the electric bicycle 2 has the battery 41 used as a power source for controlling the electric bicycle 2.

Each time the electric bicycle 2 is used, the battery control unit 42 determines the amount of power (battery power consumption) consumed by the battery 41 when the electric bicycle 2 is traveling (when in use). Power consumption information indicating the amount of battery power consumption is output from the battery control unit 42 to the control unit 52 of the motor unit 5. The battery control unit 42 also manages the remaining capacity of the battery 41. More specifically, the battery control unit 42 determines the difference between the remaining capacity of the battery 41 before use and the amount of battery power consumption as the remaining capacity of the new battery 41. Remaining capacity information indicating the remaining capacity of the battery 41 is output from the battery control unit 42 to the control unit 52 of the motor unit 5.

The remaining charge of the battery 41 is corrected taking into account the deterioration of the battery 41. The deterioration of the battery 41 can be determined from a charge/discharge history indicating the charging and discharging of the battery 41. The charge/discharge history is stored together with the ID (Identification) of the battery 41. The charge/discharge history may be stored in the external device 3, for example, via the communication unit 12 of the control system 1.

As described above, the external device 3 is a server installed at a location away from the electric bicycle 2. As shown in FIG. 1, the external device 3 includes a control unit 31, a communication unit 32, and a memory unit 33.

The control unit 31 includes, for example, a computer system. The computer system is mainly composed of a processor and memory as hardware. The functions of the control unit 31 are realized by the processor executing a program recorded in the memory of the computer system. The program may be pre-recorded in the memory of the computer system, may be provided via a telecommunications line, or may be recorded and provided on a non-transitory recording medium such as a memory card, optical disk, or hard disk drive that can be read by the computer system.

The control unit 31 has the function of executing authentication processing, identification processing, and unlocking processing.

The authentication process is a process in which, when the communication unit 32 acquires authentication information transmitted from the terminal 8, it determines whether the authentication information is included in the first database stored in the memory unit 33, that is, whether a user based on the authentication information is registered.

The identification process is a process in which, when the communication unit 32 acquires an identifier transmitted from the terminal 8, the communication unit 32 refers to the second database stored in the memory unit 33 to identify the electric bicycle 2 corresponding to the identifier. The identifier is written, for example, on a sticker 931 (see FIG. 2) affixed to the electric bicycle 2. The user can obtain the identifier of the electric bicycle 2 by reading the identifier written on the sticker 931 using an imaging device (reading device) built into the terminal 8.

The unlocking process is a process in which the electric bicycle 2 identified in the identification process is communicated between the external device 3 and the circle lock 6 of the electric bicycle 2 to remotely control the electric bicycle 2, thereby transitioning the electric bicycle 2 from a locked state to an unlocked state. In the unlocking process, the control unit 31 generates an unlock permission signal based on an inquiry signal from the electric bicycle 2 (control system 1), and transmits the generated unlock permission signal from the communication unit 32 to the electric bicycle 2.

The communication unit 32 is a communication interface for communicating with the electric bicycle 2 (control system 1) or the terminal 8. The communication unit 32 has a wireless communication module. The communication unit 32 communicates with the communication unit 12 of the control system 1 or the terminal 8 via a network N1 such as the Internet, for example, by optical wireless communication using light such as infrared or visible light as a medium, or wireless communication using radio waves as a medium, using the wireless communication module. As an example, the wireless communication may use a mobile phone communication standard such as LTE.

The communication unit 32 receives the first data or the second data from the control system 1. The communication unit 32 also receives an inquiry signal from the control system 1. The communication unit 32 also transmits an unlock permission signal generated by the control unit 31 based on the inquiry signal to the control system 1. The communication unit 32 also receives authentication information and an identifier from the terminal 8.

The memory unit 33 includes, for example, an electrically rewritable non-volatile memory such as an EEPROM, and a volatile memory such as a RAM. The memory unit 33 stores a first database including authentication information for one or more users who have contracts with the rental service provider of the electric bicycle 2. The memory unit 33 also stores a second database including identifiers of one or more electric bicycles 2 managed by the rental service provider of the electric bicycle 2. Furthermore, the memory unit 33 stores various information included in at least one of the first data and the second data described above.

(3) Electric Bicycle Next, the structure of the electric bicycle 2 will be described with reference to Fig. 2. Fig. 2, which is referred to in the present embodiment and the like, is a schematic diagram, and the size and thickness ratios of each component in the diagram do not necessarily reflect the actual dimensions.

In the following description, unless otherwise specified, the running surface 100 is assumed to be a horizontal surface. However, in reality, the running surface 100 does not have to be a horizontal surface, and may be inclined relative to the horizontal surface or may be an uneven surface.

Furthermore, in the following, the direction in which the electric bicycle 2 moves is defined as the "forward direction", the opposite direction to the forward direction is defined as the "rearward direction", and the forward and rearward directions together are defined as the "front-rear direction". In addition, two directions that are perpendicular to the front-rear direction and that run in opposite directions along the horizontal plane are defined as the "left-right direction". Furthermore, the direction that is perpendicular to both the front-rear direction and the left-right direction is defined as the "up-down direction". However, the definitions of these directions are not intended to limit the manner in which the electric bicycle 2 can be used. Furthermore, the arrows indicating each direction in the drawings are merely shown for explanatory purposes and do not have any substance.

The electric bicycle 2 is a bicycle that can travel on the riding surface 100 by electrical power. In this embodiment, the electric bicycle 2 is an electrically assisted bicycle that uses a motor 51 (see FIG. 1) to assist the pedaling force (pedaling force) of the user of the electric bicycle 2.

As shown in FIG. 2, the electric bicycle 2 includes a motor unit 5 and a frame 7. The electric bicycle 2 also includes a plurality of wheels 81 (two in FIG. 2), a front fork 82, a handlebar 83, a saddle 84, a pair of crank arms 85 (only one is shown in FIG. 2), a pair of pedals 86 (only one is shown in FIG. 2), a power transmission body 87, and a battery 41. The electric bicycle 2 also includes a circle lock 6, a basket 91, a front fender 92, and a rear fender 93. In this embodiment, the frame 7 constitutes the mobile body (hereinafter also referred to as the "mobile body 7"). That is, the mobile body (electric bicycle) 2 includes the above-mentioned control system 1 and the mobile body 7 to which the control system 1 is attached.

(3.1) Wheels The multiple wheels 81 are members that support the frame 7 above the riding surface 100. In this embodiment, the electric bicycle 2 is equipped with a front wheel 88 and a rear wheel 89 as the multiple wheels 81. The front wheel 88 has a hub 881 at its center, and the rear wheel 89 has a hub 891 at its center. The multiple wheels 81 are attached to the frame 7, and rotated by the pedaling force of the user of the electric bicycle 2 and by power output from the motor 51 (see FIG. 1 ).

The front wheel 88 is the front wheel of the two wheels 81 aligned in the front-rear direction. The front wheel 88 is supported by a pair of legs 821 (only one of which is shown in FIG. 2) so that it can rotate around an axis along the left-right direction. In this embodiment, the front wheel 88 is a wheel that does not receive power from the motor unit 5.

A front fender 92 that curves along the circumferential direction of the front wheel 88 is provided above the front wheel 88. The front fender 92 functions as a mudguard that prevents water splashes or mud, etc., splashed up by the front wheel 88 from being splashed toward the user of the electric bicycle 2 while the electric bicycle 2 is in motion.

The rear wheel 89 is the rear wheel of the two wheels 81 aligned in the front-rear direction. The rear wheel 89 is supported by two chain stays 75 so that it can rotate around an axis along the left-right direction. The rear wheel 89 is equipped with a rear sprocket 892 that is concentric with the hub 891 and is attached integrally to the hub 891. The rear sprocket 892 is connected to the drive sprocket (described later) of the motor unit 5 via the power transmission body 87. As a result, the power output from the motor unit 5 is transmitted to the rear wheel 89.

A rear fender 93 curved along the circumferential direction of the rear wheel 89 is provided above the rear wheel 89. The rear fender 93 functions as a mudguard to prevent water splashes or mud, etc., splashed up by the rear wheel 89 from being splashed toward the user of the electric bicycle 2 while the electric bicycle 2 is traveling. In this embodiment, as shown in FIG. 2, a sticker 931 bearing a two-dimensional code as an identifier for the electric bicycle 2 is affixed to the rear fender 93. In addition, a circle lock 6 is attached to the rear wheel 89.

(3.2) Front Fork The front fork 82 is a member that supports the front wheel 88. The front fork 82 includes a pair of legs 821 (only one is shown in FIG. 2), a crown 822, and a steering column 823. The crown 822 connects the upper ends of the pair of legs 821. The steering column 823 protrudes from the crown 822. The front wheel 88 is rotatably attached to the pair of legs 821 via a shaft that passes through a hub 881. The rotation axis of the front wheel 88 is parallel to the running surface 100. The protruding direction (longitudinal direction) of the steering column 823 extends from the crown 822 so as to go rearward as it goes upward, and is inclined with respect to the running surface 100.

(3.3) Handlebars The handlebars 83 are attached to the upper end of a steering column 823, and are fixed to the front forks 82. The steering column 823 passes through a head tube 71 of a frame 7, which will be described later, and is rotatably attached to the frame 7. The rotation axis of the steering column 823 is approximately parallel to the longitudinal direction of the steering column 823. Therefore, the handlebars 83 can rotate the front wheel 88 about an axis along the longitudinal direction of the steering column 823.

A basket 91 for storing personal belongings of the user of the electric bicycle 2 is attached above the connection between the handlebars 83 and the steering column 823. In addition, an operating device 23 is attached to the handlebars 83.

(3.4) Frame The frame 7 is a framework to which the wheels 81, the front fork 82, the handlebars 83, the saddle 84, the battery 41, and the motor unit 5 are attached. In this embodiment, as described above, the frame 7 constitutes the mobile body 7. The material of the frame 7 is, for example, an aluminum alloy containing aluminum as a main component. However, the material of the frame 7 is not limited to an aluminum alloy, and may be, for example, iron, chrome molybdenum steel, high tensile steel, titanium, or magnesium. Furthermore, the material of the frame 7 is not limited to a metal, and may be, for example, carbon, wood, bamboo, or fiber reinforced synthetic resin (e.g., CFRP; Carbon Fiber Reinforced Plastics).

In this embodiment, the frame 7 includes a head tube 71, a down tube 72, a seat tube 73, a pair of seat stays 74 (only one of which is shown in FIG. 2), and a pair of chain stays 75 (only one of which is shown in FIG. 2). The frame 7 also includes a bracket 76. In this disclosure, a "pipe" refers to a thin, hollow member. The cross-sectional shape of the pipe may be, for example, a circle (including a perfect circle, an oval, and an ellipse), a rectangle (including a square), a hexagon, or an octagon. A motor 51 (see FIG. 1) and a battery 41 are attached to the frame 7.

(3.4.1) Head Tube The head tube 71 is a pipe that supports the front fork 82. The central axis of the head tube 71 is inclined with respect to the riding surface 100 so that it approaches the rear as it goes upward. The steering column 823 passes through the head tube 71 so that the central axis of the head tube 71 and the central axis of the steering column 823 are aligned. This allows the head tube 71 to rotatably support the steering column 823. In this embodiment, the rotation axis of the steering column 823 is the same as the central axis of the head tube 71.

(3.4.2) Down Tube The down tube 72 is a pipe that connects the head tube 71 and the seat tube 73. The front end of the down tube 72 in the longitudinal direction is connected to the head tube 71. The rear end of the down tube 72 in the longitudinal direction is connected to the bracket 76. In this embodiment, the longitudinal direction of the down tube 72 is inclined with respect to the riding surface 100 so as to go downward as it goes rearward.

(3.4.3) Seat Tube The seat tube 73 is a pipe that holds the saddle 84. The lower longitudinal end of the seat tube 73 is connected to a bracket 76. The saddle 84 is movably attached to the upper longitudinal end of the seat tube 73. The central axis of the seat tube 73 is inclined with respect to the riding surface 100 so as to move rearward as it moves upward from the lower end. The rear longitudinal end of the down tube 72 is connected to the lower end of the seat tube 73 via the bracket 76. In this embodiment, a battery 41 is removably attached to the seat tube 73.

(3.4.4) Chain Stays The pair of chain stays 75 are pipes that support the shaft of the rear wheel 89. The longitudinal front end of each chain stay 75 is connected to the bracket 76. The longitudinal rear end of each chain stay 75 is connected to the rear end of the seat stay 74. The pair of chain stays 75 are separated in the left-right direction, and the rear wheel 89 is rotatably attached to the rear end of the pair of chain stays 75 via a shaft that passes through a hub 891. The rotation axis of the rear wheel 89 is approximately parallel to the riding surface 100 and is the same as the central axis of the shaft that supports the rear wheel 89.

(3.4.5) Seat Stays The pair of seat stays 74 are pipes that connect the pair of chain stays 75 and the seat tube 73. In this embodiment, the rear end of each seat stay 74 in the longitudinal direction is connected to the rear end of each chain stay 75 in the longitudinal direction. The front end of each seat stay 74 in the longitudinal direction is connected to the seat tube 73.

(3.4.6) Bracket The bracket 76 is a portion to which the motor unit 5 is attached. The longitudinal rear end of the down tube 72, the longitudinal lower end of the seat tube 73, and the longitudinal front end of the chain stay 75 are connected to the bracket 76. As a result, the longitudinal rear end of the down tube 72, the longitudinal lower end of the seat tube 73, and the longitudinal front end of the chain stay 75 are fixed to one another.

(3.5) Saddle The saddle 84 has a seat pillar 841. The seat pillar 841 passes through the seat tube 73 along the central axis of the seat tube 73. The seat pillar 841 protrudes downward from a portion of the saddle 84 where the user sits. In this embodiment, the seat pillar 841 is inclined with respect to the riding surface 100 so as to move forward as it goes downward. The seat pillar 841 is attached to the seat tube 73 so as to be movable along the central axis of the seat tube 73.

(3.6) Pedals Each pedal 86 is attached to one of the longitudinal ends of each crank arm 85, the end opposite the crankshaft (described later). The pedal 86 is attached rotatably to the crank arm 85. The rotation axis of the pedal 86 is approximately parallel to the rotation axis of the crankshaft.

(3.7) Power Transmission Body The power transmission body 87 transmits the power output from the motor unit 5 to at least one of the multiple wheels 81. In the first embodiment, the power transmission body 87 is a chain that is stretched between a drive sprocket of the motor unit 5 and a rear sprocket 892 of the rear wheel 89 so as to be capable of transmitting power. The power transmission body 87 may be, for example, a belt, a shaft, a wire, or a gear.

(3.8) Motor Unit As shown in Fig. 1, the motor unit 5 includes a motor 51, a control unit 52, a memory unit 53, a crankshaft, and a drive sprocket. The crankshaft and the drive sprocket are not shown. The motor unit 5 is a device capable of outputting a drive auxiliary output. In this embodiment, the motor unit 5 adds the drive auxiliary output to the pedaling force, which is the human-powered drive force, and transmits it to the rear wheel 89 via the power transmission body 87.

The control unit 52 includes, for example, a computer system. The computer system is mainly composed of a processor and memory as hardware. The function of the control unit 52 is realized by the processor executing a program recorded in the memory of the computer system. The program may be pre-recorded in the memory of the computer system, may be provided via a telecommunications line, or may be recorded and provided on a non-transitory recording medium such as a memory card, optical disk, or hard disk drive that can be read by the computer system.

The control unit 52 executes a process for controlling the motor 51. More specifically, the control unit 52 controls the motor 51 by outputting a drive control signal to the motor 51 so that the motor 51 rotates at a predetermined rotation speed. For example, the control unit 52 controls the motor 51 so as to assist the user's pedaling force at a predetermined speed.

The storage unit 53 includes, for example, an electrically rewritable non-volatile memory such as an EEPROM, and a volatile memory such as a RAM. The storage unit 53 stores unit information. The unit information may include, for example, remaining charge information indicating the remaining charge of the battery 41, or power consumption information indicating the amount of battery power consumed by the battery 41 when the electric bicycle 2 is traveling (when in use). The unit information may also include, for example, device status information indicating the status of a device (for example, the operating device 23 or the headlight) connected to the battery unit 4. The unit information may also include abnormality information regarding an abnormality in the motor unit 5.

As shown in FIG. 2, a pair of crank arms 85 are attached to the crank shaft of the motor unit 5. The longitudinal direction of the crank arms 85 intersects with the rotation axis of the crank shaft (here, perpendicular). The pair of crank arms 85 are aligned in a straight line when viewed in the direction of the rotation axis of the crank shaft.

The drive sprocket is, for example, made up of multiple sprockets, and together with the rear sprocket 892, forms a transmission. By changing the shift position of this transmission, it is possible to change the gears of the electric bicycle 2.

The motor 51 is configured to provide rotational power to the wheel 81 of the electric bicycle 2. The motor 51 is provided near the crankshaft of the electric bicycle 2, is driven by power from the battery 41, and transmits power to the crankshaft.

(4) Operation Next, the operation of the control system 1 according to the first embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS.

(4.1) Operation of Setting Unit First, the operation of the setting unit 111 for setting the frequency of communication with the external device 3 by the communication unit 12 will be described with reference to FIG.

The setting unit 111 of the control unit 11 of the control system 1 determines whether the circle lock 6 is locked (step S1). If the circle lock 6 is locked (step S1; Yes), the setting unit 111 determines whether the electric bicycle 2 is in a storage location (e.g., a bicycle parking lot) (step S2). If the electric bicycle 2 is in a storage location (step S2; Yes), the setting unit 111 sets the communication frequency to the third frequency (step S4). If the electric bicycle 2 is not in a storage location (step S2; No), the setting unit 111 sets the communication frequency to the second frequency (step S5).

When the circle lock 6 is unlocked (step S1; No), the setting unit 111 determines whether the electric bicycle 2 is in use (step S3). When the electric bicycle 2 is in use (step S3; Yes), the setting unit 111 sets the communication frequency to the first frequency (step S6). When the electric bicycle 2 is not in use (step S3; No), the setting unit 111 sets the communication frequency to the fourth frequency (step S7). In this embodiment, the above-mentioned steps S4 to S7 are the setting steps.

As described above, in the control system 1 according to this embodiment, when the circle lock 6 is locked, the communication unit 12 reduces the frequency of communication with the external device 3. This makes it possible to reduce the power consumption of the battery 41 compared to when the communication frequency is not reduced. Also, in the control system 1 according to this embodiment, when the electric bicycle 2 is not being used even if the circle lock 6 is unlocked, the communication unit 12 reduces the frequency of communication with the external device 3. This makes it possible to reduce the power consumption of the battery 41 compared to when the communication frequency is not reduced.

(4.2) Operation of the Communication Unit Next, the operation of the communication unit 12 will be described with reference to FIG.

The setting unit 111 of the control unit 11 of the control system 1 determines whether the circle lock 6 is in a locked state (step S11). If the setting unit 111 determines that the circle lock 6 is in a locked state (step S11; Yes), the communication unit 12 transmits second data to the external device 3 (step S12). If the setting unit 111 determines that the circle lock 6 is in an unlocked state (step S1; No), the communication unit 12 transmits first data to the external device 3 (step S13). In this embodiment, the above-mentioned steps S12 and S13 are communication steps.

As described above, in the control system 1 according to this embodiment, the amount of data sent to the external device 3 is varied depending on the state of the circle lock 6. This makes it possible to reduce the amount of communication in the entire system, and as a result, communication costs can be reduced.

(5) Effects As described above, the control system 1 according to this embodiment includes the communication unit 12 and the setting unit 111. The communication unit 12 receives power from the battery 41 and communicates with the external device 3. The setting unit 111 receives power from the battery 41 and sets the frequency of communication between the communication unit 12 and the external device 3. When the circle lock (lock device) 6 attached to the electric bicycle (mobile object) 2 is unlocked, the setting unit 111 sets the communication frequency to the first frequency. When the circle lock 6 is locked, the setting unit 111 sets the communication frequency to a frequency lower than the first frequency.

The management system 10 according to this embodiment also includes the above-mentioned control system 1 and an external device 3.

As described above, in the control system 1 and management system 10 according to this embodiment, when the circle lock 6 is locked, the communication frequency is set lower than the first frequency. This makes it possible to reduce the power consumption of the battery 41 compared to when the communication frequency is set to the first frequency while the circle lock 6 is locked.

In addition, in the control system and management system 10 according to this embodiment, when the electric bicycle 2 is not being used even if the circle lock 6 is unlocked, the communication frequency is set to a fourth frequency that is lower than the first frequency. This makes it possible to reduce the power consumption of the battery 41 compared to when the communication frequency is set to the first frequency when the electric bicycle 2 is not being used.

(6) Modifications The above-described embodiment is merely one of various embodiments of the present disclosure. The above-described embodiment can be modified in various ways depending on the design, etc., as long as the object of the present disclosure can be achieved. In addition, functions similar to those of the control system 1 may be embodied in a control method, a (computer) program, or a non-transitory recording medium on which a program is recorded, etc.

The control method according to one embodiment includes communication steps S12 and S13, and setting steps S4 to S6. The communication steps S12 and S13 are steps in which power is supplied from the battery 41 to communicate with the external device 3. The setting steps S4 to S6 are steps in which power is supplied from the battery 41 to set the frequency of communication with the external device 3 in the communication steps S12 and S13. In the setting step S6, when the circle lock (lock device) 6 attached to the electric bicycle (mobile body) 2 is unlocked, the communication frequency is set to a first frequency. In the setting steps S4 and S5, when the circle lock 6 is locked, the communication frequency is set to a frequency lower than the first frequency. Furthermore, the program according to one embodiment is a program that causes one or more processors to execute the above-mentioned control method.

Below, we list some variations of the above-mentioned embodiment. The variations described below can be applied in appropriate combinations.

The control system 1 in the present disclosure includes a computer system. The computer system is mainly composed of a processor and a memory as hardware. The function of the control system 1 in the present disclosure is realized by the processor executing a program recorded in the memory of the computer system. The program may be pre-recorded in the memory of the computer system, provided through an electric communication line, or recorded and provided in a non-transitory recording medium such as a memory card, an optical disk, or a hard disk drive that can be read by the computer system. The processor of the computer system is composed of one or more electronic circuits including a semiconductor integrated circuit (IC) or a large-scale integrated circuit (LSI). The integrated circuits such as IC or LSI referred to here are called differently depending on the degree of integration, and include integrated circuits called system LSI, VLSI (Very Large Scale Integration), or ULSI (Ultra Large Scale Integration). Furthermore, a field-programmable gate array (FPGA) that is programmed after the manufacture of the LSI, or a logic device that can reconfigure the connection relationship inside the LSI or reconfigure the circuit partition inside the LSI, can also be adopted as a processor. The multiple electronic circuits may be integrated into one chip, or may be distributed across multiple chips. The multiple chips may be integrated into one device, or may be distributed across multiple devices. The computer system referred to here includes a microcontroller having one or more processors and one or more memories. Therefore, the microcontroller is also composed of one or more electronic circuits including a semiconductor integrated circuit or a large-scale integrated circuit.

Furthermore, it is not essential for the control system 1 that multiple functions in the control system 1 are concentrated in one housing. The components of the control system 1 may be distributed across multiple housings. Furthermore, at least some of the functions of the control system 1 may be realized, for example, by a server device and the cloud (cloud computing), etc. Conversely, as in the above-described embodiment, all of the functions of the control system 1 may be concentrated in one housing.

In the above embodiment, the entire control system 1 is provided in the circle lock 6, but for example, at least some of the functions of the control system 1 (e.g., the setting unit 111) may be provided in the motor unit 5. Furthermore, at least some of the functions of the control system 1 may be provided in, for example, the battery unit 4 or the operating device 23. In short, at least some of the functions of the control system 1 may be provided in a component other than the circle lock 6.

In the above embodiment, the setting unit 111 determines that the electric bicycle 2 is not being used when the position information of the electric bicycle 2 acquired from the external device 3 has not changed for a predetermined time, but this is not limited to the above. The setting unit 111 may determine that the electric bicycle 2 is not being used, for example, based on the above-mentioned cadence information (crank rotation speed) or vehicle speed information of the electric bicycle 2 obtained from a speed sensor. In other words, when the electric bicycle 2 is not being used, both the crank rotation speed and the vehicle speed of the electric bicycle 2 are zero, so the setting unit 111 determines that the electric bicycle 2 is not being used when the crank rotation speed or the vehicle speed of the electric bicycle 2 is zero.

In the above embodiment, the communication unit 12 of the control system 1 transmits the first data or the second data to the external device 3 via the Internet, but this is not limited to this. For example, the communication unit 12 may transmit the first data or the second data via a local area network (LAN) to an external device located within an area in which the LAN is constructed.

In the above-described embodiment, the locking device 6 is not limited to a circle lock 6. In other words, the locking device 6 may be any device capable of locking the electric bicycle 2.

In the above embodiment, the motor unit 5 is a two-shaft motor unit, but it may be a single-shaft motor unit. Also, in embodiment 1, the motor unit 5 is a center unit type motor unit, but this is not limited to this. For example, the motor unit 5 may be a front hub unit type motor unit in which a motor is attached to the hub 881 of the front wheel 88. Also, for example, the motor unit 5 may be a rear hub unit type motor unit in which a motor is attached to the hub 891 of the rear wheel 89.

In the above-described embodiment, the electric bicycle 2 is an electrically assisted bicycle in which the motor 51 assists the user's pedaling force, but is not limited to this. For example, the electric bicycle 2 may be a bicycle in which the drive system (human-powered drive system) that powers the wheels 81 with pedaling force and the drive system (motor drive system) that powers the wheels 81 with the motor 51 are separate (a bicycle that can run only on the power output from the motor 51). In short, the electric bicycle 2 may be an electrically assisted bicycle, or a bicycle that can run only on the power output from the motor 51.

In the above embodiment, the electric bicycle 2 is a two-wheeled bicycle with one front wheel 88 and one rear wheel 89, but is not limited to this. For example, the electric bicycle 2 may be a three-wheeled bicycle with one front wheel 88 and two rear wheels 89. Alternatively, the electric bicycle 2 may be a three-wheeled bicycle with two front wheels 88 and one rear wheel 89. The electric bicycle 2 may also be a four-wheeled bicycle with two front wheels 88 and two rear wheels 89.

(Aspects)
The present specification discloses the following aspects.

The control system (1) according to the first aspect includes a communication unit (12) and a setting unit (111). The communication unit (12) receives power from a battery (41) and communicates with an external device (3). The setting unit (111) receives power from the battery (41) and sets the frequency of communication between the communication unit (12) and the external device (3). When a lock device (6) attached to the mobile object (2) is unlocked, the setting unit (111) sets the communication frequency to a first frequency. When the lock device (6) is locked, the setting unit (111) sets the communication frequency to a frequency lower than the first frequency.

According to this embodiment, when the lock device (6) is locked, the communication frequency is reduced, making it possible to reduce the power consumption of the battery (41) of the mobile object (2) compared to when the communication frequency is not reduced.

In the control system (1) according to the second aspect, in the first aspect, the setting unit (111) sets the communication frequency to a second frequency lower than the first frequency when the locking device (6) is locked and the mobile object (2) is not located in a storage location (e.g., a bicycle parking lot). The setting unit (111) sets the communication frequency to a third frequency lower than the second frequency when the locking device (6) is locked and the mobile object (2) is located in a storage location.

According to this embodiment, when the lock device (6) is locked and the mobile object (2) is located in a storage area, the communication frequency is further reduced, so that the power consumption of the battery (41) of the mobile object (2) can be further reduced.

In the control system (1) according to the third aspect, in the first or second aspect, the setting unit (111) sets the communication frequency to a frequency lower than the first frequency when the lock device (6) is unlocked and the mobile body (2) is not being used.

According to this embodiment, even if the lock device (6) is unlocked, the communication frequency is reduced if the mobile object (2) is not being used, making it possible to reduce the power consumption of the battery (41) of the mobile object (2) compared to when the communication frequency is not reduced.

In the control system (1) according to the fourth aspect, in the third aspect, the communication unit (12) acquires location information of the mobile object (2) in communication with the external device (3). The setting unit (111) determines that the mobile object (2) is not being used if the location information has not changed for a predetermined period of time.

According to this embodiment, even if the lock device (6) is unlocked, the communication frequency is reduced if the mobile object (2) is not being used, making it possible to reduce the power consumption of the battery (41) of the mobile object (2) compared to when the communication frequency is not reduced.

In the control system (1) according to the fifth aspect, in any one of the first to fourth aspects, the first data that the communication unit (12) transmits to the external device (3) when the lock device (6) is unlocked is different from the second data that the communication unit (12) transmits to the external device (3) when the lock device (6) is locked.

According to this aspect, it is possible to reduce the amount of communication compared to when the first data and the second data are the same, and as a result, it is possible to suppress communication costs.

In the control system (1) according to the sixth aspect, in the fifth aspect, the amount of data of the second data is greater than the amount of data of the first data.

According to this aspect, it is possible to reduce the amount of communication compared to when the amount of data of the first data is the same as the amount of data of the second data, and as a result, it is possible to suppress communication costs.

The management system (10) according to the seventh aspect includes a control system (1) according to any one of the first to sixth aspects and an external device (3).

According to this embodiment, when the lock device (6) is locked, the communication frequency is reduced, making it possible to reduce the power consumption of the battery (41) of the mobile object (2) compared to when the communication frequency is not reduced.

The control method according to the eighth aspect includes communication steps (S12, S13) and setting steps (S4 to S6). The communication steps (S12, S13) are steps in which power is supplied from the battery (41) to communicate with the external device (3). The setting steps (S4 to S6) are steps in which power is supplied from the battery (41) to set the frequency of communication with the external device (3) in the communication steps (S12, S13). In the setting step (S6), when the lock device (6) attached to the mobile object (2) is unlocked, the communication frequency is set to a first frequency. In the setting steps (S4, S5), when the lock device (6) is locked, the communication frequency is set to a frequency lower than the first frequency.

According to this embodiment, when the lock device (6) is locked, the communication frequency is reduced, so it is possible to reduce the power consumption of the battery (41) of the mobile object (2) compared to when the communication frequency is not reduced.

The program according to the ninth aspect is a program for causing one or more processors to execute the control method according to the eighth aspect.

According to this embodiment, when the lock device (6) is locked, the communication frequency is reduced, so it is possible to reduce the power consumption of the battery (41) of the mobile object (2) compared to when the communication frequency is not reduced.

The moving body (2) according to the tenth aspect includes a control system (1) according to any one of the first to sixth aspects and a moving body (7). The moving body (7) is equipped with the control system (1).

According to this embodiment, when the lock device (6) is locked, the communication frequency is reduced, so it is possible to reduce the power consumption of the battery (41) of the mobile object (2) compared to when the communication frequency is not reduced.

The configurations according to the second to sixth aspects are not essential to the control system (1) and may be omitted as appropriate.

1 Control system 2 Mobile object 3 External device 6 Circle lock (lock device)
7 Frame (mobile body)
10 Management system 12 Communication unit 41 Battery 111 Setting unit S4 to S6 Setting steps S12, S13 Communication step

Claims (11)

A communication unit that receives power from the battery and communicates with an external device;
a setting unit configured to receive power from the battery and set a frequency of communication between the communication unit and the external device,
The setting unit is
When a lock device attached to the mobile object is unlocked, the communication frequency is set to a first frequency;
When the lock device is locked, the communication frequency is set to a frequency lower than the first frequency ;
When the lock device is in an unlocked state and the mobile object is not being used, the communication frequency is set to a frequency lower than the first frequency .
Control system. The setting unit is
When the lock device is locked and the mobile object is not located in a storage location, the communication frequency is set to a second frequency that is lower than the first frequency;
when the lock device is locked and the mobile object is located at the storage location, the communication frequency is set to a third frequency that is lower than the second frequency;
The control system of claim 1 . The communication unit acquires location information of the moving object through communication with the external device,
The setting unit determines that the moving object is not being used when the location information has not changed for a predetermined period of time.
3. A control system according to claim 1 or 2. a first data transmitted to the external device by the communication unit when the lock device is unlocked is different from a second data transmitted to the external device by the communication unit when the lock device is locked;
A control system according to any one of claims 1 to 3. The amount of the second data is greater than the amount of the first data.
5. The control system of claim 4. A control system according to any one of claims 1 to 5;
The external device.
Management system. A communication step in which power is supplied from the battery and communication is performed with an external device;
a setting step of supplying power from the battery and setting a frequency of communication with the external device in the communication step,
In the setting step,
When a lock device attached to the mobile object is unlocked, the communication frequency is set to a first frequency;
When the lock device is locked, the communication frequency is set to a frequency lower than the first frequency;
When the lock device is in an unlocked state and the mobile object is not being used, the communication frequency is set to a frequency lower than the first frequency.
Control methods. A program for causing one or more processors to execute the control method according to claim 7. A control system according to any one of claims 1 to 5;
A mobile body to which the control system is attached.
Mobile body. a communication unit that receives power from the battery and communicates with an external device installed at a location away from the mobile object;
a setting unit configured to receive power from the battery and set a frequency of communication between the communication unit and the external device,
The setting unit is
When a lock device attached to the mobile object is unlocked, the communication frequency is set to a first frequency;
When the lock device is locked, the communication frequency is set to a frequency lower than the first frequency;
The data transmitted by the communication unit to the external device includes information regarding rental of the moving object.
Control system. A communication unit that receives power from the battery and communicates with an external device;
a setting unit configured to receive power from the battery and set a frequency of communication between the communication unit and the external device,
The setting unit is
When a lock device attached to the mobile object is unlocked, the communication frequency is set to a first frequency;
When the lock device is locked and the mobile object is located in a storage location, the communication frequency is set to a frequency lower than the first frequency.
Control system.

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