JP7579629B2 - Power supply device and control method - Google Patents

Description

The present invention relates to a power supply device, a charging device, a component, and a control method.

The battery pack disclosed in Patent Document 1 includes a memory device. The memory device stores information about the battery pack. The information about the battery pack is output to a memory device provided in the server.

International Publication No. 2017/145510

It is preferable that the power supply device installed in the human-powered vehicle can store information about the human-powered vehicle. The object of the present invention is to provide a power supply device that can suitably input and output information about the human-powered vehicle.

A power supply device according to a first aspect of the present invention is a power supply device mounted on a human-powered vehicle, and includes a storage unit that stores human-powered vehicle information relating to the human-powered vehicle.
According to the power supply device of the first aspect, since it is equipped with a memory unit, it is possible to store human-powered vehicle information obtained from the human-powered vehicle and human-powered vehicle information obtained from the outside. Therefore, the human-powered vehicle information stored in the memory unit can be read out and the human-powered vehicle information can be suitably input and output.

In the power supply device of a second aspect according to the first aspect, the human-powered vehicle information includes at least one of travel information relating to travel of the human-powered vehicle and component information relating to components installed in the human-powered vehicle.
According to the power supply device of the second aspect, the storage unit can store a plurality of different types of human-powered vehicle information relating to human-powered vehicles, making it possible to input and output different types of human-powered vehicle information.

In the power supply device of the third aspect according to the second aspect, the information includes at least one of cadence, driving force of the human-powered vehicle, vehicle speed of the human-powered vehicle, acceleration of the human-powered vehicle, road surface, air resistance, weather, temperature, and information about a rider of the human-powered vehicle.
According to the power supply device of the third aspect, the memory unit can store at least one of the following information as driving information: cadence, driving force of the human-powered vehicle, vehicle speed of the human-powered vehicle, acceleration of the human-powered vehicle, road surface, air resistance, weather, temperature, and information about the rider of the human-powered vehicle. Therefore, for example, the driving information can be used to control the human-powered vehicle.

In a power supply device according to a fourth aspect in accordance with the second or third aspect, the component information includes information on at least one of an operation history of the component and software executed by the component.
According to the power supply device of the fourth aspect, the storage unit can store information about at least one of the operation history of the component and the software executed by the component as component information, which makes it possible to use the component information for controlling a human-powered vehicle, for example.

The power supply device of a fifth aspect according to any one of the first to fourth aspects further includes a first control unit that acquires the human-powered vehicle information.
According to the power supply device of the fifth aspect, it is possible to suitably acquire human-powered vehicle information.

In the power supply device of the sixth aspect according to the fifth aspect, the first control unit acquires the human-powered vehicle information when a predetermined condition is satisfied.
According to the power supply device of the sixth aspect, when a predetermined condition is satisfied, human-powered vehicle information can be acquired suitably.

The power supply device of the seventh aspect according to the fifth or sixth aspect further comprises a connection part electrically connected to a component of the human-powered vehicle.
According to the power supply device of the seventh aspect, power can be suitably supplied to the components via the connection portion.

In the power supply device of an eighth aspect according to the seventh aspect, the first control unit acquires the human-powered vehicle information via the connection unit.
According to the power supply device of the eighth aspect, the human-powered vehicle information can be suitably acquired via the connection section.

In the power supply device of a ninth aspect according to the fifth or sixth aspect, the first control unit acquires the human-powered vehicle information by wireless communication.
According to the power supply device of the ninth aspect, the human-powered vehicle information can be suitably acquired through wireless communication.

In the power supply device of a tenth aspect according to any one of the fifth to ninth aspects, the first control unit acquires maintenance information corresponding to the human-powered vehicle information from a first external device.
According to the power supply device of the tenth aspect, appropriate maintenance information can be acquired.

In the power supply device of an eleventh aspect according to the tenth aspect, the maintenance information includes information regarding maintenance of components of the human-powered vehicle.
According to the power supply device of the eleventh aspect, the maintenance information can be used for the maintenance of the components.

In the power supply device according to the tenth or eleventh aspect, the maintenance information includes information regarding an update of software executed by components of the human-powered vehicle.
According to the power supply device of the twelfth aspect, information regarding updates to software executed by components can be used for maintenance of the components.

In the power supply device of a thirteenth aspect according to any one of the tenth to twelfth aspects, the first control unit causes a notification device to notify the maintenance information.
According to the power supply device of the thirteenth aspect, the user can easily recognize the contents of the maintenance information.

A power supply device according to any one of the second to thirteenth aspects of the present invention supplies components of the human-powered vehicle with power necessary for the operation of the components.
According to the power supply device of the fourteenth aspect, it is possible to supply power to components mounted on a human-powered vehicle.

The power supply device of a fifteenth aspect according to any one of the first to fourteenth aspects further comprises an attachment part that is detachably attached to the human-powered vehicle.
According to the power supply device of the fifteenth aspect, it can be easily attached to or removed from a human-powered vehicle.

A charging device according to a sixteenth aspect of the present invention is a charging device that charges a power supply device according to any one of the first to fifteenth aspects, and includes a second control unit that acquires human-powered vehicle information from the memory unit.
According to the charging device of the sixteenth aspect, the human-powered vehicle information stored in the memory unit of the power supply device can be suitably acquired.

The charging device of the seventeenth aspect according to the sixteenth aspect further comprises a receiving portion electrically connected to the power supply device.
According to the charging device of the seventeenth aspect, it is possible to suitably charge the power supply device with power via the reception section.

In the charging device of an eighteenth aspect according to the sixteenth or seventeenth aspect, the second control unit acquires maintenance information corresponding to the acquired human-powered vehicle information from a second external device.
According to the charging device of the eighteenth aspect, appropriate maintenance information can be obtained.

A component according to a nineteenth aspect of the present invention includes a memory unit that stores human-powered vehicle information relating to a human-powered vehicle, a third control unit that outputs the human-powered vehicle information in the memory unit to a second external device, and an attachment unit that is detachably attached to the human-powered vehicle.
According to the component of the nineteenth aspect, it is possible to suitably output human-powered vehicle information, and it can be easily attached to or detached from the human-powered vehicle.

A control method according to a twentieth aspect of the present invention is a control method in a system including a charging device that charges a power supply device according to any one of the first to fifteenth aspects, a charging device according to any one of the sixteenth to eighteenth aspects, and a server that outputs maintenance information corresponding to human-powered vehicle information, and includes the steps of a first control unit outputting the human-powered vehicle information stored in the memory unit to the charging device, a second control unit outputting the human-powered vehicle information output from the power supply device to the server, the server outputting the maintenance information corresponding to the human-powered vehicle information output from the charging device to the charging device, and the second control unit outputting the maintenance information to the power supply device.
According to the control method of the twentieth aspect, it is possible to obtain maintenance information corresponding to human-powered vehicle information, and this can be used, for example, for maintenance of components of the human-powered vehicle.

The power supply device, charging device, components, and control method of the present invention allow for efficient input and output of information related to human-powered vehicles.

1 is a side view of a bicycle including a power supply device according to a first embodiment. FIG. 1 is a block diagram of a system according to a first embodiment. 5 is a flowchart showing an example of control executed by a first control unit. 6 is a flowchart showing an example of control executed by a second control unit. FIG. 4 is a sequence diagram showing an example of a control method executed in the system. FIG. 11 is a block diagram of a system according to a second embodiment. FIG. 13 is a block diagram of components according to a third embodiment. 10 is a flowchart showing an example of control executed by a third control unit.

First Embodiment
With reference to FIG. 1, a human-powered vehicle A on which a power supply device 10 is mounted will be described.
Here, the human-powered vehicle means a vehicle that uses human power at least partially as a driving force for traveling, and includes a vehicle that electrically assists human power. Vehicles that use only a driving force other than human power are not included in the human-powered vehicle. In particular, vehicles that use only an internal combustion engine as a driving force are not included in the human-powered vehicle. Usually, a small and light vehicle is assumed as a human-powered vehicle, and a vehicle that does not require a license to drive on a public road is assumed. The illustrated human-powered vehicle A is a bicycle that includes an auxiliary drive device E that uses electric energy to assist the propulsion of the human-powered vehicle A. Specifically, the illustrated human-powered vehicle A is a trekking bike. The human-powered vehicle A further includes a frame A1, a front fork A2, a front wheel WF, a rear wheel WR, a handlebar H, and a drive train B.

Drivetrain B is a chain drive type. Drivetrain B includes a crank assembly C, a front sprocket assembly D1, a rear sprocket assembly D2, and a chain D3. Crank assembly C includes a crank shaft C1 supported on frame A1 so as to be rotatable relative to frame A1, and a pair of crank arms C2 provided on each of both ends of crank shaft C1. Pedals PD are rotatably attached to the tip of each crank arm C2. Drivetrain B can be of any type and may be a belt drive type or a shaft drive type.

The front sprocket assembly D1 is mounted on the crank assembly C so as to rotate integrally with the crankshaft C1. The front sprocket assembly D1 includes multiple front sprockets D11. The rear sprocket assembly D2 is mounted on the hub HR of the rear wheel WR. The rear sprocket assembly D2 includes multiple rear sprockets D21. The chain D3 is wound around one of the multiple front sprockets D11 and one of the multiple rear sprockets D21. The driving force applied to the pedals PD by the rider of the human-powered vehicle A is transmitted to the rear wheel WR via the front sprocket assembly D1, the chain D3, and the rear sprocket assembly D2.

The human-powered vehicle A includes a component CO. The component CO includes at least one of a transmission T, a brake BD, a suspension SU, an adjustable seat post ASP, an auxiliary drive E, a cycle computer SC, a lamp L, a generator, a wireless unit, and an operating device OD of the component CO. The expression "at least one" used in this specification means "one or more" of a desired option. As an example, the expression "at least one" used in this specification means "only one option" or "both of two options" if the number of options is two. As another example, the expression "at least one" used in this specification means "only one option" or "any combination of two or more options" if the number of options is three or more.

In one example, the operating device OD includes at least one of a gear shift operating device SL, a brake operating device BL, a gear shift/braking operating device in which the gear shift operating device SL and the brake operating device BL are integrated, a suspension operating device, an adjustable seatpost operating device, and an auxiliary drive operating device. The various components CO are operated by, for example, power supplied from a power supply device 10 mounted on the human-powered vehicle A, or power supplied from a dedicated power source mounted on each component CO.

The transmission T includes an external gear changer. In one example, the transmission T includes at least one of a front derailleur TF and a rear derailleur TR. The front derailleur TF is provided near the front sprocket assembly D1 of the frame A1. The front derailleur TF changes the front sprocket D11 around which the chain D3 is wound, thereby changing the gear ratio of the human-powered vehicle A. The rear derailleur TR is provided at the rear end A3 of the frame A1. The rear derailleur TR changes the rear sprocket D21 around which the chain D3 is wound, thereby changing the gear ratio of the human-powered vehicle A. In one example, the transmission T is electrically driven in response to the operation of the shift operating device SL. The transmission T may include an internal gear changer.

The braking device BD includes braking devices BD corresponding to the number of wheels W. The wheels W include front wheels WF and rear wheels WR. In this embodiment, a braking device BD corresponding to the front wheels WF and a braking device BD corresponding to the rear wheels WR are provided on the human-powered vehicle A. The two braking devices BD may have the same configuration. The braking device BD is, for example, a rim brake device that brakes the rim R of the human-powered vehicle A. In one example, the corresponding braking device BD is electrically driven in response to the operation of the brake operating device BL. The braking device BD may be a disc brake device that brakes a disc brake rotor mounted on the human-powered vehicle A.

The suspension SU includes at least one of a front suspension SF and a rear suspension. The front suspension SF operates to reduce shocks received by the front wheels WF from the ground. The rear suspension operates to reduce shocks received by the rear wheels WR from the ground. In one example, the operating state of the suspension SU is changed by electrically driving the corresponding suspension SU in response to the operation of the suspension operating device. The operating state of the suspension SU includes at least one of a displacement state, a travel amount, a damping force, and a repulsive force.

The adjustable seat post ASP operates to change the height of the saddle SD relative to the frame A1. In one example, the adjustable seat post ASP is electrically driven in response to the operation of the adjustable seat post operating device.

The auxiliary drive device E operates to assist the propulsive force of the human-powered vehicle A. The auxiliary drive device E operates, for example, in response to a human-powered driving force applied to the pedal PD. In one example, the auxiliary drive device E is electrically driven in response to the operation of the auxiliary drive operating device.

The specific configuration of system 1 will be described with reference to FIG. 2. System 1 includes a power supply device 10, a charging device 30, and a server 50. The power supply device 10 supplies the component CO of human-powered vehicle A with the power necessary for the operation of the component CO. The power supply device 10 is mounted on human-powered vehicle A. The power supply device 10 includes a memory unit 12 that stores human-powered vehicle information related to human-powered vehicle A. The memory unit 12 includes at least one of a non-volatile memory and a volatile memory, for example. The memory unit 12 stores human-powered vehicle information, various programs for control, and preset information, etc.

In this embodiment, the human-powered vehicle information may not include information about the power supply device 10 mounted on the human-powered vehicle A. An example of information about the power supply device 10 is the voltage or temperature of the power supply device 10. The power supply device 10 is not included in the component CO. The power supply device 10 supplies power to one or more components CO. An example of the power supply device 10 is a battery provided in the frame A1 of the human-powered vehicle A shown in FIG. 1. The power supply device 10 includes multiple battery cells in a housing.

The human-powered vehicle information includes at least one of driving information related to the driving of the human-powered vehicle A and component information related to the component CO installed in the human-powered vehicle A. The driving information includes at least one of the following information: cadence, driving force of the human-powered vehicle A, the vehicle speed of the human-powered vehicle A, the acceleration of the human-powered vehicle A, the road surface on which the vehicle is traveling, air resistance, weather, temperature, and information related to the rider of the human-powered vehicle A. Information related to cadence is synonymous with the number of rotations per unit time of the crankshaft C1. Information related to the driving force of the human-powered vehicle A includes information related to the torque acting on the crankshaft C1 and power. Power is the product of cadence and torque. An example of information related to the vehicle speed of the human-powered vehicle A is the maximum speed, average speed, or change in speed while the human-powered vehicle A is traveling. An example of information related to the acceleration of the human-powered vehicle A is the maximum acceleration, average acceleration, or change in acceleration while the human-powered vehicle A is traveling. An example of the information about the road surface is the resistance or gradient of the road surface on which human-powered vehicle A is traveling. An example of the information about air resistance is information about wind force, such as wind speed, wind pressure, and wind direction, relative to human-powered vehicle A while human-powered vehicle A is traveling. An example of the information about the rider of human-powered vehicle A is information about the rider's heart rate, myoelectric potential, amount of sweat, calories burned, and body temperature. The traveling information may include at least one of the traveling distance and traveling time of human-powered vehicle A.

The component information includes information on at least one of the operation history of the component CO and the software executed by the component CO. The information on the operation history of the component CO includes at least one of the operation history of the transmission T, the brake BD, the suspension SU, the adjustable seat post ASP, and the auxiliary drive E. The information on the operation history of the transmission T includes information on the transition of changes in the gear ratio or the gear stage. The information on the operation history of the brake BD includes information on the operation amount of the brake BD. The information on the operation history of the suspension SU includes information on the operating state of the suspension SU. The information on the operation history of the adjustable seat post ASP includes information on the transition of changes in the height of the seat post. The information on the operation history of the auxiliary drive E includes information on the transition of changes in the assist ratio or the assist mode. The information on the operation history of the component CO may include at least one of the usage time, the number of uses, and the amount of power supplied from the power supply device 10. The information related to the software executed by the component CO includes at least one of software information for controlling the transmission device T, software information for controlling the braking device BD, software information for controlling the suspension SU, software information for controlling the adjustable seat post ASP, software information for controlling the auxiliary drive device E, and version information related to the current version of the software.

The power supply device 10 further includes a first control unit 14 that acquires human-powered vehicle information. The first control unit 14 is at least one of a CPU (Central Processing Unit) and an MPU (Micro Processing Unit). The first control unit 14 communicates with the first external device EP1 by controlling the communication unit 20. The communication unit 20 is configured to be able to communicate with the first external device EP1.

The power supply device 10 further includes a connection unit 16 electrically connected to the component CO of the human-powered vehicle A. The first control unit 14 acquires human-powered vehicle information via the connection unit 16. The connection unit 16 includes a connection line CW that connects the component CO to the power supply device 10 and a port to which the connection line CW is connected. In one example, the connection line CW is configured to be able to perform power line communication (PLC). The connection unit 16 is connected to a power storage unit 18. In one example, the power storage unit 18 is composed of a plurality of battery cells. The power of the power storage unit 18 is supplied to the component CO via the connection unit 16.

The power supply device 10 further includes an attachment section 22 that is detachably attached to the human-powered vehicle A. The attachment section 22 is configured to be detachably attached to any location of the human-powered vehicle A. In one example, the attachment section 22 is a holder that is detachably attached to the frame A1 of the human-powered vehicle A.

The human-powered vehicle A further includes a detection device DD for detecting driving information. The detection device DD is connected to the power supply device 10, for example, via a connection line CW. The detection device DD is configured to detect driving information. The detection device DD includes at least one of a sensor for detecting cadence, a sensor for detecting torque, a sensor for detecting vehicle speed, a sensor for detecting acceleration, a sensor for detecting information about the road surface on which the vehicle is traveling, a sensor for detecting air resistance, a receiver for receiving weather information from the outside, a sensor for detecting air temperature, and a sensor for detecting rider information.

The first control unit 14 acquires human-powered vehicle information when a predetermined condition is satisfied. The predetermined condition is a condition for determining whether or not to acquire human-powered vehicle information. The predetermined condition is stored in the memory unit 12 of the power supply device 10. The predetermined condition includes at least one of a first predetermined condition and a second predetermined condition. The first predetermined condition is set based on the relationship between a predetermined parameter and a threshold value. In one example, the first control unit 14 determines that the first predetermined condition is met when the predetermined parameter is equal to or greater than the threshold value. The predetermined parameters include at least one of the total travel distance of the human-powered vehicle A, the total travel time of the human-powered vehicle A, and the time since the previous acquisition of human-powered vehicle information. The second predetermined condition is set based on the relationship between the power supply device 10 and the human-powered vehicle A. In one example, the first control unit 14 acquires human-powered vehicle information when the power supply device 10 is attached to the human-powered vehicle A. The predetermined conditions may further include a third predetermined condition. The third predetermined condition is set based on the free space of the memory unit 12. The first control unit 14 determines that the third predetermined condition is met when the free space in the storage unit 12 falls below a threshold. In one example, the first control unit 14 acquires the human-powered vehicle information when it determines that at least one of the first predetermined condition and the second predetermined condition is met. In another example, the first control unit 14 acquires the human-powered vehicle information when it determines that at least one of the first predetermined condition and the second predetermined condition is met and also determines that the third predetermined condition is met.

The first control unit 14 acquires maintenance information corresponding to the human-powered vehicle information from the first external device EP1. In this embodiment, the first external device EP1 includes a charging device 30. The first external device EP1 may include a smart device such as a personal computer, a smartphone, or a tablet terminal. The maintenance information includes information related to the maintenance of the component CO of the human-powered vehicle A. In one example, the maintenance information includes information related to the replacement timing that is set based on at least one of information related to the number of times the component CO of the human-powered vehicle A has been used since it began to be used and information related to the duration of use. In another example, the maintenance information includes information related to the repair or recall of the component CO. The maintenance information includes information related to the update of the software executed by the component CO of the human-powered vehicle A. In one example, the information related to the software update includes at least one of information related to the version of the software executed by the component CO and information related to the update content of the software executed by the component CO.

The first control unit 14 causes the notification device 60 to notify the maintenance information. The notification device 60 includes, for example, an LED (Light Emitting Diode), a speaker, a vibration device, and a cycle computer SC. The notification device 60 may be configured to notify at least one of information indicating that a software update of the component CO is being performed and information indicating that the software update of the component CO has been completed.

The power supply device 10 is charged by the charging device 30. The charging device 30 includes a second control unit 34 that acquires human-powered vehicle information from the memory unit 12. The second control unit 34 includes at least one of a CPU and an MPU. The second control unit 34 communicates with the second external device EP2 by controlling the communication unit 40. The communication unit 40 is configured to be able to communicate with the second external device EP2. The charging device 30 includes a reception unit 36 that is electrically connected to the power supply device 10. In one example, the reception unit 36 is a connector. The second control unit 34 acquires human-powered vehicle information from the power supply device 10 via the reception unit 36.

The charging device 30 further includes a memory unit 32 that stores human-powered vehicle information, and a power supply unit 38 that supplies power for charging the power storage unit 18 of the power supply device 10. The memory unit 32 stores human-powered vehicle information, various programs for control, and pre-set information. The power supply unit 38 is electrically connected to the reception unit 36, and supplies power to the power storage unit 18 of the power supply device 10 via the reception unit 36. The power supply unit 38 may be configured to be connected to an external power source.

The second control unit 34 acquires maintenance information corresponding to the acquired human-powered vehicle information from the second external device EP2. The second external device EP2 is different from the first external device EP1. In this embodiment, the second external device EP2 includes a server 50. The server 50 is a server that outputs maintenance information corresponding to the human-powered vehicle information. In this embodiment, the server 50 is provided in a cloud environment. The second control unit 34 outputs the maintenance information acquired from the server 50 to the power supply device 10. Note that the second external device EP2 may include a smart device such as a personal computer, a smartphone, or a tablet terminal.

An example of the control executed by the first control unit 14 will be described with reference to FIG.
In step S11, the first control unit 14 determines whether the power supply device 10 is attached to the charging device 30. Specifically, the first control unit 14 determines whether the power supply device 10 is electrically connected to the reception unit 36 of the charging device 30 and whether communication with the charging device 30 is possible via the communication unit 20. If at least one of the determinations is negative, the first control unit 14 determines that the power supply device 10 is not attached to the charging device 30. If the first control unit 14 determines in step S11 that the power supply device 10 is not attached to the charging device 30, the process proceeds to step S12. If the first control unit 14 determines in step S11 that the power supply device 10 is attached to the charging device 30, the process proceeds to step S18.

In step S12, the first control unit 14 determines whether or not the connection unit 16 is attached to the human-powered vehicle A. Specifically, the first control unit 14 determines whether or not the connection unit 16 is electrically connected to the component CO. If the first control unit 14 determines in step S12 that the connection unit 16 is attached to the human-powered vehicle A, the process proceeds to step S13. If the first control unit 14 determines in step S12 that the connection unit 16 is not attached to the human-powered vehicle A, the process repeats step S11.

In step S13, the first control unit 14 determines whether or not maintenance information is stored in the memory unit 12. If the first control unit 14 determines in step S13 that maintenance information is stored in the memory unit 12, the process proceeds to step S14. If the first control unit 14 determines in step S13 that maintenance information is not stored in the memory unit 12, the process proceeds to step S15.

In step S14, the first control unit 14 performs an update based on the maintenance information and notifies the maintenance information. Specifically, the first control unit 14 updates the software of the component CO based on the maintenance information. The first control unit 14 causes the notification device 60 to notify the maintenance information. After completing step S14, the first control unit 14 proceeds to the process of step S15.

In step S15, the first control unit 14 determines whether or not a predetermined condition is satisfied. If the first control unit 14 determines in step S15 that the predetermined condition is satisfied, the process proceeds to step S16. If the first control unit 14 determines in step S15 that the predetermined condition is not satisfied, the process repeats step S15.

In step S16, the first control unit 14 acquires and stores the human-powered vehicle information. Specifically, in step S16, the first control unit 14 acquires the human-powered vehicle information from the component CO and stores the acquired human-powered vehicle information in the memory unit 12. After completing step S16, the first control unit 14 proceeds to the processing of step S17.

In step S17, the first control unit 14 determines whether or not the battery has been attached to the charging device 30. If the first control unit 14 determines in step S17 that the battery has been attached to the charging device 30, the process proceeds to step S18. If the first control unit 14 determines in step S17 that the battery has not been attached to the charging device 30, the process repeats step S12.

In step S18, the first control unit 14 determines whether or not the human-powered vehicle information is stored in the memory unit 12. If the first control unit 14 determines in step S18 that the human-powered vehicle information is stored in the memory unit 12, the process proceeds to step S19. If the first control unit 14 determines in step S18 that the human-powered vehicle information is not stored in the memory unit 12, the control ends.

In step S19, the first control unit 14 outputs the human-powered vehicle information to the charging device 30. Specifically, the first control unit 14 stores the human-powered vehicle information in the memory unit 32 of the charging device 30. After step S19 ends, the first control unit 14 ends control. The first control unit 14 periodically executes the processes of steps S11 to S19 to output the human-powered vehicle information and obtain maintenance information corresponding to the output human-powered vehicle information.

An example of the control executed by the second control unit 34 will be described with reference to FIG.
In step S21, the second control unit 34 determines whether the power supply device 10 is attached to the charging device 30. Specifically, the second control unit 34 determines whether the power supply device 10 is electrically connected to the power supply device 10 via the reception unit 36, and whether communication with the power supply device 10 is possible via the communication unit 40. If at least one of the determinations is negative, the second control unit 34 determines that the power supply device 10 is not attached to the charging device 30. If the second control unit 34 determines in step S21 that the power supply device 10 is attached to the charging device 30, the second control unit 34 proceeds to processing in step S22. If the second control unit 34 determines in step S21 that the power supply device 10 is not attached to the charging device 30, the second control unit 34 ends the control.

In step S22, the second control unit 34 determines whether or not the human-powered vehicle information is stored in the memory unit 32. If the second control unit 34 determines in step S22 that the human-powered vehicle information is stored in the memory unit 32, the process proceeds to step S23. If the second control unit 34 determines in step S22 that the human-powered vehicle information is not stored in the memory unit 32, the process proceeds to step S25.

In step S23, the second control unit 34 determines whether the charging device 30 is connected to the server 50. Specifically, the second control unit 34 determines whether it is possible to communicate with the server 50 via the communication unit 40. If the second control unit 34 determines in step S23 that it is connected to the server 50, it proceeds to processing in step S24. If the second control unit 34 determines in step S23 that it is not connected to the server 50, it proceeds to processing in step S25.

In step S24, the second control unit 34 outputs the human-powered vehicle information to the server 50. Specifically, the second control unit 34 transmits the human-powered vehicle information to the server 50 via the communication unit 40 and causes the server 50 to store the information. After completing step S24, the second control unit 34 proceeds to processing in step S25.

In step S25, the second control unit 34 determines whether or not the maintenance information is stored in the storage unit 32. If the second control unit 34 determines in step S25 that the maintenance information is stored in the storage unit 32, the process proceeds to step S26. If the second control unit 34 determines in step S25 that the maintenance information is not stored in the storage unit 32, the control ends.

In step S26, the second control unit 34 outputs the maintenance information to the power supply device 10. Specifically, the second control unit 34 stores the maintenance information in the memory unit 12 of the power supply device 10. After step S26 ends, the second control unit 34 ends control. The second control unit 34 periodically executes the processes of steps S21 to S26 to input and output human-powered vehicle information and maintenance information corresponding to the human-powered vehicle information.

The control method in system 1 will be described with reference to FIG. 5. Specifically, the input/output method of human-powered vehicle information and corresponding maintenance information for each element constituting system 1 will be described.

The control method in a system including a power supply device 10, a charging device 30, and a server 50 includes a step in which the first control unit 14 outputs human-powered vehicle information stored in the memory unit 12 to the charging device 30, a step in which the second control unit 34 outputs the human-powered vehicle information output from the power supply device 10 to the server 50, a step in which the server 50 outputs maintenance information corresponding to the human-powered vehicle information output from the charging device 30 to the charging device 30, and a step in which the second control unit 34 outputs the maintenance information to the power supply device 10.

When the first control unit 14 of the power supply device 10 is connected to the charging device 30, in step S31, it outputs the human-powered vehicle information to the charging device 30. When the second control unit 34 of the charging device 30 that has acquired the human-powered vehicle information is connected to the server 50, in step S32, it outputs the human-powered vehicle information to the server 50. In step S33, the server 50 that has acquired the human-powered vehicle information outputs maintenance information corresponding to the human-powered vehicle information to the charging device 30. In step S34, the charging device 30 that has acquired the maintenance information outputs the maintenance information to the power supply device 10. When the first control unit 14 is connected to the human-powered vehicle A, in step S35, it outputs the maintenance information to the notification device 60 of the human-powered vehicle A. In step S36, the first control unit 14 outputs the maintenance information to the component CO of the human-powered vehicle A. In step S37, the first control unit 14 acquires maintenance completion information that indicates that the software update of the component CO has been completed, output from the component CO. In step S38, the first control unit 14 outputs maintenance completion information to the notification device 60.

Second Embodiment
A system 100 according to the second embodiment will be described with reference to Fig. 6. Configurations common to the first embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals as in the first embodiment, and duplicated descriptions will be omitted.

The system 100 of the second embodiment includes a component CO, a power supply device 10, a charging device 30, and a server 50. The first control unit 14 acquires human-powered vehicle information by wireless communication. The first control unit 14 wirelessly communicates with the component CO and the charging device 30 via the communication unit 20. The communication unit 20 is configured to be capable of wireless communication. In one example, the communication unit 20 includes a wireless communication module. The first control unit 14 may be configured to be capable of wireless communication with at least one of the detection device DD and the notification device 60. The connection unit 16 may also include a coil and be configured to be capable of contactlessly supplying power to the component CO.

The second control unit 34 acquires human-powered vehicle information through wireless communication. The communication unit 40 is configured to be able to communicate wirelessly with the power supply device 10 and the server 50. In one example, the communication unit 40 includes a wireless communication module. The reception unit 36 can supply power to the power storage unit 18 of the power supply device 10 in a contactless manner. In one example, the reception unit 36 includes a coil.

Third Embodiment
A component 200 according to the third embodiment will be described with reference to Fig. 1 and Fig. 7. Configurations common to the first or second embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals as in the first or second embodiment, and duplicated descriptions will be omitted.

The component 200 includes a memory unit 202 that stores human-powered vehicle information related to the human-powered vehicle A, a third control unit 204 that outputs the human-powered vehicle information in the memory unit 202 to the second external device EP2, and an attachment unit 210 that is detachably attached to the human-powered vehicle A. An example of the component 200 is a lamp L that is attached to the human-powered vehicle A. The memory unit 202 includes at least one of a non-volatile memory and a volatile memory, for example. The memory unit 202 stores human-powered vehicle information, various programs for control, and preset information, etc. The third control unit 204 includes at least one of a CPU and an MPU. An example of the attachment unit 210 is a clamp that is configured to be attachable to the front fork A2. The lamp L may be configured to be attached to the handle H of the human-powered vehicle A.

The component 200 includes a communication unit 206 capable of wireless communication with other components CO and the second external device EP2. In one example, the communication unit 206 includes a wireless module. The component 200 further includes a power storage unit 208. The power storage unit 208 supplies power required for the operation of the component 200. An example of the power storage unit 208 is a capacitor.

The third control unit 204 acquires human-powered vehicle information from another component CO via the communication unit 206, and outputs the human-powered vehicle information to the second external device EP2. In one example, the second external device EP2 is the server 50. The second external device EP2 outputs maintenance information corresponding to the human-powered vehicle information acquired from the third control unit 204 to the component 200.

An example of the control executed by the third control unit 204 of the component 200 will be described with reference to FIG.
In step S41, the third control unit 204 determines whether or not it is connected to another component CO. Specifically, the third control unit 204 determines whether or not wireless communication with the other component CO is possible via the communication unit 206. If the third control unit 204 determines in step S41 that it is connected to another component CO, it proceeds to processing in step S42. If the third control unit 204 determines in step S41 that it is not connected to another component CO, it executes the processing of step S41 again.

In step S42, the third control unit 204 acquires human-powered vehicle information from the other component CO and stores it in the memory unit 202. After completing step S42, the third control unit 204 proceeds to processing in step S43.

In step S43, the third control unit 204 determines whether or not it is connected to the server 50. Specifically, the third control unit 204 determines whether or not wireless communication with the server 50 is possible via the communication unit 206. If the third control unit 204 determines in step S43 that it is connected to the server 50, it proceeds to processing in step S44. If the third control unit 204 determines in step S43 that it is not connected to the server 50, it executes the processing in step S41 again.

In step S44, the third control unit 204 outputs the human-powered vehicle information to the server 50. After step S44 ends, the third control unit 204 ends control. The third control unit 204 periodically executes the processes from step S41 to step S44, thereby periodically outputting the human-powered vehicle information to the server 50.

<Modification>
The explanations of each embodiment are merely examples of possible forms of the power supply device, charging device, components, and control method according to the present invention, and are not intended to limit the forms. The power supply device, charging device, components, and control method according to the present invention may take the form of, for example, a modified version of each embodiment shown below, or a combination of at least two mutually compatible modified versions. In the following modified versions, parts common to the embodiments are given the same reference numerals as the embodiments, and their explanations are omitted.

- The memory unit 12, memory unit 32, and memory unit 202 may store multiple reset instructions that change the instruction pointers of the corresponding first control unit 14, second control unit 34, and third control unit 204 to initial addresses. When an unusual program is being executed, the reset instruction can return the address of the instruction pointer to the initial address, increasing the possibility that a normal program can be executed.

- The type of human-powered vehicle A can be changed as desired. In one example, human-powered vehicle A is a road bike, a mountain bike, a cross bike, a city cycle, a cargo bike, a recumbent bike, or a kick scooter.

1,100...system, 10...power supply device, 12...storage unit, 14...first control unit, 16...connection unit, 22...mounting unit, 30...charging device, 34...second control unit, 36...reception unit, 50...server, 60...alarm device, 200...component, 202...storage unit, 204...third control unit, 210...mounting unit, A...human-powered vehicle, EP1...first external device, EP2...second external device.

Claims (15)

A power supply device mounted on a human-powered vehicle,
a storage unit for storing human-powered vehicle information relating to the human-powered vehicle;
a first control unit that outputs maintenance information corresponding to the human-powered vehicle information to a notification device different from a charging device that charges the power supply device ,
The power supply device , wherein the maintenance information includes information regarding software updates executed by components of the human-powered vehicle . A power supply device mounted on a human-powered vehicle,
a storage unit for storing human-powered vehicle information relating to the human-powered vehicle;
a first control unit that acquires the human-powered vehicle information,
The first control unit acquires maintenance information corresponding to the human-powered vehicle information from a first external device. A power supply device mounted on a human-powered vehicle,
a storage unit for storing human-powered vehicle information relating to the human-powered vehicle;
a first control unit that acquires the human-powered vehicle information through wireless communication,
The first control unit acquires maintenance information corresponding to the human-powered vehicle information from a first external device. The power supply device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the human-powered vehicle information includes at least one of driving information related to the driving of the human-powered vehicle and component information related to components installed in the human-powered vehicle. The power supply device according to claim 4, wherein the driving information includes at least one of the following: cadence, driving force of the human-powered vehicle, vehicle speed of the human-powered vehicle, acceleration of the human-powered vehicle, road surface, air resistance, weather, temperature, and information about the rider of the human-powered vehicle. The power supply device according to claim 4 or 5, wherein the component information includes information regarding at least one of the operation history of the component and the software executed by the component. The power supply device according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the first control unit acquires the human-powered vehicle information when a predetermined condition is satisfied. The power supply device according to any one of claims 1 to 7, further comprising a connection part electrically connected to a component mounted on the human-powered vehicle. The power supply device according to claim 8, wherein the first control unit acquires the human-powered vehicle information via the connection unit. The power supply device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the maintenance information includes information regarding maintenance of components mounted on the human-powered vehicle. The power supply device according to claim 2 or 3 , wherein the maintenance information includes information regarding updates to software executed by components of the human-powered vehicle. The power supply device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, 10, and 11, wherein the first control unit causes an alarm device to notify the maintenance information. The power supply device according to any one of claims 1 to 12, which supplies power required for the operation of a component mounted on the human-powered vehicle. The power supply device according to any one of claims 1 to 13, further comprising an attachment part that can be detachably attached to the human-powered vehicle. A power supply device according to any one of claims 1 to 14;
A charging device that charges the power supply device;
a server that outputs the maintenance information corresponding to the human-powered vehicle information,
a step of the first control unit outputting the human-powered vehicle information stored in the storage unit to the charging device;
a second control unit outputting the human-powered vehicle information output from the power supply device to the server;
a step of the server outputting, to the charging device, the maintenance information corresponding to the human-powered vehicle information output from the charging device;
and a step of the second control unit outputting the maintenance information to the power supply device.