COMMUNICATION SYSTEM AND CONTROL SYSTEM

A communication system includes a first communication device, a second communication device and a third communication device. The first communication device is configured to be connected to an operating device mounted on a human-powered vehicle. The second communication device is configured to be connected to a transmission device of the human-powered vehicle. The third communication device is configured to be connected to a component that is mounted on the human-powered vehicle and that differs from the operating device and the transmission device. The second communication device is configured to receive first information that is sent from the first communication device in response to operation of the operating device. The third communication device of the component is configured to receive second information that includes at least some of the first information sent from the second communication device.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims priority to Japanese Patent Application No. 2020-116591, filed on Jul. 6, 2020. The entire disclosure of Japanese Patent Application No. 2020-116591 is hereby incorporated herein by reference.

BACKGROUND

Technical Field

The present invention generally relates to a communication system and a control system for human-powered vehicles.

Background Information

Some human-powered vehicles are provided with a communication device that is configured to perform communications between components. Japanese Laid-Open Patent Publication No. 2018-39466 discloses an example of a bicycle component including a communication device configured to perform communication in response to operation of an operating portion.

SUMMARY

One object of the present disclosure is to provide a communication system and a control system that perform appropriate communication in human-powered vehicles.

In accordance with a first aspect of the present disclosure, a communication system comprises a first communication device a second communication device and a third communication device. The first communication device is configured to be connected to an operating device mounted on a human-powered vehicle. The second communication device is configured to be connected to a transmission device of the human-powered vehicle. The third communication device is configured to be connected to a component that is mounted on the human-powered vehicle and differs from the operating device and the transmission device. The second communication device is configured to receive first information that is sent from the first communication device in response to operation of the operating device. The third communication device of the component is configured to receive second information that includes at least some of the first information sent from the second communication device. The communication system according to the first aspect allows the first communication device connected to the operating device to appropriately communicate with the second communication device connected to the transmission device and the third communication device connected to the component.

In accordance with a second aspect of the present disclosure, the communication system according to the first aspect is configured so that the component includes a motor device configured to apply a propulsion force to the human-powered vehicle. The communication system according to the second aspect allows the first communication device connected to the operating device to appropriately communicate with the second communication device connected to the transmission device and the third communication device connected to the motor unit.

In accordance with a third aspect of the present disclosure, the communication system according to the first or second aspect is configured so that the first information conforms to the second information. The communication system according to the third aspect performs appropriate communication.

In accordance with a fourth aspect of the present disclosure, the communication system according to the third aspect is configured so that the first information and the second information include at least one of information related to the transmission device and information related to the component. The communication system according to the fourth aspect performs appropriate communication.

In accordance with a fifth aspect of the present disclosure, the communication system according to the third aspect is configured so that the first information and the second information include information related to the transmission device and information related to the component. The communication system according to the fifth aspect performs appropriate communication.

In accordance with a sixth aspect of the present disclosure, the communication system according to the first or second aspect is configured so that the first information includes information related to the transmission device and information related to the component. The second information includes only information related to the component. The communication system according to the sixth aspect performs appropriate communication.

In accordance with a seventh aspect of the present disclosure, the communication system according to any one of the first to sixth aspects further comprises a control device including an electronic controller configured to control the first communication device, the second communication device, and the third communication device. In the communication system according to the seventh aspect, the electronic controller allows for appropriate communication.

In accordance with an eighth aspect of the present disclosure, the communication system according to the seventh aspect is configured so that the electronic controller is further configured to send the first information to the second communication device on a wireless signal or a wire signal. In the communication system according to the eighth aspect, appropriate communication is performed using a wireless signal or a wire signal.

In accordance with a ninth aspect of the present disclosure, the communication system according to the eighth aspect is configured so that the electronic controller is further configured to send the first information to the second communication device on a wire signal in a case where the operating device and the transmission device are wire-connected, and the electronic controller is further configured to output the first information on a wireless signal in a case where the operating device and the transmission device are not wire-connected. In the communication system according to the ninth aspect, appropriate communication is performed using a wireless signal or a wire signal.

In accordance with a tenth aspect of the present disclosure, the communication system according to the eighth or ninth aspect is configured so that the electronic controller is further configured to send the second information to the third communication device on a wireless signal or a wire signal. In the communication system according to the tenth aspect, appropriate communication is performed using a wireless signal or a wire signal.

In accordance with an eleventh aspect of the present disclosure, the communication system according to the tenth aspect is configured so that the electronic controller is further configured to send the second information to the third communication device on a wire signal in a case where the transmission device and the component are wire-connected, and the electronic controller is further configured to output the second information on a wireless signal in a case where the transmission device and the component are not wire-connected. In the communication system according to the eleventh aspect, appropriate communication is performed using a wireless signal or a wire signal.

In accordance with a twelfth aspect of the present disclosure, the communication system according to the eleventh aspect is configured so that the electronic controller is further configured to control the second communication device so that the second communication device receives the first information output on a wireless signal and sends the second information output on a wired signal to the third communication device. In the communication system according to the twelfth aspect, the electronic controller allows for appropriate communication.

In accordance with a thirteenth aspect of the present disclosure, the communication system according to any one of the seventh to twelfth aspects further comprises a battery that supplies electric power to at least one of the operating device, the transmission device, and the component. The electronic controller is further configured to control the supply of electric power from the battery. In the communication system according to the thirteenth aspect, the electronic controller appropriately controls at least one of the operating device, the transmission device, and the component.

In accordance with a fourteenth aspect of the present disclosure, the communication system according to the thirteenth aspect is configured so that the electronic controller is further configured to control the supply of electric power from the battery to at least one of the operating device, the transmission device, and the component based on at least one of the first information and the second information. In the communication system according to the fourteenth aspect, the electronic controller appropriately controls at least one of the operating device, the transmission device, and the component.

In accordance with a fifteenth aspect of the present disclosure, the communication system according to the thirteenth or fourteenth aspect is configured so that the battery includes a first battery that is configured to supply electric power to the operating device and the component and a second battery that is configured to supply electric power to the transmission device. The electronic controller is further configured to control the supply of electric power from the first battery and the second battery based on at least one of the first information and the second information. In the communication system according to the fifteenth aspect, the electronic controller appropriately controls at least one of the operating device, the transmission device, and the component.

In accordance with a sixteenth aspect of the present disclosure, a control system comprises a first communication device configured to be connected to an operating device mounted on a human-powered vehicle, a second communication device configured to be connected to a transmission device of the human-powered vehicle, a third communication device configured to be connected to a component that is mounted on the human-powered vehicle and that differs from the transmission device, and an electronic controller configured to control the first communication device, the second communication device, and the third communication device. The electronic controller is further configured to control the first communication device to output first information in response to operation of the operating device. The electronic controller is further configured to control the second communication device to receive the first information and output second information including at least some of the first information. The electronic controller is further configured to control the third communication device to receive the second information. In the control system according to the sixteenth aspect, the electronic controller allows for appropriate communication of the first communication device connected to the operating device with the third communication device connected to the component.

In accordance with a seventeenth aspect of the present disclosure, the control system according to the sixteenth aspect is configured so that the component includes a motor configured to apply a propulsion force to the human-powered vehicle. The control system according to the seventeenth aspect allows the first communication device connected to the operating device to appropriately communicate with the third communication device connected to the motor.

In accordance with an eighteenth aspect of the present disclosure, the control system according to the sixteenth or seventeenth aspect is configured so that the system device is provided on a steering mechanism of the human-powered vehicle, and the steering mechanism includes a handlebar. The control system according to the eighteenth aspect allows the operating device to be located at an appropriate position. This improves the usability.

The communication system and the control system according to the present disclosure perform appropriate communication.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS

First Embodiment

A human-powered vehicle A including a communication system10will now be described with reference toFIGS. 1 to 3. A human-powered vehicle refers to a vehicle that at least partially uses human force as a prime mover to travel, and includes vehicles that assist human force with electric power. The human-powered vehicle does not include vehicles using only a prime mover that is not human force. In particular, the human-powered vehicle does not include vehicles that use only an internal combustion engine as the prime mover. The human-powered vehicle is generally assumed to be a small, light vehicle that does not typically require a license for driving on a public road. More 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 wheel W, a handlebar H, and a drivetrain B. The wheel W includes a front wheel WF and a rear wheel WR.

The drivetrain B is of, for example, a chain-drive type. The drivetrain B includes a crank C, a front sprocket assembly D1, a rear sprocket assembly D2, and a chain D3. The crank C includes a crank axle C1rotatably supported by the frame A1and two crank arms C2respectively provided on opposite ends of a crank axle C1. A pedal PD is rotatably coupled to the distal end of each crank arm C2. The drivetrain B can be of any type such as a belt-drive type or a shaft-drive type.

The front sprocket assembly D1is provided on the crank C to rotate integrally with the crank axle C1. The rear sprocket assembly D2is provided on a hub HR of the rear wheel WR. The chain D3runs around the front sprocket assembly D1and the rear sprocket assembly D2. A human driving force applied to the pedals PD by an occupant who is riding the human-powered vehicle A is transmitted via the front sprocket assembly D1, the chain D3, and the rear sprocket assembly D2to the rear wheel WR.

The communication system10includes a first communication device12, a second communication device14and a third communication device16. Unless otherwise expressly limited, the term “communication device” as used herein refers to hardware capable of transmitting and/or receiving an analog or digital signal either by a wire or wirelessly. The term “communication device” does not include a human. The term “wireless communication device” as used herein refers to hardware capable of transmitting and/or receiving an analog or digital signal wirelessly, while the term “wired communication device” as used herein refers to hardware capable of transmitting and/or receiving an analog or digital signal via a wire.

The first communication device12is configured to be connected to an operating device20mounted on the human-powered vehicle A. The second communication device14is configured to be connected to a transmission device30of the human-powered vehicle A. The third communication device16is configured to be connected to a component40of the human-powered vehicle A differing from the transmission device30. The third communication device16is connected to the component40that is mounted on the human-powered vehicle A and that differs from the operating device20and the transmission device30. The operating device20, the transmission device30, and the component40are mounted on the single human-powered vehicle A. The component40has a configuration mounted on the human-powered vehicle A that differs from the operating device20and the transmission device30. In the communication system10, the second communication device14receives first information that is sent from the first communication device12in response to operation of the operating device20, and the third communication device16of the component40receives second information that includes at least some of the first information sent from the second communication device14.

The first communication device12includes at least a transmitter configured to transmit a signal that includes information. Preferably, the first communication device12also includes a receiver configured to receive a signal that includes information. The second communication device14includes both a transmitter configured to transmit a signal that includes information and a receiver configured to receive a signal that includes information. The third communication device16includes at least a receiver configured to receive a signal that includes information. Preferably, the third communication device16also includes a transmitter configured to transmit a signal that includes information. The first communication device12and the second communication device14are connected to perform wired or wireless communication with each other. The first communication device12and the second communication device14communicate with each other through, for example, power line communication (PLC), a controller area network (CAN), or a universal asynchronous receiver/transmitter (UART). The second communication device14and the third communication device16are connected to perform wired or wireless communication with each other.

The communication system10further includes a battery BT that supplies electric power to at least one of the operating device20, the transmission device30, and the component40. The operating device20and the component40are connected by a power line. The operating device20and the battery BT can be connected by a power line. The battery BT includes one or more battery elements. The battery elements include a rechargeable battery.

The human-powered vehicle A also includes a control device50. The control device50includes an electronic controller52and storage54. As explained below, the electronic controller52can control the communication system10, the transmission device30and the component40. The storage54stores various types of information. The control device50and the communication system10constitutes a control system CS for the human-powered vehicle A. The electronic controller52is formed of one or more semiconductor chips that are mounted on a circuit board. The term “electronic controller” as used herein refers to hardware that executes a software program, and does not include a human. Hereinafter, the electronic controller52will be simply referred to as the controller52.

The battery BT is connected to the controller52of the control device50to perform wired or wireless communication with the controller52. The battery BT and the controller52of the control device50can be connected by connection terminals. In a case where the controller52of the control device50is provided on the battery BT, the third communication device16of the component40and the controller52can be wire-connected. The battery BT can include a first battery BT1that supplies electric power to the operating device20and the component40and the second battery BT2that supplies electric power to the transmission device30. At least one of the first battery BT1and the second battery BT2can be configured to supply electric power to all of the operating device20, the transmission device30, and the component40. The operating device20and the transmission device30can be connected by a power line. In a case where the operating device20is not connected to the first battery BT1and the second battery BT2by a power line, the battery BT can further include a third battery BT3that supplies electric power to the operating device20. The third battery BT3supplies electric power to the operating device20, for example, in a case where the operating device20performs wireless communication with the transmission device30.

In an example, the first battery BT1and the second battery BT2have different power capacities. In a case where the transmission device30is electrically connected to the first battery BT1and the second battery BT2, the controller52can be configured to give priority to the battery BT having the larger power capacity for supplying electric power to the transmission device30. In a case where the component40is electrically connected to the first battery BT1and the second battery BT2, the controller52can be configured to give priority to the battery BT having the larger power capacity for supplying electric power to the component40. In an example, the power capacity of the first battery BT1is larger than the power capacity of the second battery BT2. The transmission device30and the component40can be electrically connected to the first battery BT1. In this configuration, in a case where the amount of power in the first battery BT1is less than a predetermined value, the priority for being supplied with electric power can be given to one of the transmission device30and the component40. Preferably, the first battery BT1and the second battery BT2are connected by a power line. The first battery BT1and the second battery BT2are configured so that in a case where the amount of power in one of the first battery BT1and the second battery BT2is less than the predetermined value, the power is supplied from the other one of the first battery BT1and the second battery BT2.

The human-powered vehicle A includes the operating device20, the transmission device30, and the component40, which differs from the operating device20and the transmission device30. The component40includes a motor unit42configured to apply a propulsion force to the human-powered vehicle A. Preferably, the component40further includes at least one of a brake device44, a suspension46, and an adjustable seatpost48.

The operating device20outputs a predetermined signal in accordance with operation of the user. The operating device20is provided on a steering mechanism of the human-powered vehicle A. The steering mechanism includes the handlebar H. The operating device20includes at least a shift operating device that operates the transmission device30. The shift operating device includes at least one of a shifter and a switch. The shift operating device outputs a signal including information related to shifting that controls the transmission device30in accordance with operation of the user. The shift operating device sends a signal including information related to shifting via the first communication device12. The operating device20further includes a component operating device that operates the component40of the human-powered vehicle A. In a case where the component40includes the motor unit42, the component operating device sends a signal including information related to an output of a motor in relation to human driving force via the first communication device12. In a case where the component40includes the brake device44, the component operating device sends a signal including information related to braking via the first communication device12. In a case where the component40includes the suspension46, the component operating device sends a signal including information related to actuation of the suspension46via the first communication device12. In a case where the component40includes the adjustable seatpost48, the component operating device sends a signal including information related to height of the adjustable seatpost48via the first communication device12. The first communication device12connected to the operating device20can be a single first communication device12connected to two or more operating devices20or can be two or more first communication units12connected to two or more operating devices20.

The transmission device30includes an external transmission device. The external transmission device is configured to change a transmission ratio, which is defined by at least one of the number of teeth and the diameter of each of a front sprocket and a rear sprocket around which the chain D3runs. The front sprocket is part of the front sprocket assembly D1including one or more front sprockets. The rear sprocket is part of the rear sprocket assembly D2including one or more rear sprockets. In an example, the transmission device30includes at least one of a front derailleur32and a rear derailleur34. The front derailleur32is provided in the vicinity of the front sprocket assembly D1. The front derailleur32is actuated to change the front sprocket on which the chain D3runs, thereby changing transmission ratio. The transmission ratio is determined based on the relationship between the number of teeth on the front sprocket and the number of teeth on the rear sprocket. In an example, the transmission ratio is determined by the ratio of a rotational speed of the rear sprocket to a rotational speed of the front sprocket. More specifically, the transmission ratio is defined by the ratio of the number of teeth on the front sprocket to the number of teeth on the rear sprocket. The rear derailleur34is provided on a rear end A3of the frame A1. The rear derailleur34is actuated to change the rear sprocket on which the chain D3runs, thereby changing the transmission ratio. The transmission device30can include an internal transmission device instead of the external transmission device. In this case, the internal transmission device is provided on, for example, the hub HR of the rear wheel WR. The transmission device30can include a stepless transmission device instead of the external transmission device. In this case, the stepless transmission device is provided on, for example, the hub HR of the rear wheel WR. The transmission device30changes the transmission ratio of the human-powered vehicle A in accordance with an operating signal from the shift operating device.

The motor unit42is actuated to assist in propulsion of the human-powered vehicle A. The motor unit42is actuated in accordance with, for example, human driving force applied to the pedals PD. The motor unit42includes a motor such as an electric motor. The motor unit42is actuated by electric power supplied from the battery BT mounted on the human-powered vehicle A. The component operating device includes a motor unit operating device that operates the motor unit42. The motor unit operating device outputs an operating signal that changes a control state of the motor unit42and assisting force.

The brake device44includes brake devices44, the number of which corresponds to the number of wheels W. The brake device44includes a brake device44corresponding to the front wheel WF and a brake device44corresponding to the rear wheel WR. The two brake devices44can have the same configuration. Each brake device44is, for example, a rim brake device that brakes a rim of the human-powered vehicle A. The component operating device includes a brake operating device. Each brake device44is electrically driven based on a signal that is output in response to corresponding operation of the brake operating device. Each brake device44can be a disc brake device that brakes a disc brake rotor mounted on the human-powered vehicle A.

The suspension46includes at least one of a front suspension and a rear suspension. The front suspension is actuated to dampen an impact that the front wheel WF receives from the ground. The rear suspension is actuated to dampen an impact that the rear wheel WR receives from the ground. The component operating device includes a suspension operating device. Each suspension46is electrically driven in accordance with corresponding operation of the suspension operating device. More specifically, at least one of the movement state, travel amount, damping force, and repulsive force of each suspension46is changed based on an operating signal that is output in response to corresponding operation of the suspension operating device.

The adjustable seatpost48is actuated to change the height of a saddle relative to the frame A1. The component operating device includes an adjustable seatpost operating device. The adjustable seatpost48is electrically driven based on an operating signal that is output in response to operation of the adjustable seatpost operating device.

Since the control device50is used to control the first communication device12, the second communication device14, and the third communication device16, the control device50can be considered to be part of the communication system10. Stated differently, the communication system10further includes the control device50that includes the controller52, which is configured to control the first communication device12, the second communication device14, and the third communication device16. The controller52controls at least one of the operating device20mounted on the human-powered vehicle A, the transmission device30, and the component40mounted on the human-powered vehicle A.

The controller52includes at least one of a central processing device (CPU) and a micro processing device (MPU), Thus, the controller52includes at least one processor and at least one computer storage device (i.e., computer memory devices). The controller52can also control the transmission device30in accordance with operation of the shift operating device. The control device50further includes the storage54that stores various types of information. The storage54is any computer storage device or any non-transitory computer-readable medium with the sole exception of a transitory, propagating signal. For example, the storage54includes a nonvolatile memory and a volatile memory. The nonvolatile memory includes, for example, at least one of a read-only memory (ROM), an erasable programmable read only memory (EPROM), an electrically erasable programmable read-only memory (EEPROM), and a flash memory. The volatile memory includes, for example, a random access memory (RAM). The storage54stores, for example, various types of programs used for control and predetermined information.

In a first example, the control device50is provided on at least the transmission device30. The control device50is provided on at least one of the front derailleur32and the rear derailleur34. The controller52receives the first information via the second communication device14through wired or wireless communication. The controller52is configured so that the second communication device14sends a signal including the second information through wired or wireless communication and so that the third communication device16, which is provided on the component40, receives the signal sent from the second communication device14. In the first example, each of the operating device20and the component40includes an electronic controller that differs from the controller52of the control device50. In a second example, the control device50is provided on the component40. In a case where the component40includes the motor unit42, the control device50is provided, for example, on the motor unit42. In an example, the control device50is accommodated in a housing42A of the motor unit42. In the second example, each of the operating device20and the transmission device30includes an electronic controller that differs from the controller52of the control device50. The controller52receives a signal including the second information via the third communication device16through wired or wireless communication. In a third example, the control device50is provided on the battery BT. In the third example, the controller52can be arranged in a housing of the battery BT and be connected to the battery BT by terminals. In the third example, the controller52controls the battery BT and the component40based on information received by the third communication device16. The controller52can be configured to send information related to control to an electronic controller that differs from the controller52provided on the component40through wired or wireless communication, and the controller52can be configured to process information included in a signal received by the third communication device16provided on the component40and send the signal to a further controller of the component40. In this case, a signal that includes third information can be sent to the third communication device16provided on the component40based on a signal from the controller52. The control device50is actuated by electric power supplied from the battery BT. The control device50is configured to perform wired or wireless communication with at least one of the first communication device12, the second communication device14, and the third communication device16.FIG. 2discloses the configuration of the first example of the control device50.

The controller52controls the first communication device12to output the first information in response to operation of the operating device20. The controller52controls the second communication device14to receive the first information and output the second information including at least some of the first information. The controller52controls the third communication device16to receive the second information.

The first information and the second information will be described. The first information and the second information include at least one of information related to the transmission device30and information related to the component40. The information related to the transmission device30includes at least one of information related to a control state of the transmission device30and information for the controller52to control the transmission device30. The information related to the control state of the transmission device30includes information of the present transmission ratio. The information for the controller52to control the transmission device30includes information of an operating signal related to the changing of the transmission ratio. The information related to the component40includes at least one of information related to a control state of the component40and information for the controller52to control the component40. In a case where the component40includes the motor unit42, information related to the motor unit42includes at least one of information related to a control state of the motor unit42and information for the controller52to control the motor unit42. The control state of the motor unit42includes a first control state and a second control state that differs in assisting force from the first control state. Assisting force includes at least one of a maximum output value of the motor, a minimum output value of the motor, a maximum output torque of the motor, a minimum output torque of the motor, a response speed of the motor, a ratio of a motor output to human torque that is input to the human-powered vehicle A, and driving force of the motor in relation to human driving force that is input to the human-powered vehicle A. The information for the controller52to control the motor unit42includes information related to assisting force.

In a first example, the first information conforms to the second information. In an example, the first information and the second information include the information related to the transmission device30and the information related to the component40. In another example, the first information and the second information include one of the information related to the transmission device30and the information related to the component40. In a second example, the first information differs from the second information. The controller52is configured to change the contents of the second information. In an example, the first information includes the information related to the transmission device30and the information related to the component40, and the second information includes only the information related to the component40. In another example, the first information includes only the information related to the transmission device30, and the second information includes the information related to the transmission device30and the information related to the component40.

A sending process of the first information and the second information executed by the controller52will be described. The controller52sends the first information to the second communication device14on a wireless signal or a wire signal. The controller52sends the first information from the transmitter of the first communication device12. The controller52sends the first information to the second communication device14on a wire signal in a case where the operating device20and the transmission device30are wire-connected. The controller52outputs the first information on a wireless signal in a case where the operating device20and the transmission device30are not wire-connected.

The controller52sends the second information to the third communication device16on a wireless signal or a wire signal. The controller52sends the second information from the transmitter of the second communication device14. The controller52sends the second information to the third communication device16on a wire signal in a case where the transmission device30and the component40are wire-connected. The controller52outputs the second information on a wireless signal in a case where the transmission device30and the component40are not wire-connected.

The controller52can send any combination of a wire signal and a wireless signal. In a first example, the controller52controls the second communication device14so that the second communication device14receives the first information output from the first communication device12on a wire signal and sends the second information output from the second communication device14to the third communication device16on a wire signal. In a second example, the controller52controls the second communication device14so that the second communication device14receives the first information output from the first communication device12on a wireless signal and sends the second information output from the second communication device14to the third communication device16on a wireless signal. In a third example, the controller52controls the second communication device14so that the second communication device14receives the first information output from the first communication device12on a wire signal and sends the second information output from the second communication device14to the third communication device16on a wireless signal. In a fourth example, the controller52controls the second communication device14so that the second communication device14receives the first information output from the first communication device12on a wireless signal and sends the second information output from the second communication device14to the third communication device16on a wire signal.

Control of the operating device20, the transmission device30, and the component40executed by the controller52will now be described. The controller52controls the supply of electric power from the battery BT. The controller52controls the supply of electric power from the battery BT to at least one of the operating device20, the transmission device30, and the component40based on at least one of the first information and the second information. In an example, in a case where at least one of the first information and the second information includes the information related to the transmission device30, the controller52supplies electric power to the operating device20and the transmission device30from the battery BT. In a case where each of the first information and the second information includes the information related to the transmission device30, the controller52changes the amount of power supplied from the battery BT to at least one of the operating device20and the transmission device30from that in a case where the information related to the transmission device30is not included. In an example, in a case where the first communication device12of the operating device20and the second communication device14of the transmission device30are wire-connected and the information related to the transmission device30is included, the controller52increases the amount of power supplied to the operating device20and the transmission device30as compared to in a case where the information related to the transmission device30is not included. In a case where the first communication device12of the operating device20and the second communication device14of the transmission device30are wireless-connected and the information related to the transmission device30is included, the controller52increases the amount of power supplied to the transmission device30as compared to in a case where the information related to the transmission device30is not included. While electric power is supplied from the battery BT, the controller52controls the electric power to be supplied to the operating device20. In a case where the second information includes the information related to the component40, the controller52supplies electric power to the component40from the battery BT. In a case where the second information does not include the information related to the component40, the controller52can change the amount of power supplied to the component40from the battery BT from that in a case where the second information includes the information related to the component40.

The controller52controls the supply of electric power from the first battery BT1and the second battery BT2based on at least one of the first information and the second information. In an example, in a case where at least one of the first information and the second information includes the information related to the transmission device30, the controller52supplies electric power from the second battery BT2to the transmission device30. In a case where each of the first information and the second information includes the information related to the transmission device30, the controller52changes the amount of power supplied to the transmission device30from the second battery BT2from that in a case where the information related to the transmission device30is not included. In an example, in a case where the information related to the transmission device30is included, the controller52increases the amount of power supplied to the transmission device30as compared to in a case where the information related to the transmission device30is not included. In a case where the second information includes the information related to the component40, the controller52supplies electric power from the first battery BT1to the component40. In a case where the second information does not include the information related to the component40, the controller52can change the amount of power supplied from the first battery BT1to the component40from that in a case where the second information includes the information related to the component40.

The controller52controls the transmission device30and the component40based on at least one of the first information and the second information. In an example, in a case where at least one of the first information and the second information includes information for controlling the transmission device30, the transmission device30is controlled based on the information for controlling the transmission device30. In a case where the second information includes information for controlling the component40, the controller52controls the component40based on the information for controlling the component40.

An example of control executed by the controller52of the first embodiment will now be described with reference toFIG. 3. While electric power is supplied from the battery BT, the controller52cyclically executes the process from steps S11to S18.

In step S11, the controller52determines whether the operating device20is operated. In a case where the determination is affirmative, the controller52executes step S12. In a case where the determination is negative, the controller52again executes step S11.

In step S12, the controller52determines whether the operating device20and the transmission device30are wire-connected. The controller52can, for example, detect which one of the batteries BT is supplying electric power to the operating device20to determine whether the operating device20and the transmission device30are wire-connected. In a case where the determination is affirmative, the controller52executes step S13. In a case where the determination is negative, the controller52executes step S14.

In step S13, the controller52outputs the first information from the first communication device12on a wire signal. Subsequent to step S13, the controller52executes step S15. In step S14, the controller52outputs the first information from the first communication device12on a wireless signal. Subsequent to step S14, the controller52executes step S15.

In step S15, the controller52determines whether the transmission device30and the component40are wire-connected. In a case where the determination is affirmative, the controller52executes step S16. In a case where the determination is negative, the controller52executes step S17.

In step S16, the controller52outputs the second information from the second communication device14on a wire signal. Subsequent to step S16, the controller52executes step S18. In step S17, the controller52outputs the second information from the second communication device14on a wireless signal. Subsequent to step S17, the controller52executes step S18.

In step S18, the controller52controls the transmission device30and the component40based on at least one of the first information and the second information. Subsequent to step S18, the controller52ends the control.

Second Embodiment

A second embodiment of the communication system10and the control device50will be described with reference toFIGS. 4 to 7. The communication system10and the control device50of the second embodiment is the same as the communication system10and the control device50of the first embodiment except for the configurations of the controller52and the battery BT. Same reference characters are given to those configurations that are the same as the corresponding configurations of the first embodiment. Such configurations will not be described in detail.

As shown inFIG. 4, the controller52includes a first controller52A, a second controller52B, and a third controller52C. The first controller52A controls the operating device20, the first communication device12connected to the operating device20, and a notification device56. The second controller52B controls the transmission device30and the second communication device14connected to the transmission device30. The third controller52C controls the component40and the third communication device16connected to the component40.

The first controller52A is provided on the operating device20. The first controller52A outputs the first information in response to operation of the operating device20. In a case where the first communication device12receives the third information, the first controller52A controls the notification device56so that the third information is indicated on the notification device56.

The notification device56includes an indicator. The indicator includes, for example, an indication panel. The notification device56includes, for example, at least one of a portable electronic device, a display, a smartphone, a tablet computer, and a cycle computer. The notification device56can include a speaker. The notification device56is configured to perform wired or wireless communication with at least the first communication device12.

The battery BT further includes the third battery BT3that supplies electric power to at least one of the first communication device12, the operating device20, the first controller52A, and the notification device56. The third battery BT3has a smaller power capacity than the first battery BT1and the second battery BT2. In an example, the third battery BT3includes a lithium-ion battery. In another example, the third battery BT3includes a button cell or coin battery.

The second controller52B is provided on the transmission device30. In an example, the second controller52B is provided on one of the front derailleur32and the rear derailleur34. The second controller52B controls the transmission device30. In a case where the first information is received, the second controller52B outputs the second information to the third communication device16. In a case where the third information is received, the second controller52B outputs the third information to the first communication device12.

The third controller52C is provided on the component40. In a case where multiple components40are provided on the human-powered vehicle A, the third controller52C can be provided on each component40or one of the components40. The third controller52C controls the component40. The third controller52C sends the third information from the third communication device16. In a case where the third communication device16performs wired communication with the second communication device14, the third controller52C outputs the third information from the third communication device16to the second communication device14. The third information includes information related to a state of the component40. In an example, in a case where the component40includes the motor unit42, information related to the control state of the motor and assisting force is included. In a case where the component40includes the brake device44, information related to braking force is included. In a case where the component40includes the suspension46, information related to the movement state, travel amount, damping force, and repulsive force is included. In a case where the component40includes the adjustable seatpost48, information related to the height of the saddle relative to the frame A1is included.

An example of control executed by the first controller52A will now be described with reference toFIG. 5. While electric power is supplied from the battery BT, the first controller52A repeatedly executes the process from steps S21to S26.

In step S21, the first controller52A determines whether the operating device20is operated. In a case where the determination is affirmative, the first controller52A executes step S22. In a case where the determination is negative, the first controller52A executes step S25.

The process from steps S22to S24executed by the first controller52A is the same as the process from steps S12to S14executed by the controller52of the first embodiment.

In step S25, the first controller52A determines whether the third information is received. In a case where the determination is affirmative, the first controller52A executes step S26. In a case where the determination is negative, the first controller52A ends the control.

In step S26, the first controller52A outputs the third information to the notification device56. Subsequent to step S26, the first controller52A ends the control.

An example of control executed by the second controller52B will now be described with reference toFIG. 6. While electric power is supplied from the battery BT, the second controller52B repeatedly executes the process from steps S31to S37.

In step S31, the second controller52B determines whether the first information is received. In a case where the determination is affirmative, the second controller52B executes step S32. In a case where the determination is negative, the second controller52B executes step S36.

The process from steps S32to S34executed by the second controller52B is the same as the process from steps S15to S17executed by the controller52of the first embodiment.

In step S35, the second controller52B controls the transmission device30based on the first information. Subsequent to step S35, the second controller52B executes step S36.

In step S36, the second controller52B determines whether the third information is received. In a case where the determination is affirmative, the second controller52B executes step S37. In a case where the determination is negative, the second controller52B ends the control.

In step S37, the second controller52B outputs the third information from the second communication device14to the first communication device12. Subsequent to step S37, the second controller52B ends the control.

An example of control executed by the third controller52C will now be described with reference toFIG. 7. While electric power is supplied from the battery BT, the third controller52C repeatedly executes the process from steps S41to S44.

In step S41, the third controller52C determines whether the second information is received. In a case where the determination is affirmative, the third controller52C executes step S42. In a case where the determination is negative, the third controller52C ends the control.

In step S42, the third controller52C determines whether the information related to the component40is included. In a case where the determination is affirmative, the third controller52C executes step S43. In a case where the determination is negative, the third controller52C ends the control.

In step S43, the third controller52C controls the component40based on the second information. Subsequent to step S43, the third controller52C executes step S44.

In step S44, the third controller52C outputs the third information from the third communication device16toward the second communication device14. Subsequent to step S44, the third controller52C ends the control.

Third Embodiment

A third embodiment of the communication system10and the control device50will be described with reference toFIG. 8. The communication system10and the control device50of the third embodiment further includes a fourth communication device18provided on the transmission device30. The same reference characters are given to those configurations that are the same as the corresponding configurations of the first and second embodiments. Such configurations will not be described in detail.

The communication system10further includes the fourth communication device18. The fourth communication device18is provided on the transmission device30. The fourth communication device18includes at least a receiver configured to receive a signal that includes information. Preferably, the fourth communication device18includes a transmitter configured to transmit a signal that includes information. The fourth communication device18is provided on one of the front derailleur32and the rear derailleur34of the transmission device30, and the second communication device14is provided on the other one of the front derailleur32and the rear derailleur34. In an example, the second communication device14is provided on the rear derailleur34, and the fourth communication device18is provided on the front derailleur32. The fourth communication device18is configured to perform wired or wireless communication with the third communication device16. The fourth communication device18can be configured to perform wired or wireless communication with at least one of the first communication device12and the second communication device14. In an example, the fourth communication device18is configured to communicate with the second communication device14. In a case where the second communication device14is configured to communicate with the third communication device16and the fourth communication device18, the third communication device16and the fourth communication device18can be configured not to communicate with each other.

Transmission of a signal including information in the communication system10of the third embodiment will now be described. Transmission and reception performed by each communication device is controlled by the controller52of the control device50or a controller (not shown) provided on each of the operating device20, the transmission device30, and the component40.

The first communication device12performs wired or wireless communication with the second communication device14provided on the rear derailleur34. In an example, the first communication device12performs wireless communication with the second communication device14. The first communication device12sends a signal including first information to the second communication device14. The first information includes at least one of information related to the transmission device30and information related to the component40.

The second communication device14performs wired or wireless communication with the third communication device16provided on the component40. In an example, the second communication device14performs wired communication with the third communication device16. The second communication device14sends a signal including second information to the third communication device16. The second information includes at least one of information related to the transmission device30and information related to the component40. The second communication device14can send the second information to the fourth communication device18through the electrically connected second battery BT2and a power line. The second battery BT2further includes a communication device that includes both a transmitter configured to transmit a signal including information and a receiver configured to receive a signal including information.

The third communication device16communicates with at least one of the fourth communication device18provided on the front derailleur32and the second communication device14. The third communication device16performs wired or wireless communication with the fourth communication device18. In an example, the third communication device16performs wired communication with the fourth communication device18. In a case where the received second information includes the information related to the transmission device30, the third communication device16sends a signal including the information related to the transmission device30to at least one of the second communication device14and the fourth communication device18. In a case where the second communication device14communicates with the fourth communication device18, the third communication device16can be configured not to perform wired and wireless communication with the fourth communication device18.

The first battery BT1supplies electric power to the component40and the third communication device16. The second battery BT2supplies electric power to at least the front derailleur32, the rear derailleur34, the second communication device14, and the fourth communication device18. The third battery BT3supplies electric power to the operating device20and the first communication device12. The third battery BT3includes, for example, a button cell or coin battery. In a case where the first communication device12and the second communication device14are connected by a power line that allows for power line communication, the second battery BT2supplies electric power to the operating device20and the first communication device12.

Fourth Embodiment

A fourth embodiment of the communication system10and the control device50will be described with reference toFIG. 9. The communication system10and the control device50of the fourth embodiment do not include the second battery BT2of the third embodiment. Same reference characters are given to those configurations that are the same as the corresponding configurations of the first to third embodiments. Such configurations will not be described in detail.

Transmission of a signal including information in the communication system10of the fourth embodiment will now be described. Transmission and reception performed by each communication device is controlled by the controller52of the control device50or a controller (not shown) provided on each of the operating device20, the transmission device30, and the component40.

The first communication device12performs wired or wireless communication with the second communication device14provided on the rear derailleur34. In an example, the first communication device12performs wireless communication with the second communication device14. The first communication device12sends a signal including first information to the second communication device14. The first information includes at least one of information related to the transmission device30and information related to the component40.

The second communication device14performs wired or wireless communication with the third communication device16provided on the component40. In an example, the second communication device14performs wired communication with the third communication device16. The second communication device14sends a signal including second information to the third communication device16. The second information includes at least one of information related to the transmission device30and information related to the component40. The second communication device14can send the second information to the fourth communication device18by a power line that electrically connects the second communication device14and the fourth communication device18.

The third communication device16communicates with at least one of the fourth communication device18provided on the front derailleur32and the second communication device14. The third communication device16performs wired or wireless communication with the fourth communication device18. In an example, the third communication device16performs wired communication with the fourth communication device18. In a case where the received second information includes the information related to the transmission device30, the third communication device16sends a signal including the information related to the transmission device30to at least one of the second communication device14and the fourth communication device18. In a case where the second communication device14communicates with the fourth communication device18, the third communication device16can be configured not to perform wired and wireless communication with the fourth communication device18.

The first battery BT1supplies electric power to the component40, the front derailleur32, the rear derailleur34, the second communication device14, the third communication device16, and the fourth communication device18. The second battery BT2is omitted or integrated with the first battery BT1. The third battery BT3supplies electric power to the operating device20and the first communication device12. The third battery BT3includes, for example, a button cell or coin battery. In a case where the first communication device12and the second communication device14are connected by a power line that allows for power line communication, the first battery BT1supplies electric power to the operating device20and the first communication device12.

Modifications

The description related to the above embodiments exemplifies, without any intention to limit, applicable forms of a communication system and a control device according to the present disclosure. The communication system and the control device according to the present disclosure can be applied to, for example, modifications of the embodiments that are described below and combinations of at least two of the modified examples that do not contradict each other. In the modifications described hereinafter, same reference characters are given to those elements that are the same as the corresponding elements of the above embodiment. Such elements will not be described in detail.

The receiver and the transmitter of the second communication device14can be configured separately from each other. In an example, the receiver of the second communication device14is provided on the front derailleur32, and the transmitter of the second communication device14is provided on the rear derailleur34. In another example, the receiver of the second communication device14is provided on the rear derailleur34, and the transmitter of the second communication device14is provided on the front derailleur32.

The third communication device16can be provided on the battery BT. In an example, the third communication device16is provided on the first battery BT1. The third communication device16and the controller52configured to control the component40are wire-connected.

In the communication system10of the third embodiment and the communication system10of the fourth embodiment, in a case where the first communication device12and the second communication device14are wire-connected, wired communication and the wireless communication can be configured to be switched. Even in a case where the first communication device12and the second communication device14are wire-connected, the operating device20and the controller configured to control the first communication device12send a wireless signal to the second communication device14. In this case, electric power can be configured to be supplied from one of the first battery BT1and the second battery BT2that is electrically connected to the operating device20and the first communication device12. Wired communication and wireless communication are configured to be switched, for example, by operation of the operating device20.

In the communication system10of the third embodiment and the communication system10of the fourth embodiment, the second communication device14and the fourth communication device18can be configured to perform wired or wireless communication with each other. In this case, a signal including information that is received by one of the second communication device14and the fourth communication device18is sent to the other one of the second communication device14and the fourth communication device18.

FIG. 10shows a modified embodiment of a communication system10in which one of the first battery BT1and the second battery BT2is configured to supply electric power to the operating device20. The first battery BT1and the operating device20can be configured not to be directly connected by a power line. The first communication device12and the second communication device14are connected by a power line that allows for power line communication. One of the first battery BT1and the second battery BT2supplies electric power to the operating device20via the transmission device30. The second battery BT2can be omitted. The first battery BT1can be configured to supply electric power to only the component40, and the operating device20can be configured to be supplied with electric power from only the second battery BT2via the transmission device30.

In the communication system10including the fourth communication device18, both the second communication device14and the fourth communication device18can receive the first information from the first communication device12. Alternatively, one of the second communication device14and the fourth communication device18that performs wired communication with the first communication device12can receive the first information from the first communication device12. It is preferred that one of the second communication device14and the fourth communication device18that performs wired communication with the third communication device16sends an output to the third communication device16.

Even in a case where the communication system10is wire-connected, it can be configured to output a wireless signal. The controller52of the first embodiment skips step S12and executes step S14subsequent to step S11. The controller52skips step S15and executes step S17. In the communication system10of the second embodiment, the first controller52A and the second controller52B execute the process in the same manner.

In the second embodiment, one of the first controller52A, the second controller52B, and the third controller52C can be omitted. In a case where the first controller52A is omitted, the second controller52B controls the first communication device12and the second communication device14. In a case where the second controller52B is omitted, the first controller52A controls the first communication device12and the second communication device14. In a case where the third controller52C is omitted, the second controller52B controls the second communication device14and the third communication device16.

In the second embodiment, the second controller52B can control the transmission device30based on third information. In an example, the third information includes information related to output of the motor unit42. The second controller52B controls the transmission device30to decrease the transmission ratio in a case where the output of the motor unit42is large, and controls the transmission device30to increase the transmission ratio in a case where the output of the motor unit42is small.

In the second embodiment, the second controller52B can be configured to skip step S35and, subsequent to step S36, control the transmission device30based on the information related to the transmission device30included in the third information.

In this specification, the phrase “at least one of” as used in this disclosure means “one or more” of a desired choice. As one example, the phrase “at least one of” as used in this disclosure means “only one choice” or “both of two choices” in a case where the number of choices is two. In another example, in this specification, the phrase “at least one of” as used in this disclosure means “only one single choice” or “any combination of equal to or more than two choices” if the number of its choices is equal to or more than three.