TWI860292B - Hydraulic device for hydraulic system of human-powered vehicle and hydraulic system for human-powered vehicle - Google Patents

Abstract

A hydraulic device for a hydraulic system of a human-powered vehicle comprises a base structure and an electrical switch. The base structure includes a hydraulic chamber. The electrical switch is configured to be activated in accordance with a change in at least one of a hydraulic pressure of the hydraulic chamber and a hydraulic flow of the hydraulic chamber.

Description

Hydraulic device for hydraulic system of human-powered vehicle and hydraulic system for human-powered vehicle

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

A human-powered vehicle includes a hydraulic system configured to operate hydraulic components using a hydraulic fluid.

According to a first aspect of the present invention, a hydraulic device for a hydraulic system of a human-powered vehicle comprises a base structure and an electric switch. The base structure comprises a hydraulic chamber. The electric switch is configured to be activated according to a change in at least one of the hydraulic pressure of the hydraulic chamber and the hydraulic flow rate of the hydraulic chamber.

With the hydraulic device according to the first aspect, the electric switch is activated according to a change in at least one of the hydraulic pressure of the hydraulic chamber and the hydraulic flow rate of the hydraulic chamber. Therefore, it is possible to detect a change in at least one of the hydraulic pressure of the hydraulic chamber and the hydraulic flow rate of the hydraulic chamber with a simple structure.

According to a second aspect of the present invention, the hydraulic device according to the first aspect is constructed so that the electric switch is attached to the base structure so that the electric switch is activated according to the change of the hydraulic pressure of the hydraulic chamber.

With the hydraulic device according to the second aspect, it is possible to reliably detect a change in at least one of the hydraulic pressure of the hydraulic chamber and the hydraulic flow rate of the hydraulic chamber.

According to a third aspect of the present invention, the hydraulic device according to the second aspect is constructed so that the base structure includes a hole and a sub-piston. The hole is constructed to be fluidly connected to the hydraulic chamber. The sub-piston is movably arranged in the hole to activate the electric switch in response to changes in hydraulic pressure.

With the hydraulic device according to the third aspect, it is possible to transmit a change in at least one of the hydraulic pressure of the hydraulic chamber and the hydraulic flow rate of the hydraulic chamber to the electric switch with a simple structure.

According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, the hydraulic device according to the second or third aspect is constructed so that the electric switch is constructed to be activated if the change in hydraulic pressure reaches a critical value.

With the hydraulic device according to the fourth aspect, it is possible to limit activation by the electric switch due to other conditions such as changes in the temperature of the hydraulic pressure.

According to a fifth aspect of the present invention, a hydraulic device for a hydraulic system of a human-powered vehicle comprises a base structure and a hydraulic sensor. The base structure includes a hydraulic chamber. The hydraulic sensor is configured to sense information about at least one of the hydraulic pressure of the hydraulic chamber and the hydraulic flow rate of the hydraulic chamber.

With the hydraulic device according to the fifth aspect, it is possible to obtain information on at least one of the hydraulic pressure of the hydraulic chamber and the hydraulic flow rate of the hydraulic chamber using a simple structure.

According to a sixth aspect of the present invention, the hydraulic device according to the fifth aspect is constructed so that the hydraulic sensor is attached to the base structure to sense the hydraulic pressure of the hydraulic chamber.

With the hydraulic device according to the sixth aspect, it is possible to reliably sense information on the hydraulic pressure of the hydraulic chamber.

According to a seventh aspect of the present invention, the hydraulic device according to the sixth aspect is constructed so that the base structure includes a hole constructed to be in fluid communication with the hydraulic chamber. The hydraulic sensor is disposed in the hole to sense the hydraulic pressure.

With the hydraulic device according to the seventh aspect, it is possible to reliably attach the hydraulic sensor to the base structure.

According to an eighth aspect of the present invention, the hydraulic device according to any one of the first to seventh aspects is constructed so that the base structure includes a base member and a piston. The base member includes a cylinder bore and a piston. The piston is movably disposed in the cylinder bore. The piston and the cylinder bore define a hydraulic chamber.

With the hydraulic device according to the eighth aspect, it is possible to generate hydraulic pressure in the hydraulic chamber by using the base member and the piston, or to move the piston in response to the hydraulic pressure supplied to the hydraulic chamber.

According to a ninth aspect of the present invention, the hydraulic device according to the eighth aspect further comprises a friction member that is movable relative to the base structure. The piston is movably disposed in the inner bore of the cylinder to move the friction member in response to changes in hydraulic pressure.

With the hydraulic device according to the ninth aspect, it is possible to press the friction member against another member to generate friction force.

According to a tenth aspect of the present invention, the hydraulic device according to the eighth or ninth aspect is constructed so that the base structure includes an additional cylinder bore. The base structure includes an additional piston movably disposed in the additional cylinder bore. The additional piston and the additional cylinder bore define an additional hydraulic chamber, which is constructed to be in fluid communication with the hydraulic chamber.

With the hydraulic device according to the tenth aspect, it is possible to generate hydraulic pressure in the additional hydraulic chamber by using the base member and the additional piston, or to move the additional piston in response to the hydraulic pressure supplied to the additional hydraulic chamber.

According to an eleventh aspect of the present invention, the hydraulic device according to the tenth aspect further comprises an additional friction member that is movable relative to the base structure. The additional piston is movably disposed in the inner bore of the additional cylinder to move the additional friction member in response to changes in the additional hydraulic pressure of the additional hydraulic chamber.

With the hydraulic device according to the eleventh aspect, it is possible to press the additional friction member against another member to generate friction force.

According to a twelfth aspect of the present invention, the hydraulic device according to the eighth aspect further comprises an operating member movably coupled to the base structure. The piston is operatively coupled to the operating member to move relative to the base structure in response to movement of the operating member.

With the hydraulic device according to the twelfth aspect, it is possible to generate hydraulic pressure in the hydraulic chamber by moving the operating member relative to the base structure.

According to a thirteenth aspect of the present invention, the hydraulic device according to any one of the first to twelfth aspects is constructed so that the base structure includes a hydraulic reservoir constructed to be in fluid communication with the hydraulic chamber.

With the hydraulic device according to the thirteenth aspect, the hydraulic reservoir can absorb changes in hydraulic pressure caused by changes in the pressure of the hydraulic fluid.

According to the fourteenth aspect of the present invention, a hydraulic system for a human-powered vehicle comprises a hydraulic device as described in any one of the first to thirteenth aspects, an electrical device, and a controller, wherein the controller is constructed to control the electrical device based on the electrical output from the hydraulic device.

With the hydraulic system according to the fourteenth aspect, it is possible to control electrical equipment by using the electrical output from the hydraulic device (such as the electrical output from the electrical switch). Therefore, it is possible to control the electrical equipment based on the change of at least one of the hydraulic pressure of the hydraulic chamber and the hydraulic flow rate of the hydraulic chamber.

According to a fifteenth aspect of the present invention, the hydraulic system according to the fourteenth aspect is constructed so that the electric device includes a speed change device constructed to change gears. The controller is constructed to control the speed change device based on the electric output.

With the hydraulic system according to the fifteenth aspect, it is possible to control the speed change device based on a change in at least one of the hydraulic pressure of the hydraulic chamber and the hydraulic flow rate of the hydraulic chamber.

According to a sixteenth aspect of the present invention, the hydraulic system according to the fourteenth or fifteenth aspect is constructed so that the electric device includes an anti-lock brake device constructed to change the hydraulic pressure. The controller is constructed to control the anti-lock brake device based on the electric output.

With the hydraulic system according to the sixteenth aspect, it is possible to control the anti-lock brake device based on a change in at least one of the hydraulic pressure of the hydraulic chamber and the hydraulic flow rate of the hydraulic chamber.

According to a seventeenth aspect of the present invention, the hydraulic system according to any one of the fourteenth to sixteenth aspects is constructed so that the electric device includes a driving assist device constructed to generate driving assist assistance for a human-powered vehicle. The controller is constructed to control the driving assist device based on the electrical output.

With the hydraulic system according to the seventeenth aspect, it is possible to control the drive assist device based on a change in at least one of the hydraulic pressure of the hydraulic chamber and the hydraulic flow rate of the hydraulic chamber.

According to an eighteenth aspect of the present invention, the hydraulic system according to any one of the fourteenth to seventeenth aspects is constructed so that the electric device includes a telescopic device. The controller is constructed to control the telescopic device based on the electric output.

With the hydraulic system according to the eighteenth aspect, it is possible to control the telescopic device based on changes in at least one of the hydraulic pressure of the hydraulic chamber and the hydraulic flow rate of the hydraulic chamber.

According to a nineteenth aspect of the present invention, the hydraulic system according to any one of the fourteenth to eighteenth aspects is constructed so that the electric equipment includes a lighting device. The controller is constructed to control the lighting device based on the electric output.

With the hydraulic system according to the nineteenth aspect, it is possible to control the lighting device based on a change in at least one of the hydraulic pressure of the hydraulic chamber and the hydraulic flow rate of the hydraulic chamber.

The embodiments will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings, wherein the same element symbols are used throughout the various drawings to designate corresponding or identical elements. First Embodiment

Referring first to FIG. 1 , the rickshaw vehicle VH includes a hydraulic system 10 according to a first embodiment. For example, the rickshaw vehicle VH is a vehicle that travels using power including at least the human power of a user (rider) riding the rickshaw vehicle VH. The rickshaw vehicle VH has any number of wheels. For example, the rickshaw vehicle VH has at least one wheel. In this embodiment, the rickshaw vehicle VH preferably has a size smaller than that of a four-wheeled vehicle. However, the rickshaw vehicle VH can have any size. Examples of rickshaw vehicles VH include bicycles, tricycles, and scooters. In this embodiment, the rickshaw vehicle VH is a bicycle. An electric assist system including an electric motor can be applied to the rickshaw vehicle VH (e.g., a bicycle) to assist the user's muscle power. That is, the human-powered vehicle VH can be an electric bicycle. Although the human-powered vehicle VH is shown as a mountain bike, the hydraulic system 10 can be applied to a road bike or other types of human-powered vehicles.

The human-powered vehicle VH further includes a vehicle body VH1, a saddle VH2, a handlebar VH3, a front fork VH4, and wheels W1 and W2. The saddle VH2 and the handlebar VH3 are coupled to the vehicle body VH1. The front fork VH4 is fixed to the handlebar VH3. The wheel W1 is rotatably coupled to the front fork VH4. The wheel W2 is rotatably coupled to the vehicle body VH1.

In this application, the following directional terms "front", "rear", "forward", "rearward", "left", "right", "crosswise", "upward", and "downward", and any other similar directional terms refer to those directions as judged by a user (e.g., a rider) sitting on the saddle VH2 of the human-powered vehicle VH and facing the handlebars VH3. Therefore, these terms used to describe the hydraulic system 10 should be interpreted relative to the human-powered vehicle VH used in an upright riding position on a horizontal surface and equipped with the hydraulic system 10.

As seen in FIG. 2 , the human-powered vehicle VH includes a wheel hub assembly 12, a plurality of sprockets 14, and a crank assembly 16. The plurality of sprockets 14 are mounted on the wheel hub assembly 12. The crank assembly 16 includes a crank 18 and a chain ring 20. The crank 18 includes a crank shaft 18A and crank arms 18B and 18C. The crank arms 18B and 18C are fixed to the crank shaft 18A. The gear 20 is mounted on the crank 18. The human-powered vehicle VH includes a chain 22. The chain 22 is engaged with the gear 20 and one of the plurality of sprockets 14 to transmit the rotational force from the gear 20 to one of the plurality of sprockets 14.

As seen in FIG3 , the hydraulic system 10 for a human-powered vehicle VH includes a hydraulic device HD1. The hydraulic system 10 for a human-powered vehicle VH includes a hydraulic device HD2. The hydraulic system 10 for a human-powered vehicle VH includes a hydraulic device HD3. The hydraulic system 10 for a human-powered vehicle VH includes a hydraulic device HD4. In this embodiment, the hydraulic system 10 is a brake system, which includes hydraulic devices HD1, HD2, HD3, and HD4, a hydraulic hose H1, and a hydraulic hose H2. The hydraulic device HD1 is mounted on the front fork VH4. The hydraulic device HD2 is mounted on the vehicle body VH1. The hydraulic devices HD3 and HD4 are mounted on the handlebar VH3. The hydraulic device HD1 is connected to the hydraulic device HD3 via a hydraulic hose H1. The hydraulic device HD2 is connected to the hydraulic device HD4 via a hydraulic hose H2.

As seen in FIG. 4 , in this embodiment, the hydraulic device HD1 is a disc brake caliper for braking the disc brake rotor RT1 disposed on the wheel W1. The hydraulic device HD1 of the hydraulic system or brake system 10 for the human-powered vehicle VH includes a base structure HD11. The base structure HD11 includes a hydraulic chamber HD12. The base structure HD11 includes a base member HD13 and a piston HD14. The base member HD13 includes a cylinder bore HD13A. The piston HD14 is movably disposed in the cylinder bore HD13A. The piston HD14 and the cylinder bore HD13A define the hydraulic chamber HD12. The hydraulic chamber HD12 is constructed to be fluidically connected to the hydraulic device HD3. The hydraulic chamber HD12 is constructed to be filled with a hydraulic fluid such as mineral oil.

The hydraulic device HD1 also includes a friction member HD15A that is movable relative to the base structure HD11. The friction member HD15A is in contact with the disc brake rotor RT1. The piston HD14 is movably disposed in the cylinder bore HD13A to move the friction member HD15A in response to changes in hydraulic pressure.

The base member HD13 includes an additional cylinder bore HD13B. The base structure HD11 includes an additional piston HD16. The additional piston HD16 is movably disposed in the additional cylinder bore HD13B. The additional piston HD16 and the additional cylinder bore HD13B define an additional hydraulic chamber HD17, which is constructed to be in fluid communication with the hydraulic chamber HD12.

The hydraulic device HD1 also includes an additional friction member HD15B that is movable relative to the base structure HD11. The additional friction member HD15B can contact the disc brake rotor RT1. The additional piston HD16 is movably arranged in the additional cylinder inner bore HD13B to move the additional friction member HD15B in response to changes in the additional hydraulic pressure of the additional hydraulic chamber HD17. The change in the additional hydraulic pressure is substantially equal to the change in the hydraulic pressure because the additional hydraulic chamber HD17 is fluidly connected to the hydraulic chamber HD12. The additional hydraulic chamber HD17 is constructed to be filled with hydraulic fluid.

The hydraulic device HD1 of the hydraulic system 10 for the human-powered vehicle VH includes an electric switch SW1. The electric switch SW1 is constructed to be activated according to changes in at least one of the hydraulic pressure of the hydraulic chamber HD12 and the hydraulic flow of the hydraulic chamber HD12. The electric switch SW1 is attached to the base structure HD11 so that the electric switch SW1 is activated according to changes in the hydraulic pressure of the hydraulic chamber HD12. In the hydraulic system 10, the fluid pressure in the global hydraulic path including the hydraulic chamber HD12 and the additional hydraulic chamber HD17 is substantially equal. Therefore, the electric switch SW1 can be configured at any position in the global hydraulic path. The electrical switch SW1 is electrically connected to the controllers C1 to C6 using the electrical communication path CP. In this embodiment, the electrical switch SW1 includes a normally open push button switch. However, the electrical switch SW1 can include other types of switches.

In this embodiment, the base structure HD11 includes a hole HD18 and a sub-piston HD19. The hole HD18 is constructed to be fluidly connected to the hydraulic chamber HD12. The sub-piston HD19 is movably disposed in the hole HD18 to activate the electric switch SW1 in response to changes in hydraulic pressure. The electric switch SW1 is constructed to be activated if the change in hydraulic pressure reaches a critical value. The electric switch SW1 has a movable member constructed to be moved in response to the movement of the sub-piston HD19, and a biasing member constructed to bias the movable member toward a static position of the movable member. In addition, an additional biasing member can be configured between the sub-piston HD19 and the electric switch SW1 as needed and/or desired. The electric switch SW1 is disposed in the hole HD18 and fixed to the base member HD13. In this embodiment, the base structure HD11 includes a cover HD11A. The cover HD11A is fixed to the base member HD13 to hold the electric switch SW1 between the base member HD13 and the cover HD11A. However, the electric switch SW1 can be attached to the base member HD13 using another structure.

As shown in FIG5 , in this embodiment, the hydraulic device HD2 is a disc brake caliper for braking the disc brake rotor RT2 of the wheel W2. The hydraulic device HD2 is substantially the same as the hydraulic device HD1. Therefore, as shown in FIG5 , the “1” next to “HD” is replaced by “2” and “SW1” is replaced by “SW2” in the component symbols. For the sake of brevity, the hydraulic device HD2 will not be described in detail here.

As seen in FIG. 6 , in this embodiment, the hydraulic device HD3 is a brake operating device or a brake rod for operating the hydraulic device HD1. The hydraulic device HD3 of the hydraulic system 10 for the human-powered vehicle VH includes a base structure HD31. The base structure HD31 includes a hydraulic chamber HD32. The base structure HD31 includes a base member HD33 and a piston HD34. The base member HD33 includes a cylinder bore HD33A. The piston HD34 is movably disposed in the cylinder bore HD33A. The piston HD34 and the cylinder bore HD33A define the hydraulic chamber HD32.

The hydraulic device HD3 also includes an operating member HD35 movably coupled to the base structure HD31. The piston HD34 is operatively coupled to the operating member HD35 to move relative to the base structure HD31 in response to the movement of the operating member HD35. In this embodiment, the operating member HD35 is pivotally coupled to the base member HD33 around a pivot axis A1. The operating member HD35 can pivot between a static position P11 and an operating position P12 around the pivot axis A1 relative to the base member HD33. The piston HD34 is moved from an initial position P21 toward an actuating position P22 relative to the base member HD33 in response to the pivotal movement of the operating member HD35 from the static position P11 toward the operating position P12.

In this application, the term "rest position" as used herein refers to a position in which a movable part such as operating member HD35 is held stationary when the movable part is not operated by a user. The term "operated position" as used herein refers to a position in which the movable part has been operated by a user to perform an operation of a bicycle component such as hydraulic device HD3.

The hydraulic device includes a biasing member HD36. The biasing member HD36 is provided in the hydraulic chamber HD32 to bias the piston HD34 toward the initial position P21.

The base structure HD31 includes a hydraulic reservoir HD37 constructed to be fluidly connected to the hydraulic chamber HD32. The hydraulic reservoir HD37 includes a reservoir tank HD37A, a diaphragm HD37B, and a cover member HD37C. The reservoir tank HD37A includes a recess HD37D. The diaphragm HD37B is disposed in the recess HD37D to define a reservoir chamber HD37E. The cover member HD37C is attached to the reservoir tank HD37A to cover the recess HD37D.

The base member HD33 includes a communication hole HD33C. The hydraulic reservoir HD37 is constructed to be fluidically connected to the reservoir chamber HD37E through the communication hole HD33C. The piston HD34 is constructed to open the communication hole HD33C in a static state in which the operating member HD35 is located at the static position P11. The piston HD34 is constructed to close the communication hole HD33C in an operating state in which the operating member HD35 is located at the operating position P12.

The hydraulic device HD3 of the hydraulic system 10 for the human-powered vehicle VH includes an electric switch SW3. The electric switch SW3 is constructed to be activated according to the change of at least one of the hydraulic pressure of the hydraulic chamber HD32 and the hydraulic flow of the hydraulic chamber HD32. The electric switch SW3 is attached to the base structure HD31 so that the electric switch SW3 is activated according to the change of the hydraulic pressure of the hydraulic chamber HD32. The electric switch SW3 can be configured at any position in the global hydraulic path. The electric switch SW3 is electrically connected to the controllers C1 to C6 using the electrical communication path CP. In this embodiment, the electric switch SW3 includes a normally open push button switch. However, the electric switch SW3 can include other types of switches.

In this embodiment, the base structure HD31 includes a hole HD38 and a sub-piston HD39. The hole HD38 is constructed to be fluidly connected to the hydraulic chamber HD32. The sub-piston HD39 is movably disposed in the hole HD38 to activate the electric switch SW3 in response to changes in hydraulic pressure. The electric switch SW3 is constructed to be activated if the change in hydraulic pressure reaches a critical value. The electric switch SW3 has a movable member that is constructed to be moved in response to the movement of the sub-piston HD39, and a biasing member that is constructed to bias the movable member toward a static position of the movable member. In addition, an additional biasing member can be configured between the sub-piston HD39 and the electric switch SW3 as needed and/or desired. The electric switch SW3 is disposed in the hole HD38 and fixed to the base member HD33. In this embodiment, the base structure HD31 includes a cover HD31A. The cover HD31A is fixed to the base member HD33 to hold the electric switch SW3 between the base member HD33 and the cover HD31A. However, the electric switch SW3 can be attached to the base member HD33 using another structure.

As shown in FIG. 7 , in this embodiment, hydraulic device HD4 is a brake operating device or brake rod for operating hydraulic device HD2. Hydraulic device HD3 is substantially the same as hydraulic device HD4. Therefore, as shown in FIG. 7 , in the component symbols, “3” next to “HD” is replaced by “4”, “1” and “2” next to “P” are replaced by “3” and “4” respectively, and “SW3” is replaced by “SW4”. For the sake of brevity, hydraulic device HD4 will not be described in detail here.

As shown in FIG3 , the human-powered vehicle VH includes an operating device 23. The operating device 23 includes an upshift switch 23U, a downshift switch 23D, and an operating controller 23C. The upshift switch 23U is configured to receive a user upshift input US1. The downshift switch 23D is configured to receive a user downshift input DS1. The operating controller 23C is configured to generate an upshift control signal UC1 in response to the user upshift input US1 received by the upshift switch 23U. The operating controller 23C is configured to generate a downshift control signal DC1 in response to the user downshift input DS1 received by the downshift switch 23D.

The operating device 23 includes a hanger control switch 23A and a seat post control switch 23B. The hanger control switch 23A is configured to receive a user hanger input U1. The seat post control switch 23B is configured to receive a user seat post input U2. The operating controller 23C is configured to generate a hanger control signal CS1 in response to the user hanger input U1. The operating controller 23C is configured to generate a seat post control signal CS2 in response to the user seat post input U2.

The hydraulic system 10 for the human-powered vehicle VH includes an electric device E1 and a controller C1. In this embodiment, the electric device E1 includes a speed change device 24 configured to change gears. The speed change device 24 is configured to shift the chain 22 relative to the plurality of sprockets 14. The speed change device 24 is configured to control the speed change device 24 to shift the chain 22 relative to the plurality of sprockets 14 based on each of the upshift control signal UC1 and the downshift control signal DC1.

The hydraulic system 10 for the human-powered vehicle VH includes an electric device E2 and a controller C2. In this embodiment, the electric device E2 includes a driving assist device 26 configured to generate driving assist force for the human-powered vehicle VH. The driving assist device 26 is configured to generate assist force to rotate the crank assembly 16. The driving assist device 26 is coupled to the crank assembly 16 to apply assist force to the crank assembly 16 based on the human power input to the crank assembly 16.

The hydraulic system 10 for a human-powered vehicle VH includes an electric device E3 and a controller C3. In this embodiment, the electric device E3 includes an anti-lock brake device 28 configured to change the hydraulic pressure. The anti-lock brake device 28 is configured to inhibit or prevent locking of at least one of the wheels W1 and W2 (e.g., see FIG. 1 ) during braking.

The hydraulic system 10 for a human-powered vehicle VH includes an electrical device E4 and a controller C4. In this embodiment, the electrical device E4 includes a telescopic device 30. The telescopic device 30 is attached to the front fork VH4 to absorb impacts from uneven terrain. For example, the telescopic device 30 has an unlocked state and a locked state. The telescopic device 30 is constructed to absorb impacts from uneven terrain in the unlocked state. The telescopic device 30 is constructed not to absorb impacts from uneven terrain in the locked state. The telescopic device 30 is constructed to change state between the unlocked state and the locked state in response to the suspension control signal CS1.

The hydraulic system 10 for a human-powered vehicle VH includes an electrical device E5 and a controller C5. In this embodiment, the electrical device E5 includes a telescopic device 32. The telescopic device 32 couples the saddle VH2 to the vehicle body VH1 to change the height of the saddle VH2 relative to the vehicle body VH1. For example, the telescopic device 32 has an unlocked state and a locked state. The telescopic device 32 is constructed to allow the user to change the height of the saddle VH2 in the unlocked state. The telescopic device 32 is constructed to not allow the user to change the height of the saddle VH2 in the locked state. The telescopic device 32 is constructed to change the state between the unlocked state and the locked state in response to the seat post control signal CS2.

The hydraulic system 10 for a human-powered vehicle VH includes an electric device E6 and a controller C6. In this embodiment, the electric device E6 includes a lighting device 34. The lighting device 34 is attached to the vehicle body VH1 and is configured to emit light.

For example, controller C1 includes a processor, a memory, and a circuit board. The processor and the memory are electrically mounted on the circuit board. The memory is electrically connected to the processor. The processor includes a central processing unit (CPU) and a memory controller. The memory includes a read-only memory (ROM) and a random access memory (RAM). ROM includes a non-transient computer-readable storage medium. RAM includes a transient computer-readable storage medium. The memory (e.g., ROM) stores a program. The program is read into the memory, and thereby, the algorithm of controller C1 is executed. Each of controllers C2 to C6 has a processor, a memory, and a circuit board like controller C1. Therefore, for the sake of brevity, they will not be described in detail herein. The controllers C1 to C6 can be integrated into a single controller that is configured to control each of the electrical devices E1 to E6 in the hydraulic system 10 .

As seen in FIG. 1 , the hydraulic system 10 includes a power supply 36. The power supply 36 is electrically connected to the electric device E1 and the controller C1 to supply power to the electric device E1 and the controller C1. In this embodiment, the power supply 36 includes a battery 36A and a battery holder 36B. The battery holder 36B is electrically connected to the electric device E1 and the controller C1. The battery 36A is removably attached to the battery holder 36B.

As shown in FIG3 , the hydraulic system 10 includes an electrical communication path CP. The power supply 36 is electrically connected to the operating device 23, the electrical equipment E1 to E6, and the controllers C1 to C6 using the electrical communication path CP. The power supply 36 is configured to supply power voltage to the operating device 23, the electrical equipment E1 to E6, and the controllers C1 to C6 through the electrical communication path CP. For example, the electrical communication path CP includes at least one cable.

In this embodiment, the operating device 23, the electrical equipment E1 to E6, and the controllers C1 to C6 communicate with each other through the electrical communication path CP by using the power line communication (PLC) technology. More specifically, the electrical communication path CP includes a ground wire and a voltage wire, which are removably connected to a bus formed by the communication interfaces of the operating device 23, the electrical equipment E1 to E6, and the controllers C1 to C6. The operating device 23, the electrical equipment E1 to E6, and the controllers C1 to C6 are constructed to communicate with each other through the voltage wire by using the power line communication technology. Since the PLC technology is already known, it will not be described in detail here for the sake of brevity. The operating device 23, the electrical equipment E1 to E6, and the controllers C1 to C6 can be constructed to communicate with each other by using wireless communication technology instead of or in addition to PLC technology. In the case where each of the controllers C1 to C6 includes a wireless communicator, for example, each of the controllers C1 to C6 includes a power supply.

As seen in FIG8 , the speed change device 24 includes a guide chain 24A and an actuator 24B. The guide chain 24A is configured to guide the chain 22. The actuator 24B is configured to move the guide chain 24A relative to the plurality of sprockets 14. Therefore, the actuator 24B is configured to move the chain 22 relative to the plurality of sprockets 14 to change the gear on the speed change device 24. Examples of the actuator 24B include a motor.

The transmission 24 includes a position sensor 24C and an actuator driver 24D. The actuator 24B, the position sensor 24C, and the actuator driver 24D are electrically connected to each other. The position sensor 24C is configured to sense the position of the actuator 24B as the gear position of the transmission 24. The controller C1 is configured to generate a speed change control command based on the gear position and each of the upshift control signal UC1 and the downshift control signal DC1. The actuator driver 24D is configured to control the actuator 24B based on the speed change control command transmitted from the controller C1.

In this embodiment, the electrical device E1 has a wake-up mode and a sleep mode. In the wake-up mode, the controller C1 is configured to generate a speed change control command based on the gear and each of the upshift control signal UC1 and the downshift control signal DC1. In the wake-up mode, the speed change device 24 shifts the chain 22 relative to the plurality of sprockets 14 in response to the speed change control command generated by the controller C1. In the sleep mode, the controller C1 is configured not to generate a speed change control command to save power consumption. In the sleep mode, the controller C1 is configured to detect the electrical output from the hydraulic devices HD1, HD2, HD3 and/or HD4. The controller C1 operates under a first power consumption in the wake-up mode. The controller C1 operates under a second power consumption in the sleep mode. The second power consumption of the controller C1 is lower than the first power consumption of the controller C1.

The power supply 36 is configured to supply power voltage to the transmission device 24 and the controller C1 of the electric device E1 through the electrical communication path CP. The controller C1 includes a voltage regulator, which is configured to adjust the power voltage to a level at which various components of the electric device E1 and the controller C1 can operate appropriately. The controller C1 is configured to use the regulated power voltage and supply the regulated power voltage to the actuator 24B, the position sensor 24C, and the actuator driver 24D in the wake-up mode. The controller C1 is configured to use the regulated power voltage, but prevents the power voltage from being supplied to the actuator 24B, the position sensor 24C, and the actuator driver 24D in the sleep mode.

The controller C1 is constructed to control the electric device E1 based on the electric outputs EP1, EP2, EP3 and/or EP4 from the hydraulic devices HD1, HD2, HD3 and/or HD4. The controller C1 is constructed to control the speed change device 24 based on the electric outputs EP1, EP2, EP3 and/or EP4. The electric outputs EP1, EP2, EP3 and EP4 are output from the electric switches SW1, SW2, SW3 and SW4 of the hydraulic devices HD1, HD2, HD3 and HD4, respectively. For example, the electric outputs EP1, EP2, EP3 and EP4 include ON signals of the electric switches SW1, SW2, SW3 and SW4, respectively. The controller C1 is electrically connected to the electric switches SW1, SW2, SW3 and SW4 of the hydraulic devices HD1, HD2, HD3 and HD4 using the electric communication path CP. The controller C1 is configured to detect the electrical outputs EP1, EP2, EP3 and EP4 respectively outputted from the electrical switches SW1, SW2, SW3 and SW4 at least in the sleep mode.

The controller C1 is configured to change the mode of the electric device E1 from the sleep mode to the wake-up mode if the controller C1 detects the electric outputs EP1, EP2, EP3 and/or EP4 in the sleep mode. The controller C1 is configured to change the mode of the electric device E1 from the wake-up mode to the sleep mode if the controller C1 does not detect the upshift control signal UC1, the downshift control signal DC1, the electric output EP1, the electric output EP2, the electric output EP3, or the electric output EP4 reaching a time threshold in the wake-up mode.

As seen in FIG8 , the driving assist device 26 includes an auxiliary motor 26B. The auxiliary motor 26B is coupled to the crank 18 to apply auxiliary force directly or indirectly to the gear plate 20 through the crank 18. The driving assist device 26 includes a human force sensor 26C and an actuator driver 26D. The auxiliary motor 26B, the human force sensor 26C, and the actuator sensor 26D are electrically connected to each other. The human force sensor 26C is constructed to sense the human force output from the rider to the crank assembly 16. The controller C2 is constructed to transmit an auxiliary control command to the actuator driver 26D based on the human force sensed by the human force sensor 26C. The actuator driver 26D is configured to control the auxiliary motor 26B to generate auxiliary assistance based on the auxiliary control command transmitted from the controller C2.

In this embodiment, the electrical device E2 has a wake-up mode and a sleep mode. In the wake-up mode, the controller C2 is configured to transmit an auxiliary control instruction to the actuator driver 26D based on the human power sensed by the human power sensor 26C. In the wake-up mode, the drive auxiliary device 26 is configured to generate auxiliary force based on the auxiliary control instruction transmitted from the controller C2 to rotate the crank assembly 16. In the sleep mode, the controller C1 is configured not to transmit the auxiliary control instruction to save power consumption. In the sleep mode, the controller C2 is configured to detect the electrical outputs EP1, EP2, EP3 and/or EP4 from the hydraulic devices HD1, HD2, HD3 and/or HD4. The controller C2 operates under the first power consumption in the wake-up mode. The controller C2 operates at a second power consumption in the sleep mode. The second power consumption of the controller C2 is lower than the first power consumption of the controller C2.

The power supply 36 is configured to supply power voltage to the drive auxiliary device 26 and the controller C2 of the electrical equipment E2 through the electrical communication path CP. The controller C2 includes a voltage regulator, which is configured to adjust the power voltage to a level at which various components of the electrical equipment E2 and the controller C2 can properly operate. The controller C2 is configured to use the regulated power voltage and supply the regulated power voltage to the auxiliary motor 26B, the human power sensor 26C, and the actuator driver 26D in the wake-up mode. The controller C2 is constructed to use the regulated power voltage, but blocks the power voltage from being supplied to the auxiliary motor 26B, the manpower sensor 26C, and the actuator driver 26D in the sleep mode.

The controller C2 is configured to control the electric device E2 based on the electric outputs EP1, EP2, EP3 and/or EP4 from the hydraulic devices HD1, HD2, HD3 and/or HD4. The controller C2 is configured to control the drive auxiliary device 26 based on the electric outputs EP1, EP2, EP3 and/or EP4. The controller C2 is electrically connected to the electric switches SW1, SW2, SW3 and SW4 of the hydraulic devices HD1, HD2, HD3 and HD4 using the electric communication path CP. The controller C2 is configured to detect the electric outputs EP1, EP2, EP3 and EP4 outputted from the electric switches SW1, SW2, SW3 and SW4, respectively, at least in the sleep mode.

The controller C2 is configured to change the mode of the electrical device E2 from the sleep mode to the wake-up mode if the controller C2 detects the electrical output EP1, EP2, EP3 and/or EP4 in the sleep mode. The controller C2 is configured to change the mode of the electrical device E2 from the wake-up mode to the sleep mode if the controller C2 does not detect the electrical output EP1, EP2, EP3, or EP4 in the wake-up mode for a time threshold.

As seen in FIG9 , the anti-lock brake device 28 includes a pump 28A, a motor 28B, and a reservoir 28C. The pump 28A is configured to supply hydraulic fluid to apply hydraulic pressure to the hydraulic device HD1. Examples of the pump 28A include a piston pump and a gear pump. The motor 28B is mechanically coupled to the pump 28A. The reservoir 28C is connected to the pump 28A to accumulate hydraulic fluid using the hydraulic line H3.

The anti-lock brake device 28 also includes a first valve 28D and a second valve 28E for adjusting the hydraulic pressure applied to the hydraulic device HD1. The first valve 28D is provided on the hydraulic hose H1. The second valve 28E is provided on the hydraulic line H4, and the hydraulic line H4 connects the hydraulic line H3 to the hydraulic hose H1. Examples of the first valve 28D include solenoid valves or electric valves. Examples of the second valve 28E include solenoid valves or electric valves. In this embodiment, the first valve 28D includes a normally open solenoid valve, and the second valve 28E includes a normally closed solenoid valve.

The anti-lock brake device 28 further includes a first check valve 28F and a second check valve 28G. The first check valve 28F is provided on the hydraulic line H3. The second check valve 28G is provided on the hydraulic line H5, and the hydraulic line H5 connects the hydraulic line H3 to the hydraulic hose H1. The hydraulic line H4 is connected to the middle portion of the hydraulic hose H1 provided between the hydraulic device HD1 and the first valve 28D. The hydraulic line H5 is connected to the middle portion of the hydraulic hose H1 provided between the hydraulic device HD3 and the first valve 28D. The hydraulic line H4 is connected to the middle portion of the hydraulic line H3 disposed between the reservoir 28C and the first check valve 28F. The hydraulic line H5 is connected to the middle portion of the hydraulic line H3 disposed between the pump 28A and the first check valve 28F.

The first check valve 28F allows the hydraulic fluid to flow from the reservoir 28C to the pump 28A. The first check valve 28F does not allow the hydraulic fluid to flow from the pump 28A to the reservoir 28C. The second check valve 28G allows the hydraulic fluid to flow from the pump 28A to the hydraulic device HD3. The second check valve 28G does not allow the hydraulic fluid to flow from the hydraulic device HD3 to the pump 28A. Therefore, the pump 28A supplies the hydraulic fluid to the hydraulic hose H1 to increase the hydraulic pressure in the hydraulic hose H1 without supplying the hydraulic fluid to the reservoir 28C.

The anti-lock brake device 28 has a first open state and a second open state. In the first open state, the first valve 28D is open, and the second valve 28E is closed. Therefore, the pump 28A supplies hydraulic fluid to the hydraulic device HD1 in the first open state. In the second open state, the first valve 28D is closed, and the second valve 28E is open. Therefore, in the case where the first valve 28D blocks the hydraulic fluid supplied from the pump 28A in the second open state, the hydraulic fluid can flow from the hydraulic device HD1 to the reservoir 28C.

The anti-lock brake device 28 includes a first rotation speed sensor 28K and a second rotation speed sensor 28M. The first rotation speed sensor 28K is configured to sense the rotation speed of the wheel W1. The second rotation speed sensor 28M is configured to sense the rotation speed of the wheel W2. The first rotation speed sensor 28K and the second rotation speed sensor 28M are electrically connected to a controller C3. The controller C3 is configured to calculate the difference between the rotation speed of the wheel W1 and the rotation speed of the wheel W2.

The controller C3 is configured to control the first valve 28D and the second valve 28E to change the state of the anti-lock brake device 28 between the first open state and the second open state. If the rotation speed of the wheel W1 is lower than the rotation speed of the wheel W2, the controller C3 determines that the wheel W1 is locked due to the slip of the wheel W1 during braking. Therefore, the controller C3 is configured to control the first valve 28D and the second valve 28E to alternately change the state of the anti-lock brake device 28 between the first open state and the second open state until the difference between the rotation speed of the wheel W1 and the rotation speed of the wheel W2 is reduced to be equal to or less than a critical value. Therefore, it is possible to suppress or prevent the wheel W1 from locking during braking.

In this embodiment, the electric device E3 has a wake-up mode and a sleep mode. In the wake-up mode, the anti-lock brake device 28 is configured to suppress or prevent the locking of at least one of the wheels W1 and W2 (for example, see FIG. 1 ) during braking based on the rotation speeds sensed by the first rotation speed sensor 28K and the second rotation speed sensor 28M, respectively. In the wake-up mode, the controller C3 is configured to operate the motor and to control the first valve 28D and the second valve 28E based on the difference between the rotation speed of the wheel W1 and the rotation speed of the wheel W2. In the sleep mode, the controller C3 is configured to stop the motor 28B and is configured not to control the first valve 28D and the second valve 28E to save power consumption. In the sleep mode, the controller C3 is configured to detect the electrical outputs EP1, EP2, EP3 and/or EP4 from the hydraulic devices HD1, HD2, HD3 and/or HD4. The controller C3 operates at a first power consumption in the wake-up mode. The controller C3 operates at a second power consumption in the sleep mode. The second power consumption of the controller C3 is lower than the first power consumption of the controller C3.

The power supply 36 is configured to supply power voltage to the anti-lock brake device 28 and the controller C3 of the electrical equipment E3 through the electrical communication path CP. The controller C3 includes a voltage regulator, which is configured to adjust the power voltage to a level at which various components of the electrical equipment E3 and the controller C3 can operate appropriately. The controller C3 is configured to use the regulated power voltage and supply the regulated power voltage to the motor 28B, the first valve 28D, and the second valve 28E in the wake-up mode. The controller C3 is configured to use the regulated power voltage, but prevents the power voltage from being supplied to the motor 28B, the first valve 28D, and the second valve 28E in the sleep mode.

The controller C3 is configured to control the electric device E3 based on the electric outputs EP1, EP2, EP3 and/or EP4 from the hydraulic devices HD1, HD2, HD3 and/or HD4. The controller C3 is configured to control the anti-lock brake device 28 based on the electric outputs EP1, EP2, EP3 and/or EP4. The controller C3 is electrically connected to the electric switches SW1, SW2, SW3 and SW4 of the hydraulic devices HD1, HD2, HD3 and HD4 using the electric communication path CP. The controller C3 is configured to detect the electric outputs EP1, EP2, EP3 and EP4 outputted from the electric switches SW1, SW2, SW3 and SW4, respectively, at least in the sleep mode.

The controller C3 is configured to change the mode of the electrical device E3 from the sleep mode to the wake-up mode if the controller C3 detects the electrical output EP1, EP2, EP3 and/or EP4 in the sleep mode. The controller C3 is configured to change the mode of the electrical device E3 from the wake-up mode to the sleep mode if the controller C3 does not detect the electrical output EP1, EP2, EP3, or EP4 in the wake-up mode for a time critical value and if the controller C2 determines in the wake-up mode that the rotation speed sensed by the first rotation speed sensor 28K and the second rotation speed sensor 28M is equal to or less than the reference rotation speed for a time critical value. The controller C3 is configured to store the time critical value and the reference rotation speed in a memory.

As shown in FIG. 10 , the telescopic device 30 includes a first pipe member 30A, a second pipe member 30B, a valve structure 30C, and a valve actuator 30D. The second pipe member 30B can move in a telescopic direction D1 relative to the first pipe member 30A. The valve structure 30C is constructed to change the damping characteristics of the telescopic device 30. The valve actuator 30D is coupled to the valve structure 30C to actuate the valve structure 30C. The valve actuator 30D is mounted on the upper end of the second pipe member 30B. However, the valve actuator 30D can be set at other positions.

In this embodiment, the telescopic device 30 has an unlocked state and a locked state. The valve structure 30C at least changes the state of the telescopic device 30 between the unlocked state and the locked state. In the locked state, the first pipe 30A is locked relative to the second pipe 30B in the telescopic direction D1. For example, the fluid passage of the valve structure 30C is closed by the valve of the valve structure 30C in the locked state. In the unlocked state, the first pipe 30A and the second pipe 30B can move relative to each other in the telescopic direction D1 to absorb the impact from the uneven terrain. For example, the fluid passage of the valve structure 30C is released by the valve of the valve structure 30C in the locked state. The valve actuator 30D is operatively coupled to the valve structure 30C to change the state of the valve structure 30C between the unlocked state and the locked state. Valve structures for telescopic devices are well known in the field of human-powered vehicles. Therefore, the valve structure 30C can be any type of suitable locking device as needed and/or desired.

Similarly, the telescopic device 30 includes a third tube 30E, a fourth tube 30F, and a stroke adjustment structure 30G. The fourth tube 30F can move in the telescopic direction D1 relative to the third tube 30E.

In this embodiment, the stroke adjustment structure 30G is constructed to change the stroke of the telescopic device 30. The stroke adjustment structure 30G is constructed to adjust the relative position of the third tube 30E and the fourth tube 30F between the long stroke position and the short stroke position in the telescopic direction D1 in a static state where the third tube 30E and the fourth tube 30F do not receive a compressive force. The stroke adjustment structure 30G is manually operated by the user to change the impedance. The stroke adjustment device for the telescopic device is well known in the field of human-powered vehicles. Therefore, the stroke adjustment device 30G can be any type of suitable locking device as needed and/or desired.

The second tube 30B and the fourth tube 30F are coupled to the crown 30H. The first tube 30A is coupled to the third tube 30E by the coupling arm 30K. The first tube 30A and the third tube 30E can move integrally relative to the second tube 30B and the fourth tube 30F to absorb impact. In the unlocked state, the first tube 30A and the third tube 30E can move in the extension direction D1 relative to the second tube 30B and the fourth tube 30F, respectively, to absorb impact from uneven terrain.

As seen in Fig. 11, the controller C4 is constructed to control the valve actuator 30D to change the state of the telescopic device 30 from the unlocked state to the locked state in response to the suspension control signal CS1 transmitted from the operating device 23. The controller C4 is constructed to control the valve actuator 30D to change the state of the telescopic device 30 from the locked state to the unlocked state in response to the suspension control signal CS1 transmitted from the operating device 23.

In this embodiment, the electrical equipment E4 has a wake-up mode and a sleep mode. In the wake-up mode, the controller C4 is configured to control the valve actuator 30D based on the hanger control signal CS1. In the wake-up mode, the telescopic device 30 is configured to change the state of the telescopic device 30 between the unlocked state and the locked state based on the hanger control signal CS1. In the sleep mode, the controller C4 is configured not to control the valve actuator 30D to save power consumption. In the sleep mode, the controller C4 is configured to detect the electrical outputs EP1, EP2, EP3 and/or EP4 from the hydraulic devices HD1, HD2, HD3 and/or HD4. The controller C4 operates under the first power consumption in the wake-up mode. The controller C4 operates at a second power consumption in the sleep mode. The second power consumption of the controller C4 is lower than the first power consumption of the controller C4.

The power supply 36 is configured to supply power voltage to the telescopic device 30 and the controller C4 of the electrical equipment E4 through the electrical communication path CP. The controller C4 includes a voltage regulator, which is configured to adjust the power voltage to a level at which various components of the electrical equipment E4 and the controller C4 can operate appropriately. The controller C4 is configured to use the regulated power voltage and supply the regulated power voltage to the valve actuator 30D in the wake-up mode. The controller C4 is configured to use the regulated power voltage, but prevent the power voltage from being supplied to the valve actuator 30D in the sleep mode.

The controller C4 is configured to control the electric device E4 based on the electric outputs EP1, EP2, EP3 and/or EP4 from the hydraulic devices HD1, HD2, HD3 and/or HD4. The controller C4 is configured to control the telescopic device 30 based on the electric outputs EP1, EP2, EP3 and/or EP4. The controller C4 is electrically connected to the electric switches SW1, SW2, SW3 and SW4 of the hydraulic devices HD1, HD2, HD3 and HD4 using the electric communication path CP. The controller C4 is configured to detect the electric outputs EP1, EP2, EP3 and EP4 outputted from the electric switches SW1, SW2, SW3 and SW4, respectively, at least in the sleep mode.

The controller C4 is configured to change the mode of the electrical device E4 from the sleep mode to the wake-up mode if the controller C4 detects the electrical outputs EP1, EP2, EP3 and/or EP4 in the sleep mode. The controller C4 is configured to change the mode of the electrical device E4 from the wake-up mode to the sleep mode if the controller C4 does not detect the hanger control signal CS1, the electrical output EP1, the electrical output EP2, the electrical output EP3, or the electrical output EP4 reaching a time threshold in the wake-up mode.

As shown in FIG. 12 , the telescopic device 32 includes a first pipe member 32A, a second pipe member 32B, a valve structure 32C, and a valve actuator 32D. The second pipe member 32B can move in a telescopic direction D2 relative to the first pipe member 32A. The valve structure 32C is constructed to change the damping characteristics of the telescopic device 32. The valve actuator 32D is coupled to the valve structure 32C to actuate the valve structure 32C. The valve actuator 32D is mounted on the upper end of the second pipe member 32B. However, the valve actuator 32D can be set at other positions.

In this embodiment, the telescopic device 32 has an unlocked state and a locked state. The valve structure 32C at least changes the state of the telescopic device 32 between the unlocked state and the locked state. In the locked state, the first pipe 32A is locked relative to the second pipe 32B in the telescopic direction D2. For example, the fluid passage of the valve structure 32C is closed by the valve of the valve structure 32C in the locked state. In the unlocked state, the first pipe 32A and the second pipe 32B can move relative to each other in the telescopic direction D2 to change the height of the saddle VH2. For example, the fluid passage of the valve structure 32C is released by the valve of the valve structure 32C in the locked state. The valve actuator 32D is operatively coupled to the valve structure 32C to change the state of the valve structure 32C between the unlocked state and the locked state. Valve structures for telescopic devices are well known in the field of human-powered vehicles. Therefore, the valve structure 32C can be any type of suitable locking device as needed and/or desired.

11, the controller C5 is configured to control the valve actuator 32D to change the state of the telescopic device 32 from the unlocked state to the locked state in response to the seat rod control signal CS2 transmitted from the operating device 23. The controller C5 is configured to control the valve actuator 32D to change the state of the telescopic device 32 from the locked state to the unlocked state in response to the seat rod control signal CS2 transmitted from the operating device 23.

In this embodiment, the electrical device E5 has a wake-up mode and a sleep mode. In the wake-up mode, the controller C5 is configured to control the valve actuator 32D based on the seat rod control signal CS2. In the wake-up mode, the telescopic device 32 is configured to change the state of the telescopic device 32 between the unlocked state and the extended state based on the seat rod control signal CS2. In the sleep mode, the controller C5 is configured not to control the valve actuator 32D to save power consumption. In the sleep mode, the controller C5 is configured to detect the electrical outputs EP1, EP2, EP3 and/or EP4 from the hydraulic devices HD1, HD2, HD3 and/or HD4. The controller C5 operates under the first power consumption in the wake-up mode. The controller C5 operates at a second power consumption in the sleep mode. The second power consumption of the controller C5 is lower than the first power consumption of the controller C5.

The power supply 36 is configured to supply power voltage to the telescopic device 32 and the controller C5 of the electrical equipment E5 through the electrical communication path CP. The controller C5 includes a voltage regulator, which is configured to adjust the power voltage to a level at which various components of the electrical equipment E5 and the controller C5 can operate appropriately. The controller C5 is configured to use the regulated power voltage and supply the regulated power voltage to the valve actuator 32D in the wake-up mode. The controller C5 is configured to use the regulated power voltage, but prevents the power voltage from being supplied to the valve actuator 32D in the sleep mode.

The controller C5 is configured to control the electric device E5 based on the electric outputs EP1, EP2, EP3 and/or EP4 from the hydraulic devices HD1, HD2, HD3 and/or HD4. The controller C5 is configured to control the telescopic device 32 based on the electric outputs EP1, EP2, EP3 and/or EP4. The controller C5 is electrically connected to the electric switches SW1, SW2, SW3 and SW4 of the hydraulic devices HD1, HD2, HD3 and HD4 using the electric communication path CP. The controller C5 is configured to detect the electric outputs EP1, EP2, EP3 and EP4 outputted from the electric switches SW1, SW2, SW3 and SW4, respectively, at least in the sleep mode.

The controller C5 is configured to change the mode of the electrical device E5 from the sleep mode to the wake-up mode if the controller C5 detects the electrical outputs EP1, EP2, EP3 and/or EP4 in the sleep mode. The controller C5 is configured to change the mode of the electrical device E5 from the wake-up mode to the sleep mode if the controller C5 does not detect the seat post control signal CS2, the electrical output EP1, the electrical output EP2, the electrical output EP3, or the electrical output EP4 reaching a time threshold in the wake-up mode.

As seen in FIG3 , the controller C6 is constructed to control electrical equipment based on electrical outputs EP1, EP2, EP3 and/or EP4 from the hydraulic devices HD1, HD2, HD3 and/or HD4. The controller C6 is constructed to control the lighting device 34 based on the electrical outputs EP1, EP2, EP3 and/or EP4. The controller C6 is electrically connected to the electrical switches SW1, SW2, SW3 and SW4 of the hydraulic devices HD1, HD2, HD3 and HD4. The controller C6 is constructed to control the lighting device 34 based on the electrical outputs EP1, EP2, EP3 and/or EP4 outputted from the electrical switches SW1, SW2, SW3 and SW4 of the hydraulic devices HD1, HD2, HD3 and/or HD4. The controller C6 is configured to detect activation of the electrical switches SW1, SW2, SW3 and/or SW4 of the hydraulic devices HD1, HD2, HD3 and/or HD4.

The lighting device 34 includes an electric lamp such as a light emitting diode. The controller C6 is configured to turn the lighting device 34 on or off based on the electrical outputs EP1, EP2, EP3 and/or EP4. The controller C6 is configured to turn the lighting device 34 on when the controller C6 receives the electrical outputs EP1, EP2, EP3 and/or EP4. The controller C6 is configured to turn the lighting device 34 off when the controller C6 does not receive the electrical outputs EP1, EP2, EP3 or EP4. Therefore, the lighting device 34 is turned on during braking. Second embodiment

A hydraulic system 210 according to the second embodiment will be described below with reference to FIGS. 13 to 17. The hydraulic system 210 has the same structure and/or configuration as the hydraulic system 10, except for the hydraulic devices HD1 to HD4. Therefore, components having the same functions as the components in the first embodiment will be numbered the same here, and for the sake of brevity, will not be described and/or illustrated in detail again here.

As seen in FIG. 13 , a hydraulic system 210 for a human-powered vehicle VH includes a hydraulic device HD1A. A hydraulic system 210 for a human-powered vehicle VH includes a hydraulic device HD2A. A hydraulic system 210 for a human-powered vehicle VH includes a hydraulic device HD3A. A hydraulic system 210 for a human-powered vehicle VH includes a hydraulic device HD4A. In this embodiment, the hydraulic system 210 is a brake system including hydraulic devices HD1A, HD2A, HD3A, and HD4A. Hydraulic device HD1A is mounted on a front fork VH4. Hydraulic device HD2A is mounted on a vehicle body VH1. Hydraulic devices HD3A and HD4A are mounted on a handlebar VH3. The hydraulic device HD1A is connected to the hydraulic device HD3A via the hydraulic hose H1. The hydraulic device HD2A is connected to the hydraulic device HD4A via the hydraulic hose H2.

As seen in FIG. 14 , the hydraulic device HD1A has a structure substantially the same as that of the hydraulic device HD1 of the first embodiment. In this embodiment, the hydraulic device HD1A of the hydraulic system or brake system 210 for the human-powered vehicle VH includes a hydraulic sensor SS1 instead of the electric switch SW1. The hydraulic sensor SS1 is constructed to sense information about at least one of the hydraulic pressure of the hydraulic chamber HD12 and the hydraulic flow of the hydraulic chamber HD12. The hydraulic sensor SS1 is attached to the base structure HD11 to sense the hydraulic pressure of the hydraulic chamber HD12. The hydraulic sensor SS1 can be configured at any position in the global hydraulic path of the hydraulic system 210. The hydraulic sensor SS1 is electrically connected to the controllers C1 to C6 using the electrical communication path CP. In this embodiment, the hydraulic sensor SS1 includes a hydraulic pressure sensor configured to generate an electrical signal indicating the level of hydraulic pressure. However, the hydraulic sensor SS1 can include other types of sensors.

In this embodiment, the base structure HD11 includes a hole HD118 constructed to be fluidly connected to the hydraulic chamber HD12. The hydraulic sensor SS1 is disposed in the hole HD118 to sense the hydraulic pressure. The hydraulic sensor SS1 is disposed in the hole HD118 and is fixed to the base member HD13. The cover HD11A is fixed to the base member HD13 to fix the hydraulic sensor SS1 between the base member HD13 and the cover HD11A. However, the hydraulic sensor SS1 can be attached to the base member HD13 using another structure.

As can be seen in Fig. 15, the hydraulic device HD2A is substantially the same as the hydraulic device HD1A. Therefore, as can be seen in Fig. 15, the "1" next to "HD" is replaced by "2" and "SS1" is replaced by "SS2" in the component symbol. For the sake of brevity, the hydraulic device HD2A will not be described in detail here.

As seen in FIG. 16 , the hydraulic device HD3A has a structure substantially the same as that of the hydraulic device HD3 of the first embodiment. In this embodiment, the hydraulic device HD3A of the hydraulic system or brake system 210 for the human-powered vehicle VH includes a hydraulic sensor SS3 instead of the electric switch SW3. The hydraulic sensor SS3 is constructed to sense information about at least one of the hydraulic pressure of the hydraulic chamber HD32 and the hydraulic flow of the hydraulic chamber HD32. The hydraulic sensor SS3 is attached to the base structure HD31 to sense the hydraulic pressure of the hydraulic chamber HD32. The hydraulic sensor SS3 can be configured at any position in the global hydraulic path of the hydraulic system 210. The hydraulic sensor SS3 is electrically connected to the controllers C1 to C6 using the electrical communication path CP. In this embodiment, the hydraulic sensor SS3 includes a hydraulic pressure sensor configured to generate an electrical signal indicating the level of hydraulic pressure. However, the hydraulic sensor SS3 can include other types of sensors.

In this embodiment, the base structure HD31 includes a hole HD318 constructed to be fluidly connected to the hydraulic chamber HD32. The hydraulic sensor SS3 is disposed in the hole HD318 to sense the hydraulic pressure. The hydraulic sensor SS3 is disposed in the hole HD318 and is fixed to the base member HD33. The cover HD31A is fixed to the base member HD33 to fix the hydraulic sensor SS3 between the base member HD33 and the cover HD31A. However, the hydraulic sensor SS3 can be attached to the base member HD33 using another structure.

As can be seen in FIG17 , the hydraulic device HD4A is substantially the same as the hydraulic device HD3A. Therefore, as can be seen in FIG17 , the “3” next to “HD” is replaced by “4”, the “1” and “2” next to “P” are replaced by “3” and “4” respectively, and “SS3” is replaced by “SS4” in the component symbol. For the sake of brevity, the hydraulic device HD4A will not be described in detail here.

As seen in FIG. 13 , the controller C1 is configured to control the electric device E1 based on the electric outputs EP1A, EP2A, EP3A and/or EP4A from the hydraulic devices HD1A, HD2A, HD3A and/or HD4A. The controller C1 is configured to control the speed change device 24 based on the electric outputs EP1A, EP2A, EP3A and/or EP4A. The electric outputs EP1A, EP2A, EP3A and EP4A are output from the hydraulic sensors SS1, SS2, SS3 and SS4 of the hydraulic devices HD1A, HD2A, HD3A and HD4A, respectively. Similar to the first embodiment, the controllers C1 to C6 are configured to control the electric devices E1 to E6 based on each of the electric outputs EP1A, EP2A, EP3A and EP4A, respectively. Therefore, for the sake of brevity, they will not be described in detail here. Modifications

In the first and second embodiments, each of the hydraulic devices HD1, HD2, HD1A, and HD2A includes a disc brake caliper. However, the hydraulic devices HD1, HD2, HD1A, and HD2A are not limited to the disc brake caliper. Similarly, each of the hydraulic devices HD3, HD4, HD3A, and HD4A includes a brake operating device. However, the hydraulic devices HD3, HD4, HD3A, and HD4A are not limited to the brake operating device. The hydraulic device can include other components such as a hydraulic hose.

In the first embodiment, the electrical switches SW1, SW2, SW3 and SW4 are attached to the base structures HD11, HD21, HD31 and HD41, respectively. However, at least one of the electrical switches SW1, SW2, SW3 and SW4 can be disposed at other locations such as the hydraulic hoses H1 and/or H2.

In the first embodiment, the base structures HD11, HD21, HD31 and HD41 include holes HD18, HD28, HD38 and HD48, and sub-pistons HD19, HD29, HD39 and HD49, respectively. However, other structures can be applied to at least one of the hydraulic devices HD1, HD2, HD3 and HD4 to activate at least one of the electrical switches SW1, SW2, SW3 and SW4.

In the first and second embodiments, the electrical switches SW1, SW2, SW3, or SW4 are configured to be activated if the change in hydraulic pressure reaches a critical value. However, the structures of the electrical switches SW1, SW2, SW3, and SW4 are not limited to the first and second embodiments.

In the first and second embodiments, the base structure HD11 includes a piston HD14 and an additional piston HD16. The base structure HD21 includes a piston HD24 and an additional piston HD26. The base structure HD31 includes a piston HD34. The base structure HD41 includes a piston HD44. However, at least one of the piston HD14 and the additional piston HD16 can be omitted from the base structure HD11. At least one of the piston HD24 and the additional piston HD26 can be omitted from the base structure HD21. The piston HD34 can be omitted from the base structure HD31. The piston HD44 can be omitted from the base structure HD41. At least one of the cylinder inner bore HD13A and the additional cylinder inner bore HD13B can be omitted from the base member HD13. At least one of the cylinder inner bore HD23A and the additional cylinder inner bore HD23B can be omitted from the base member HD23. The cylinder bore HD33A can be omitted from the base member HD33. The cylinder bore HD43A can be omitted from the base member HD43.

In the first and second embodiments, each of the hydraulic devices HD1 and HD1A includes a friction member HD15A and an additional friction member HD15B. Each of the hydraulic devices HD2 and HD2A includes a friction member HD25A and an additional friction member HD25B. However, at least one of the friction member HD15A and the additional friction member HD15B can be omitted from at least one of the hydraulic devices HD1 and HD1A. At least one of the friction member HD25A and the additional friction member HD25B can be omitted from at least one of the hydraulic devices HD2 and HD2A.

In the first and second embodiments, at least one of the hydraulic devices HD3 and HD3A includes an operating member HD35. At least one of the hydraulic devices HD4 and HD4A includes an operating member HD45. However, the operating member HD35 can be omitted from at least one of the hydraulic devices HD3 and HD3A. The operating member HD45 can be omitted from at least one of the hydraulic devices HD4 and HD4A.

In the second embodiment, the hydraulic sensors SS1, SS2, SS3 and SS4 are attached to the base structures HD11, HD21, HD31 and HD41, respectively. However, at least one of the hydraulic sensors SS1, SS2, SS3 and SS4 can be disposed at other locations such as the hydraulic hoses H1 and/or H2.

In the second embodiment, the hydraulic sensors SS1, SS2, SS3 and SS4 are configured to sense information about the hydraulic pressure of the hydraulic chambers HD12, HD22, HD32 and HD42. However, the hydraulic sensors SS1, SS2, SS3 and SS4 can be configured to sense information about the hydraulic pressure of the hydraulic chambers HD12, HD22, HD32 and HD42.

In the second embodiment, the hydraulic sensors SS1, SS2, SS3 and SS4 are attached to the base structures HD11, HD21, HD31 and HD41, respectively. However, at least one of the hydraulic sensors SS1, SS2, SS3 and SS4 can be disposed at other locations such as the hydraulic hoses H1 and/or H2.

In the second embodiment, the base structures HD11, HD21, HD31 and HD41 include holes HD118, HD218, HD318 and HD418, respectively. However, the attachment structure of the hydraulic sensors SS1, SS2, SS3 and SS4 is not limited to the second embodiment.

In the first and second embodiments, the base structures HD31 and HD41 include hydraulic reservoirs HD37 and HD47, respectively. However, the hydraulic reservoir HD37 can be omitted from the base structure HD31. The hydraulic reservoir HD47 can be omitted from the base structure HD41.

In the first and second embodiments, the electrical devices E1 to E6 respectively include a transmission device 24, a driving assist device 26, an anti-lock brake device 28, telescopic devices 30 and 32, and a lighting device 34. However, the electrical devices of the hydraulic system 10 or 210 are not limited to the electrical devices E1 to E6 described in the first and second embodiments.

In the first embodiment, the operating device 23, the hydraulic devices HD1, HD2, HD3 and HD4, and the controllers C1 to C6 are electrically connected to each other using the electrical communication path CP, and are configured to communicate with each other by using the PLC technology. However, the operating device 23, the hydraulic devices HD1, HD2, HD3 and HD4, and the controllers C1 to C6 can be configured to communicate with each other by using wireless technology.

In the second embodiment, the operating device 23, the hydraulic devices HD1A, HD2A, HD3A and HD4A, and the controllers C1 to C6 are electrically connected to each other using the electrical communication path CP, and are configured to communicate with each other by using the PLC technology. However, the operating device 23, the hydraulic devices HD1A, HD2A, HD3A and HD4A, and the controllers C1 to C6 can be configured to communicate with each other by using wireless technology.

The structure of the anti-lock brake device 28 is not limited to the first embodiment and the second embodiment. For example, the anti-lock brake device 28 can share the auxiliary motor 26B without the motor 28B. The anti-lock brake device 28 can be applied to the hydraulic devices HD2 and HD4.

The term "comprise" and its derivatives used herein are intended to be open-ended terms that define the presence of the described features, elements, components, groups, integers, and/or steps, but do not exclude the presence of other undescribed features, elements, components, groups, integers, and/or steps. This concept also applies to words with similar meanings, such as the terms "have", "include" and their derivatives.

The terms “member,” “section,” “portion,” “component,” “element,” “body,” and “structure” when used in the singular can have the dual meaning of a single component or a plurality of components.

Ordinal terms such as "first" and "second" in this application are merely distinguishing terms and do not have any other meanings such as a specific order. In addition, for example, the term "first element" itself does not imply the existence of a "second element", and the term "second element" itself does not imply the existence of a "first element".

The term “a pair” used herein can include not only a configuration in which the pair of elements have the same shape or structure as each other, but also a configuration in which the pair of elements have different shapes or structures from each other.

The terms "a," "one or more," and "at least one" are used interchangeably herein.

Finally, terms of degree like "substantially," "about," and "approximately" as used herein mean a reasonable amount of variation of the modified term such that the end result is not significantly changed. All numerical values described in this application can be interpreted as including terms like "substantially," "about," and "approximately."

The term "at least one" as used in this disclosure means "one or more" of the desired options. An example is that the term "at least one" as used in this disclosure means "only a single option" or "both of the two options" if the number of its options is two. Another example is that the term "at least one" as used in this disclosure means "only a single option" or "any combination of equal to or greater than two options" if the number of its options is equal to or greater than three. For example, the term "at least one of A and B" covers (1) A alone, (2) B alone, and (3) both A and B. The phrase "at least one of A, B, and C" encompasses (1) A alone, (2) B alone, (3) C alone, (4) both A and B, (5) both B and C, (6) both A and C, and (7) all of A, B, and C. In other words, the phrase "at least one of A and B" does not mean "at least one of A and at least one of B" in this disclosure.

Obviously, in light of the above teachings, many modifications and variations of the present invention are possible. Therefore, it is to be understood that, within the scope of the appended claims, the present invention may be implemented in ways other than those specifically described herein.

10‧‧‧Hydraulic system 12‧‧‧Wheel hub assembly 14‧‧‧Sprocket 16‧‧‧Crank assembly 18‧‧‧Crank 18A‧‧‧Crank shaft 18B‧‧‧Crank arm 18C‧‧‧Crank arm 20‧‧‧Gear plate 22‧‧‧Chain 23‧‧‧Operating device 23A‧‧‧Suspension control switch 23B‧‧‧Seat post control switch 23 C‧‧‧Operation controller 23D‧‧‧Downshift switch 23U‧‧‧Upshift switch 24‧‧‧Speed change device 24A‧‧‧Guide chain 24B‧‧‧Actuator 24C‧‧‧Position sensor 24D‧‧‧Actuator driver 26‧‧‧Drive auxiliary device 26B‧‧‧Auxiliary motor 26C‧‧‧Human power sensor 26D‧‧‧Actuator Drive 28‧‧‧Anti-lock brake device 28A‧‧‧Pump 28B‧‧‧Motor 28C‧‧‧Storage device 28D‧‧‧First valve 28E‧‧‧Second valve 28F‧‧‧First check valve 28G‧‧‧Second check valve 28K‧‧‧First rotation speed sensor 28M‧‧‧Second rotation speed sensor 30‧‧‧Retractable device 3 0A‧‧‧First pipe fitting 30B‧‧‧Second pipe fitting 30C‧‧‧Valve structure 30D‧‧‧Valve actuator 30E‧‧‧Third pipe fitting 30F‧‧‧Fourth pipe fitting 30G‧‧‧Stroke adjustment structure 30H‧‧‧Shoulder cover 30K‧‧‧Coupling arm 32‧‧‧Retractable device 32A‧‧‧First pipe fitting 32B‧‧‧Second pipe fitting 32C‧ ‧‧Valve structure 32D‧‧‧Valve actuator 34‧‧‧Lighting device 36‧‧‧Power supply 36A‧‧‧Battery 36B‧‧‧Battery holder 210‧‧‧Hydraulic system A1‧‧‧Pivot axis A2‧‧‧Pivot axis C1‧‧‧Controller C2‧‧‧Controller C3‧‧‧Controller C4‧‧‧Controller C5‧‧‧ Controller C6‧‧‧Controller CP‧‧‧Electrical communication path CS1‧‧‧Suspension control signal CS2‧‧‧Seat column control signal D1‧‧‧Extension direction D2‧‧‧Extension direction DC1‧‧‧Downshift control signal DS1‧‧‧User downshift input E1‧‧‧Electrical equipment E2‧‧‧Electrical equipment E3‧‧‧Electrical equipment E4‧‧‧Electrical Equipment E5‧‧‧Electrical equipment E6‧‧‧Electrical equipment EP1‧‧‧Electrical output EP1A‧‧‧Electrical output EP2‧‧‧Electrical output EP2A‧‧‧Electrical output EP3‧‧‧Electrical output EP3A‧‧‧Electrical output EP4‧‧‧Electrical output EP4A‧‧‧Electrical output H1‧‧‧Hydraulic hose H2‧‧‧Hydraulic hose H3‧‧‧Hydraulic Hydraulic circuit H4‧‧‧Hydraulic circuit H5‧‧‧Hydraulic circuit HD1‧‧‧Hydraulic device HD11‧‧‧Base structure HD118‧‧‧Hole HD11A‧‧‧Cover HD12‧‧‧Hydraulic chamber HD13‧‧‧Base component HD13A‧‧‧Cylinder bore HD13B‧‧‧Additional cylinder bore HD14‧‧‧Piston HD 15A‧‧‧Friction component HD15B‧‧‧Additional friction component HD16‧‧‧Additional piston HD17‧‧‧Additional hydraulic chamber HD18‧‧‧Hole HD19‧‧‧Sub-piston HD1A‧‧‧Hydraulic device HD2‧‧‧Hydraulic device HD21‧‧‧Base structure HD218‧‧‧Hole HD21A‧‧‧Cover HD22‧‧‧Hydraulic chamber HD23‧‧‧Base component HD23A‧‧‧Cylinder bore HD23B‧‧‧Additional cylinder bore HD24‧‧‧Piston HD25A‧‧‧Friction component HD25B‧‧‧Additional friction component HD26‧‧‧Additional piston HD27‧‧‧Additional hydraulic chamber HD28‧‧‧Hole HD29‧‧‧Sub-piston HD2A‧‧‧Hydraulic device HD3‧‧‧Hydraulic device HD31‧‧‧Base structure HD318‧‧‧Hole HD31A‧‧‧Cover HD32‧‧‧Hydraulic chamber HD33‧‧‧Base component HD33A‧‧‧Inner hole of cylinder HD33C‧‧‧Through hole HD34‧‧‧Piston HD35‧‧‧Operating component HD36 ‧‧‧Biasing component HD37‧‧‧Hydraulic reservoir HD37A‧‧‧Reservoir tank HD37B‧‧‧Diaphragm HD37C‧‧‧Cover HD37D‧‧‧Recess HD37E‧‧‧Reservoir chamber HD38‧‧‧Hole HD39‧‧‧Sub-piston HD3A‧‧‧Hydraulic device HD4‧‧‧Hydraulic device HD41‧‧‧Base structure HD418‧‧‧hole HD41A‧‧‧cover HD42‧‧‧hydraulic chamber HD43‧‧‧base component HD43A‧‧‧cylinder bore HD43C‧‧‧through hole HD44‧‧‧piston HD45‧‧‧operating component HD46‧‧‧biasing component HD47‧‧‧hydraulic reservoir HD47A‧‧‧reservoir tank HD4 7B‧‧‧Diaphragm HD47C‧‧‧Cover HD47D‧‧‧Recess HD47E‧‧‧Reservoir HD48‧‧‧Hole HD49‧‧‧Sub-piston HD4A‧‧‧Hydraulic device P11‧‧‧Standstill position P12‧‧‧Operation position P21‧‧‧Initial position P22‧‧‧Actuation position P31‧‧‧Standstill position P32 ‧‧‧Operation position P41‧‧‧Initial position P42‧‧‧Actuation position RT1‧‧‧Disc brake rotor RT2‧‧‧Disc brake rotor SS1‧‧‧Hydraulic sensor SS2‧‧‧Hydraulic sensor SS3‧‧‧Hydraulic sensor SS4‧‧‧Hydraulic sensor SW1‧‧‧Electric switch SW2‧‧‧Electric switch SW3‧‧ ‧Electric switch SW4‧‧‧Electric switch U1‧‧‧User suspension input U2‧‧‧User seat post input UC1‧‧‧Upshift control signal US1‧‧‧User upshift input VH‧‧‧Human-powered vehicle VH1‧‧‧Vehicle body VH2‧‧‧Saddle VH3‧‧‧Handlebar VH4‧‧‧Front fork W1‧‧‧Wheel W2‧‧‧Wheel

A more complete understanding of the present invention and its many attendant advantages will be readily obtained as the same becomes better understood by referring to the following detailed description when considered in conjunction with the accompanying drawings.

FIG. 1 is a side view of a human-powered vehicle including a hydraulic system according to a first embodiment.

FIG. 2 is a partial schematic diagram of the human-powered vehicle shown in FIG. 1 .

FIG. 3 is a schematic block diagram of the hydraulic system of the human-powered vehicle shown in FIG. 1 .

FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view of a hydraulic device of the hydraulic system of the human-powered vehicle shown in FIG. 1 .

FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view of another hydraulic device of the hydraulic system of the human-powered vehicle shown in FIG. 1 .

FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view of another hydraulic device of the hydraulic system of the human-powered vehicle shown in FIG. 1 .

FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view of another hydraulic device of the hydraulic system of the human-powered vehicle shown in FIG. 1 .

FIG. 8 is another schematic block diagram of the hydraulic system of the human-powered vehicle shown in FIG. 1 .

FIG. 9 is another schematic block diagram of the hydraulic system of the human-powered vehicle shown in FIG. 1 .

FIG. 10 is a front view of the electrical equipment of the hydraulic system of the human-powered vehicle shown in FIG. 1 .

FIG. 11 is another schematic block diagram of the hydraulic system of the human-powered vehicle shown in FIG. 1 .

FIG. 12 is a view of another electrical device of the hydraulic system of the human-powered vehicle shown in FIG. 1 .

FIG13 is a schematic block diagram of a hydraulic system according to a second embodiment.

FIG. 14 is a cross-sectional view of a hydraulic device of the hydraulic system shown in FIG. 13 .

FIG. 15 is a cross-sectional view of another hydraulic device of the hydraulic system shown in FIG. 13 .

FIG. 16 is a cross-sectional view of another hydraulic device of the hydraulic system shown in FIG. 13 .

FIG. 17 is a cross-sectional view of another hydraulic device of the hydraulic system shown in FIG. 13 .

C1‧‧‧Controller

C2‧‧‧Controller

C3‧‧‧Controller

C4‧‧‧Controller

C5‧‧‧Controller

C6‧‧‧Controller

CP‧‧‧Telecommunications path

H1‧‧‧Hydraulic hose

HD1‧‧‧Hydraulic device

HD11‧‧‧Base structure

HD11A‧‧‧Cover

HD12‧‧‧Hydraulic chamber

HD13‧‧‧Base components

HD13A‧‧‧Inner hole of cylinder

HD13B‧‧‧Additional cylinder bore

HD14‧‧‧Piston

HD15A‧‧‧Friction components

HD15B‧‧‧Additional friction components

HD16‧‧‧Additional piston

HD17‧‧‧Additional hydraulic chamber

HD18‧‧‧Hole

HD19‧‧‧Sub-piston

HD3‧‧‧Hydraulic device

RT1‧‧‧Disc brake rotor

SW1‧‧‧Electric switch

VH4‧‧‧Front fork

Claims (19)

A hydraulic device for a hydraulic system of a human-powered vehicle, comprising: a base structure including a hydraulic chamber; and an electric switch, which is configured to sense information about a change in at least one of the hydraulic pressure of the hydraulic chamber and the hydraulic flow of the hydraulic chamber and transmit an electrical output related to the information, and the electric switch is configured to be pressed to be activated according to the change in at least one of the hydraulic pressure of the hydraulic chamber and the hydraulic flow of the hydraulic chamber. A hydraulic device for a hydraulic system of a human-powered vehicle as described in Item 1 of the patent application, wherein the electric switch is attached to the base structure so that the electric switch is activated according to the change in the hydraulic pressure of the hydraulic chamber. A hydraulic device for a hydraulic system of a human-powered vehicle as described in Item 2 of the patent application, wherein the base structure includes a hole, which is constructed to be fluidly connected to the hydraulic chamber, and a sub-piston, which is movably disposed in the hole to press and activate the electric switch in response to the change in the hydraulic pressure. A hydraulic device for a hydraulic system of a human-powered vehicle as described in claim 2 or 3, wherein the electric switch is constructed to be activated if the change in the hydraulic pressure reaches a critical value. A hydraulic device for a hydraulic system of a human-powered vehicle comprises: a base structure including a hydraulic chamber; and a hydraulic sensor configured to sense information about at least one of the hydraulic pressure of the hydraulic chamber and the hydraulic flow rate of the hydraulic chamber and transmit an electrical output related to the information. A hydraulic device for a hydraulic system of a human-powered vehicle as described in Item 5 of the patent application, wherein the hydraulic sensor is attached to the base structure to sense the hydraulic pressure of the hydraulic chamber. A hydraulic device for a hydraulic system of a human-powered vehicle as described in Item 6 of the patent application, wherein the base structure includes a hole constructed to be fluidically connected to the hydraulic chamber, and the hydraulic sensor is disposed in the hole to sense the hydraulic pressure. A hydraulic device for a hydraulic system of a human-powered vehicle as described in item 1 or 5 of the patent application, wherein the base structure includes a base member, which includes a cylinder bore, and a piston, which is movably disposed in the cylinder bore, and the piston and the cylinder bore define the hydraulic chamber. The hydraulic device for a hydraulic system of a human-powered vehicle as described in Item 8 of the patent application scope further comprises a friction member that is movable relative to the base structure, wherein the piston is movably disposed in the inner bore of the cylinder to move the friction member in response to the change in the hydraulic pressure. As described in item 8 of the patent application scope, a hydraulic device for a hydraulic system of a human-powered vehicle, wherein the base component includes an additional cylinder bore, the base structure includes an additional piston movably disposed in the additional cylinder bore, and the additional piston and the additional cylinder bore define an additional hydraulic chamber, and the additional hydraulic chamber is constructed to be fluidically connected to the hydraulic chamber. The hydraulic device for the hydraulic system of a human-powered vehicle as described in Item 10 of the patent application scope further comprises an additional friction member that is movable relative to the base structure, wherein the additional piston is movably disposed in the inner hole of the additional cylinder to move the additional friction member in response to changes in the additional hydraulic pressure of the additional hydraulic chamber. The hydraulic device for a hydraulic system of a human-powered vehicle as described in claim 8 further comprises an operating member movably coupled to the base structure, wherein the piston is operatively coupled to the operating member to move relative to the base structure in response to movement of the operating member. A hydraulic device for a hydraulic system of a human-powered vehicle as described in item 1 or 5 of the patent application, wherein the base structure includes a hydraulic reservoir constructed to be fluidically connected to the hydraulic chamber. A hydraulic system for a human-powered vehicle, comprising: a hydraulic device as described in any one of items 1 to 13 of the patent application; an electrical device; and a controller configured to control the electrical device based on the electrical output from the hydraulic device. A hydraulic system for a human-powered vehicle as described in claim 14, wherein the electrical device includes a transmission configured to change gears, and the controller is configured to control the transmission based on the electrical output. A hydraulic system for a human-powered vehicle as described in claim 14 or 15, wherein the electrical device includes an anti-lock brake device configured to change the hydraulic pressure, and the controller is configured to control the anti-lock brake device based on the electrical output. A hydraulic system for a human-powered vehicle as described in claim 14 or 15, wherein the electrical device includes a driving assist device configured to generate driving assist for the human-powered vehicle, and the controller is configured to control the driving assist device based on the electrical output. A hydraulic system for a human-powered vehicle as described in claim 14 or 15, wherein the electrical device includes a telescopic device, and the controller is constructed to control the telescopic device based on the electrical output. A hydraulic system for a human-powered vehicle as described in claim 14 or 15, wherein the electrical device includes a lighting device, and the controller is constructed to control the lighting device based on the electrical output.