JPH11171069A - Bicycle voice system - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To generate various proper voices according to traveling state and ensure the safety of an occupant by setting a voice buzzer for detecting the traveling state of a bicycle and automatically generating a voice on a handle stem or the like. SOLUTION: A vibration sensor 10 comprises an arch contact 12 set so as to surround the tip part of a bar contact 11 having spring property, and a weight 13 fixed to the vicinity of the tip part of the bar contact 11 by a bolt 14 and a nut 15. When a bicycle starts traveling, the bar contact 11 is vertically vibrated by the vibration of the body resulted from the unevenness of a road surface to repeat electric ON/OFF with the arch contact 12. The traveling state of the bicycle is detected in this way. The signal of the vibration sensor 10 is received to judge each mode of starting, traveling, stopping and parking of the bicycle, and a control circuit loaded on a circuit board 8 transmits a signal corresponding to each mode. A speaker 9 receives this signal and generates a voice according to each traveling mode.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a bicycle audio system capable of automatically generating various sounds according to the running state of a bicycle.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art Various types of sound generators for bicycles have been proposed. A bell that is operated manually and a buzzer sounds by operating a switch such as a push button using a battery or the like as a power source, or a speaker that generates sound by operating a speaker by operating a push button, or a plurality of push button operations Some of them generate different sounds depending on the situation.

[0003]

However, in such a conventional bicycle sound generator, the type of sound generated by operating a switch such as a specific push button is uniquely fixed. Or even if not fixed,
In most cases, the sound generated by the switch operation is a sequential control involving a random or chained operation, making it impossible to generate a detailed sound corresponding to the running state of the bicycle. In addition, the above-mentioned various types of sound generators tend to have a complicated structure such as requiring a plurality of push buttons.In addition, when these sound generators are used as external horns, Most of them were not used for alerting passengers. In particular, if the passenger is an infant, there is a risk that safe boarding may not be ensured based solely on the infant's judgment. In addition, it has been required to provide various and appropriate instructions to passengers regarding safe boarding.

Accordingly, the present invention solves such a problem of the conventional voice generation device for a bicycle which is only generated uniquely, and generates various and appropriate voices according to the running state of the bicycle to provide the passenger with a sound. It is an object of the present invention to provide a bicycle sound system having a useful and simple structure that can ensure safety.

[0005]

According to the present invention, a sound buzzer for detecting a running state of a bicycle and automatically generating a sound is provided on a steering wheel stem or the like. Further, the present invention provides a detection circuit for detecting each mode of the running state, that is, starting, running, stopping, and stopping the bicycle, and a control for generating a sound corresponding to each mode based on an output from the detection circuit. And a circuit. Further, the invention is characterized in that the detecting means for detecting the running state of the bicycle is a vibration sensor. Further, the present invention is characterized in that a horn switch which can be arbitrarily operated by a passenger is provided in addition to the sound buzzer. Further, the present invention is characterized in that the operation of the horn switch generates a sound corresponding to each mode of starting, running, stopping, and stopping the bicycle. Further, the present invention is characterized in that a piezoelectric buzzer is additionally provided as a sound generating means in the sound buzzer, and these are used as means for solving the problems.

[0006]

Embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings. 1 to 5 show an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 1 is an overall side view of a bicycle equipped with a voice system of the present invention, and FIG. 2 is a voice buzzer used in the voice system of the present invention. 3 is a diagram showing a plane section of the sound buzzer and an example of a vibration sensor, FIG. 4 is a control block diagram of the sound system of the present invention, and FIG. 5 is a signal in each control unit of the sound system of the present invention. It is a figure showing a temporal change of a level. As shown in FIG. 1, the bicycle sound system of the present invention basically detects the running state of the bicycle by automatically detecting the running state of the bicycle on, for example, a handle stem 16 or the like within a reach of a riding occupant. And a sound buzzer 17 for generating a sound is provided. Needless to say, as described later, even when the horn buzzer directed to the outside has a function independent of the sound system of the present invention, or even when the horn buzzer is incorporated into the sound system of the present invention, the movement of the fingers may be performed. Is permitted, the sound buzzer 17 may be installed at an appropriate portion of the bicycle body other than the handle stem 16.

The structure of a sound buzzer used in the sound system of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS. FIG.
As shown in (A) and (B), the sound buzzer 17 includes a windshield case 4 also serving as a windshield that covers the upper front, a main body case 1 housed in the windshield case 4, and these windshield cases 4,
It comprises a lower case 5 arranged at the lower part of the main body case 1, and is attached to the handle stem 16 and the like by a bracket 6 provided at the lower part of the lower case 5. In FIG. 2, it is understood that the speaker 9 is installed on the front surface of the main case 1, the horn switch 2 is installed on the upper surface of the lower case 5, and the power switch 3 is installed on the front surface of the lower case 5.

[0008] As shown in FIG.
The battery 7 is housed on the front side (passenger side) of the lower case 5 in, and the audio system of the present invention operates when the power switch 3 installed on the front side of the lower case 5 is turned on. A vibration sensor 10 for detecting a running state of the bicycle over the rear side of the lower case 5 and the main body case 1.
A circuit board 8 having a control circuit for receiving a signal from the vibration sensor 10 to determine a start mode, a running state, a stop state, and a stop state of the bicycle, and to transmit a signal corresponding to each mode; A speaker 9 that receives a signal from the control circuit and generates a sound corresponding to each traveling mode is housed. A normal battery may be used as the battery 7 or a secondary battery charged by a generator (not shown). The horn switch 2 indicated by reference numeral 2 is installed on the upper surface of the lower case 5, but the horn, such as a piezoelectric buzzer described later, which is sounded by the horn switch 2 has a function independent of the audio system of the present invention. It is also possible to use a normal striking bell in that case, which is not always a necessary configuration in the audio system of the present invention. However, as described later, the operation of the whistle switch causes the bicycle to start,
It is also within the scope of the present invention to configure so as to generate sound corresponding to each of the stopped and stopped modes so as to have an important relationship with the sound system of the present invention.

In the voice system according to the present invention, the running state of the bicycle is detected as shown in FIG. 3 (B) (C) or FIG. 3 (D).
This is performed by the vibration sensor 10 as shown in FIG. In the example shown in FIGS. 3B and 3C, the bar contact 11 and the arch contact 1 having spring properties are provided on the back surface of the circuit board 8 or the like.
2, a weight 13 is fixed to the tip of the bar contact 11 by a bolt 14 and a nut 15, and the arch contact 12 is arranged so as to surround the vicinity of the tip of the bar contact 11. . With such a configuration, when the bicycle starts running, the bar contacts 11 move up and down due to the vibration of the vehicle body caused by the unevenness of the road surface (the left-right direction in FIG. 3B and the direction orthogonal to the paper surface in FIG. 3C). ) Vibrates and repeats electrical ON / OFF with the arch contact 12. In the example shown in FIG. 3D, a pair of comb-shaped contacts 12 ', 12' are arranged to face each other to form a large number of labyrinth-shaped contacts, and a steel ball 13 'is placed on these contacts. The vibration sensor 10 is configured as described above. With such a configuration, when the bicycle starts running, the steel ball 13 'exhibits a random behavior due to the vibration of the vehicle body caused by the unevenness of the road surface, and electrical ON / OFF is performed between a large number of labyrinth-like contacts. repeat.

FIG. 4 is a control block diagram of an audio system according to the present invention. A signal FR from a vibration sensor 10 is sent to a single shot generation circuit 21 and a signal A1 processed in the single shot generation circuit 21 is output. Output to the audio control circuit 22 and the edge detection circuit 28. The single shot generation circuit 21 receives the H level signal of the signal FR and outputs an H level signal for a time Td. On the other hand, the signal SW is sent from the horn output control circuit 27 to the edge detection circuit 28 when the horn switch 2 is pressed.
The edge detection circuit 28 receives the outputs of the single-shot generation circuit 21 and the horn output control circuit 27, and sets a predetermined value at the rise and fall of the output of the single-shot generation circuit 21 and the rise of the horn output control circuit 27. Is output to the voice control circuit 22 for the time H. The audio control circuit 22 includes the single shot generation circuit 2
Output signal A1, the output A2 of the horn output control circuit 27, and the output ED of the edge detection circuit 28, the audio signal SP
To an audio output circuit 23 such as a speaker.

The operation of the audio system for a bicycle according to the present invention configured as described above will be described below with reference to FIGS. <At the start of running> When the bicycle starts running (t0), the vehicle body vibrates due to unevenness of the road surface, and the vibration sensor 10 starts repeating electrical ON / OFF at random (t1).
It outputs a random and intermittent H-level signal FR. The single shot generation circuit 21 receives the H level signal FR and outputs an H level signal A1 for a time Td. That is, if the H level signal is not output from the vibration sensor 10 for the time Td or more, the single shot generation circuit 21 converts the H level signal to the L level signal A1.
(T5). When the vehicle starts running, the output A1 of the single shot generation circuit 21 goes high (t1) and is input to the voice control circuit 22 and the edge detection circuit 28. In the edge detection circuit 28, since the output A1 of the single shot generation circuit 21 changes from L level to H level, the signal E of H level for a predetermined time is output.
D is output. In the audio control circuit 22, the output A1 of the single-shot generation circuit 21 at the H level and the horn output control circuit 2 at the L level (the horn switch 2 is not pressed).
7 and the H-level output ED (t1) from the edge detection circuit 28, the start-up sound signal SP is output to the sound output circuit 23 such as the speaker 9, for example, "Please check the left and right. "Let's ride carefully" is generated (t1 to t2).

<During running> During running, an intermittent and random H-level signal FR from the vibration sensor 10 is constantly output.
1 maintains the H level (after t1). In this state, when the horn switch 2 is pressed (t3), the H level signal SW from the horn output control circuit 27 is input to the edge detection circuit 28 and the voice control circuit 22, and the edge detection circuit 28 The signal ED at the H level is output for a predetermined time (t3), and the audio control circuit 22 outputs the signal A1 from the single-shot generation circuit 21 at the H level, the signal A2 from the horn output control circuit 27 at the H level, and the H level. The signal ED from the edge detection circuit 28 causes the sound output circuit such as the speaker 9 to generate an alarm for the time during which the horn switch 2 is pressed (t3 to t4). Since the sound at this time is a horn sound to the outside, it is appropriate to use an alarm sound such as a buzzer. In the present invention, the sound output circuit 2 is provided separately from the speaker 9 as an alarm sound.
A loud-sounding piezoelectric buzzer sounded by 3 can also be provided.

<At the time of stop> When the running of the bicycle is stopped and the signal from the vibration sensor 10 is interrupted and the time Td or more elapses (t5), the output A1 from the single shot generation circuit 21 becomes L level and the edge detection circuit At 28, the signal ED at the H level is output for a predetermined time according to a change in the value of the output A1 from the single shot generation circuit 21 (detection of the fall). The audio control circuit 22 determines the output A1 from the L-level single-shot generation circuit 21, the output A2 from the L-level horn output control circuit 27, and the signal ED from the H-level edge detection circuit 28 for a predetermined time (t5 to t6). ) Only outputs the audio signal SP at the time of stop to the audio output circuit 23 such as the speaker 9 to generate a sound such as “Now arriving”, “Pause. it can.

<Stopped state> When the horn switch 2 is depressed at a point in time when the bicycle has been stopped for a while (t7), the vehicle is no longer running and is not in a particularly dangerous state. The audio signal SP which is stopped by the output A1 from the single-shot generation circuit 21, the output A2 from the horn output control circuit 27 at the H level, and the signal ED from the edge detection circuit 28 at the H level is output from the audio output circuit such as the speaker 9. For example, a voice or music that is not particularly related to running such as "Let's do my best" can be generated for a predetermined time (t7 to t8).

The embodiment of the present invention has been described above. However, within the scope of the present invention, the location where the sound buzzer is installed, the shape and form of the sound buzzer, the form of the sound generator such as a speaker, The form of the vibration sensor, the form of the single shot generation circuit, the form of the horn output control circuit, the form of the edge detection circuit, and the form of the voice control circuit (for example, when a predetermined time has elapsed since the start of traveling t1, the timer determines the speed. A control circuit that automatically outputs voices such as "Do not emit", "Let's be careful about the car", etc.), the type of horn switch, the type of power switch, etc. can be selected as appropriate. Things. In addition, detecting a sudden steering operation, "Be careful left and right"
Such an audio signal can be output to an audio output circuit. A variety of sounds to be sent from the sound control circuit to the sound output circuit are prepared in accordance with the running state, and the passenger is able to select his / her favorite sound with a changeover switch or the like. You can also. Furthermore, it goes without saying that a device that detects the rotation of wheels such as a normal generator can be used as the traveling detection means instead of the vibration sensor as the traveling detection means that detects the traveling of the bicycle.

[0016]

As described in detail above, according to the present invention, various and appropriate sounds can be automatically generated according to the running state of the bicycle, and therefore, a unique and unique sound as in the prior art can be obtained. Unlike the ones that generate fixed voices, various voices according to the running state of the bicycle can be automatically generated regardless of the passenger's intention,
In particular, when the passenger is an infant, it is possible to give useful instructions at an appropriate time to avoid the danger of an accident or the like at an appropriate time, thereby ensuring sufficient safety. In the present invention,
In particular, a vibration sensor is adopted as the travel detecting means, and its behavior is grasped to appropriately determine whether the bicycle is running, running, stopped, stopped, etc., and an appropriate sound corresponding to each of these running states is provided. Since it can be generated, the configuration of the traveling detection means is simplified.

Further, if a horn switch that can be arbitrarily operated by a passenger is provided in the sound buzzer, the sound system is operated independently of the horn operated by the horn switch, and the running state is controlled. Therefore, it is possible to urge only the passenger's attention according to the above, and the system configuration is further simplified. Conversely, if the horn switch is operated to generate sounds corresponding to the respective modes of starting, running, stopping and stopping the bicycle, that is, the voice system is adapted to the running state of the bicycle. When used for alerting the passengers and horning to the outside, the sound generator such as a speaker can be used for both the passengers and the outside, and the parts can be shared and the cost is low. Becomes Further, if a piezoelectric buzzer is provided as a sound generating means in the sound buzzer, the buzzer as a horn for the outside can be made loud.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is an overall side view of a bicycle equipped with a voice system of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a front view and a side view of a sound buzzer used in the sound system of the present invention.

FIG. 3 is a diagram showing a plane section of an audio buzzer used in the audio system of the present invention and an example of a vibration sensor.

FIG. 4 is a control block diagram of the audio system of the present invention.

FIG. 5 is a diagram showing a temporal change of a signal level in each control unit of the audio system of the present invention.

[Explanation of symbols]

 DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Main body case 2 Horn switch 3 Power switch 4 Windshield case 5 Lower case 6 Bracket 7 Battery 8 Circuit board 9 Speaker 10 Vibration sensor 11 Bar contact 12 Arch contact 13 Weight 14 Bolt 15 Nut 16 Handle stem 17 Voice buzzer 21 Single shot generation circuit Reference Signs List 22 sound control circuit 23 sound output circuit 27 horn output control circuit 28 edge detection circuit

Continued on the front page (72) Inventor Shin Shin Koganaru 3-1-1 Nakatsuma, Ageo-shi, Saitama Prefecture Inside Bridgestone Cycle Co., Ltd. (72) Inventor Yasuhiro Nakanishi 3-1-1 Nakatsuma, Ageo-shi, Saitama Bridgestone Cycle Stock In company

Claims (6)

[Claims] 1. An audio system for a bicycle, wherein a voice buzzer for detecting a running state of the bicycle and automatically generating an audio is installed on a handle stem or the like. 2. A detection circuit for detecting each mode of the running state, ie, starting, running, stopping, and stopping the bicycle, and a control for generating a sound corresponding to each mode based on an output from the detection circuit. The audio system for a bicycle according to claim 1, further comprising a circuit. 3. The bicycle audio system according to claim 1, wherein the detecting means for detecting a running state of the bicycle is a vibration sensor. 4. The bicycle audio system according to claim 1, wherein a horn switch that can be arbitrarily operated by a passenger is provided on the audio buzzer. 5. The bicycle according to claim 1, wherein a sound corresponding to each mode of starting, running, stopping and stopping the bicycle is generated by operating the horn switch. The bicycle audio system according to any of the above. 6. The bicycle sound system according to claim 4, wherein a piezoelectric buzzer is provided as sound generation means in said sound buzzer.