Gear shift control device

Abstract

Gear shift control device for a bicycle for controlling a gear shifting device of the bicycle according to a plurality of operating modes of an auxiliary power device of the bicycle for assisting a manual driving force, wherein the gear shift control device comprises: a gear shift controller configured to select a gear shifting range that can be used according to the plurality of operating modes and controlling the gear shifting device within the gear shifting range that has been selected, wherein the plurality of operating modes comprises a first operating mode and a second operating mode, and the gear shift controller varies at least a part of the gear shifting range that can be used in the first operating mode and the gear shifting range that can be used in the second operating mode, wherein the gear shift controller can control the gear shifting device such that a maximum gear ratio (GR),that can be used during the second operating mode is greater than a maximum gear ratio (GR) that can be used during the first operating mode.

Description

TECHNICAL AREA

[0001] The present invention relates to a control device, and in particular a gear-shifting control device (which may also be referred to as a gear-shifting control device), which controls a gear-shifting device (which may also be referred to as a gear-shifting device) of a bicycle according to a plurality of operating modes of an auxiliary power device provided to the bicycle and which assists a manual driving force. STATE OF THE ART

[0002] Assisted bicycles with a drive unit for generating auxiliary power using a motor are conventionally known (see, for example, patent specification 1). The assisted bicycle from patent specification 1 can be switched between a plurality of types of auxiliary power by means of a switch. DOCUMENT OF THE STATE OF TECHNOLOGY PATENT LITERATURE

[0003] PATENT 1: Japanese Patent Nos. 3,306,309 REVELATION OF THE INVENTION; TASK TO BE SOLVED BY THE INVENTION

[0004] The object of the present invention is to improve the riding comfort of an assisted bicycle. MEANS OF SOLVING THE TASK

[0005] The gear shift control device according to the present invention is a gear shift control device for a bicycle for controlling a gear shifting mechanism of the bicycle according to a plurality of operating modes of an auxiliary power device of the bicycle for supporting manual propulsion. The gear shift control device comprises a gear shift controller (which may also be referred to as a gear shift control unit or control unit). The gear shift controller selects a gear shifting range that can be used according to a plurality of operating modes and controls the gear shifting mechanism within the selected gear shifting range.

[0006] With this gear shift control device, the gear shift controller selects a gear shift pattern that can be used according to a multiple operating modes of the auxiliary power unit and controls the gear shifting mechanism within the selected gear shift range. This allows for improved riding comfort on an assisted bicycle.

[0007] Most operating modes may include a first operating mode and a second operating mode. The gear shift controller varies at least part of the gear shift range that can be used in the first operating mode and the gear shift range that can be used in the second operating mode. Because at least part of the gear shift range differs between the first and second operating modes, it is possible in this case to select a gear shift range according to the operating mode.

[0008] The gear shift controller can control the gear shifting device so that the maximum gear ratio that can be used during the second operating mode is greater than the maximum gear ratio that can be used during the first operating mode.

[0009] The gear shift controller can control the gear shifting device so that the minimum gear ratio that can be used during the second operating mode is greater than the minimum gear ratio that can be used during the first operating mode.

[0010] The first operating mode can be an operating mode that supports the manual driving force with a first auxiliary force, and the second operating mode can be an operating mode that supports the manual driving force with a second auxiliary force that is greater than the first auxiliary force.

[0011] The first operating mode can be an operating mode that does not cause the auxiliary power device to generate an auxiliary force, and the second operating mode can be an operating mode that causes the auxiliary power device to generate an auxiliary force.

[0012] The gear shift range can be defined by the gear ratio or the shift position. In this case, the gear shift range becomes clear.

[0013] The gear shift controller can control the gear shifting device in response to a gear shift command. In this case, the controller can control the gear shifting device based on a gear shift command generated by a gear shift operation or based on a gear shift command generated by the riding state of the bicycle.

[0014] The gear shift control device can further include a riding condition detection unit that detects the riding condition of the bicycle. The gear shift controller controls the gear shifting mechanism according to the detection result of the riding condition detection unit. In this case, automatic gear shifting according to the riding condition is possible.

[0015] The gear shift control device according to a further aspect of the present invention is a gear shift control device for a bicycle for controlling a gear shifting mechanism of the bicycle according to a plurality of operating modes of an auxiliary power device of the bicycle for supporting a manual drive force. The plurality of operating modes comprises a first operating mode and a second operating mode. The gear shift control device comprises a gear shift controller.When the speed of the bicycle becomes less than or equal to a prescribed value, the gear shift controller controls the gear shifting device so that it is in a first gear shift state corresponding to the first operating mode; the controller controls the gear shifting device so that it is in a second gear shift state corresponding to the second operating mode, which differs from the first gear shift state and corresponds to the second operating mode.

[0016] Since the gear-shifting device is controlled in such a way that it is in a different gear-shifting state when the speed of the bicycle becomes less than or equal to a prescribed value in the first operating state and in the second operating state, in which the assistance power is different, with this gear-shifting control device the rider can conveniently start the bicycle when the rider operates the pedals after the speed becomes less than or equal to the prescribed value, and the riding comfort of the assisted bicycle can be improved.

[0017] The prescribed value can be 0. In this case, the rider can conveniently start the bicycle by pedaling after the bicycle has come to a stop, and the riding comfort of the assisted bicycle can be improved.

[0018] The gear ratio in the first gear change state can be smaller than the gear ratio in the second gear change state.

[0019] The gear-shift control device according to yet another aspect of the present invention is a gear-shift control device for a bicycle for controlling a gear-shifting mechanism of the bicycle according to a plurality of operating modes of an auxiliary power device of the bicycle for supporting a manual drive force. The plurality of operating modes comprises a first operating mode and a second operating mode. The gear-shift control device comprises a gear-shift controller that controls the gear-shifting mechanism in the first operating mode according to a first parameter relating to time and the riding condition of the bicycle, and that controls the gear-shifting mechanism in the second operating condition according to a second parameter relating to time and different from the first parameter, and the riding condition of the bicycle.

[0020] In this gear shift control device, the gear shifting mechanism is controlled in the first and second operating modes according to different time-related parameters. For example, if the assistance required in the second operating mode is greater than in the first, the gear shift frequency in the second operating mode (with higher assistance) can be reduced, and the gear shift frequency in the first operating mode (with lower assistance) can be increased, by making the first time-related parameter shorter than the second time-related parameter. This allows for an optimal gear shift frequency for each operating mode, thus improving the riding comfort of the assisted bicycle.

[0021] The gear shift controller can switch the gear shifting device if a prescribed condition is still met, even after a time period expressed by the first parameter has elapsed from the time when the bicycle's riding condition meets the prescribed condition in the first operating state; the controller can also switch the gear shifting device if a prescribed condition is still met, even after a time period expressed by the second parameter has elapsed from the time when the bicycle's riding condition meets the prescribed condition in the second operating state.

[0022] The gear shift controller does not need to switch the gear shifting device if a prescribed condition is not met after a time period, expressed by the first parameter, has elapsed from the time when the bicycle's riding state meets the prescribed condition in the first operating state; the controller also does not need to switch the gear shifting device if a prescribed condition is not met after a time period, expressed by the second parameter, has elapsed from the time when the bicycle's riding state meets the prescribed condition in the second operating state.

[0023] The time expressed by the first parameter can be shorter than the time expressed by the second parameter.

[0024] The bicycle's riding mode can be selected from a group that includes the bicycle's speed, pedaling cadence, manual power output, and the bicycle's lean angle. In this case, the gear shifting mechanism will automatically shift gears according to the bicycle's riding mode, making manual gear changes unnecessary.

[0025] The gear shift controller can control the gear shifting mechanism according to the first parameter, the second parameter, and the riding condition of the bicycle, with regard to shifting in the direction where the gear ratio decreases. In this case, the gear shift frequency can be varied according to the assistance provided when downshifting. EFFECTS OF THE INVENTION

[0026] According to the present invention, the riding comfort of an assisted bicycle can be improved in an assisted bicycle that has an auxiliary power device that operates in a plurality of operating modes, since the gear shift range, gear shift state or gear shift frequency changes for each of the operating modes. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0027] Fig. Figure 1 is a side view showing part of an auxiliary-powered bicycle comprising the control device according to a first embodiment of the present invention.

[0028] Fig. Figure 2 is a block diagram showing a configuration of the control device, which includes a drive unit.

[0029] Fig. Figure 3 is a diagram showing an example of an upshift threshold and a downshift threshold for each shift position of an internal gear-changing mechanism.

[0030] Fig. Figure 4 is a flowchart showing an example of a control process performed by the gear shift controller according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

[0031] Fig. Figure 5 is a flowchart showing an example of an automatic switching process of the control process when a gear change range is defined by the shift position.

[0032] Fig. Figure 6 is a flowchart showing an example of a manual switching process of the control process when a gear change range is defined by the shift position.

[0033] Fig. Figure 7 is a diagram showing an example of a transmission ratio in the case where the gear-shifting range is defined by the transmission ratio in a gear-shifting device having three front gear rings and ten rear gear rings.

[0034] Fig. 8 is one of the Fig. 5 corresponding diagram of a modified example of the first embodiment in the case where the gear change range is defined by the transmission ratio.

[0035] Fig. 9 is one of the Fig. 5 corresponding diagram showing an example of an automatic switching process of a control process according to a second embodiment of the present invention. EXECUTION FORMS OF THE INVENTION FIRST EXECUTION FORM

[0036] In Fig. 1 transmits a bicycle with auxiliary power, which has a control device 1 According to a first embodiment of the present invention, a pedal actuation force is applied to a pedal. 100 acts on an internal gear-shifting mechanism 107a , which is around an axle shaft 106 around the rear wheel, via a path from a crank arm 101a (or a crank arm) 101b ) → a crankshaft102 → a drive unit 2 → a front sprocket 103 → a chain 104 → a rear sprocket 105 The force required to operate the pedals is an example of manual driving force. The drive unit 2 This is an example of an auxiliary power device. The control device 1 This is an example of a gear shift control device (which can also be called a gear shift control device).

[0037] The drive unit 2 includes a housing 11 and an engine 20 , which is in the case 11 is arranged (see Fig. 2) The engine 20 is designed to assist the pedal actuation force. The crankshaft 102 is through the case 11 rotatably mounted. The drive unit 2 transmits the driving force of the motor 20 to the front sprocket 103 An electric transmission107 includes, for example, a gearshift motor 107b and an internal gear-shifting mechanism 107a , which is equipped with the gearshift motor 107b shifts gears. The electric transmission 107 This is an example of the gear-shifting mechanism. As in Fig. The electric transmission, as shown in section 2, includes... 107 also a gear rate sensor 107c , who is trained to select the switching position of the internal gear-shifting mechanism 107a to detect. The internal gear-shifting mechanism 107a It includes multiple shift positions. The internal gear-shifting mechanism 107a In the present embodiment, it comprises five switching positions. The gear ratio for each switching position in the internal gear-shifting mechanism is... 107aFor example, approximately 0.5 for the first shift position, approximately 0.8 for the second shift position, approximately 1.2 for the third shift position, approximately 1.6 for the fourth shift position and approximately 2.1 for the fifth shift position.

[0038] The bicycle with auxiliary power combines the output power of the motor. 20 The pedal actuation force acts as an auxiliary force and assists driving. In the present embodiment, the sensor detects 50 The driver's pedal actuation force; if the detected value exceeds a set value, the sensor activates the motor. 20 and generates a force equivalent to the pedal actuation force, as an auxiliary force. The drive unit 2 , which powers the engine 20The support structure is generally located near the junction of the lower end of a seat tube and the rear end of a down tube of a frame; this unit is fixed to the frame by a bolt (not shown). A battery for powering the motor is arranged along a rear support, down tube, or seat tube. ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

[0039] Fig. 2 is a block diagram showing the electrical setup of a bicycle with auxiliary power, which includes a drive unit 2 The bicycle with auxiliary power is designed to include a control device. 1 , a drive unit 2 , an inverter 6 , an electric transmission 107 , a gearshift unit 10 and an auxiliary operating unit 12 exhibits the control device 1It includes a gear shift control device. The control device 1 and the inverter 6 can in the drive unit 2 It may be included. Furthermore, at least one of the control devices may be included. 1 or the inverter 6 in the inner or outer edge section of the housing 11 the drive unit 2 be planned.

[0040] The control device 1 includes a controller 4 (can also be referred to as a controller or control unit), a driving condition detection unit 8 and a sensor 50 The controller 4 It is designed to include, for example, a central processing unit (CPU) and memory that stores a prescribed program. The controller 4 indicates information about the correlation between a command sent to the inverter 6 is spent to power the engine 20to drive, and a torque that the engine 20 in response to this command. The correlation information can be represented by something like a table or a formula. This allows the controller to 4 the motor's output torque 20 detect. The sensor 50 detects a torque that affects the motor's output power 20 and a torque of the crankshaft 102 combined. Thus, the controller can 4 only calculate the pedal actuation force, based on the torque generated by the sensor 50 detected motor output power 20 and a torque of the crankshaft 102 combined, and the engine's output torque 20 This allows the controller to... 4 the drive unit 2 Control according to the pedal actuation force. The controller 4 can the driving force for the motor 20by measuring the flow through the engine 20 to estimate the flowing current, or the controller can determine the driving force of the motor. 20 based on the command value for the engine 20 estimate. The sensor 50 can be trained, only the torque of the crankshaft 102 to detect, in other words, only the manual driving force.

[0041] The controller 4 controls the engine 20 via the inverter 6 according to the pedal actuation force and the detection result of the driving condition detection unit 8 In the first embodiment, the controller controls 4 the engine 20 via the inverter 6in one of the plurality of operating modes. In the present embodiment, the plurality of operating modes comprises a first operating mode and a second operating mode. The first operating mode is an operating mode that assists propulsion with a first auxiliary force. The second operating mode is an operating mode that assists propulsion with a second auxiliary force that is greater than the first auxiliary force of the first operating mode. The first auxiliary force increases to its maximum, for example, to the same value as the pedal actuation force. The second auxiliary force also increases to its maximum, for example, to twice the pedal actuation force. However, the first auxiliary force can be 0. That is, in the first operating mode, an auxiliary force must be provided by the motor. 20 cannot be generated.

[0042] The controller 4 also controls the electric transmission 107 according to the operating mode of the drive unit2 , the output of the driving condition detection unit 8 and the detection result of the gear speed sensor 107c The controller 4 This is an example of a gear shift controller. In the first embodiment, the controller selects a gear shift range for the electric transmission. 107 from, which can be used according to the first operating mode and the second operating mode, and controls the electric transmission 107 within the selected gear shift range. The controller 4 The controller varies at least part of the gear shift range that can be used in the first operating mode and the gear shift range that can be used in the second operating mode. 4 controls the electric transmission 107so that the maximum gear ratio that can be used during the second operating mode is greater than the maximum gear ratio that can be used during the first operating mode. The controller 4 controls the electric transmission 107 such that the minimum gear ratio that can be used during the second operating mode is greater than the minimum gear ratio that can be used during the first operating mode. The gear shift range is defined by the shift position or the gear ratio. In the first embodiment, the gear shift range is defined by the shift position. The controller 4 controls the electric transmission 107 through the gear shift command. The gear shift command is issued in response to a switching operation or the riding state of the bicycle.

[0043] The driving condition detection unit 8It detects a riding condition selected from a group that includes the bicycle's speed, the crank cadence, the pedaling force (the manual driving force), and the bicycle's inclination in the direction of travel. In the first embodiment, the riding condition detection unit detects 8 The speed of the bicycle. The riding condition detection unit. 8 For example, it can include a magnet positioned on the front or rear wheel, as well as a magnetic sensor mounted on the frame that detects the magnet. In this case, the bicycle's speed is determined from the time it takes for the magnetic sensor to detect the magnet and the wheel's circumference. Meanwhile, the riding condition detection unit can 8 the speed of the crankshaft 102 detect. For example, the driving condition detection unit can 8include a magnet attached to the crank arms 101a and 101b or is provided for the crankshaft, as well as a magnetic sensor that is attached to the drive unit 2 in the vicinity of the crankshaft 102 This is intended. In this case, the crank cadence can be detected from the output of the magnetic sensor. Since the wheel's rotational speed is calculated from a value that multiplies the gear ratio by the cadence, the bicycle's speed can be detected by multiplying the rear wheel's circumference by the rotational speed. Conversely, the cadence can be detected by dividing the bicycle's speed by the rear wheel's circumference and the gear ratio.

[0044] The engine 20 This is achieved, for example, by a three-phase brushless DC motor, and is further enhanced by the inverter. 6 powered. The inverter6 converts direct current into three-phase alternating current through a switching control, based on a command from the controller 4 , in order.

[0045] The electric transmission 107 is designed to include a gear-shifting mechanism and an electrical actuator. In the first embodiment, the gear-shifting mechanism is defined by the internal gear-shifting mechanism. 107a trained, and the electrical actuator is powered by the motor 107b designed. The gearshift mechanism can be an external gearshift mechanism. The electrical actuator can be a solenoid. The gearshift motor 107b activates the internal gear-shifting mechanism 107a in response to a gear shift command from the controller 4 .

[0046] The gearshift unit 10is designed to have, for example, three switches: a first switch SW1, a second switch SW2, and a third switch SW3. The gearshift unit 10 The controller issues a gear shift command and a switch command between manual and automatic shifting. 4 controls the electric transmission 107 The transmission features two shift modes: a manual shift mode and an automatic shift mode. The first switch, SW1, is used to issue an upshift command, increasing the gear ratio, for example, in manual shift mode. The second switch, SW2, is used to issue a downshift command to the controller. 4This is used to reduce the gear ratio, for example in manual shift mode. The third switch, SW3, is used to send a command to the controller to switch between, for example, manual and automatic shift modes. 4 used. However, the function of each switch from SW1 to SW3 can be freely configured via software. In manual switching mode, the controller controls 4 the gearshift motor 107b in response to a gear change command from the gearshift unit 10 and the operating mode of the drive unit 2 In automatic shift mode, the controller controls the electric transmission. 107 in response to the detection result of the driving condition detection unit 8 and the operating mode of the drive unit 2 .

[0047] In automatic shift mode, for example, a gear change command is generated by comparing an upshift threshold TU and a downshift threshold TD for each shift position, as exemplified in Fig. 3 is shown, and the gear change command is sent to the electric transmission. 107The upshift thresholds TU(1) – TU(4) from the first shift position to the fourth shift position are, for example, 8 km / h, 12.2 km / h, 16.4 km / h, and 20.5 km / h. The downshift thresholds TD(5) – TD(2) from the fifth shift position to the second shift position are, for example, 18.5 km / h, 14.6 km / h, 10.7 km / h, and 8.5 km / h. The upshift and downshift thresholds can be freely adjusted according to the rider's physical strength, the bicycle's use, the number of shift positions, etc. In this embodiment, upshifting is shifting a gear that increases the gear ratio, and downshifting is shifting a gear that decreases the gear ratio.

[0048] In the first embodiment, the controller selects 4 a gear shift range of the electric transmission 107from, which according to the detected value of the driving condition detection unit 8 and can be used in the operating mode, and the controller controls the electric transmission 107 so that it is within the selected gear shift range. The controller 4 The controller varies at least part of the gear shift range that can be used in the first operating mode and the gear shift range that can be used in the second operating mode. Specifically, the controller controls... 4 the electric transmission 107 so that the maximum gear ratio that can be used during the second operating mode is greater than the maximum gear ratio that can be used during the first operating mode. Furthermore, the controller controls 4 the electric transmission 107so that the minimum gear ratio that can be used during the second operating mode is greater than the minimum gear ratio that can be used during the first operating mode.

[0049] For example, in the second operating mode the controller 4 trained, the internal gear-changing mechanism 107a in a gear shift range between the second shift position and the fifth shift position of the five shift positions of the internal gear shift mechanism 107a to control. For example, in the first operating mode, the controller is designed to control the internal gear-shifting mechanism. 107a within a gear shift range between the first shift position and the fourth shift position of the five shift positions of the internal gear shift mechanism 107a to control.

[0050] Furthermore, the controller controls 4The gear change state is triggered by the operating mode when the bicycle's speed falls below or equal to a predefined value. The predefined value includes zero, which is a stopped state. However, the predefined value can be anything other than zero; for example, it can be less than or equal to 5 km / h. When the bicycle's speed falls below or equal to the predefined value, the controller intervenes. 4 the electric transmission 107 so that in the first operating mode it is in a first gear change state that corresponds to the first operating mode; the controller also controls the electric transmission 107such that in the second operating mode, it is in a second gear-shift state that differs from the first gear-shift state and corresponds to the second operating mode. The first gear-shift state is a gear-shift state in which the gear ratio is smaller than the second gear-shift state. In the first embodiment, the first gear-shift state is, for example, the first shift position, and the second gear-shift state is, for example, the third shift position. The settings of at least one of the shift positions corresponding to the first gear-shift state and the shift position corresponding to the second gear-shift state can be changed. For example, the switching of either the gear-shift unit can be 10 or the auxiliary operating unit 12 and the controller 4The change unit can be configured to change at least either the shift position corresponding to the first gear change state or the shift position corresponding to the second gear change state by actuating the switch. Furthermore, an external adjustment device, serving as the change unit, can be connected to the controller. 4 They are connected via an interface, and the shift positions corresponding to each gear change state can be freely changed by the external control device. The external control unit can be, for example, a bicycle computer, a small, portable electronic device such as a smartphone, or a personal computer.

[0051] In the first embodiment, the control of the gear shift range is applied to both shift modes, the manual shift mode and the automatic shift mode. However, the control of the gear shift range according to the operating mode can only be applied to one of the shift modes, either the manual shift mode or the automatic shift mode. The control of the gear shift range according to the operating mode is applied to the manual shift mode.

[0052] The auxiliary operating unit 12 is designed, for example, to include a fourth switch SW4, and this unit sends a command to the controller. 4to switch the operating mode. For example, the first and second operating modes are switched each time the fourth switch SW4 is actuated. However, the first switch SW1 to the fourth switch SW4 can be switches that the driver can operate directly, such as a push button or a toggle switch, etc.; however, they can also be switches that the driver can operate via a control element or a touch panel.

[0053] The operating mode and switching mode are displayed, for example, on a display device mounted on the handlebars. This display device could be, for instance, a liquid crystal display as found on a bicycle computer, or a light-emitting device such as a light-emitting diode (LED). In the case of a light-emitting device, the design could allow different modes (such as operating mode and switching mode) to be indicated by color, flashing, etc.

[0054] Next, an example of a specific gear shift control process of the controller will be presented. 4 in the first embodiment based on the control flowcharts that are in the Fig. 4 to Fig. 6 and the Fig. 8 and Fig. 9 are shown. However, the gear shift control process is not limited to the processes shown in these control flow diagrams.

[0055] If in Fig. 4 the control device 1 is powered up and the controller 4 When the controller enters a usable state, it performs the following action in step S1: 4An initialization process is performed in which various flags and values ​​are reset. At least two types of flags are set: Flag AM and Flag SM. Flag AM indicates whether the operating mode is the first or second operating mode. Flag AM is set when the second operating mode is selected by the fourth switch, SW4, and is reset when the flag is selected. In the explanation below, setting a flag is represented by a "1," and resetting a flag is represented by a "0." Flag SM indicates whether the switching mode is manual or automatic. Flag SM is set when the automatic switching mode is selected by the third switch, SW3, and is reset when the manual switching mode is selected.Therefore, by default, when power is turned on, the operating mode will be the initial operating mode, and the switching mode will be the manual switching mode. Here, the operating mode is the initial operating mode, and the switching mode is the manual switching mode when power is turned on; however, the flags set immediately before power is turned off can be saved, and these flags can be set when power is turned on.

[0056] In step S2, the controller determines 4 Whether the fourth switch SW4 has been activated or not. If the controller 4 Once it is determined that the fourth switch SW4 has not been activated, the operation proceeds to step S3. In step S3, the controller determines 4 Whether the third switch SW3 has been activated or not. If the controller 4Once it is determined that the third switch SW3 has not been activated, the operation proceeds to step S4. In step S4, the controller reads the speed VS from the driving condition detection unit. 8 out. In step S5, the controller determines 4 , whether the automatic switching mode has been set or not.

[0057] If the controller 4 Once it is determined that the fourth switch SW4 has been activated, the operation continues from step S2 to step S6. In step S6, the controller determines 4 The controller checks whether the AM flag is set or not, that is, whether the current operating mode is the second operating mode or not. If the current operating mode is not the second operating mode, the controller proceeds from step S6 to step S7, sets the AM flag, and changes the operating mode to the second operating mode. If the AM flag is set, the controller 4From step S6 to step S8, the controller resets the AM flag and changes the operating mode to the first operating mode. Once these settings are complete, the controller... 4 to step S3.

[0058] If the controller 4 Once it is determined that the third switch SW3 has been activated, the operation continues from step S3 to step S9. In step S9, the controller determines 4 The controller determines whether the SM flag is set or not, i.e., whether the current switching mode is automatic or not. If the current switching mode is not automatic, the controller proceeds. 4 From step S9 to step S10, the controller sets the SM flag and changes the switching mode to automatic switching mode. If the SM flag is set, the controller... 4The operation progresses from step S9 to step S11, resets the SM flag, and changes the switching mode to automatic switching mode. Once these settings are complete, the controller proceeds. 4 to step S4.

[0059] If in step S5 the controller 4 Determined that the current mode is in automatic switching mode, the operation proceeds to step S12. In step S12, the controller executes 4 the automatic switching operation process, as in Fig. Figure 5 shows that if step S5 determines that the current mode is in manual switching mode, the operation proceeds to step S14. Once the automatic switching process from step S12 has finished, the controller 4 Continue to step S2.

[0060] In step S14, the controller determines 4Whether the speed VS of the bicycle is less than or equal to V1 km / h. Here, V1 should be zero, so that the controller 4 determines whether the bicycle is stopped or not. If the controller 4 The controller determines that the bicycle is not stopped in step S14; that is, since the bicycle is not stopped, the operation continues from step S14 to step S15. In step S15, the controller executes 4 the manual switching process, as in Fig. 6 shown. Once the automatic switching process of step S13 has finished, the controller 4 Continue to step S2.

[0061] If the controller 4 In step S14, if it is determined that the speed VS of the bicycle is less than or equal to V1 km / h, the operation continues from step S14 to step S19. In step S19, the controller determines 4Whether the AM flag is set or not. If the AM flag is set and the operating mode is set to the second mode, the controller drives 4 The operation proceeds to step S20. In step S20, the controller... 4 to the electric transmission 107 a gear shift command is issued, which moves the SP shift position to the X1 shift position. If the current mode is in the second operating mode with high assistance, then when the bicycle stops, a shift to the X1 shift position will occur; when starting to ride after stopping, gear changes will begin from the X1 shift position. If, in step 19, the AM flag was reset and the operating mode was set to the first mode, the controller... 4 proceeds to step S21. In step S21, the controller... 4 to the electric transmission 107A gear shift command is issued, which moves the SP shift position to the X2 shift position. Therefore, if the current mode is in the first operating mode with low assistance, or without assistance, a shift to the X2 shift position will occur when the bicycle comes to a stop; when starting to ride after stopping, gear changes will begin from the X2 shift position. The gear ratio of the X1 shift position is higher than the gear ratio of the X2 shift position.

[0062] In the automatic switching process of Fig. 5 reads the controller in step S22 4 the current shift position SP from the gear number sensor 107c out. In step S23, the controller determines 4The controller checks whether the speed VS, read in step S4, exceeds the upshift threshold TU (SP) of the switching position, read in step S22. If the speed VS does not exceed the upshift threshold TU (SP), the controller proceeds. 4 from step S23 to step S24. In step S24, the controller determines 4 The controller checks whether the speed VS read in step S4 is less than a downshift threshold TD (SP) of the switching position SP that was read. If the speed VS is not less than the downshift threshold TD (SP), the controller proceeds 4 to switching control step S14 from Fig. 4 more, since shifting gears is not necessary.

[0063] In the event that the speed VS that was read exceeds the upshift threshold TU (SP) of the switching position SP that was read, the controller 4 from step S23 to step S25. In step S25, the controller determines 4 Whether the AM flag is set or not, that is, whether the operating mode is the second operating mode or not. In the case where the operating mode is the second operating mode, the controller 4 from step S25 to step S26. In step S26, it is determined whether the current shift position SP of the electric transmission 107The controller determines whether the current shift position SP is greater than or equal to the Xa1 shift position. The Xa1 shift position is the shift position with the highest gear ratio within the gear shift range in the second operating mode. Xa1 is a positive integer, which in this embodiment is five, and is the shift position at which the gear ratio is highest. If the current shift position SP is greater than or equal to the Xa1 shift position, the controller proceeds 4 from step S26 to step S24 without further processing. In the case where the current switching position SP is not greater than or equal to the switching position Xa1, the controller proceeds 4 from step S26 to step S27. In step S27, the controller outputs 4 to the electric transmission 107It issues a command to shift the gears from the current shift position SP to a shift position that is one gear higher (SP + 1), and proceeds to step S24. In the case where the operating mode is the first operating mode, the controller proceeds 4 from step S25 to step S28. In step S28, it is determined whether the current shift position SP is greater than or equal to an Xa2 shift position. The Xa2 shift position is a shift position with the largest gear ratio within the gear shift range in the first operating mode. Xa2 is a positive integer, which in this embodiment is four. Since in the first operating mode the gear shift range is limited from the first shift position to the fourth shift position, the controller proceeds 4If the current switching position SP is greater than or equal to the fourth switching position, the process continues from step S28 to step S24 without further processing. If the current switching position SP is not greater than or equal to the fourth switching position, the controller proceeds... 4 from step S28 to step S27 and sends a gear change command to the electric transmission 107 out, shifting up a gear.

[0064] In the case where the read speed VS is less than the read downshift threshold TD (SP) of the read shift position SP, the controller 4 from step S24 to step S30. In step S30, the controller determines 4 Whether the AM flag is set or not, that is, whether the operating mode is the second operating mode or not. In the case where the operating mode is the second operating mode, the controller 4from step S30 to step S31. In step S31, it is determined whether the current shift position SP of the electric transmission 107 The controller determines whether the current shift position SP is greater than or equal to the Xa3 shift position. The Xa3 shift position is the shift position with the smallest gear ratio within the gear shift range in the second operating mode. Xa3 is a positive integer, which in this embodiment is two. If the current shift position SP is less than or equal to the Xa3 shift position, the controller proceeds 4 from step S31 without further processing to step S2 in Fig. 4.

[0065] In the case where the current switching position SP is not in the first switching position, the controller goes 4 from step S31 to step S32. In step S32, the controller outputs 4 to the electric transmission 107a command to shift the gears from the current shift position to a shift position that is down one gear, and proceeds to step S2 in Fig. 4. In the case where the operating mode is the first operating mode instead of the second operating mode, the controller 4 from step S30 to step S33. In step S33, it is determined whether the current shift position SP is less than or equal to an Xa4 shift position. The Xa4 shift position is a shift position with the smallest gear ratio within the gear shift range in the first operating mode. Xa4 is a positive integer, which is one in this embodiment. Since in the first operating mode the gear shift range is limited from the first shift position to the fourth shift position, the controller proceeds 4In the event that the current switching position SP is less than or equal to the Xa4 switching position, proceed from step S33 to step S2 without further processing. Fig. 4. In the event that the current switching position SP is not less than or equal to the Xa4 switching position, the controller 4 from step S33 to step S32 and sends a gear change command to the electric transmission 107 to downshift.

[0066] In this way the controller controls 4 The gear-shifting mechanism is designed such that the minimum gear ratio of the gear shifting range in the second operating mode with high assistance is greater than the minimum gear ratio of the gear shifting range in the first operating mode during automatic shifting. The controller 4The gear-shifting mechanism is also controlled in such a way that the maximum gear ratio in the second operating mode with high assistance is greater than the maximum gear ratio in the first operating mode during automatic shifting. This results in improved driving comfort.

[0067] In another embodiment, the controller 4 The controller can control the gear-shifting mechanism so that the minimum gear ratio of the gear-shifting range in the second operating mode is greater than the minimum gear ratio of the gear-shifting range in the first operating mode; the controller can also control the gear-shifting mechanism so that the maximum gear ratio of the gear-shifting range in the second operating mode and the maximum gear ratio of the gear-shifting range in the first operating mode are the same. Furthermore, the controller can 4The controller can control the gear-shifting mechanism so that the minimum gear ratio of the gear-shifting range in the second operating mode and the minimum gear ratio of the gear-shifting range in the first operating mode are the same; the controller can also control the gear-shifting mechanism so that the maximum gear ratio of the gear-shifting range in the second operating mode is greater than the maximum gear ratio of the gear-shifting range in the first operating mode.

[0068] In the manual switching process of Fig. 6 reads the controller in step S41 4 the current shift position SP from the gear number sensor 107c off. In step S42, the controller determines 4 The controller checks whether the first switch SW1 has been activated for the up-switching operation. If the first switch SW1 has not been activated, the controller... 4 from step S42 to step S43. In step S43, the controller determines4 The controller checks whether the second switch SW2 has been activated to downshift or not. If the second switch SW2 has not been activated, the controller... 4 to step S2 in Fig. 4 more.

[0069] In the case where the first switch SW1 has been activated, the controller 4 from step S42 to step S45. Step S45 corresponds to step S25 in the automatic switching control. Fig. 5; Step S46 corresponds to step S26 in the automatic switching control from Fig. 5; Step S47 corresponds to step S27 in the automatic switching control from Fig. 5; and step S48 corresponds to step S28 in the automatic switching control from Fig. 5; the redundant explanations have been omitted. In the case where the controller is in step S46 4If it is determined that the current switching position SP is greater than or equal to the Xa1 switching position, the operation continues to step S43 without further processing. In the case where the controller is in step S48 4 Once it is determined that the current switching position SP is greater than or equal to the Xa2 switching position, the operation proceeds to step S43. Once step S47 has been completed, the controller... 4 Continue to step S43.

[0070] In the case where the second switch SW2 has been activated, the controller 4 from step S43 to step S50. Step S50 corresponds to step S30 in the automatic switching control. Fig. 5; Step S51 corresponds to step S31 in the automatic switching control from Fig. 5; Step S52 corresponds to step S32 in the automatic switching control from Fig. 5; and step S53 corresponds to step S53 in the automatic switching control from Fig. 5; the redundant explanations have been omitted. In the case where the controller is in step S51 4 If it is determined that the current switching position SP is less than or equal to the Xa3 switching position, the operation proceeds to step S2 without further processing. Fig. 4 next. In the case where the controller is in step S53 4 If it is determined that the current switching position SP is less than or equal to the Xa4 switching position, the operation proceeds to step S2 without further processing. Fig. 4 more. Once step S52 is completed, the controller 4 Continue to step S2 in Fig. 4. MODIFIED EXAMPLE OF THE FIRST VERSION

[0071] The modified example differs from the first embodiment in the design of the gear-shifting mechanism and the operations of automatic and manual shifting. In the modified example, the gear-shifting range is defined by the gear ratio. This shows a front sprocket FC, a rear sprocket CS, the number of teeth for each sprocket, and the gear ratios obtained from their combinations. The modified example uses an electric transmission comprising an electric front derailleur (not shown) configured to engage the chain with the front sprocket and an electric rear derailleur (not shown) configured to engage the chain with, for example, ten rear sprockets.The electric front derailleur and the electric rear derailleur both include a gear position sensor that detects which chain guide is positioned on the sprocket, i.e., the shift position. There are three front sprockets: a low chainring, a mid chainring, and a top chainring. The rear sprocket comprises the first through tenth sprockets (RS1–RS10).

[0072] In the modified example, the combinations of the three front sprockets and the ten rear sprockets result in a total of 30 shift positions. However, since there are many combinations with similar gear ratios and combinations in which the chain is heavily inclined, a prescribed shift path is set by taking into account the change in gear ratio, the chain inclination, and the frequency of smooth use.

[0073] In the Fig. The example shown in section 7 uses the controller. 4 The gearshift mechanism can be manually shifted in, for example, 14 gear ratios, and also shifted automatically. As in Fig. As shown in Figure 7, for example, when upshifting from the minimum gear ratio, the rear sprocket changes from the first rear sprocket (RS1) to the fifth rear sprocket (RS5), while the front sprocket remains at the first front sprocket (Low). When another upshift occurs, the front sprocket moves to the second front sprocket (Mid), and the rear sprocket changes from the fourth rear sprocket (RS4) to the seventh rear sprocket (RS7). When yet another upshift occurs, the front sprocket moves to the third front sprocket (Top), and the rear sprocket changes from the sixth rear sprocket (RS6) to the tenth rear sprocket (RS10). When downshifting, the sprockets are changed in the reverse order of the upshift sequence.

[0074] However, the one in Fig. Figure 7 shows a prescribed shift path as an example, and the prescribed shift path can be set in various ways according to the number of shift positions, the gear range, etc. In this type of modified example, since there are 14 shift positions, 13 upshift thresholds are set corresponding to each shift position except the shift position with the maximum gear ratio, and 13 downshift thresholds are set corresponding to each shift position except the shift position with the minimum gear ratio. In the same way as in the first embodiment, the upshift threshold from a given gear ratio to a larger gear ratio is set to a gear ratio that is greater than the downshift threshold from the larger gear ratio to the given gear ratio.

[0075] Furthermore, a first operating mode is an operating mode in which, for example, an auxiliary force is "0", that is, in which an auxiliary force is not present in the drive unit. 2 is generated; the second operating mode is an operating mode that uses an auxiliary force in the drive unit. 2 The gear shift range differs between the first and second operating modes. In the first operating mode, for example, the gear shift range is limited to eleven steps, from a gear ratio of 0.67 to a gear ratio of 2.47. In the second operating mode, the gear shift range is also limited, from a gear ratio of 1.00 to a maximum gear ratio of 3.82. However, in the modified example, with an external gear shifting mechanism that includes a derailleur, steps S14 to S21 are... Fig. 4 not executed, as the gears in the gearshift mechanism cannot be shifted when they are stopped.

[0076] An automatic gearshift control of the modified example is in Fig. 8 shown. Fig. 8 reads the controller in step S61 4 Information regarding the current shift position of the electric front derailleur (the front shift position FSP) and information regarding the current shift position of the electric rear derailleur (the rear shift position RSP) is obtained from a gear position sensor located on the electric front derailleur and the electric rear derailleur, respectively. In step S62, the controller calculates 4 The gear ratio GR is based on the front shift position FSP and the rear shift position RSP. In step S63, the controller determines 4The controller checks whether the speed VS, read in step S4, exceeds a shift threshold TU (GR) of the read gear ratio. If the speed VS does not exceed the shift threshold TU (GR), the controller proceeds. 4 from step S63 to step S64. In step S64, the controller determines 4 The controller checks whether the speed VS read in step S4 is less than a downshift threshold TD (GR) of the gear ratio GR that was read. If the speed VS is not less than the downshift threshold TD (GR), the controller proceeds 4 to switching control step S14 from Fig. 4 further, since shifting gears is not necessary. However, the calculation of the gear ratio can be performed arithmetic, and the gear ratio obtained by combining the front and rear sprockets can be stored in the controller's memory. 4 They are stored beforehand and read from the memory according to the combination.

[0077] In the event that the speed VS that was read exceeds the upshift threshold TU (GR) of the gear ratio GR that was read, the controller 4 from step S63 to step S65. In step S65, the controller determines 4 Whether the AM flag is set or not, that is, whether the operating mode is the second operating mode or not. In the case where the operating mode is the second operating mode, the controller 4from step S65 to step S66. In step S66, it is determined whether the current gear ratio GR is greater than or equal to the maximum gear ratio Ya1 of the gear shift range of the second operating mode. In this modified example, Ya1 is 3.82; if the current gear ratio GR is greater than or equal to 3.82, the controller proceeds from step S66 to step S64 without further processing. If the current gear ratio is not greater than or equal to Ya1, the controller 4 from step S66 to step S67. In step S67, the controller... 4 The controller sends a command to the electric transmission to shift gears from the current gear ratio to a gear ratio that is one gear higher, and then proceeds to step S64. If the operating mode is the first operating mode, the controller proceeds4 From step S65 to step S68, the process continues. Step S68 determines whether the gear ratio GR is greater than or equal to the maximum gear ratio Ya2 of the gear shift range of the first operating mode. In this modified example, Ya2 is "2.47"; if the current gear ratio GR is greater than or equal to "2.47", the controller proceeds. 4 from step S68 to step S64 without further processing. In the case where the current translation ratio GR is not greater than or equal to Ya2, the controller proceeds. 4 From step S68 to step S67, it sends a gear shift command to the electric transmission, which switches to a gear ratio that is one gear higher, and then proceeds to step S14 of Fig. 4.

[0078] In the case where the speed VS that was read is less than the downshift threshold TD (GR) of the gear ratio GR that was read, the controller 4 from step S64 to step S69. In step S69, the controller determines 4 Whether the AM flag is set or not, that is, whether the operating mode is the second operating mode or not. In the case where the operating mode is the second operating mode, the controller 4 from step S69 to step S70. In step S70, it is determined whether the current gear ratio GR is less than or equal to the minimum gear ratio Ya3 of the gear shift range of the first operating mode of a prescribed shift path. In this modified example, Ya3 is "1.00"; if the current gear ratio GR is less than or equal to "1.00", the controller proceeds 4from step S70 without further processing to step S14 of Fig. 4. In the case where the current translation ratio is not less than or equal to Ya3, the controller goes 4 from step S70 to step S71. In step S71, the controller outputs 4 The controller sends a command to the electric transmission, which shifts gears along a prescribed shift path from the current gear ratio to a gear ratio that is one gear lower, and then the controller proceeds to step S14 of Fig. 4. In the case where the operating mode is the first operating mode, the controller goes 4from step S69 to step S72. In step S72, it is determined whether the current gear ratio GR is less than or equal to the minimum gear ratio Ya4 of the gear shift range of the first operating mode. In this modified example, Ya4 is "0.67"; if the current gear ratio GR is less than or equal to "0.67", the controller proceeds 4 from step S72 without further processing to step S14 of Fig. 4. In the case where the current translation ratio GR is not less than or equal to Ya4, the controller goes 4 from step S72 to step S71 and sends a gear change command to the electric transmission, which switches to a gear ratio that is down one gear. SECOND VERSION

[0079] In the second embodiment, the gear-shift frequency is varied in automatic shift mode instead of the gear-shift range in the first and second operating modes. However, in the second embodiment, the automatic shifting process is executed by the shift position in the same way as in the first embodiment. To vary the gear-shift frequency according to the operating mode, a first non-response time and a second non-response time are specifically provided in the case of automatic shifting, from when a shifting condition is met until when the gear shifting actually takes place. For example, the first non-response time T1 of the first operating mode is set to two seconds, and the second non-response time T2 of the second operating mode is set to five seconds.The first non-response time T1 is an example of a first parameter, and the second non-response time T2 is an example of a second parameter. This results in a lower gear-shifting frequency in the second operating mode than in the first operating mode. The times of the first non-response time T1 and the second non-response time T2 (two or five seconds) are examples, and the present invention is not limited to these values. A non-response time according to the operating mode is appropriately set according to the gear-shifting frequency of the bicycle. However, the second non-response time T2 of the second operating mode with a high assistance force is preferably longer than the first non-response time T1 of the first operating mode with a low assistance force.

[0080] In the automatic switching process according to the second embodiment of the present invention in Fig. 9 reads the controller in step S76 4the current shift position SP from the gear number sensor 107c off. In step S77, the controller determines 4 The controller checks whether the speed VS read in step S4 exceeds the upshift threshold TU (SP) of the read shift position. If the speed VS does not exceed the upshift threshold TU (SP), the controller proceeds. 4 from step S77 to step S78. In step S78, the controller determines 4 The controller checks whether the speed VS read in step S4 is less than a downshift threshold TD (SP) of the switching position SP that was read. If the speed VS is not less than the downshift threshold TD (SP), the controller proceeds 4 to switching control step S14 from Fig. 4 more, since shifting gears is not necessary.

[0081] In the event that the speed VS that was read exceeds the upshift threshold TU (SP) of the switching position SP that was read, the controller 4 from step S77 to step S79. In step S79, the controller determines 4 Whether the AM flag is set or not, that is, whether the operating mode is the second operating mode or not. In the case where the operating mode is the second operating mode, the controller 4 from step S79 to step S80. In step S80, the controller determines 4 Whether a clock UT2, which determines the switching time for upshifting in the second operating mode, has already been started or not. The controller 4 It includes a clock UT2. Clock UT2 is designed to measure the second non-response time T2 of the power-up process in the second operating mode. If clock UT2 has not yet started, the controller 4From step S80 to step S81, the clock UT2 starts, and then it proceeds to step S82. If the clock UT2 has already started, the controller... 4 from step S80 to step S82, skipping step S81. In step S82, the controller determines 4 Whether the UT2 clock has already started or not. If the UT2 clock has not started, the controller 4 From step S82, the controller proceeds to step S78 without further processing. If the clock UT2 has already been started, the controller proceeds... 4 The process continues from step S82 to step S83 and determines whether the current switching position SP is greater than or equal to the Xa1 switching position. Meanwhile, the clock is reset when it is started. If the switching position SP is greater than or equal to the Xa1 switching position, the controller proceeds. 4from step S83 to step S78 without further processing. In the case where the current switching position SP is not greater than or equal to the switching position Xa1, the controller proceeds 4 from step S83 to step S84. In step S84, the controller outputs 4 to the electric transmission 107 a command to shift the gears from the current shift position SP to a shift position that is one gear higher (SP + 1), and proceeds to step S14 of Fig. 4.

[0082] In the case where the operating mode is the first operating mode, the controller goes 4 from step S79 to step S85. In step S85, the controller determines 4 , whether a clock UT1, which determines the switching time for upshifting in the first operating mode, has already been started or not. The controller 4It includes a clock UT1. Clock UT1 is designed to measure the initial non-response time T1 of the power-up in the first operating mode. If clock UT1 has not yet started, the controller 4 From step S85 to step S87, the clock UT1 starts, and the process continues to step S87. If the clock UT1 has already started, the controller... 4 from step S85 to step S87, skipping step S86. In step S87, the controller determines 4 Whether the UT1 clock has already started or not. If the UT1 clock has not started, the controller 4 From step S87, the controller proceeds to step S78 without further processing. If clock UT1 has already been started, the controller... 4 from step S87 to step S83 and from now on performs the same procedure as in the second operating mode.

[0083] In the case where the read speed VS is less than the read downshift threshold TD (SP) of the read shift position SP, the controller 4 from step S78 to step S89. In step S89, the controller determines 4 Whether the AM flag is set or not, that is, whether the operating mode is the second operating mode or not. In the case where the operating mode is the second operating mode, the controller 4 from step S89 to step S90. In step S90, the controller determines 4 Whether a clock DT1, which determines the switching time for downshifting in the second operating mode, has already been started or not. The controller 4 It includes a clock DT2. Clock DT2 is intended to measure the second non-response time T2 of the downshift in the second operating mode. If clock DT2 has not yet started, the controller4 From step S90 to step S91, the clock DT2 starts, and then it proceeds to step S92. If the clock DT2 has already started, the controller... 4 from step S90 to step S92, skipping step S91. In step S92, the controller determines 4 Whether the DT2 clock has already started or not. If the DT2 clock has not started, the controller 4 from step S92 without further processing to step S14 Fig. 4. In the case where the DT2 clock has already started, the controller 4 The controller proceeds from step S92 to step S93 and determines whether the current switching position SP is less than or equal to the switching position Xa3. If the switching position SP is less than or equal to the switching position Xa3, the controller proceeds. 4 from step S93 without further processing to step S14 in Fig. 4. In the event that the current switching position SP is not less than or equal to the first switching position, the controller 4 from step S93 to step S94. In step S94, the controller outputs 4 to the electric transmission 107 a command to shift the gears from the current shift position SP to a shift position that is down one gear (SP – 1), and then proceeds to step S14 of Fig. 4.

[0084] In the case where the operating mode is the first operating mode, the controller goes 4 from step S89 to step S95. In step S95, the controller determines 4 Whether a clock DT1, which determines the switching time for downshifting in the first operating mode, has already been started or not. The controller 4It includes a clock DT1. Clock DT1 is designed to measure the initial non-response time T1 of the downshift in the first operating mode. If clock DT1 has not yet started, the controller 4 From step S95 to step S97, the clock DT1 starts, and the process continues to step S97. If the clock DT1 has already started, the controller... 4 from step S95 to step S97, skipping step S96. In step S77, the controller determines 4 Whether the DT1 clock has already started or not. If the DT1 clock has not started, the controller 4 from step S97 without further processing to step S14 Fig. 4 continues. In the case where the clock DT1 has already been started, the controller goes 4 from step S97 to step S93 and from now on performs the same procedure as in the second operating mode.

[0085] Here the controller configures 4 During automatic shifting in the first and second operating modes, the delay time (the non-response time) is adjusted so that the gear ratio in the second operating mode with high assistance is higher than in the second operating mode, thus reducing the gear change frequency in the second operating mode. This makes unnecessary gear changes less likely during automatic shifting and improves riding comfort on an assisted bicycle. OTHER VERSIONS

[0086] One embodiment of the present invention has been described above; however, the present invention is not limited to the embodiment described above; various modifications can be made without departing from the scope of the invention. In particular, the various embodiments and modified examples described in this document can be freely combined as required. (a) In the first embodiment, the limitation of the gear shift range according to the operating mode is carried out in both shifting modes, automatic shifting and manual shifting; however, the present invention is not limited thereto. For example, the gear shift range can be limited only in the case of automatic shifting. The gear shift range is reduced by the same number of gears in the first operating mode and in the second operating mode; however, the number of gears in the gear shift range can differ between the first and second operating modes. (b) In the first embodiment, the gear shift range is changed by the same number of gears in the first operating mode and in the second operating mode; however, the number of gears in the gear shift range may differ between the first and second operating modes. The gear shift range may also be varied between the automatic shift mode and the manual shift mode. (c) In the modified example of the first embodiment, the gear shift range for the first operating mode and the second operating mode is made different by the gear ratio, using the automatic shift mode as an example; however, in the case of manual shifting where the gear shift range is made different between the first operating mode and the second operating mode, step S63 in Fig. 8 to the same process as step S42 in Fig. 6 must be done, and the S64 step in Fig. 8 should follow the same process as step S43 in Fig. 6 will be made. (d) In the second embodiment, the gear-shifting frequency was changed according to the operating mode by delaying the actual gear shifting after the shifting conditions in both downshifting and upshifting directions had been met with automatic shifting; however, the present invention is not limited thereto. For example, the gear-shifting frequency can be changed according to the operating mode in only one shifting direction of automatic shifting (for example, only when downshifting). (e) In the first and second embodiments described above, there were two operating modes, but the present invention is not limited to these. There can be three or more operating modes. The operating mode can be, for example, a mode without assistance, a mode with weak assistance, and a mode with strong assistance. In this case, the gear-shifting range (or gear-shifting frequency) can be different in all of the operating modes, or at least one operating mode can have a different gear-shifting range (or gear-shifting frequency) compared to the rest of the plurality of operating modes. (f) In the first and second embodiments described above, the speed of the bicycle was selected as the driving condition, but the driving condition is not limited to the speed of the bicycle. For example, the cadence of the crank (the rotational speed of the crank), the pedal force, and the inclination of the bicycle in the direction of travel can be made into the driving condition. In the case where the pedal force is selected as the driving condition, the controller can 4 The gear shifting mechanism can be controlled so that the gear ratio decreases while the pedaling force increases. Furthermore, if cadence is selected as the riding mode, the controller can... 4 The controller adjusts the gear ratio of the shifting mechanism so that the cadence remains within a prescribed range. If incline is selected as the riding mode, the controller can...4 Control the gear-shifting device so that the gear ratio decreases while the incline increases. (g) In the second embodiment, times for the first non-response time T1 and the second non-response time T2 were set for upshifting and downshifting; however, a different time setting for downshifting and upshifting can be implemented. In this case, the non-response time during downshifting can be made longer than the non-response time during upshifting. (h) In the embodiment described above, the controller 4 designed to switch between automatic gear shift control and manual gear shift control; however, the setup can be such that the controller 4 only includes automatic gear shift control, or such that the controller only includes manual gear shift control. Reference symbol list 1 Control device 2 Drive unit 8 Driving condition detection unit 4 Controller 107 Electric transmission

Claims

[1] Gear shift control device for a bicycle for controlling a gear shifting device of the bicycle according to a plurality of operating modes of an auxiliary power device of the bicycle for assisting a manual driving force, wherein the gear shift control device comprises: a gear shift controller which is trained to select a gear shift range which can be used according to the majority of operating modes, and which controls the gear shifting device within the gear shift range which has been selected. [2] Gear shift control device according to claim 1, wherein the majority of operating modes include a first operating mode and a second operating mode, and The gear shift controller varies at least part of the gear shift range that can be used in the first operating mode and the gear shift range that can be used in the second operating mode. [3] Gear shift control device according to claim 2, wherein the gear shift controller can control the gear shift device such that a maximum gear ratio that can be used during the second operating mode is greater than a maximum gear ratio that can be used during the first operating mode. [4] Gear shift control device according to claim 2 or 3, wherein the gear shift controller can control the gear shift device such that a minimum gear ratio that can be used during the second operating mode is greater than a minimum gear ratio that can be used during the first operating mode. [5] Gear shift control device according to any one of claims 2 to 4, wherein the first operating mode is an operating mode that supports the manual driving force with a first auxiliary force, and The second operating mode is an operating mode that supports the manual driving force with a second auxiliary force that is greater than the first auxiliary force. [6] Gear shift control device according to any one of claims 2 to 4, wherein the first operating mode is an operating mode that does not cause the auxiliary power device to generate an auxiliary power, and The second operating mode is an operating mode that causes the auxiliary power device to generate an auxiliary force. [7] Gear shift control device according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the gear shift range is defined by a gear ratio or a shift position. [8] Gear shift control device according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the gear shift controller controls the gear shift device according to a gear shift command. [9] Gear shift control device according to any one of claims 1 to 8, further comprising: a driving condition detection unit that detects a driving condition of the bicycle, wherein The gear shift controller controls the gear shifting device according to a detection result from the driving condition detection unit. [10] Gear shift control device for a bicycle for controlling a gear shifting device of the bicycle according to a plurality of operating modes of an auxiliary power device of the bicycle for assisting a manual driving force, wherein the gear shift control device comprises: Most operating modes include a first operating mode and a second operating mode, and When the speed of the bicycle becomes less than or equal to a prescribed value, the gear shift controller controls the gear shifting device so that it is in a first gear shift state corresponding to the first operating mode, and the controller controls the gear shifting device so that it is in a second gear shift state corresponding to the second operating mode, which differs from the first gear shift state and corresponds to the second operating mode. [11] Gear shift control device according to claim 10, wherein the prescribed value is 0. [12] Gear shift control device according to claim 10 or 11, wherein the gear ratio in the first gear shift state is smaller than the gear ratio in the second gear shift state. [13] Gear shift control device according to one of claims 10 to 12, wherein the first operating mode is an operating mode that supports the manual driving force with a first auxiliary force, and The second operating mode is an operating mode that supports the manual driving force with a second auxiliary force that is greater than the first auxiliary force. [14] Gear shift control device according to one of claims 10 to 12, wherein the first operating mode is an operating mode that does not cause the auxiliary power device to generate an auxiliary power, and The second operating mode is an operating mode that causes the auxiliary power device to generate the auxiliary power. [15] Gear shift control device according to one of claims 10 to 14, wherein the gear shift controller controls the gear shift device so that it is in a preset first shift position in the first operating state, and the controller controls the gear shift device so that it is in a preset second shift position in the second operating state. [16] Gear shift control device according to claim 15, comprising a change unit configured to change at least one of the preset first shift position and the preset second shift position. [17] Gear shift control device for a bicycle for controlling a gear shifting device of the bicycle according to a plurality of operating modes of an auxiliary power device of the bicycle for assisting a manual driving force, wherein the gear shift control device comprises: Most operating modes include a first operating mode and a second operating mode, and In the first operating mode, the gear shifting device is controlled according to a first parameter relating to time and a riding condition of the bicycle, and In the second operating mode, the gear shifting device is controlled according to a second parameter, which relates to time and differs from the first parameter, and the riding condition of the bicycle. [18] Gear shift control device according to claim 17, wherein The gear shift controller switches the gear shifting device if a prescribed condition is still met, even after a time period, expressed by the first parameter, has elapsed from the time when the bicycle's riding condition met the prescribed condition in the first operating state, and The gear shift controller switches the gear shifting device if a prescribed condition is still met, even after a time period, expressed by the second parameter, has elapsed from the time when the bicycle's driving state met the prescribed condition in the second operating state. [19] Gear shift control device according to claim 17 or 18, wherein The gear shift controller does not switch the gear shifting device if a prescribed condition is not met after a time period, expressed by the first parameter, has elapsed from the time when the bicycle's riding state met a prescribed condition in the first operating state, and The gear shift controller does not switch the gear shifting device if a prescribed condition is not met after a time period, expressed by the second parameter, has elapsed from the time when the riding state of the bicycle met the prescribed condition in the second operating state. [20] Gear shift control device according to one of claims 17 to 19, wherein the time expressed by the first parameter is shorter than the time expressed by the second parameter. [21] Gear shift control device according to one of claims 17 to 20, wherein the driving state of the bicycle is selected from a group consisting of a speed of the bicycle, a cadence of a crank, the manual driving force and an inclination of the bicycle in the direction of travel. [22] Gear shift control device according to one of claims 17 to 21, wherein the gear shift controller controls the gear shifting device with respect to shifting in a direction in which the gear ratio becomes smaller, according to the first parameter and the second parameter and the riding condition of the bicycle. [23] Gear shift control device according to one of claims 17 to 22, wherein the first operating mode is an operating mode that supports the manual driving force with a first auxiliary force, and The second operating mode is an operating mode that supports the manual driving force with a second auxiliary force that is greater than the first auxiliary force. [24] Gear shift control device according to one of claims 17 to 22, wherein the first operating mode is an operating mode that does not cause the auxiliary power device to generate an auxiliary power, and The second operating mode is an operating mode that causes the auxiliary power device to generate an auxiliary force.

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