bicycle gearbox

Abstract

Bicycle transmission assembly (10), comprising: a controller (12) configured to control at least one transmission device according to a transmission path in response to a switching signal, wherein the controller (12) is configured to set the transmission path based on bicycle information relating to the running state of a bicycle.

Description

[0001] The present invention relates to a bicycle transmission device.

[0002] Cycling is becoming an increasingly popular form of leisure activity and a means of transportation. Moreover, cycling has become a very popular competitive sport for both amateurs and professionals. Whether the bicycle is used for leisure, transportation, or competition, the bicycle industry is constantly improving the various components of the bicycle. One bicycle component that has been comprehensively redesigned is the bicycle gearbox, which is configured to be electrically operated. Such bicycle gearboxes are configured to change gear positions in response to shift commands from operating devices.

[0003] For example, DE 10 2014 104 212 A1 discloses a bicycle gear shifting device with a control unit that outputs control signals for controlling a first gear shifting device and a second gear shifting device according to different stored transmission paths in response to receiving switching signals.

[0004] In light of the prior art, it is an object of the present invention to provide a bicycle transmission device which automatically shifts according to the rider's state.

[0005] According to the present invention, a bicycle transmission device comprises a controller configured to control at least one transmission device according to a transmission path in response to a switching signal. The controller is configured to adjust the transmission path based on bicycle information relating to the bicycle's operating state.

[0006] Preferably, the bicycle transmission device further comprises a device for receiving bicycle information, which is configured to receive the bicycle information.

[0007] Preferably, the bicycle transmission device is configured such that the bicycle information includes a cadence, which specifies the rotational speed of a bicycle crank. The controller is configured to adjust the transmission path based on the cadence.

[0008] Preferably, the bicycle transmission device is configured such that the bicycle information includes a torque applied by a rider to a crank of the bicycle. The controller is configured to adjust the transmission path based on the torque.

[0009] Preferably, the bicycle transmission device is configured such that the bicycle information includes an amount of energy exerted by a rider on a crank of the bicycle. The controller is configured to adjust the transmission path based on the amount of energy.

[0010] Preferably, the bicycle transmission device is configured such that the bicycle information includes the bicycle's geographical location. The control unit is configured to adjust the transmission path based on this geographical location.

[0011] Preferably, the bicycle transmission device is configured such that the at least one transmission device comprises a first transmission device and a second transmission device.

[0012] Preferably, the bicycle transmission device is configured such that the first transmission device comprises a front derailleur. The second transmission device comprises a rear derailleur.

[0013] Preferably, the bicycle transmission device is configured such that the transmission path comprises a combination of a gear position of the first transmission device, a gear position of the second transmission device, and a transmission operation to be performed at the gear position of the first transmission device and the gear position of the second transmission device in at least one of the first transmission device and the second transmission device in response to the switching signal.

[0014] Preferably, the bicycle transmission device is configured such that the transmission operation comprises a first transmission operation and a second transmission operation. The first transmission operation is to be performed at the gear position of the first transmission device and the gear position of the second transmission device within the first transmission device in response to the shift signal. The second transmission operation is to be performed at the gear position of the first transmission device and the gear position of the second transmission device within the second transmission device in response to the shift signal.

[0015] Preferably, the bicycle transmission device further comprises an actuating device configured to generate the shift signal. The actuating device includes a first upshift switch and a first downshift switch. The first upshift switch is configured to generate a first upshift signal as the shift signal in response to an upshift input from the user. The first downshift switch is configured to generate a first downshift signal as the shift signal in response to a downshift input from the user.

[0016] Preferably, the bicycle transmission device is configured such that the controller is configured to control the at least one transmission device according to the transmission path in response to the first upshift signal. The controller is configured such that it controls the at least one transmission device according to the transmission path in response to the first downshift signal.

[0017] Preferably, the bicycle transmission device is configured such that the controller has a first switching mode and a second switching mode. In the first switching mode, the controller is configured to control the at least one transmission device according to the transmission path in response to the switching signal, with the transmission path being set. In the second switching mode, the controller is configured to control the at least one transmission device according to the transmission path in response to the switching signal without setting the transmission path.

[0018] Preferably, the bicycle transmission device further comprises a mode selector switch configured to allow a user to select a shifting mode from the first and second shifting modes. The control unit is configured to set the shifting mode selected by the mode selector switch.

[0019] Preferably, the bicycle transmission device further comprises an actuating device configured to generate the shift signal. The actuating device includes a first upshift switch and a first downshift switch. The first upshift switch is configured to generate a first upshift signal as the shift signal in response to an upshift input from a user. The first downshift switch is configured to generate a first downshift signal as the shift signal in response to a downshift input from the user.

[0020] Preferably, the bicycle transmission device is configured such that the controller has a third shifting mode in addition to the first and second shifting modes. In the third shifting mode, the controller is configured to control the first transmission device based on the first upshift signal and the first downshift signal without using the transmission path.

[0021] Preferably, the bicycle transmission device is configured such that the actuating device includes a second upshift switch and a second downshift switch. The second upshift switch is configured to generate a second upshift signal in response to an upshift input from the user. The second downshift switch is configured to generate a second downshift signal in response to a downshift input from the user.

[0022] Preferably, the bicycle transmission device is configured such that the at least one transmission device comprises a first transmission device and a second transmission device. In the third shifting mode, the control is configured to control the first transmission device based on the first upshift signal and the first downshift signal without using the transmission path, and to control the second transmission device based on the second upshift signal and the second downshift signal without using the transmission path.

[0023] The invention and many of its associated advantages receive even greater appreciation when better understood with reference to the following detailed description in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, wherein: Fig. 1 a block diagram of a bicycle transmission device according to a first embodiment; Fig. 2 a switching table of the in Fig. 1 illustrated bicycle transmission device shows; Fig. 3 transference acts are shown, which are in the Fig. 1 illustrated bicycle transmission device are to be carried out (first way); Fig. 4 transfer acts are shown, which are in the Fig. 1 illustrated bicycle transmission device are to be carried out (second way); Fig. 5 is a block diagram of a bicycle transmission device according to a second embodiment; Fig. 6 is a block diagram of a bicycle transmission device according to a third embodiment and Fig. 7 is a block diagram of a bicycle transmission device according to a fourth embodiment.

[0024] The embodiments are now described with reference to the attached drawings, whereby in the respective drawings the same numbers denote corresponding or identical elements.

[0025] First, with reference to Fig. 1 comprises a bicycle transmission device 10 and a controller 12 configured to control at least one transmission device. The at least one transmission device comprises a first transmission device 14 and a second transmission device 16. In the illustrated embodiment, the first transmission device 14 comprises a front derailleur. The second transmission device 16 comprises a rear derailleur. However, the first transmission device 14 may also include the rear derailleur, and the second transmission device 16 may include the front derailleur. At least one of the first transmission device 14 and the second transmission device 16 may comprise other types of transmission devices.

[0026] The first transmission device 14 is configured to shift a bicycle chain 2 with respect to a front sprocket assembly 4. The second transmission device 16 is configured to shift the bicycle chain 2 with respect to a rear sprocket assembly 6. In the illustrated embodiment, the front sprocket assembly 4 has a plurality of gear positions, and the rear sprocket assembly 6 has a plurality of gear positions.

[0027] In the present application, the following directional terms “front”, “back”, “forward”, “backward”, “left”, “right”, “across”, “more”, and “down”, as well as other similar directional expressions, refer to those directions determined based on the user (e.g., a cyclist) seated in the saddle (not shown) of a bicycle (not shown) facing the handlebars (not shown). Consequently, these terms, as used to describe the bicycle transmission device 10, should be interpreted in relation to the bicycle equipped with the bicycle transmission device 10 when used in an upright riding position on a horizontal surface.

[0028] As in Fig. As shown in Figure 1, the first transmission device 14 comprises a chain guide 18, a guide actuator 20, a position sensor 22, and a motor driver 24. The chain guide 18 is configured to shift the bicycle chain 2 between gear positions of the front sprocket assembly 4. The guide actuator 20 is configured to move the chain guide 18 so that the bicycle chain 2 is shifted relative to the front sprocket assembly 4. Possible examples of the guide actuator 20 include a DC motor and a stepper motor.

[0029] The position sensor 22 is configured to detect the current position of the guide actuator 20 in order to determine the current gear position of the first transmission device 14. Possible examples of the position sensor 22 include a contact rotary position sensor, such as a potentiometer, and a non-contact rotary position sensor, such as an optical sensor (e.g., a rotary encoder) and a magnetic sensor (e.g., a Hall sensor). The motor driver 24 is configured to control the guide actuator 20 based on the current position of the guide actuator 20 and control signals from the controller 12.

[0030] As in Fig. As shown in Figure 1, the second transmission device 16 comprises a chain guide 26, a guide actuator 28, a position sensor 30, and a motor driver 32. The chain guide 26 is configured to shift the bicycle chain 2 between gear positions of the rear sprocket assembly 6. The guide actuator 28 is configured to move the chain guide 26 so that the bicycle chain 2 is shifted relative to the rear sprocket assembly 6.

[0031] Possible examples of the guide actuator 28 include a DC motor and a stepper motor.

[0032] The position sensor 30 is configured to detect the current position of the guide actuator 28 in order to determine the current gear position of the second transmission device 16. Possible examples of the position sensor 30 include a contact rotary position sensor, such as a potentiometer, and a non-contact rotary position sensor, such as an optical sensor (e.g., a rotary encoder) and a magnetic sensor (e.g., a Hall sensor). The motor driver 32 is configured to control the guide actuator 28 based on the current position of the guide actuator 28 and control signals from the controller 12.

[0033] As in Fig. As shown in Figure 1, the controller 12 is configured to control the at least one transmission device according to a transmission path in response to a switching signal. In the illustrated embodiment, the controller 12 is configured to control the first transmission device 14 and the second transmission device 16 according to the transmission path in response to the switching signal.

[0034] The controller 12 is designed as a microcomputer and comprises a processor 34 and a memory 36. The processor 34 includes a central processing unit (CPU). The memory 36 comprises a read-only memory (ROM) and a read / write memory (RAM). For example, a program stored in the memory 36 is read into the processor 34, and this enables various functions of the controller 12 to be performed.

[0035] Although the controller 12 is electrically connected to the other parts, the controller 12 can, if necessary and / or desired, be connected to at least one of the other parts using wireless communication technology. Furthermore, although the controller 12 is in Fig. 1 is illustrated as a single unit, the control 12 may be part of another component or part of several components (e.g., several controls located in different parts).

[0036] As in Fig. As shown in Figure 1, the bicycle transmission device 10 further comprises an actuating device 38 configured to generate the shift signal. The actuating device 38 includes a first upshift switch US1 and a first downshift switch DS1. The first upshift switch US1 is configured to generate a first upshift signal as the shift signal in response to an upshift input from a user. The first downshift switch DS1 is configured to generate a first downshift signal as the shift signal in response to a downshift input from the user.

[0037] The first up-switch US1 includes a first up-actuator (not shown), such as a lever or a button. The first up-switch US1 is configured to receive the up-input input from the user via the first up-actuator. Similarly, the first down-switch DS1 includes a first down-actuator (not shown), such as a lever or a button. The first down-switch DS1 is configured to receive the down-input input from the user via the first down-actuator.

[0038] As in Fig. As shown in Figure 1, the actuating device 38 comprises a second up-switch US2 and a second down-switch DS2. The second up-switch US2 is configured to generate a second up-signal as the switching signal in response to an up-signal input from the user. The second down-switch DS2 is configured to generate a second down-signal as the switching signal in response to a down-signal input from the user.

[0039] The second up-switch US2 includes a second up-actuator (not shown), such as a lever or a button. The second up-switch US2 is configured to receive the up-input input from the user via the second up-actuator. Similarly, the second down-switch DS2 includes a second down-actuator (not shown), such as a lever or a button. The second down-switch DS2 is configured to receive the down-input input from the user via the second down-actuator.

[0040] In the illustrated embodiment, the actuating device 38 comprises the first up-switch US1, the first down-switch DS1, the second up-switch US2, and the second down-switch DS2. However, at least one of these switches can be omitted from the actuating device 38. For example, the second up-switch US2 and the second down-switch DS2 can be omitted from the actuating device 38 if necessary and / or desired.

[0041] Furthermore, although the bicycle transmission device 10 in the illustrated embodiment includes the actuating device 38, the actuating device 38 can be omitted from the bicycle transmission device 10 if necessary and / or desired. For example, the controller 12 can be configured to automatically control the transmission device, such as the first transmission device 14 and the second transmission device 16, without the input signal, such as the first upshift signal and the first downshift signal.

[0042] As in Fig. As can be seen in Figure 1, the control unit 12 is configured to adjust the transmission path based on the bicycle information relating to the running state of the bicycle.

[0043] The bicycle transmission device 10 further comprises a device for receiving bicycle information 40, which is configured to receive the bicycle information. In the illustrated embodiment, the bicycle information includes a cadence, which indicates the rotational speed of a crank 8 of the bicycle. The controller 12 is configured to adjust the transmission path based on the cadence. Specifically, the device for receiving bicycle information 40 includes a cadence sensor configured to detect the cadence. The device for receiving bicycle information 40 is attached to a lower rear stay of the bicycle frame (not shown).

[0044] As in Fig. As can be seen in Figure 2, the transmission path comprises a combination of a gear position of the first transmission device 14, a gear position of the second transmission device 16, and a transmission action. As shown in Figure 2, the transmission path comprises a combination of a gear position of the first transmission device 14, a gear position of the second transmission device 16, and a transmission action. Fig. As can be seen in Figure 1, the controller 12 is configured to store the transmission path in memory 36.

[0045] Fig. Figure 2 shows a shift table comprising the gear ratios, the total number of teeth of each sprocket element in the front sprocket assembly 4 (“FS”), and the total number of teeth of each sprocket element in the rear sprocket assembly 6 (“RS”). The controller 12 is configured to store the shift table for the bicycle transmission device 10. In the illustrated embodiment, the first transmission device 14 has a lowest, middle, and highest gear as its gear position. The second transmission device 16 has a first through tenth gear as its gear position.

[0046] As in Fig. As can be seen in Figure 2, the controller 12 is configured to store a multitude of paths as the transmission path in memory 36. More specifically, the controller 12 is configured to store a first path R1 and a second path R2 in memory 36 ( Fig. 1) The first path R1 is indicated by a solid line, and the second path R2 is indicated by a dashed line. The first path R1 includes predetermined switching points, each circled with a single circle. The second path R2 includes predetermined switching points, each circled with a double circle. In the illustrated embodiment, the controller 12 is configured to control the first transmission device 14 and the second transmission device 16 at the gear position according to the predetermined switching point in response to a single switching signal.

[0047] In the illustrated embodiment, the first path R1 is used for both upshifting and downshifting. The second path R2 is used for both upshifting and downshifting. The controller 12 can be configured to store, if necessary and / or desired, an upshift path for upshifting and a downshift path, different from the upshift path, for downshifting.

[0048] In the present application, the term ‘shifting up’ refers to changing to a higher gear in the bicycle transmission device 10. The term ‘shifting down’ refers to changing to a lower gear in the bicycle transmission device 10. For example, shifting up occurs when the bicycle chain 2 ( Fig. 1) The first transmission device 14 shifts the chain from a smaller sprocket to an adjacent larger sprocket in the front sprocket assembly 4. The larger sprocket has a total number of teeth greater than the total number of teeth of the adjacent smaller sprocket. A downshift occurs when the bicycle chain 2 is shifted by the second transmission device 16 from a small sprocket to an adjacent larger sprocket in the rear sprocket assembly 6. The smaller sprocket has a total number of teeth less than the total number of teeth of the adjacent larger sprocket.

[0049] As in Fig. As can be seen in Figure 2, in the first path R1, the first to fifth gears of the second transmission device 16 are used for the lowest gear of the first transmission device 14. The fourth to seventh gears of the second transmission device 16 are used for the middle gear of the first transmission device 14. The sixth to tenth gears of the second transmission device 16 are used for the highest gear of the first transmission device 14. The bicycle transmission device 10 has fourteen gear positions on the first path R1.

[0050] As in Fig. As can be seen in Figure 2, in the second path R2, the first and second gears of the second transmission device 16 are used for the lowest gear of the first transmission device 14. The first through fifth gears of the second transmission device 16 are used for the middle gear of the first transmission device 14. The fourth through tenth gears of the second transmission device 16 are used for the highest gear of the first transmission device 14. The bicycle transmission device 10 has fourteen gear positions on the second path R2.

[0051] The total number of gear positions in the second path R2 is equal to the total number of gear positions in the first path R1. However, the second path R2 includes higher gear ratios for some of its gear positions than the gear ratios corresponding to those in the first path R1. Specifically, the second path R2 provides higher gear ratios in some cases compared to the first path R1.

[0052] As in Fig. As shown in Figure 2, the transmission path comprises the combination of the gear position of the first transmission device 14, the gear position of the second transmission device 16, and the transmission action. The transmission action is to be carried out at the gear position of the first transmission device 14 and the gear position of the second transmission device 16 in at least one of the first transmission device 14 and the second transmission device 16 in response to the switching signal.

[0053] The transmission operation comprises a first transmission operation and a second transmission operation. The first transmission operation is to be carried out at the gear position of the first transmission device 14 and the gear position of the second transmission device 16 in the first transmission device 14 in response to the switching signal. The second transmission operation is to be carried out at the gear position of the first transmission device 14 and the gear position of the second transmission device 16 in the second transmission device 16 in response to the switching signal.

[0054] Fig. Figure 3 shows an example of the transmission operation of the bicycle transmission device 10 in the first path R1. Fig. Figure 4 shows an example of the transmission operation of the bicycle transmission device 10 in the second path R2. In the illustrated embodiment, the first transmission operation (“ACTIVITY / FD”) comprises an upshift operation (“UP”), a downshift operation (“DOWN”), and a hold operation (“-”) in the first transmission device 14. The hold operation of the first transmission device 14 is an operation in which the first transmission device 14 maintains a current gear position without upshifting or downshifting.

[0055] The second transmission action (“ACT / RD”) comprises an upshift action (“UP”), a downshift action (“DOWN”), and a hold action (“-”) in the second transmission device 16. The hold action of the second transmission device 16 is an action in which the second transmission device 16 maintains a current gear position without upshifting or downshifting.

[0056] The controller 12 is configured to send control signals to control the first transmission device 14 and the second transmission device 16 based on the information contained in the Fig. As illustrated in Figures 2 to 4, the motor driver 24 is configured to control the guide actuator 20 based on the current position of the guide actuator 20 and the control signals from the controller 12. The motor driver 32 is configured to control the guide actuator 28 based on the current position of the guide actuator 28 and the control signals from the controller 12.

[0057] The controller 12 has a first switching mode and a second switching mode. In the first switching mode, the controller 12 is configured to control the at least one transmission device according to the transmission path in response to the switching signal, with the transmission path being set. In the second switching mode, the controller 12 is configured to control the at least one transmission device according to the transmission path in response to the switching signal without setting the transmission path.

[0058] The controller 12 has a third switching mode in addition to the first and second switching modes. In the third switching mode, the controller 12 is configured to control the first transmission device 14 based on the first up-switching signal and the first down-switching signal without using the transmission path. In the third switching mode, the controller 12 is configured to control the second transmission device 16 based on the second up-switching signal and the second down-switching signal without using the transmission path.

[0059] As in Fig. As shown in Figure 1, the bicycle transmission device 10 further comprises a mode selector switch 42, which is configured so that the user can select a shifting mode from the first and second shifting modes. In the illustrated embodiment, the mode selector switch 42 is configured so that the user can select the shifting mode from the first, second, and third shifting modes. The controller 12 is configured to set the shifting mode selected by means of the mode selector switch 42.

[0060] Although the control unit 12 has the first to third switching modes, if necessary and / or desired, at least one of the second and third switching modes can be omitted from the control unit 12. In a case where the second and third switching modes are omitted from the control unit 12, the mode selector switch 42 can be omitted from the bicycle transmission device 10.

[0061] In the first switching mode, the controller 12 is configured to control the first transmission device 14 and the second transmission device 16 according to the transmission path in response to the switching signal under setting of the transmission path.

[0062] In the first switching mode, the controller 12 is configured to control the at least one transmission device according to the transmission path in response to the first up-switching signal. The controller 12 is configured to control the at least one transmission device according to the transmission path in response to the first down-switching signal.

[0063] In the illustrated embodiment, the controller 12 is configured to control the first transmission device 14 and the second transmission device 16 according to the transmission path in response to the first up-switching signal. The controller 12 is also configured to control the first transmission device 14 and the second transmission device 16 according to the transmission path in response to the first down-switching signal. The second up-switch US2 and the second down-switch DS2 are not used in the first switching mode.

[0064] In the first switching mode, the controller 12 is configured to use the transmission path ( Fig. 2) is set based on the cadence received from the bicycle information device 40. The controller 12 is configured to determine whether the cadence received from the bicycle information device 40 is lower than a reference cadence. The controller 12 is configured to store the reference cadence in memory 36. The reference cadence can be set by the user using an input device, if necessary and / or desired.

[0065] The controller 12 is configured to select one of the first path R1 and the second path R2 based on the cadence and the reference cadence. A lower cadence likely indicates that the rider is pedaling under higher load. The controller 12 selects the first path R1 when the cadence is lower than the reference cadence. A higher cadence likely indicates that the rider is pedaling under lower load. The controller 12 selects the second path R2 with higher gear ratios when the cadence is equal to or higher than the reference cadence.

[0066] As in the Fig. 2 and Fig. As shown in Figure 3, when the first transmission device 14 is in the lowest gear and the second transmission device 16 is in fourth gear on the first path R1, the control unit 12 controls the first transmission device 14 so that it is kept in the lowest gear, and the second transmission device 16 so that it shifts up in response to the first upshift signal from the actuating device 38. When the first transmission device 14 is in the lowest gear and the second transmission device 16 is in fourth gear on the first path R1, the control unit 12 controls the first transmission device 14 so that it is kept in the lowest gear, and the second transmission device 16 so that it shifts down in response to the downshift signal from the actuating device 38.

[0067] If, on the first path R1, the first transmission device 14 is in the lowest gear and the second transmission device 16 is in fifth gear, the control unit 12 controls the first transmission device 14 to shift up, and the second transmission device 16 to shift down in response to the first upshift signal from the actuating device 38. If, on the first path R1, the first transmission device 14 is in the middle gear and the second transmission device 16 is in fourth gear, the control unit 12 controls the first transmission device 14 to shift down, and the second transmission device 16 to shift up in response to the first downshift signal from the actuating device 38.

[0068] As in the Fig. 2 and Fig. As shown in Figure 4, when the first transmission device 14 is in middle gear and the second transmission device 16 is in fourth gear on the second path R2, the control unit 12 controls the first transmission device 14 so that it is held in middle gear, and the second transmission device 16 so that it shifts up in response to the first upshift signal from the actuating device 38. When the first transmission device 14 is in middle gear and the second transmission device 16 is in fourth gear on the second path R2, the control unit 12 controls the first transmission device 14 so that it is held in middle gear, and the second transmission device 16 so that it shifts down in response to the first downshift signal from the actuating device 38.

[0069] If, on the second path R2, the first transmission device 14 is in middle gear and the second transmission device 16 is in fifth gear, the control unit 12 controls the first transmission device 14 to shift up, and the second transmission device 16 to shift down in response to the first upshift signal from the actuating device 38. If, on the second path R2, the first transmission device 14 is in top gear and the second transmission device 16 is in fourth gear, the control unit 12 controls the first transmission device 14 to shift down, and the second transmission device 16 to shift up in response to the first downshift signal from the actuating device 38.

[0070] In the second shift mode, the controller 12 is configured to control the first transmission device 14 and the second transmission device 16 according to the transmission path in response to the shift signal, without setting the transmission path. For example, in the second shift mode, the controller 12 is configured to control the first transmission device 14 and the second transmission device 16 only according to the first path R1 in response to the shift signal. In the second shift mode, the controller 12 is configured to select the first path R1 as the transmission path regardless of the bicycle information (e.g., cadence). The controller 12 can be configured to control the first transmission device 14 and the second transmission device 16 only according to the second path R2 instead of the first path R1.

[0071] The actions of the bicycle transmission device 10 in the second shifting mode are the same as those of the bicycle transmission device 10 on the first path R1 in the first shifting mode. Therefore, for the sake of brevity, they are not described in detail here.

[0072] In the third switching mode, for example, the controller 12 is configured to control the first transmission device 14 so that it switches up in response to the first up-switch signal from the first up-switch US1 of the actuator 38. The controller 12 is configured to control the first transmission device 14 so that it switches down in response to the first down-switch signal from the first down-switch DS1 of the actuator 38. The controller 12 is configured to control the second transmission device 16 so that it switches up in response to the second up-switch signal from the second up-switch US2 of the actuator 38. The controller 12 is configured to control the second transmission device 16 so that it switches down in response to the second down-switch signal from the second down-switch DS2 of the actuator 38.The use of thirty gear positions in the first transmission device 14 and the second transmission device 16 is possible.

[0073] In the bicycle transmission device 10, the controller 12 is configured to control at least one transmission device according to the transmission path in response to the switching signal. The controller 12 is configured to adjust the transmission path based on bicycle information relating to the bicycle's running state. Accordingly, the gear ratio of the bicycle transmission device 10 can be adjusted according to the bicycle's running state.

[0074] A bicycle transmission device 210 according to a second embodiment is described below with reference to Fig. 5 described. The bicycle transmission device 210 has the same configuration as the bicycle transmission device 10, except for the device for receiving the bicycle information 40. Therefore, elements that have essentially the same function as those in the first embodiment are numbered the same here and, for the sake of brevity, are not described and / or illustrated again in detail.

[0075] As in Fig. As shown in Figure 5, the bicycle transmission device 210 comprises a controller 212 and a device for receiving bicycle information 240. The controller 212 is configured to adjust the transmission path based on the bicycle information relating to the bicycle's operating state. The device for receiving bicycle information 240 is configured to receive the bicycle information. In the illustrated embodiment, the bicycle information includes a torque applied by a rider to the bicycle's crank 8. The device for receiving bicycle information 240 includes a torque sensor configured to detect a pedaling torque applied to the crank 8. The device for receiving bicycle information 240 is, for example, provided in the crank 8.

[0076] The controller 212 is configured to adjust the transmission path based on the torque. The controller 212 has essentially the same configuration as the controller 12 according to the first embodiment. However, the controller 212 uses the torque received from the device for receiving bicycle information 240 instead of the cadence. More specifically, the controller 212 is configured to determine whether the torque received from the device for receiving bicycle information 240 is higher than a reference torque. The controller 212 is configured to store the reference torque in memory 36. The reference torque can be set by the user, if necessary and / or desired, using an input device.

[0077] The controller 212 is configured to select one of the first path R1 and the second path R2 ( Fig. 2) selects based on the torque and the reference torque. The higher torque likely indicates that the rider is pedaling under a heavier load. The controller 212 selects the first path R1 when the torque is greater than the reference torque. The lower torque likely indicates that the rider is pedaling under a lighter load. The controller 212 selects the second path R2 when the torque is equal to or less than the reference torque.

[0078] The actions of the bicycle transmission device 210 in the first to third shifting modes are the same as those of the bicycle transmission device 10 according to the first embodiment. Therefore, for the sake of brevity, they are not described in detail here.

[0079] The bicycle transmission device 210 can achieve essentially the same advantageous effect as the bicycle transmission device 10 according to the first embodiment.

[0080] A bicycle transmission device 310 according to a third embodiment is described below with reference to Fig. 6 described. The bicycle transmission device 310 has the same configuration as the bicycle transmission device 10, except for the device for receiving the bicycle information 40. Therefore, elements that have essentially the same function as those in the embodiments above are numbered the same here and, for the sake of brevity, are not described and / or illustrated again in detail.

[0081] As in Fig. As shown in Figure 6, the bicycle transmission device 310 comprises a controller 312 and a bicycle information receiving device 340. The controller 312 is configured to adjust the transmission path based on the bicycle information relating to the bicycle's operating state. The bicycle information receiving device 340 is configured to receive the bicycle information. In the illustrated embodiment, the bicycle information includes the amount of energy exerted by a rider on the bicycle's crank 8. Specifically, the bicycle information receiving device 340 includes an energy calculator configured to calculate the amount of energy exerted by the rider on the bicycle's crank 8. The bicycle information receiving device 340 includes the cadence sensor and the torque sensor. The cadence sensor is configured to detect the cadence.The torque sensor is configured to detect the torque applied to the crank 8. The energy calculator is configured to calculate the energy output by multiplying the cadence by the torque. The energy calculator can be operated with the controller 312.

[0082] The controller 312 is configured to adjust the transmission path based on the energy level. More specifically, the controller 312 is configured to determine whether the energy level received by the device for receiving bicycle information 340 is higher than a reference energy level. The controller 312 is configured to store the reference energy level in memory 36. The reference energy level can be set by the user, if necessary and / or desired, using an input device.

[0083] The controller 312 is configured to select one of the first path R1 and the second path R2 ( Fig. 2) selects based on the energy amount and the reference energy amount. The lower energy amount likely indicates that the driver is performing at a lower power level. The controller 312 selects the first path R1 if the energy amount is lower than the reference energy amount. The higher energy amount likely indicates that the driver is performing at a higher power level. The controller 312 selects the second path R2 if the energy amount is equal to or higher than the reference energy amount.

[0084] The actions of the bicycle transmission device 310 in the first to third shifting modes are the same as those of the bicycle transmission device 10 according to the first embodiment. Therefore, for the sake of brevity, they are not described in detail here.

[0085] The bicycle transmission device 310 can achieve essentially the same advantageous effect as the bicycle transmission device 10 according to the first embodiment.

[0086] A bicycle transmission device 410 according to a fourth embodiment is described below with reference to Fig. 7 described. The bicycle transmission device 410 has the same configuration as the bicycle transmission device 10, except for the device for receiving the bicycle information 40. Therefore, elements that have essentially the same function as those in the embodiments above are numbered the same here and, for the sake of brevity, are not described and / or illustrated again in detail.

[0087] As in Fig. As shown in Figure 7, the bicycle transmission device 410 comprises a controller 412 and a bicycle information receiving device 440. The controller 412 is configured to adjust the transmission path based on the bicycle information relating to the bicycle's operating state. The bicycle information receiving device 440 is configured to receive the bicycle information. In the illustrated embodiment, the bicycle information includes the bicycle's geographical location. The bicycle information receiving device 440 includes a global positioning system (GPS) receiver configured to receive signals from a GPS to obtain the bicycle's current geographical location. The bicycle information receiving device 440 is, for example, provided in a bicycle computer.The bicycle information storage device 440 is configured to store map data. The bicycle information storage device 440 can be located in the controller 412. The controller 412 is configured to store the map data in memory 36.

[0088] The controller 412 is configured to set the transmission path based on the geographical location. More specifically, the controller 412 is configured to determine a geographical feature of the current location based on the current geographical location and map data. The controller 412 is configured to determine whether the geographical feature meets the reference state. The controller 412 is configured to store the reference state in memory 36. The reference state can be set by the user, if necessary and / or desired, using an input device. Possible examples of the reference state include an incline on a road on which the bicycle is traveling.

[0089] The controller 412 is configured to select one of the first path R1 and the second path R2 ( Fig.2) selects based on the geographical feature and the reference state. For example, the controller 412 selects the first path R1 if the geographical feature does not meet the reference state (e.g., if the slope of the current geographical location is greater than a reference slope). The controller 412 selects the second path R2 if the geographical feature meets the reference state (e.g., if the slope of the current geographical location is equal to or less than the reference slope).

[0090] The bicycle transmission device 410 can achieve essentially the same advantageous effect as the bicycle transmission device 10 according to the first embodiment.

[0091] Although the at least one transmission device in the above embodiments comprises two transmission devices, the at least one transmission device may, if necessary and / or desired, comprise a single transmission device or more than three transmission devices. Possible examples of the at least one transmission device include a derailleur, an internal hub, a gearbox with a plurality of gear positions, and a continuously variable transmission. Further possible examples of the at least one transmission device include a combination of a rear internal hub and a rear derailleur, a combination of a front internal hub and a front derailleur, and a combination of a front derailleur and an electrically assisted unit incorporating an internal gearbox.

[0092] If the transmission device can comprise a single transmission device with a plurality of gear positions, the controller is configured, for example, to control the single transmission device according to a transmission path in response to a shift signal. In such an embodiment, the controller can be configured to adjust the transmission path so that a difference between adjacent gear ratios varies according to the bicycle information. Furthermore, the controller can be configured to adjust the transmission path so that the gear positions are at least partially restricted according to the bicycle information. The controller can be configured to adjust the transmission path so that a shift path is selected from a plurality of paths according to the bicycle information.

[0093] The person skilled in the art of bicycles will understand from the present disclosure that the above embodiments can be combined, at least in part.

[0094] In the present application, the term "comprehensive" and its derivatives, as used herein, are intended to be open terms that specify the presence of the listed features, elements, components, groups, integers, and / or steps, but do not exclude the presence of other unlisted features, elements, components, groups, integers, and / or steps. This concept also applies to words of similar meaning, such as the terms "exhibit," "contain," and their derivatives.

[0095] The terms “component”, “area”, “section”, “part”, “element”, “body” and “construction” can have the dual meaning of one part or several parts when used in the singular.

[0096] The term "configured," as used herein to describe a component, section, or part of an apparatus, includes hardware and / or software designed and / or programmed to perform the desired function. The desired function may be performed by hardware, software, or a combination of both.

[0097] The ordinal numbers cited in the present application, such as "first" or "second," are merely descriptive and have no other meaning, such as indicating a specific order or the like. Moreover, for example, the expression "first element" does not in itself imply the existence of a "second element," and the expression "second element" does not in itself imply the existence of a "first element."

[0098] Finally, by expressions of such degree as "essentially", "about" and "approximately", as used herein, a reasonable degree of deviation from the modified expression is to be understood such that the final result is not significantly altered.

[0099] It is obvious that, in light of the above teachings, numerous modifications and variations of the present invention are possible. It is therefore understood that, within the scope of the appended claims, the invention can also be implemented differently than specifically described herein.

Claims

[1] Bicycle transmission device (10), comprising: a controller (12) configured to control at least one transmission device according to a transmission path in response to a switching signal, wherein the controller (12) is configured to set the transmission path based on bicycle information related to the running state of a bicycle. [2] Bicycle transmission device (10) according to claim 1, further comprising: a bicycle information receiving device (40) configured to receive the bicycle information. [3] Bicycle transmission device (10) according to claim 1, wherein the bicycle information comprises a cadence indicating a rotational speed of a crank (8) of the bicycle, and the controller (12) is configured to adjust the transmission path based on the cadence. [4] Bicycle transmission device (210) according to claim 1, wherein the bicycle information comprises a torque exerted by a rider on a crank (8) of the bicycle, and the controller (212) is configured to adjust the transmission path based on the torque. [5] Bicycle transmission device (310) according to claim 1, wherein the bicycle information comprises an amount of energy exerted by a rider on a crank (8) of the bicycle, and the controller (312) is configured to adjust the transmission path based on the amount of energy. [6] Bicycle transmission device (410) according to claim 1, wherein the bicycle information includes a geographical location of the bicycle and the controller (412) is configured to set the transmission path based on the geographical location. [7] Bicycle transmission device (10) according to claim 1, wherein the at least one transmission device comprises a first transmission device (14) and a second transmission device (16). [8] Bicycle transmission device (10) according to claim 7, wherein the first transmission device (14) comprises a front derailleur and the second transmission device (16) comprises a rear derailleur. [9] Bicycle transmission device (10) according to claim 7, wherein the transmission path is a combination of a gear position of the first transmission device (14), a gear position of the second transmission device (16) and a transmission action to be performed on the gear position of the first transmission device (14) and the gear position of the second transmission device (16) in at least one of the first transmission device (14) and the second transmission device (16) in response to the shift signal. [10] Bicycle transmission device (10) according to claim 9, wherein the transfer act a first transmission action to be performed at the gear position of the first transmission device (14) and the gear position of the second transmission device (16) in the first transmission device (14) in response to the shift signal, and a second transmission action to be performed at the gear position of the first transmission device (14) and the gear position of the second transmission device (16) in the second transmission device (16) in response to the shift signal. [11] Bicycle transmission device (10) according to claim 1, further comprising: an actuating device (38) configured to generate the switching signal, wherein the actuating device (38) a first upshift switch (US1) configured to generate a first upshift signal as the shift signal in response to an upshift input from the user, and a first downshift switch (DS1) configured to generate a first downshift signal as the shift signal in response to a downshift input from the user. [12] The bicycle transmission device (10) according to claim 11, wherein the controller (12) is configured to control the at least one transmission device according to the transmission path in response to the first upshift signal, and the controller (12) is configured to control the at least one transmission device according to the transmission path in response to the first downshift signal. [13] Bicycle transmission device (10) according to claim 1, wherein the controller (12) has a first switching mode and a second switching mode, in the first switching mode the controller (12) is configured to control the at least one transmission device according to the transmission path in response to the switching signal while adjusting the transmission path, and in the second switching mode, the controller is configured to control the at least one transmission device according to the transmission path in response to the switching signal without adjusting the transmission path. [14] Bicycle transmission device (10) according to claim 13, further comprising: a mode selection switch (42) configured to allow a user to select a switching mode among the first switching mode and the second switching mode, wherein the controller (12) is configured to set the switching mode selected by the mode selection switch. [15] Bicycle transmission device (10) according to claim 14, further comprising: an actuating device (38) configured to generate the switching signal, wherein the actuating device (38) a first upshift switch (US1) configured to generate a first upshift signal as the shift signal in response to an upshift input from a user, and a first downshift switch (DS1) configured to generate a first downshift signal as the shift signal in response to a downshift input from the user. [16] Bicycle transmission device (10) according to claim 15, wherein the controller (12) has a third switching mode in addition to the first switching mode and the second switching mode, in the third shift mode, the controller (12) is configured to control the first transmission device (14) based on the first upshift signal and the first downshift signal without using the transmission path. [17] Bicycle transmission device (10) according to claim 16, wherein the actuating device (38) a second upshift switch (US2) configured to generate a second upshift signal as the shift signal in response to an upshift input from the user, and a second downshift switch (DS2) configured to generate a second downshift signal as the shift signal in response to a downshift input from the user. [18] Bicycle transmission device (10) according to claim 17, wherein the at least one transmission device comprises a first transmission device (14) and a second transmission device (16) and in the third shift mode, the controller (12) is configured to control the first transmission device (14) based on the first upshift signal and the first downshift signal without using the transmission path and to control the second transmission device (16) based on the second upshift signal and the second downshift signal without using the transmission path.

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