CONTROL DEVICE FOR A HUMAN-PROPELLED VEHICLE

Abstract

A human-powered vehicle 10 comprises a transmission device 42 configured to change a transmission ratio, which is a ratio of the rotational speed of a wheel 12 of the human-powered vehicle 10 to the rotational speed of a crank axle 22 of the human-powered vehicle 10, and a drive unit 44 configured to exert a driving force on the human-powered vehicle 10. The drive unit 44 is configured to change a level of assistance. A control device 60 for the human-powered vehicle 10 comprises a controller 62 configured to control the transmission device 42. The controller 62 is configured to control the transmission device 42 to change the transmission ratio based on a switching condition.In a case where a support change condition for changing the support level is met and the switching condition is met, the control 62 is configured to control the transmission device 42 in a first control state in which the switching that increases the transmission ratio is restricted.

Description

The present invention relates to a control device for a human-powered vehicle. An example of such a control device for a human-powered vehicle is disclosed in JP 2013 470 85 A. The control device controls a transmission device of the human-powered vehicle. One objective of the present invention is to provide a control device for a human-powered vehicle that controls a transmission device in a preferred manner. A control device according to a first aspect of the present invention is provided for a human-powered vehicle. The human-powered vehicle comprises a transmission device configured to change a gear ratio, which is a ratio of the rotational speed of a wheel of the human-powered vehicle to the rotational speed of a crank axle of the human-powered vehicle, and a drive unit configured to exert a driving force on the human-powered vehicle. The drive unit is configured to change a level of assistance. The control device comprises a controller configured to control the transmission device. The controller is configured to control the transmission device to change the gear ratio based on a switching condition.In a case where a support change condition for changing the support level is met and the switching condition is met, the control device is configured to control the transmission device in a first control state in which the switching that increases the transmission ratio is restricted. In the control device according to the first aspect, if the support change condition and the switching condition are met, switching that increases the transmission ratio is restricted. Thus, the transmission device is controlled in a preferred manner. According to a second aspect of the present invention, the control device according to the first aspect is configured such that the support change condition is a condition for raising the support level. In the control device according to the second aspect, in a case where the support change condition for raising the support level is met, switching that increases the transmission ratio is restricted. According to a third aspect of the present invention, the control device according to the first or second aspect is designed such that the support change condition is met when a user operates a control unit to change the support level. In the control device according to the third aspect, switching that increases the gear ratio is restricted in cases where the user operates the control unit to change the support level. Thus, changes in the user's workload after changing the support level are immediately perceptible to the user. According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, the control device according to one of the first to third aspects is designed such that the support change state is related to a tilt angle of the human-powered vehicle. In the control device according to the fourth aspect, in a case where the support change condition is fulfilled depending on the tilt angle of the human-powered vehicle, a shift that increases the gear ratio is restricted. According to a fifth aspect of the present invention, the control device according to the fourth aspect is configured such that the support change condition is met when the tilt angle is greater than or equal to a predetermined angle. In the control device according to the fifth aspect, in a case where the support change condition is met according to a tilt angle that is greater than or equal to the predetermined angle, switching that increases the transmission ratio is restricted. According to a sixth aspect of the present invention, the control device according to any one of the first to fifth aspects is configured such that, in a case where the support level is changed and the switching condition is met, the control device is configured to control the transmission device in the first control state. In the control device according to the sixth aspect, in a case where the support level is changed and the switching condition is met, switching that increases the transmission ratio is restricted. According to a seventh aspect of the present invention, the control device according to any one of the first to sixth aspects is configured such that, in a case where the human-powered vehicle is traveling on an uphill road with a gradient less than or equal to a predetermined gradient, the control device is configured to control the transmission device in the first control state in order to limit both shifting that increases the gear ratio and shifting that decreases the gear ratio. With the control device according to the seventh aspect, in a case where the human-powered vehicle is traveling on an uphill road with a gradient less than or equal to the predetermined gradient, both shifting that increases the gear ratio and shifting that decreases the gear ratio are limited. According to an eighth aspect of the present invention, the control device according to any of the first to seventh aspects is configured such that, in a case where the switching condition is met, the control is configured to transmit a switching signal to the transmission device to change the gear ratio. In a case where the switching condition is met and then the support change condition is met before the switching signal is transmitted, the control is configured not to transmit the switching signal. In the control device according to the eighth aspect, in a case where the support change condition is met, the switching signal is not transmitted, thus restricting the switching in a preferred manner. According to a ninth aspect of the present invention, the control device according to the eighth aspect is configured such that the switching signal includes a first switching signal for increasing the gear ratio and a second switching signal for decreasing the gear ratio. In a case where the first switching signal is transmitted when the switching condition is met and the support change condition is met before the first switching signal is transmitted, the control device is configured such that the first switching signal is not transmitted. In a case where the second switching signal is transmitted when the switching condition is met and the support change condition is met before the second switching signal is transmitted, the control device is configured such that the second switching signal is transmitted.In the control device according to the ninth aspect, in a case where the support change condition is met, the first switching signal is not transmitted, thus restricting switching that increases the transmission ratio, and the second switching signal is transmitted, so that switching that decreases the transmission ratio is carried out. According to a tenth aspect of the present invention, the control device according to any one of the first to ninth aspects is configured such that the transmission device comprises an external transmission device. In the control device according to the tenth aspect, the transmission ratio is modified accordingly by the external transmission device. According to an eleventh aspect of the present invention, the control device according to any one of the first to sixth aspects is configured such that, in the first control state, the control is configured to control the transmission device in such a way as to restrict both switching that increases the gear ratio and switching that decreases the gear ratio. In the control device according to the eleventh aspect, in a case where the support change condition is met, both switching that increases the gear ratio and switching that decreases the gear ratio are restricted. According to a twelfth aspect of the present invention, the control device according to one of the first to ninth and eleventh aspects is configured such that the transmission device comprises an internal transmission device. In the control device according to the twelfth aspect, the transmission ratio is modified accordingly by the internal transmission device. According to a thirteenth aspect of the present invention, the control device according to any one of the first to twelfth aspects is configured such that, in a case where the control is operating the transmission device in the first control state, the control is configured to switch from the first control state to a second control state after a predetermined time interval has elapsed. This second control state allows the control for increasing the transmission ratio to be executed more easily than in the first control state. In the control device according to the thirteenth aspect, the control for increasing the transmission ratio is executed immediately after the predetermined time interval has elapsed. According to a fourteenth aspect of the present invention, the control device according to the thirteenth aspect is designed such that the predetermined time interval is at least one of a time interval during which a rotational amount of the wheel becomes a predetermined rotational amount, a time interval during which the time that has elapsed since the beginning of the first control state becomes a predetermined elapsed time interval, a time interval during which a distance traveled by the human-driven vehicle becomes a predetermined travel distance, and a time interval during which a rotational amount of the crank axle becomes a predetermined rotational amount.In the control device according to the fourteenth aspect, the control to increase the transmission ratio is carried out immediately after at least one of the time intervals in which the rotational speed of the wheel becomes the predetermined rotational speed, the time interval in which the time interval elapsed since the initiation of the first control state becomes the predetermined elapsed time interval, the time interval in which the distance traveled by the human-driven vehicle becomes the predetermined distance, and the time interval in which the rotational speed of the crankshaft becomes the predetermined rotational speed. According to a fifteenth aspect of the present invention, the control device according to the fourteenth aspect is designed such that the predetermined time interval is the time interval in which the rotational speed of the wheel reaches the predetermined rotational speed. In the control device according to the fifteenth aspect, after the time interval in which the rotational speed of the wheel reaches the predetermined rotational speed, the control to increase the transmission ratio is executed immediately. According to a sixteenth aspect of the present invention, the control device according to any of the first to fifteenth aspects is configured such that, in a case where the reduction in the human driving force exerted on the crank shaft in the first control state is less than or equal to a predetermined reduction, the control is configured to switch from the first control state to a third control state, which makes it possible to increase the transmission ratio more easily than in the first control state. In the control device according to the sixteenth aspect, the transmission ratio is increased immediately in a case where the reduction in the human driving force exerted on the crank shaft in the first control state is less than or equal to the predetermined reduction. According to a seventeenth aspect of the present invention, the control device according to any one of the first to sixteenth aspects is configured such that the control device is designed to control the drive unit. In the control device according to the seventeenth aspect, the control unit controls the drive unit. According to an eighteenth aspect of the present invention, the control device according to any of the first through seventeenth aspects is configured such that the switching condition includes a threshold value related to a predetermined parameter. In a case where the control device controls the transmission device to change the gear ratio based on the switching condition, the control device is configured to control the transmission device to increase the gear ratio when the predetermined parameter exceeds the threshold value. In the control device according to the eighteenth aspect, the gear ratio is increased when the predetermined parameter exceeds the threshold value. According to a nineteenth aspect of the present invention, the control device according to the eighteenth aspect is configured such that, in a case where the control unit controls the transmission device to change the gear ratio based on the switching condition, the control unit is configured to control the transmission device to increase the gear ratio when the predetermined parameter becomes greater than the threshold value. In the control device according to the nineteenth aspect, the gear ratio is increased in a case where the predetermined parameter becomes greater than the threshold value. According to a twentieth aspect of the present invention, the control device according to the eighteenth or nineteenth aspect is designed such that the predetermined parameter is related to the rotational speed of the crankshaft. In the control device according to the twentieth aspect, the transmission ratio is increased based on the predetermined parameter related to the rotational speed of the crankshaft. According to a twenty-first aspect of the present invention, the control device according to one of the eighteenth to twentieth aspects is designed such that the predetermined parameter includes the human driving force exerted on the crank shaft. In the control device according to the twenty-first aspect, the transmission ratio is increased based on the predetermined parameter relating to the human driving force exerted on the crank shaft. In a preferred embodiment, the control device according to the invention for a human-powered vehicle controls the transmission device. A more complete understanding of the invention and its many associated advantages is easily achieved by referring to the following detailed description and considering it in conjunction with the accompanying figures, wherein: Fig. 1 is a side view of a human-powered vehicle with a control device for a human-powered vehicle of a first embodiment; Fig. 2 is a block diagram showing the electrical configuration of the human-powered vehicle shown in Fig. 1; Fig. 3 is a flowchart of a method for changing a control state, executed by a controller shown in Fig. 2; Fig. 4 is a flowchart of a process for controlling a transmission device, executed by the controller shown in Fig. 2; Fig.Figure 5 is a flowchart of a process for changing the control state, executed by a controller of a second embodiment; Figure 6 is a flowchart of a process for controlling the transmission device, executed by the controller of the second embodiment; Figure 7 is a flowchart of a process for changing the control state, executed by a controller of a third embodiment; and Figure 8 is a flowchart of a method for controlling the transmission device, executed by a controller of a fourth embodiment. Embodiments of the present invention will now be described with reference to the accompanying figures, wherein the same reference numerals denote corresponding or identical elements in the different figures. A first embodiment of a control device 60 according to the invention for a human-powered vehicle 10 is now described with reference to Fig. 1, Fig. 2 to Fig. 3. A human-powered vehicle 10 is a vehicle that has at least one wheel 12 and is propelled by at least one human force. A human-powered vehicle 10 includes, for example, various types of bicycles such as mountain bikes, racing bikes, city bikes, cargo bikes, handcycles, and recumbent bikes. The number of wheels 12 of the human-powered vehicle 10 is not limited. A human-powered vehicle 10 includes, for example, a unicycle and a vehicle with two or more wheels 12. A human-powered vehicle 10 is not limited to a vehicle that can only be propelled by human force. A human-powered vehicle 10 includes an e-bike, which, in addition to human force, uses the power of an electric motor for propulsion. An e-bike also includes a bicycle with electric assistance, which supports propulsion through an electric motor.In each embodiment described below, the human-powered vehicle 10 refers to a bicycle. A human-powered vehicle 10 comprises at least one wheel 12 and a vehicle body 14. The at least one wheel 12 comprises, for example, a front wheel 12F and a rear wheel 12R. The vehicle body 14 comprises a frame 16. In one example, a saddle 16A is connected to the frame 16. In one example, the human-powered vehicle 10 also includes a crank 18 upon which a human driving force is applied. In another example, the crank 18 includes a crank arm 20 and a crank axle 22. The crank axle 22 is, for example, rotatable relative to the frame 16. A pedal 24 is coupled to the crank arm 20. The crank arm 20 is, for example, provided at each axial end of the crank axle 22. A front fork 26 is connected to the frame 16. The front wheel 12F is attached to the front fork 26. A handlebar 28 is connected to the front fork 26 via a stem 30. The rear wheel 12R is supported by the frame 16. In the present embodiment, the rear wheel 12R is connected to the crank 18 via a drive mechanism 32. The rear wheel 12R is driven depending on the rotation of the crank axle 22. Both the front wheel 12F and the rear wheel 12R can be coupled to the crank 18 via the drive mechanism 32. The drive mechanism 32 comprises at least one first rotating body 34 coupled to the crank shaft 22. In one example, the at least one first rotating body 34 comprises a front sprocket. The at least one first rotating body 34 can comprise a pulley or a bevel gear. The crank shaft 22 can be coupled to the front sprocket via a one-way coupling. The drive mechanism 32 further comprises at least one second rotating body 36 and a connecting element 38. The connecting element 38 is designed to transmit the rotational force of the at least one first rotating body 34 to the at least one second rotating body 36. In one example, the connecting element 38 comprises a chain. The connecting element 38 can also comprise a belt or a shaft. In one example, the at least one second rotating body 36 comprises a rear sprocket. The at least one second rotating body 36 can comprise a pulley or a bevel gear. The chain is, for example, wound around the front and rear sprockets. The at least one second rotating body 36 is, for example, coupled to the rear wheel 12R. In one example, the rear wheel 12R is designed to rotate in proportion to the rotation of the at least one second rotating body 36. The human-powered vehicle 10 comprises a transmission device 42 and a drive unit 44. The human-powered vehicle 10 includes, for example, at least part of a control system 40 for a human-powered vehicle 10. The control system 40 includes, for example, the control device 60 for a human-powered vehicle 10 and the transmission device 42. The control system 40 includes, for example, the control device 60 for a human-powered vehicle 10, the transmission device 42, and the drive unit 44. The transmission device 42 changes a gear ratio, which is a ratio of the rotational speed of the wheel 12 of the human-propelled vehicle 10 to the rotational speed of the crank axle 22 of the human-propelled vehicle 10. The transmission device 42 is, for example, configured to change the gear ratio in steps. The transmission device 42 is configured to change the gear ratio of the human-propelled vehicle 10 in steps. The gear ratio of the human-propelled vehicle 10 is, for example, a ratio of the rotational speed of the rear wheel 12R to the rotational speed of the crank axle 22. The transmission device 42 is, for example, provided on the frame 16. The transmission device 42 comprises, for example, at least one rear transmission device and one front transmission device.In one example, the transmission device 42 comprises an external transmission device. The transmission device 42 includes, for example, a rear derailleur. The transmission device 42 may include a front derailleur. The transmission device 42 may include an internal transmission device. The internal transmission device is, for example, provided in a hub of the rear wheel 12R. The transmission device 42 may include a continuously variable transmission (CVT). In one example, the transmission device 42 comprises an electrical transmission device. The transmission device 42 includes, for example, a drive source 42A powered by electrical energy. By driving the drive source 42A, the transmission ratio is changed. The drive source 42A includes, for example, an electric motor. The drive unit 44 is configured to exert a driving force on the human-propelled vehicle 10. The drive unit 44 comprises, for example, a motor 44A configured to exert a driving force on the human-propelled vehicle 10. The motor 44A is designed to drive the connecting element 38. The motor 44A is configured, for example, to exert a driving force on the human-propelled vehicle 10 that corresponds to the human driving force. The motor 44A comprises, for example, one or more electric motors. The electric motor of the motor 44A is, for example, a brushless motor. The motor 44A is configured, for example, to transmit a rotational force to a transmission path for the human driving force, which extends from two pedals 24 to the at least one second rotating body 36.The motor 44A drives the connecting element 38, for example, via the at least one first rotating body 34. In the present embodiment, the motor 44A is provided on the frame 16 of the human-powered vehicle 10 and is designed to transmit the rotational force to the first rotating body 34. The motor 44A can be a hub motor provided on the wheel 12. The control device 60 comprises a controller 62. The controller 62 includes, for example, a processor that executes predefined control programs. The processor of the controller 62 includes, for example, a central processing unit (CPU) or a microprocessing unit (MPU). The processor of the controller 62 can be located in different places. In a case where the processor is located in separate places, separate parts of the processor can be interconnected in a way that enables communication via a wireless communication device. The controller 62 can contain one or more microcomputers. The control device 60 also includes, for example, a memory 64. The memory 64 is connected to the controller 62 in a manner that enables wired or wireless communication. The memory 64 stores, for example, control programs and information used for control processes. The memory 64 includes, for example, non-volatile memory and volatile memory. The non-volatile memory includes, for example, at least one read-only memory (ROM), one erasable programmable read-only memory (EPROM), one electrically erasable programmable read-only memory (EEPROM), or one flash memory. The volatile memory includes, for example, one random access memory (RAM). The controller 62 is configured to control the transmission device 42. The controller 62 is configured to control the transmission device 42 such that the transmission ratio is changed based on a switching condition. The controller 62 can be configured to control the transmission device 42 in such a way that it changes the transmission ratio, for example, depending on a transmission signal in addition to the switching condition. The transmission signal is output, for example, when a user operates a transmission control section. The switching condition includes, for example, a threshold value that relates to a predefined parameter. The predefined parameter relates, for example, to a driving condition and / or a driving environment of the human-powered vehicle 10. The predefined parameter relates, for example, to the rotational speed of the crank axle 22. The predefined parameter relates, for example, to the human driving force exerted on the crank axle 22. The predefined parameter can relate to the rotational state of the wheel 12. The rotational state of the wheel 12 includes, for example, at least one of the two quantities: rotational speed of the wheel 12 and vehicle speed. The predefined parameter can relate to an inclination angle of the human-powered vehicle 10.The specified parameter can include two or more of the rotational speed of the crank axis 22, the human driving force exerted on the crank axis 22, the rotational state of the wheel 12 and the inclination angle of the human-driven vehicle 10. The control system 40 also includes, for example, a detector 46 configured to detect the specified parameter. The detector 46 includes, for example, at least one of the following: a crank rotation state detector 46A, a human driving force detector 46B, a wheel rotation state detector 46C, and an inclination detector 46D. The crank rotation state detector 46A is connected to the controller 62 in a manner that enables wired or wireless communication. The crank rotation state detector 46A is configured, for example, to detect the rotation of the crank axis 22 and the rotation of the first rotating body 34. The first rotating body 34 comprises, for example, a front sprocket or a front pulley. The crank rotation state detector 46A is configured to detect, for example, at least one of the pieces of information corresponding to the rotational speed of the crank axis 22 and the rotational speed of the first rotating body 34. Information relating to the rotational speed of the crank axis 22 includes, for example, the angular acceleration of the crank axis 22. Information relating to the rotational speed of the first rotating body 34 includes, for example, the angular acceleration of the first rotating body 34. The crank rotation state detector 46A is configured to output, for example, a signal corresponding to the rotational speed of the crank axis 22 and / or a signal corresponding to the rotational speed of the first rotating body 34. The crank rotation state detector 46A is configured, for example, to output at least one detection signal corresponding to a rotation angle of the crank axis 22 and a detection signal corresponding to a rotation angle of the first rotating body 34 during a time interval in which the crank axis 22 and the first rotating body 34 complete one revolution. The crank rotation state detector 46A includes, for example, a magnetic sensor that outputs a signal corresponding to the strength of a magnetic field. The crank rotation state detector 46A includes, for example, a ring magnet in which the magnetic poles are arranged circumferentially. In one example, the ring magnet is attached to the crank shaft 22. The ring magnet includes, for example, a single south pole and a single north pole. The south pole and the north pole each extend continuously by 180° around the central axis of rotation of the crank shaft 22 in the circumferential direction. Instead of the magnetic sensor, the crank rotation state detector 46A can also include an optical sensor, an accelerometer, a gyroscope, a torque sensor, or similar. The crank rotation state detector 46A can be configured to detect the rotational speed of the second rotating body 36. The second rotating body 36 comprises, for example, a rear sprocket or a rear pulley. The crank rotation state detector 46A can be configured to detect information corresponding to the rotational speed of the second rotating body 36. This information includes, for example, the angular acceleration of the second rotating body 36. The crank rotation state detector 46A can be configured to output a signal corresponding to the rotational speed of the second rotating body 36. The crank rotation state detector 46A can include a vehicle speed sensor. In a case where the crank rotation state detector 46A includes a vehicle speed sensor, the controller 62 can be configured to calculate the rotational speed of the crank shaft 22 from the vehicle speed detected by the vehicle speed sensor and the gear ratio. The crank rotation state detector 46A can also include a wheel rotation speed sensor. If the crank rotation state detector 46A includes a wheel rotation speed sensor, the controller 62 can be configured to calculate the rotational speed of the crank shaft 22 from the rotational speed of the wheel 12 detected by the wheel rotation speed sensor and the gear ratio. The wheel rotation speed sensor can, for example, have the same configuration as the wheel rotation state detector 46C. The Human Driving Force Detector 46B is located, for example, on a component that is part of the human driving force transmission path, or on a component that is near a component that is part of the human driving force transmission path. The Human Driving Force Detector 46B comprises a strain sensor, a magnetostrictive sensor, a pressure sensor, or similar. The strain sensor comprises a strain gauge. The Human Driving Force Detector 46B can have any configuration as long as it obtains information about the human driving force. The human propulsion detector 46B can, for example, be attached to at least one of the crank arm 20 and the pedal 24. In a case where the human propulsion detector 46B is attached to the pedal 24, it can include a sensor that detects the pressure exerted on the pedal 24. The human propulsion detector 46B can also be attached to the chain. In a case where the human propulsion detector 46B is attached to the chain, it can include a sensor that detects the chain tension. The wheel rotation detector 46C is connected to the controller 62 in a manner that enables wired or wireless communication. The wheel rotation detector 46C is configured, for example, to detect information about the speed of the human-powered vehicle 10. The wheel rotation detector 46C is configured, for example, to detect information relating to the rotational speed of the wheel 12. The wheel rotation detector 46C is configured, for example, to detect a magnet attached to at least one of the wheels 12, the front wheel 12F or the rear wheel 12R. The wheel rotation detector 46C includes, for example, a vehicle speed sensor. The wheel rotation detector 46C is configured, for example, to output a predetermined number of detection signals during the time it takes the wheel 12 to complete one revolution. The predetermined number is, for example, one. The wheel rotation detector 46C outputs, for example, a signal corresponding to the rotational speed of the wheel 12. The controller 62 can calculate the speed of the human-powered vehicle 10 based on the signal corresponding to the rotational speed of the wheel 12 and the information about the circumferential length of the wheel 12. The information about the circumferential length of the wheel 12 is stored, for example, in the memory 64. The tilt detector 46D includes, for example, a tilt sensor that detects the pitch angle, roll angle, and / or yaw angle of the human-powered vehicle 10. The tilt sensor includes, for example, at least one gyroscope or accelerometer. The tilt detector 46D is configured to detect, for example, the gradient of a road corresponding to the pitch angle, roll angle, and / or yaw angle of the human-powered vehicle 10. The tilt detector 46D may include a GPS (Global Positioning System) receiver. In a case where the tilt detector 46D includes a GPS receiver, map information relating to the gradient of the road is pre-stored in memory 64. The controller 62 determines the gradient of the road at the current location of the human-powered vehicle 10 based on the map information stored in memory 64. In an example where the controller 62 controls the transmission device 42 to change the gear ratio based on the switching condition, the controller 62 is configured to control the transmission device 42 to change the gear ratio when the specified parameter exceeds a threshold value. In a case where the threshold is an upper limit, the specified parameter exceeds a threshold when it becomes greater than the upper limit. In a case where the threshold is a lower limit, the specified parameter exceeds a threshold when it becomes less than the lower limit. In an example where the controller 62 controls the transmission device 42 to change the gear ratio based on the switching condition, the controller 62 is configured to control the transmission device 42 to increase the gear ratio when the specified parameter exceeds the threshold. The switching condition includes, for example, an additional threshold related to the specified parameter. In another example where the controller 62 controls the transmission device 42 to change the gear ratio based on the switching condition, the controller 62 is configured to control the transmission device 42 to decrease the gear ratio when the specified parameter exceeds the additional threshold.In one example, one of the threshold values ​​and the additional threshold value is the lower limit threshold, and the other of the threshold values ​​and the additional threshold value is the upper limit threshold. The lower limit threshold is lower than the upper limit threshold. In a case where the controller 62 controls the transmission device 42 to change the transmission ratio based on the switching condition, the controller 62 is configured to control the transmission device 42 in a first example of switching control or a second example of switching control. In the first example of the switching control, for instance, in a case where the controller 62 controls the transmission device 42 to change the gear ratio based on the switching condition, the controller 62 is configured to control the transmission device 42 to decrease the gear ratio when the specified parameter becomes smaller than the additional threshold value. In another example, where the controller 62 controls the transmission device 42 to change the gear ratio based on the switching condition, the controller 62 is configured to control the transmission device 42 to decrease the gear ratio when the specified parameter becomes smaller than the lower limit threshold value. In the first example of the switching control, for instance, in a case where the controller 62 controls the transmission device 42 to change the gear ratio based on the switching condition, the controller 62 is configured to control the transmission device 42 to increase the gear ratio when the specified parameter becomes greater than the threshold value. In another example, where the controller 62 controls the transmission device 42 to change the gear ratio based on the switching condition, the controller 62 is configured to control the transmission device 42 to increase the gear ratio when the specified parameter becomes greater than the upper limit threshold value. In the first example of switching control, for instance, in a case where the controller 62 controls the transmission device 42 to change the gear ratio based on the switching condition, the controller 62 is configured to control the transmission device 42 to decrease the gear ratio when the specified parameter becomes less than the additional threshold. In another example, where the controller 62 controls the transmission device 42 to change the gear ratio based on the switching condition, the controller 62 is configured to control the transmission device 42 to decrease the gear ratio when the specified parameter becomes less than the lower limit threshold. In the first example of switching control, the threshold is the upper limit threshold, and the additional threshold is the lower limit threshold. In the first example of the shift control, the controller 62 limits the driver's load if the specified parameter has a negative correlation with the driver's load. In the first example of the shift control, the controller 62 limits an increase in the specified parameter if the specified parameter has a negative correlation with the driver's load. In the first example of the shift control, the controller 62 increases the gear ratio in accordance with the driver's intention to accelerate if the specified parameter has a positive correlation with the driver's load. Examples of specified parameters that have a negative correlation with the driver's load are the rotational speed of the crankshaft 22, the rotational speed of the wheel 12, and the vehicle speed.Examples of the given parameter that shows a positive correlation with the driver's workload are the human driving force, the inclination angle of the human-driven vehicle 10 and the gradient of the road on which the human-driven vehicle 10 is traveling. In the second example of the switching control, for example, in a case where the controller 62 controls the transmission device 42 to change the gear ratio based on the switching condition, the controller 62 is configured to control the transmission device 42 to increase the gear ratio when the specified parameter becomes less than the threshold value. In another example, where the controller 62 controls the transmission device 42 to change the gear ratio based on the switching condition, the controller 62 is configured to control the transmission device 42 to increase the gear ratio when the specified parameter becomes less than the lower limit threshold value. In the second example of the switching control, for instance, in a case where the controller 62 controls the transmission device 42 to change the gear ratio based on the switching condition, the controller 62 is configured to control the transmission device 42 to decrease the gear ratio when the specified parameter becomes greater than the additional threshold. In another example, where the controller 62 controls the transmission device 42 to change the gear ratio based on the switching condition, the controller 62 is configured to control the transmission device 42 to decrease the gear ratio when the specified parameter becomes greater than the upper limit threshold. In the second example of the switching control, the lower limit threshold and the additional threshold are the upper limit thresholds. In the second example of the shift control, the control unit 62 limits the specified parameter in a case where it has a positive correlation with the driver's workload, for example, the driver's workload. In the second example of the shift control, the control unit 62 limits an increase in the specified parameter in a case where it has a positive correlation with the driver's workload, for example, the gear ratio, in accordance with the driver's intention to increase the specified parameter in a situation where the driver's workload is low. The drive unit 44 is configured to change a support level. The controller 62 is, for example, configured to control the drive unit 44. The controller 62 is, for example, configured to control the motor 44A such that the support level of the motor 44A is changed. The controller 62 is, for example, configured to control the motor 44A such that the support level of the motor 44A becomes equal to a predetermined support level. The support level includes, for example, at least one of the ratio of the support force of the motor 44A to the human propulsive force exerted on the human-propelled vehicle 10, an upper threshold value of the power of the motor 44A, and a response speed of the motor 44A to a rate of change of the human propulsive force. The assist force is expressed, for example, as torque or power. When expressed as torque, it is referred to as assist torque. When expressed as power, it is referred to as assist power. The relationship between the assist force and the human driving force can be the ratio of assist torque to human torque or the ratio of assist power to power based on human force. The controller 62 is configured to change the support level, for example, when a support change condition is met. This support change condition could be, for instance, a condition for increasing the support level. The controller 62 is also configured to decrease the support level when, for example, an additional support change condition is met. The support change condition is met, for example, when a user operates a control unit 48 to change the support level. The control unit 48 includes, for example, a first operating section for raising the support level and a second operating section for lowering the support level. The support level change condition is met, for example, when the user operates the first operating section. The additional support change condition is met, for example, when the user operates the second operating section. The assistance change condition refers to a tilt angle of the human-powered vehicle 10. The assistance change condition is met if the tilt angle is greater than or equal to a predefined angle. The predefined angle is, for example, greater than zero degrees. The predefined angle corresponds, for example, to an uphill road. The additional assistance change condition refers, for example, to a tilt angle of the human-powered vehicle 10. The additional assistance change condition is met if the tilt angle is less than an additional predefined angle. The additional predefined angle can be less than or equal to the predefined angle. The support change condition can include, instead of or in addition to the operation of the control unit 48 and the tilt angle of the vehicle 10, at least one of the human driving force, the rotational speed of the crank axle 22, the rotational speed of the wheel 12, the vehicle speed, and the driving resistance. The additional support change condition can include, instead of or in addition to the operation of the control unit 48 and the tilt angle of the human-powered vehicle 10, at least one of the human driving force, a rotational speed of the crank axle 22, a rotational speed of the wheel 12, a vehicle speed, and a driving resistance. In a case where the support change condition for changing the support level is met and the switching condition is met, the controller 62 is configured to control the transmission device 42 in a first control state in which switching that increases the transmission ratio is restricted. For example, the controller 62 is configured to control the transmission device 42 in the first control state such that switching that increases the transmission ratio is restricted without restricting switching that decreases the transmission ratio. For example, in the first control state, the controller 62 does not change the transmission ratio if the specified parameter exceeds a threshold value. In the first example of the switching control, the controller 62, for instance, does not change the transmission ratio in the first control state if the specified parameter is greater than the upper limit threshold. In the first example of the switching control, the controller 62 can be configured in the first control state such that it does not change the transmission ratio in a case where the specified parameter is greater than the upper limit threshold, and can also be configured to change the transmission ratio in a case where the specified parameter is greater than a first specified threshold that is greater than the upper limit threshold. In the first example of the switching control, the controller 62, for instance, controls the transmission device 42 in the first control state to decrease the transmission ratio in a case where the specified parameter is less than the lower limit threshold. In the second example of the switching control, the controller 62, in the first control state, does not change the transmission ratio if the specified parameter is less than the lower threshold. In the second example of the switching control, the controller 62 can be configured in the first control state to not change the transmission ratio if the specified parameter is less than the lower threshold, and to change the transmission ratio if the specified parameter is less than a second specified threshold that is less than the lower threshold. In the second example of the switching control, the controller 62, for example, controls the transmission device 42 in the first control state to decrease the transmission ratio if the specified parameter is greater than the upper threshold. In an example where the controller 62 controls the transmission device 42 in the first control state, the controller 62 is configured to switch from the first control state to a second control state after a predetermined time interval. This allows for easier control of increasing the transmission ratio than in the first control state. For example, in the second control state, the controller 62 is less likely to restrict the change in the transmission ratio than in the first control state. In another example, in the second control state, if the change condition is met, the controller 62 is configured to change the transmission ratio in accordance with the predetermined parameter and the threshold.For example, in the second control state, the control unit 62 is configured to control the transmission device 42 from the moment the motor 44A begins to provide a support force until the support change condition is met. The predetermined time interval is, for example, a time interval in which the rotation of wheel 12 assumes a predetermined rotation value. The predetermined time interval is at least one of the following: a time interval in which the rotation of wheel 12 becomes a predetermined rotation value, a time interval in which the time elapsed since the initiation of the first control state becomes a predetermined elapsed time interval, a time interval in which a distance traveled by the human-driven vehicle 10 becomes a predetermined distance, and a time interval in which the rotation of the crankshaft 22 becomes a predetermined rotation value. In one example, the controller 62, in a case where the support level is changed and the switching condition is met, is configured, for instance, to control the transmission device 42 in the first control state. The case where the support level is changed is, for example, a case where the condition for changing the support level is met and the controller 62 then transmits a control signal to a drive circuit of the motor 44A to change the support level. A method for changing the control state of the controller 62 is now described with reference to Fig. 3. In a case where, for example, the controller 62 is supplied with electrical energy, the controller 62 starts the process and proceeds with step S11 of the flowchart shown in Fig. 3. When the flowchart shown in Fig. 3 ends, the controller 62 repeats the process from step S11 after a predetermined interval, for example, until the supply of electrical energy ends. In step S11, the controller 62 determines whether the control state is the first control state. If the control state is not the first control state, the controller 62 proceeds to step S12. In step S12, the controller 62 determines whether the support change condition is met. If the support change condition is not met, the controller 62 terminates processing. If the support change condition is met, the controller 62 continues to step S13. In step S13, the controller 62 sets the control state to the first control state and then terminates processing. In step S11, if the control state is the first control state, the controller 62 proceeds to step S14. In step S14, the controller 62 determines whether the specified time interval has elapsed. In an example where the time interval from when the control state is set to the first control state is greater than or equal to the specified time interval, the controller 62 determines that the specified time interval has elapsed. In step S14, the controller 62 terminates processing if the specified time interval has not elapsed. If the specified time interval has elapsed, the controller 62 proceeds to step S15. In step S15, the controller 62 sets the control state to the second control state and then terminates processing. A process executed by the controller 62 for controlling the transmission device 42 is described with reference to Fig. 4. In a case where the controller 62 is supplied with electrical energy, for example, the controller 62 starts the process and proceeds with step S21 of the flowchart shown in Fig. 4. When the flowchart shown in Fig. 4 ends, the controller 62 repeats the process from step S21 after a predetermined interval, for example, until the supply of electrical energy ends. In step S21, the controller 62 determines whether the control state is the first control state. In an example where the control state is set to the first control state in the process shown in Fig. 3, the controller 62 determines that the control state is the first control state. If the control state is the first control state, the controller 62 proceeds to step S22. In step S22, the controller 62 determines whether the switching condition is met. If the switching condition is not met, the controller 62 terminates the processing. If the switching condition is met, the controller 62 proceeds to step S23. In step S23, the controller 62 controls the transmission device 42 in the first control state and then terminates the processing. If the control state is not the first control state in step S21, the controller 62 proceeds to step S24. In step S24, the controller 62 determines whether the switching condition is met. If the switching condition is not met, the controller 62 terminates processing. If the switching condition is met, the controller 62 continues to step S25. In step S25, the controller 62 switches the transmission device 42 to the second control state and then terminates processing. A second embodiment of a control device 60 for a human-powered vehicle 10 according to the present invention will now be described with reference to Figures 2 and 5. The components of the control device 60 in the second embodiment, which are the same as the corresponding components in the first embodiment, are designated with the same reference numerals. These components are not described in detail. In the present embodiment, the control device 62 is configured such that, in a case where the reduction in the human driving force exerted on the crank shaft 22 in the first control state is less than or equal to a predetermined reduction, it switches from the first control state to a third control state, which makes it easier to increase the transmission ratio than in the first control state. The third control state is the same as the second control state. In the third control state, the control device 62 is configured to control the transmission device 42 in the same way as in the second control state. The third control state may differ from the second control state. The case in which the decrease in human driving force is less than or equal to the predetermined decrease is, for example, a case in which the driver's workload is continuously high during acceleration or uphill driving. In a case in which the decrease in human driving force is less than or equal to the predetermined decrease, and the human driving force is greater than or equal to the predetermined human driving force, the control unit 62 can switch from the first control state to the third control state. A method for changing the control state of the controller 62 is now described with reference to Fig. 5. For example, if the controller 62 is supplied with electrical energy, it starts the process and proceeds with step S31 of the flowchart shown in Fig. 3. When the flowchart shown in Fig. 3 ends, the controller 62 repeats the process from step S31 after a predetermined interval until the supply of electrical energy ceases. In step S31, the controller 62 determines whether the control state is the first control state. If the control state is not the first control state, the controller 62 proceeds to step S32. In step S32, the controller 62 determines whether the support change condition is met. If the support change condition is not met, the controller 62 terminates processing. If the support change condition is met, the controller 62 continues to step S33. In step S33, the controller 62 sets the control state to the first control state and then terminates processing. In step S31, the controller 62 proceeds to step S34 in the first control state. In step S34, the controller 62 determines whether the amount of human propulsion required is less than or equal to the specified amount. If the amount of human propulsion required is not less than or equal to the specified amount, the controller 62 proceeds to step S35. In step S35, the controller 62 determines whether the specified time interval has elapsed. In an example where the time interval from the moment the control state is set to the first control state is greater than or equal to the specified time interval, the controller 62 determines that the specified time interval has elapsed. In step S35, the controller 62 terminates the processing if the specified time interval has not elapsed. If the specified time interval has elapsed, the controller 62 proceeds to step S36.In step S36, the controller 62 sets the control state to the second control state and then ends the processing. In step S34, the controller 62 proceeds to step S37 if the decrease in human driving force is less than or equal to the specified decrease amount. In step S37, the controller 62 sets the control state to the third control state and then terminates processing. A third embodiment of a control device 60 for a human-powered vehicle 10 according to the present invention will now be described with reference to Figures 2, 6, and 7. Those components of the control device 60 in the third embodiment that are identical to the corresponding components in the first embodiment are designated with the same reference numerals. These components are not described individually. In the present embodiment, the control unit 62 is configured such that, in the first control state, when the human-powered vehicle 10 is traveling on an uphill road with a gradient less than or equal to a predetermined gradient, it controls the transmission device 42 in such a way that both shifting that increases the gear ratio and shifting that decreases the gear ratio are restricted. The predetermined gradient is, for example, 5% or more and 50% or less. The predetermined gradient is, for example, 10% or more and 40% or less. The predetermined gradient is, for example, 30%. In the present embodiment, the first control state includes, for example, a fourth control state and a fifth control state. In a case where the human-powered vehicle 10 is traveling on an uphill road with a gradient less than or equal to a predetermined gradient, the control unit 62 in the fourth control state is configured to control the transmission device 42 in such a way as to restrict both shifting that increases the gear ratio and shifting that decreases the gear ratio. In a case where the human-powered vehicle 10 is traveling on an uphill road with a gradient greater than a predetermined gradient, the control unit 62 is configured to control the transmission device 42 in order to restrict shifting that increases the gear ratio.The fifth control state, for example, is the same as the first control state of the first embodiment. A method for changing the control state of the controller 62 is now described with reference to Fig. 6. For example, if electrical energy is supplied to the controller 62, the controller 62 starts the process and proceeds with step S41 of the flowchart shown in Fig. 6. When the flowchart shown in Fig. 6 ends, the controller 62 repeats the process from step S41 after a predetermined interval until the supply of electrical energy ends. In step S41, the controller 62 determines whether the control state is the fourth or the fifth control state. If the control state is neither the fourth nor the fifth control state, the controller 62 proceeds to step S42. For example, if the control state is the second control state, the controller 62 proceeds to step S42. In step S42, the controller 62 determines whether the support change condition is met. If the support change condition is not met, the controller 62 terminates processing. If the support change condition is met, the controller 62 proceeds to step S43. In step S43, the controller 62 determines whether the human-powered vehicle 10 is traveling on an uphill road with a gradient less than or equal to the specified gradient. If the human-powered vehicle 10 is traveling on an uphill road with a gradient less than or equal to the specified gradient, the controller 62 proceeds to step S44. In step S44, the controller 62 sets the control state to the fourth control state and then terminates processing. In step S43, the controller 62 proceeds to step S45 if the road on which the human-driven vehicle 10 is traveling is not an uphill road with a gradient less than or equal to the specified gradient. In step S45, the controller 62 sets the control state to the fifth control state and then terminates processing. In a case where the control state is the fourth control state in step S41, the controller 62 proceeds to step S46. If the control state in step S41 is the fifth control state, the controller 62 proceeds to step S46. In step S46, the controller 62 determines whether the predetermined time interval has elapsed. In a case where the control state is the fourth control state and, for example, a time interval from the time at which the control state is set to the fourth control state is greater than or equal to the predetermined time interval, the controller 62 determines that the predetermined time interval has elapsed. In a case where the control state is the fifth control state and, for example, a time interval from the time at which the control state is set to the fifth control state is greater than or equal to the predetermined time interval, the controller 62 determines that the predetermined time interval has elapsed.In step S46, the controller 62 terminates processing if the specified time interval has not yet elapsed. If the specified time interval has elapsed, the controller 62 proceeds to step S47. In step S47, the controller 62 sets the control state to the second control state and then terminates processing. A process executed by the controller 62 for controlling the transmission device 42 will now be described with reference to Fig. 7. In a case where the controller 62 is supplied with electrical energy, the controller 62 starts the process shown in Fig. 7 from step S51. In a case where the flow diagram shown in Fig. 7 ends, the controller 62 repeats the process from step S51, for example, in predetermined cycles until the supply of electrical energy ends. In step S51, the controller 62 determines whether the control state is the fourth control state. If the control state is the fourth control state, the controller 62 proceeds to step S52. In step S52, the controller 62 determines whether the switching condition is met. If the switching condition is not met, the controller 62 terminates the processing. If the switching condition is met, the controller 62 proceeds to step S53. In step S53, the controller 62 controls the transmission device 42 in the fourth control state and then terminates the processing. If the control state in step S51 is not the fourth control state, the controller 62 proceeds to step S54. In step S54, the controller 62 determines whether the control state is the fifth control state. If the control state is the fifth control state, the controller 62 proceeds to step S55. In step S55, the controller 62 determines whether the switching condition is met. If the switching condition is not met, the controller 62 terminates the processing. If the switching condition is met, the controller 62 continues to step S56. In step S56, the controller 62 controls the transmission device 42 in the fifth control state and then terminates the processing. If the control state is not the fifth control state in step S54, the controller 62 proceeds to step S57. In step S54, if the control state is not the fifth control state, the control state might be, for example, the second control state. In step S57, the controller 62 determines whether the switching condition is met. If the switching condition is not met, the controller 62 terminates the processing. If the switching condition is met, the controller 62 proceeds to step S58. In step S58, the controller 62 controls the transmission device 42 in the second control state and then terminates the processing. In the fourth control state, the control unit 62 limits both shifts that increase the gear ratio and shifts that decrease the gear ratio. This makes it less likely that the driver will notice any discomfort caused by a gear shift shock. In a case where the human-driven vehicle 10 is traveling on an uphill road with a gradient less than or equal to the specified gradient, the control unit 62, in the fourth control state, limits both shifts that increase the gear ratio and shifts that decrease the gear ratio. This makes it less likely that the driver will notice any discomfort caused by a gear shift shock.In a case where the human-driven vehicle 10 is traveling on an uphill road with a gradient greater than the specified gradient, the control unit 62, in its fifth control state, restricts shifting that increases the gear ratio without restricting shifting that decreases the gear ratio. This limits the increase in driver workload. If the gear ratio between two successive shift stages differs significantly, a large shift shock occurs. An internal transmission device can have a smaller shift gap than an external transmission device. In a case where the transmission device 42 includes an internal transmission device and the human-powered vehicle 10 is traveling on an uphill road with a gradient less than or equal to the predetermined gradient, the control 62 can be configured to restrict both shifting that increases the gear ratio and shifting that decreases the gear ratio.In a case where the transmission device 42 includes an external transmission device, the control 62 can be designed so that it does not restrict the switching that reduces the transmission ratio, even in a case where the human-powered vehicle 10 travels on an uphill road with a gradient that is less than or equal to the specified gradient. A fourth embodiment of a control device 60 for a human-powered vehicle 10 according to the present invention will now be described with reference to Figures 2 and 8. Those components of the control device 60 in the fourth embodiment that are the same as the corresponding components in the first embodiment are designated with the same reference numerals. These components are not described in detail. In the present embodiment, the control device 62 is configured, for example, to send a switching signal to the transmission device 42 to change the gear ratio when the switching condition is met. In an example where the switching condition is met and then the support change condition is met before a switching signal is transmitted, the control device 62 is configured so that the switching signal is not transmitted. The transmission device 42 is configured, for example, to control the drive source 42A to perform a switching operation upon receiving a switching signal. The switching signal includes, for example, a first switching signal to increase the gear ratio and a second switching signal to decrease the gear ratio.The transmission device 42 is configured, for example, to control the drive source 42A such that, upon receiving the first switching signal, it performs a switching operation to increase the gear ratio. The transmission device 42 is also configured, for example, to control the drive source 42A such that, upon receiving the second switching signal, it performs a switching operation to decrease the gear ratio. In an example where the first switching signal is configured to be transmitted when the switching condition is met, and the support change condition is met before the first switching signal is transmitted, the controller 62 is configured not to transmit the first switching signal. In a case where the second switching signal is configured to be transmitted when the switching condition is met, and the support change condition is met before the second switching signal is transmitted, the controller 62 is configured to transmit the second switching signal. The switching condition comprises, for example, at least one of a first switching condition and one of a second switching condition. The first switching condition is fulfilled, for example, if the specified parameter is less than the lower limit threshold. The second switching condition is fulfilled, for example, if the specified parameter is greater than the upper limit threshold. A process executed by the controller 62 for controlling the transmission device 42 will now be described with reference to Fig. 8. For example, when the controller 62 is supplied with electrical energy, it starts the process and proceeds with step S61 of the flowchart shown in Fig. 8. When the flowchart shown in Fig. 8 ends, the controller 62 repeats the process from step S61, for example, after a predetermined interval, until the supply of electrical energy ceases. In step S61, the controller 62 determines whether the first switching condition is met. If the first switching condition is met, the controller 62 proceeds to step S62. In step S62, the controller 62 determines whether the support change condition is met. If the support change condition is met, the controller 62 terminates processing. If the support change condition is met, the controller 62 does not send the first switching signal. If the support change condition is not met, the controller 62 proceeds to step S63. In step S63, the controller 62 transmits the first switching signal and then terminates processing. If the first switching condition is not met in step S61, the controller 62 proceeds to step S64. In step S64, the controller 62 determines whether the second switching condition is met. If the second switching condition is not met, the controller 62 terminates processing. If the first switching condition is met, the controller 62 continues with step S65. In step S65, the controller 62 transmits the second switching signal and then terminates processing. The description of the above embodiments illustrates, without any intention of limitation, applicable forms of a control device for a human-powered vehicle. The control device for a human-powered vehicle according to the present invention can be applied, for example, to modified examples of the embodiments described below and to combinations of at least two of the modified examples that do not contradict each other.In the modified embodiments described below, the elements that are identical to the corresponding elements of the embodiments above are provided with the same reference numerals. Such elements are not described in detail. In the first embodiment, the control unit 62 can, for example, be designed such that in the first control state it controls the transmission device 42 in such a way that both the switching that increases the transmission ratio and the switching that decreases the transmission ratio are restricted. The support change condition can be a condition for lowering the support level. In a case where the support level is lowered, shifting that increases the gear ratio is restricted. In this way, the rider can easily recognize the rider's workload after a change in the support level. In this way, the controller 62 controls the transmission device 42 in a preferred manner. The controller 62 can be configured not to control the drive unit 44. For example, the controller 62 can receive information about the changing support state from a drive unit controller configured to control the drive unit 44. Based on an output from a predefined detector for determining the support change condition, the controller 62 can determine whether the support change condition is met. The phrase “at least one of,” as used in this revelation, means “one or more” of a desired choice. For example, the expression “at least one of,” as used in this revelation, means “only a single choice” or “both of two choices” when the number of choices is two. Another example: The expression “at least one of,” as used in this disclosure, means “only a single choice” or “any combination of at least two choices” when the number of choices is at least three. Similarly, the term “and / or,” as used in this disclosure, means “either one or both.” For example, the phrase “at least one of A and B” includes (1) A alone, (2) B alone, and (3) both A and B.The phrase “at least one of A, B, and C” includes (1) A alone, (2) B alone, (3) C alone, (4) both A and B, (5) both B and C, (6) both A and C, and (7) all A, B, and C. In other words, the phrase “at least one of A and B” in this revelation does not mean “at least one of A and at least one of B”. In this description, ordinal numbers such as "first, second and third" are used only to distinguish between numerical values ​​or elements with the same name and therefore have no special meaning. REFERENCE MARK 10 Human-powered vehicle 12 Wheel 12F Front wheel 12R Rear wheel 14 Vehicle body 16 Frame 16A Saddle 18 Crank 20 Crank arm 22 Crank axle 24 Pedal 26 Front fork 28 Handlebar 30 Stem 32 Drive mechanism 34 First rotating body 36 Second rotating body 38 Connecting element 40 Control system 42 Transmission device 42A Power source 44 Drive unit 44A Motor 46 Detector 46A Crank rotation state detector 46B Human propulsion force detector 46C Wheel rotation state detector 46D Tilt detector 48 Operating unit 60 Control device 62 Control 64 Memory CVT Continuously variable transmission EPROM Erasable programmable read-only memory EEPROM Electrically erasable programmable read-only memory RAM Random access memory ROM Read-only memory S11 - S15 Process steps S21 - S25 Process steps S31 - S37 Process steps S41 - S47 Process steps S51 - S58 Process steps S61 - S65 Process steps QUOTES INCLUDED IN THE DESCRIPTION This list of documents cited by the applicant was automatically generated and is included solely for the reader's convenience. The list is not part of the German patent or utility model application. The DPMA accepts no liability for any errors or omissions. Cited patent literature JP 2013 470 85 A

[0002]

Claims

Control device (60) for a human-powered vehicle (10), wherein the human-powered vehicle (10) includes a transmission device (42) configured to change a transmission ratio, which is a ratio of a rotational speed of a wheel (12) of the human-powered vehicle (10) to a rotational speed of a crank axle (22) of the human-powered vehicle (10), and a drive unit (44) configured to exert a driving force on the human-powered vehicle (10), wherein the drive unit (44) is configured to change a level of assistance, wherein the control device (60) comprises: a controller (62) configured to control the transmission device (42), the controller (62) configured to control the transmission device (42) to change the transmission ratio based on a switching condition, and in one case,in which a support change condition for changing the support level is met and the switching condition is met, the control (62) is configured to control the transmission device (42) in a first control state in which switching that increases the transmission ratio is restricted. Control device (60) according to claim 1, wherein the support change condition is a condition for raising the support level. Control device (60) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the support change condition is met in a case where a user operates a control unit (48) to change the support level. Control device (60) according to one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the support change condition is related to an inclination angle of the human-powered vehicle (10). Control device (60) according to claim 4, wherein the support change condition is met when the inclination angle is greater than or equal to a predetermined angle. Control device (60) according to one of claims 1 to 5, wherein in a case where the support level is changed and the switching condition is met, the control (62) is designed to control the transmission device (42) in the first control state. Control device (60) according to one of claims 1 to 6, wherein in a case where the human-driven vehicle (10) is traveling on an uphill road with a gradient less than or equal to a predetermined gradient, the control (62) is configured to control the transmission device (42) in the first control state in order to limit both the shifting that increases the gear ratio and the shifting that decreases the gear ratio. The control device (60) according to one of claims 1 to 7, wherein in a case where the switching condition is met, the control (62) is configured to send a switching signal to the transmission device (42) to change the transmission ratio, and in a case where the switching condition is met and then the support change condition is met before the switching signal is transmitted, the control (62) is configured to not transmit the switching signal. Control device (60) according to claim 8, wherein the switching signal includes a first switching signal for increasing the transmission ratio and a second switching signal for decreasing the transmission ratio, in a case where the first switching signal is transmitted when the switching condition is met and the support change condition is met before the first switching signal is transmitted, the control (62) is configured not to transmit the first switching signal, and in a case where the second switching signal is transmitted when the switching condition is met and the support change condition is met before the second switching signal is transmitted, the control (62) is configured to transmit the second switching signal. Control device (60) according to one of claims 1 to 9, wherein the transmission device (42) comprises an external transmission device (42). Control device (60) according to one of claims 1 to 6, wherein in the first control state the control (62) is configured such that it controls the transmission device (42) in such a way that both the switching that increases the transmission ratio and the switching that decreases the transmission ratio are restricted. Control device (60) according to one of claims 1 to 9 and 11, wherein the transmission device (42) comprises an internal transmission device (42). Control device (60) according to one of claims 1 to 12, wherein in a case in which the control (62) controls the transmission device (42) in the first control state, the control (62) is designed such that when a predetermined time interval elapses, it switches from the first control state to a second control state which makes it possible to perform the control for increasing the transmission ratio more easily than in the first control state. Control device (60) according to claim 13, wherein the predetermined time interval is at least one of a time interval during which a rotational amount of the wheel (12) becomes a predetermined rotational amount, a time interval during which the time that has elapsed since the beginning of the first control state becomes a predetermined elapsed time interval, a time interval during which a distance traveled by the human-propelled vehicle (10) becomes a predetermined travel distance, and a time interval during which a rotational amount of the crank axle (22) becomes a predetermined rotational amount. Control device (60) according to claim 14, wherein the predetermined time interval is the time interval during which the rotational magnitude of the wheel (12) becomes the predetermined rotational magnitude. Control device (60) according to one of claims 1 to 15, wherein in a case where a reduction amount of the human driving force exerted on the crank shaft (22) in the first control state is less than or equal to a predetermined reduction amount, the control (62) is designed to switch from the first control state to a third control state which makes it possible to increase the transmission ratio more easily than in the first control state. Control device (60) according to one of claims 1 to 16, wherein the control (62) is designed to control the drive unit (44). Control device (60) according to one of claims 1 to 17, wherein the switching condition comprises a threshold value relating to a predetermined parameter, and in a case in which the control (62) controls the transmission device (42) to change the transmission ratio based on the switching condition, the control (62) is configured to control the transmission device (42) to increase the transmission ratio when the predetermined parameter exceeds the threshold value. Control device (60) according to claim 18, wherein in a case in which the control (62) controls the transmission device (42) to change the transmission ratio based on the switching condition, the control (62) is configured to control the transmission device (42) to increase the transmission ratio when the predetermined parameter becomes greater than the threshold value. Control device (60) according to claim 18 or 19, wherein the predetermined parameter is related to the rotational speed of the crank axis (22). Control device (60) according to one of claims 18 to 20, wherein the predetermined parameter comprises the human driving force exerted on the crank axis (22).

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