Control device and control system

Abstract

To provide a control device which controls a transmission according to a situation where a man-power drive vehicle is used, and thereby can improve convenience.SOLUTION: A control device includes a control part configured to control a transmission provided on a man-power drive vehicle, wherein the control part changes a transmission range of the transmission according to at least one of an attachment / detachment state of a carriage to / from the man-power drive vehicle, a weight of a cargo loaded on the man-power drive vehicle, and a weight of an occupant boarding the man-power drive vehicle.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 5

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to the technology of control devices and control systems.

Background Art

[0002] For example, a human-powered vehicle disclosed in Patent Document 1 includes a control unit that controls a transmission according to the running state of the human-powered vehicle.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] A technology that can control a transmission according to the situation in which a human-powered vehicle is used is desired.

[0005] An object of the present disclosure is to provide a control device and a control system that can improve convenience by controlling a transmission according to the situation in which a human-powered vehicle is used.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0006] A control device according to a first aspect of the present disclosure is a control device for a human-powered vehicle, and includes a control unit configured to control a transmission provided in the human-powered vehicle. The control unit changes a transmission range of the transmission according to at least one of an attachment / detachment state of a carrier to the human-powered vehicle, a weight of a load loaded on the human-powered vehicle, and a weight of a passenger boarding the human-powered vehicle. Furthermore, the gear shift range of the transmission is the range of gear shift stages that the transmission can shift between. . According to the control device on the first side, the control unit can change the gear range of the transmission to an appropriate range depending on at least one of the following: the state of attachment or detachment of the cargo bed to the human-powered vehicle, the weight of the cargo loaded on the human-powered vehicle, and the weight of the passengers riding in the human-powered vehicle, thereby improving convenience.

[0007] A control device according to a second aspect of the present disclosure is a control device for a human-powered vehicle, comprising a control unit configured to control a transmission provided in the human-powered vehicle in a plurality of control states, the plurality of control states including a first control state for controlling the transmission in accordance with the driving state of the human-powered vehicle, and a second control state for controlling the transmission in accordance with the operation of an operating device provided in the human-powered vehicle, wherein the control unit switches one of the first and second control states to the other of the first and second control states in accordance with at least one of the state in which a cargo bed is attached to or detached from the human-powered vehicle, the weight of cargo loaded in the human-powered vehicle, and the weight of a passenger riding in the human-powered vehicle. According to the control device on the second side, convenience is improved because the control unit can automatically select whether to automatically control the transmission or to control the transmission according to the user's instructions, depending on at least one of the following: the state of attachment or detachment of the cargo bed to the human-powered vehicle, the weight of the cargo loaded on the human-powered vehicle, and the weight of the passenger riding in the human-powered vehicle.

[0008] In a control device of the third side corresponding to the second side, the control unit switches the second control state to the first control state when a cargo bed is attached to the human-powered vehicle in the second control state. According to the control device on the third side, when a cargo bed is attached to a human-powered vehicle, the energy required for the rider to propel the vehicle increases. Therefore, the control unit controls the gear shift in the first control state so that the rider can concentrate on pedaling.

[0009] The Side 2In the control device of the fourth side surface that conforms to the surface, the control unit switches the second control state to the first control state if, in the second control state, the weight of the load loaded on the human-powered vehicle is equal to or greater than a first value. According to the control device on the fourth side, when the weight of the load on the human-powered vehicle is greater than or equal to a first value, the energy required for the rider to propel the human-powered vehicle increases. Therefore, the control unit controls the gear shift in the first control state, allowing the rider to concentrate on pedaling.

[0010] The On two sides In the control device according to the fifth side, the control unit switches the second control state to the first control state if the weight of the passenger riding in the human-powered vehicle is greater than or equal to a second value in the second control state. According to the control device on the fifth side, when the weight of the rider in the human-powered vehicle is greater than or equal to the second value, the energy required for the rider to propel the human-powered vehicle increases. Therefore, the control unit controls the gear shift in the first control state, allowing the rider to concentrate on pedaling.

[0011] In the control device of the sixth side corresponding to the second side, the control unit changes the gear range of the transmission according to at least one of the state in which the cargo bed is attached to or detached from the human-powered vehicle, the weight of the cargo loaded on the human-powered vehicle, and the weight of the passenger riding in the human-powered vehicle. According to the control device on the sixth side, convenience is improved because the control unit can automatically select whether to automatically control the transmission or to control the transmission according to the user's instructions, depending on at least one of the following: the state of attachment or detachment of the cargo bed to the human-powered vehicle, the weight of the cargo loaded on the human-powered vehicle, and the weight of the passenger riding in the human-powered vehicle.

[0012] In the control device of the first or the seventh side according to the sixth side, the minimum gear ratio in the gear range when a cargo bed is attached to the human-powered vehicle is smaller than the minimum gear ratio in the gear range when a cargo bed is not attached to the human-powered vehicle. According to the control device on the seventh side, when a cargo bed is attached to a human-powered vehicle, the increase in the rider's pedaling torque is suppressed by selecting the smallest gear ratio.

[0013] In a control device of the eighth side according to the first, sixth, or seventh side, the maximum gear ratio in the gear range when a cargo bed is attached to the human-powered vehicle is smaller than the maximum gear ratio in the gear range when a cargo bed is not attached to the human-powered vehicle. According to the control device on the eighth side, when a cargo bed is attached to a human-powered vehicle, the increase in the speed of the human-powered vehicle due to the rider's pedaling is suppressed.

[0014] In a control device of the ninth side that conforms to any one of the first, sixth to eighth sides, the gear range when a cargo bed is attached to the human-powered vehicle size This is narrower than the gear range when the human-powered vehicle is not equipped with a cargo bed. The width of the gear shift range is the difference between the minimum gear ratio and the maximum gear ratio within the gear shift range, or the number of gear shift stages. . According to the control device on the ninth side, when a cargo bed is attached to a human-powered vehicle, the gear range is narrowed to a more appropriate gear range.

[0015] In a control device of a tenth side according to any one of the first, sixth to ninth sides, the minimum gear ratio in the gear range when the weight of the load loaded on the human-powered vehicle is equal to or greater than a first value is smaller than the minimum gear ratio in the gear range when the weight of the load loaded on the human-powered vehicle is less than a first value. According to the control device on the 10th side, when the weight of the load on the human-powered vehicle is greater than or equal to a first value, the minimum gear ratio is selected to suppress the increase in the rider's pedaling torque.

[0016] In a control device of an eleventh side that conforms to any one of the first, sixth to tenth sides, the maximum gear ratio in the gear range when the weight of the load loaded on the human-powered vehicle is equal to or greater than a first value is smaller than the maximum gear ratio in the gear range when the weight of the load loaded on the human-powered vehicle is less than a first value. According to the control device of the 11th aspect, when the weight of the load carried on the human-powered vehicle is equal to or greater than the first value, an increase in the speed of the human-powered vehicle due to the rider's pedaling is suppressed.

[0017] In the control device of the 12th aspect that follows any one of the 1st, 6th to 11th aspects, the shift range when the weight of the load carried on the human-powered vehicle is equal to or greater than the first value size is narrower than the shift range when the weight of the load carried on the human-powered vehicle is less than the first value. The width of the gear shift range is the difference between the minimum gear ratio and the maximum gear ratio within the gear shift range, or the number of gear shift stages. . According to the control device of the 12th aspect, when the weight of the load carried on the human-powered vehicle is equal to or greater than the first value, the shift range is narrowed down to a more appropriate shift range.

[0018] In the control device of the 13th aspect that follows any one of the 1st, 6th to 12th aspects, the minimum gear ratio in the shift range when the weight of the passenger on the human-powered vehicle is equal to or greater than the second value is smaller than the minimum gear ratio in the shift range when the weight of the passenger on the human-powered vehicle is less than the second value. According to the control device of the 13th aspect, when the weight of the passenger on the human-powered vehicle is equal to or greater than the second value, an increase in the rider's pedaling torque is suppressed by selecting the minimum gear ratio.

[0019] In the control device of the 14th aspect that follows any one of the 1st, 6th to 13th aspects, the maximum gear ratio in the shift range when the weight of the passenger on the human-powered vehicle is equal to or greater than the second value is smaller than the maximum gear ratio in the shift range when the weight of the passenger on the human-powered vehicle is less than the second value. According to the control device of the 14th aspect, when the weight of the passenger on the human-powered vehicle is equal to or greater than the second value, an increase in the speed of the human-powered vehicle due to the rider's pedaling is suppressed. <了

[0020] In the control device of the 15th aspect that follows any one of the 1st, 6th to 14th aspects, the shift range when the weight of the passenger on the human-powered vehicle is equal to or greater than the second value sizeThis is narrower than the gear range when the weight of the passenger in the human-powered vehicle is less than the second value. The width of the gear shift range is the difference between the minimum gear ratio and the maximum gear ratio within the gear shift range, or the number of gear shift stages. . According to the control device on side 15, when the weight of the passenger in a human-powered vehicle is greater than or equal to the second value, the gear range is narrowed to a more appropriate gear range.

[0021] A control system according to the sixteenth aspect of this disclosure comprises a control device according to any one of the first to fifteenth aspects, and a sensor for detecting at least one of the state of attachment or detachment of a cargo bed to a human-powered vehicle, the weight of cargo loaded on the human-powered vehicle, and the weight of a passenger riding in the human-powered vehicle. According to the control system on the 16th side, the transmission can be controlled according to at least one of the following: the state of attachment or detachment of the cargo bed to the human-powered vehicle, the weight of the cargo loaded onto the human-powered vehicle, and the weight of the passengers riding in the human-powered vehicle, thereby improving convenience. [Effects of the Invention]

[0022] The control device and control system of this disclosure can improve convenience by controlling the transmission according to the circumstances under which the human-powered vehicle is used. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0023] [Figure 1] A side view showing a human-powered vehicle including a control device according to the first embodiment. [Figure 2] Cross-sectional view of the drive unit included in the human-powered vehicle shown in Figure 1. [Figure 3] A block diagram showing the control system of a human-powered vehicle. [Figure 4] A diagram showing the gear shift threshold used when changing gear shift stages. [Figure 5] A flowchart showing the control flow in the first embodiment. [Figure 6] A flowchart showing the control flow in the second embodiment. [Figure 7] A flowchart showing the control flow in the third embodiment. [Figure 8]A flowchart showing the control flow in the fourth embodiment. [Figure 9] A flowchart showing the control flow in the fifth embodiment. [Figure 10] A flowchart showing the control flow in the sixth embodiment. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0024] (First Embodiment) A human-powered vehicle 1 including a control device 81 according to the first embodiment will be described. Figures 1 to 4 will be used to describe the human-powered vehicle 1 including the control device 81 according to the first embodiment. The human-powered vehicle 1 is a vehicle that has at least one wheel and can be driven by at least human power. The human-powered vehicle 1 includes various types of bicycles, such as mountain bikes, road bikes, city bikes, cargo bikes, handbikes, and recumbent bikes. The number of wheels that the human-powered vehicle 1 has is not limited. The human-powered vehicle 1 includes, for example, unicycles and vehicles with two or more wheels. The human-powered vehicle 1 is not limited to vehicles that can be driven by human power alone. The human-powered vehicle 1 includes E-bikes that use the driving force of an electric motor for propulsion in addition to human power. E-bikes include electric assist bicycles in which propulsion is assisted by an electric motor. Hereinafter, in embodiments, the human-powered vehicle 1 will be described as a bicycle.

[0025] The human-powered vehicle 1 includes a crank 10, a rear wheel 20, a front wheel 30, a frame 40, a drive mechanism 50, a battery 60, components for the human-powered vehicle 70, and a control system 80.

[0026] The crank 10 shown in Figure 1 includes a crank shaft 11 that is rotatable relative to the frame 40, and a pair of crank arms 12 provided at both axial ends of the crank shaft 11. A pedal 13 is connected to each of the pair of crank arms 12.

[0027] The rear wheel 20 and the front wheel 30 are supported by the frame 40. The front wheel 30 is attached to a front fork 41 located at the front of the frame 40. A handlebar 42 is connected to the front fork 41. The handlebar 42 is equipped with an operating device 43 for operating the human-powered vehicle components 70. In this embodiment, the operating device 43 includes a cycle computer. The operating device 43 outputs signals to the control unit 81a in response to the rider's operation. The rear wheel 20 is attached to the rear of the frame 40. A seat 44 is provided on the upper part of the frame 40.

[0028] The drive mechanism 50 connects the crank 10 and the rear wheel 20. The drive mechanism 50 includes a first rotating body 51 connected to the crankshaft 11, a second rotating body 52 connected to the rear wheel 20, and a chain 53 connecting the first rotating body 51 and the second rotating body 52.

[0029] The first rotating body 51 includes at least one front sprocket. In this embodiment, the first rotating body 51 includes one front sprocket. The first rotating body 51 may include two or more front sprockets with different numbers of teeth. When the first rotating body 51 includes two or more front sprockets with different numbers of teeth, when the first rotating body 51 is mounted on the human-powered vehicle 1, the front sprocket with the most teeth is positioned further from the center plane of the bicycle frame 40 than the front sprocket with the fewest teeth.

[0030] The second rotating body 52 includes at least one rear sprocket. The second rotating body 52 includes two or more rear sprockets with different numbers of teeth. The second rotating body 52 may include twelve or more rear sprockets with different numbers of teeth. If the second rotating body 52 includes two or more rear sprockets, when the second rotating body 52 is mounted on the human-powered vehicle 1, the rear sprocket with the most teeth is positioned closer to the center plane of the bicycle frame 40 than the rear sprocket with the fewest teeth. The chain 53 connects one front sprocket included in the first rotating body 51 to one rear sprocket included in the second rotating body 52. ​​The rotational force of the first rotating body 51 is transmitted to the rear sprocket via the chain 53.

[0031] The drive mechanism 50 of this embodiment is configured to transmit rotational force using a front sprocket, a rear sprocket, and a chain 53, but the configuration of the drive mechanism 50 is not particularly limited. For example, the first rotating body 51 and the second rotating body 52 may include pulleys or bevel gears instead of sprockets. The first rotating body 51 and the second rotating body 52 may be connected by a belt or shaft instead of the chain 53.

[0032] As shown in Figure 2, a first one-way clutch 54 may be provided between the crankshaft 11 and the first rotating body 51. The first one-way clutch 54 is configured to allow the first rotating body 51 to rotate forward when the crank 10 rotates forward, and to allow relative rotation between the crankshaft 11 and the first rotating body 51 when the crank 10 rotates backward. A second one-way clutch is provided between the second rotating body 52 and the rear wheel 20. The second one-way clutch is configured to allow the rear wheel 20 to rotate forward when the second rotating body 52 rotates forward, and to allow relative rotation between the second rotating body 52 and the rear wheel 20 when the second rotating body 52 rotates backward.

[0033] The battery 60 shown in Figure 1 supplies power to the electrical components installed in the human-powered vehicle 1. The battery 60 is installed inside and outside the frame 40 at least one of the locations. The battery 60 is configured to supply power to the human-powered vehicle components 70 and the control device 81. The battery 60 may also be configured to supply power to the drive unit 71. The battery 60 may include multiple batteries and be configured to supply power to each of the multiple human-powered vehicle components 70. A single battery 60 may be configured to supply power to the human-powered vehicle components 70 and the drive unit 71. The battery 60 may be installed directly on the human-powered vehicle components 70.

[0034] The human-powered vehicle component 70 shown in Figures 1 and 3 is configured to operate electrically in response to the operation of the control device 43 and at least one of conditions other than the operation of the control device 43. The human-powered vehicle component 70 includes a drive unit 71, a transmission 72, an electric suspension 73, an electric seatpost 74, and a brake 75. The drive unit 71 is configured to assist in the propulsion of the human-powered vehicle 1. The drive unit 71 shown in Figure 2 includes a housing 71a, a motor 71b, a reduction gear 71c, a third one-way clutch 71d, and an output unit 71e.

[0035] The housing 71a is mounted on the frame 40. The housing 71a rotatably supports the crankshaft 11. The motor 71b is provided to transmit rotation to the front wheel 30 or to the power transmission path of human-powered driving force from the pedal 13 to the rear wheel 20. In this embodiment, the motor 71b is provided to transmit rotation to the power transmission path from the crankshaft 11 to the first rotating body 51. The motor 71b operates, for example, in response to human-powered driving force. The reduction gear 71c includes, for example, a plurality of gears. The reduction gear 71c is provided between the motor 71b and the crankshaft 11. A third one-way clutch 71d is provided between the motor 71b and the crankshaft 11 so that the rotational force of the crankshaft 11 is not transmitted to the motor 71b when the crank 10 rotates forward. The output unit 71e is connected, for example, to the crankshaft 11 and the reduction gear 71c. The output unit 71e receives human power and the output of the motor 71b. The output unit 71e rotates as a result of receiving human power and the output of the motor 71b. The first rotating body 51 rotates together with the output unit 71e.

[0036] The gear shifter 72 shown in Figures 1 and 3 changes the gear ratio, which is the ratio of the rotational speed of the rear wheel 20 to the rotational speed of the crankshaft 11. The gear ratio is calculated by dividing the number of teeth on the front sprocket with which the chain 53 engages by the number of teeth on the rear sprocket with which the chain 53 engages. The gear shifter 72 includes an external derailleur. The external derailleur includes at least one of a front derailleur and a rear derailleur 72a. In this embodiment, the gear shifter 72 includes a rear derailleur 72a. The rear derailleur 72a changes the gear stage by shifting the chain 53 between a plurality of rear sprockets. By changing the gear stage, the rear derailleur 72a can change the gear ratio of the human-powered vehicle 1. If the gear shifter 72 includes a front derailleur, the first rotating body 51 includes at least two or more front sprockets. If the gear shifter 72 does not include a rear derailleur 72a, the second rotating body 52 includes one rear sprocket.

[0037] The electric suspension 73 is configured to absorb shocks applied to the human-powered vehicle 1. The electric suspension 73 includes at least one electric rear suspension provided to correspond to the rear wheels 20 and an electric front suspension provided to correspond to the front wheels 30. In this embodiment, the electric suspension 73 includes an electric front suspension provided to correspond to the front wheels 30.

[0038] The electric seatpost 74 is configured to change the height of the seat 44. In this embodiment, the height of the seat 44 relative to the frame 40 is changed as the electric seatpost 74 is driven.

[0039] The braking device 75 is configured to brake each wheel. The braking device 75 includes a front wheel brake device 75a corresponding to the front wheel 30 and a rear wheel brake device 75b corresponding to the rear wheel 20. The front wheel brake device 75a and the rear wheel brake device 75b are, for example, rim brake devices that brake the rim 31 of the front wheel 30 and the rim 21 of the rear wheel 20. The front wheel brake device 75a and the rear wheel brake device 75b may also be disc brake devices that brake disc brake rotors provided on the wheels.

[0040] The human-powered vehicle 1 shown in Figure 1 is configured to have a detachable cargo bed C. The cargo bed C includes a towed vehicle C10, a carrier, a front basket, and at least one of a rear basket. In this embodiment, the cargo bed C includes the towed vehicle C10 and the carrier.

[0041] The towed vehicle C10 includes a main body C11, wheels C12, a connecting part C13, and a coupling part C14. The main body C11 is configured to be able to carry a load. The main body C11 is positioned at the rear of the human-powered vehicle 1. The wheels C12 are provided on the main body C11. The connecting part C13 is configured to connect the main body C11 and the coupling part C14 to each other. The connecting part C13 may be configured integrally with the main body C11 and at least one of the coupling part C14. The connecting part C13 may be configured separately from the main body C11 and the coupling part C14. The connecting part C13 may be configured to be able to carry a load. The coupling part C14 is configured to be connectable to the human-powered vehicle 1. In this embodiment, the coupling part C14 is connected to the portion of the frame 40 that supports the electric seat post 74. The coupling part C14 is configured to rotate relative to the frame 40 in the yaw direction. The towed vehicle C10 may be connected to the human-powered vehicle 1 so as to be positioned in front of or to the side of the human-powered vehicle 1. The towed vehicle C10 may be configured without the connecting part C13.

[0042] The carrier is configured to carry luggage. The carrier includes a front carrier positioned above the front wheel 30 and a rear carrier C20 positioned above the rear wheel 20. In this embodiment, the carrier includes the rear carrier C20. The rear carrier C20 is connected to the rear end 45 of the frame 40 and the seat stay 46.

[0043] The control system 80 includes a control device 81 and a sensor 82 that detects at least one of the following: the state of attachment or detachment of the cargo bed C to the human-powered vehicle 1, the weight of the cargo loaded on the human-powered vehicle 1, and the weight of the passenger riding in the human-powered vehicle 1. Figure 3 shows an example of the control system 80. The control system 80 shown in Figure 3 includes a control device 81 and a sensor 82 for the human-powered vehicle. The control device 81 includes a control unit 81a and a storage unit 81b.

[0044] The control unit 81a is configured to perform control over the human-powered vehicle 1. The control unit 81a includes an arithmetic processing unit that executes a predetermined control program. The arithmetic processing unit includes, for example, a CPU (Central Processing Unit) or an MPU (Micro Processing Unit). The control unit 81a may include one or more microcomputers.

[0045] The storage unit 81b stores various control programs and information used for various control processes. The storage unit 81b includes, for example, non-volatile memory and volatile memory.

[0046] The control unit 81a is configured to control the transmission 72. In this embodiment, the control unit 81a is configured to control the transmission 72 provided in the human-powered vehicle 1 in a plurality of control states. The plurality of control states include a first control state in which the transmission 72 is controlled according to the driving state of the human-powered vehicle 1, and a second control state in which the transmission 72 is controlled according to the operation of the operating device 43 provided in the human-powered vehicle 1. The driving state of the human-powered vehicle 1 includes at least one of cadence, torque acting on the crank 10 of the human-powered vehicle 1, vehicle speed of the human-powered vehicle 1, and acceleration of the human-powered vehicle 1. Cadence is synonymous with the rotational speed of the crank 10. The driving state of the human-powered vehicle 1 may also include power input to the crank 10. Power is defined by multiplying the cadence by the torque acting on the crank 10. Information regarding the driving status of the human-powered vehicle 1 is detected, for example, by various sensors mounted on the human-powered vehicle 1.

[0047] In the first control state, the control unit 81a controls the transmission 72 according to the driving state of the human-powered vehicle 1 by using the reference value shown in Figure 4 and the gear shift threshold T. The reference value includes, for example, information about the driving state of the human-powered vehicle 1. In this embodiment, the reference value includes cadence. The reference value may also include the torque acting on the crank 10 of the human-powered vehicle 1, the vehicle speed of the human-powered vehicle 1, and the acceleration of the human-powered vehicle 1. The reference value may also include the power input to the crank 10.

[0048] The gear shift threshold T includes a first gear shift threshold T1 and a second gear shift threshold T2. The first gear shift threshold T1 is different from the second gear shift threshold T2. In this embodiment, the first gear shift threshold T1 is greater than the second gear shift threshold T2.

[0049] In the first control state, the control unit 81a controls the transmission 72 so that the gear ratio of the human-powered vehicle 1 increases according to the relationship between the reference value and the first gear threshold T1. In this embodiment, the control unit 81a controls the transmission 72 so that the gear ratio of the human-powered vehicle 1 increases when the reference value exceeds the first gear threshold T1. If the gear ratio of the human-powered vehicle 1 is the maximum gear ratio, the control unit 81a does not operate the transmission 72 even if the reference value exceeds the first gear threshold T1. The maximum gear ratio in the external transmission is the maximum gear ratio based on the relationship between the first rotating body 51 and the second rotating body 52.

[0050] In the first control state, the control unit 81a controls the transmission 72 so that the gear ratio of the human-powered vehicle 1 decreases according to the relationship between the reference value and the second gear threshold T2. In this embodiment, the control unit 81a controls the transmission 72 so that the gear ratio of the human-powered vehicle 1 decreases when the reference value falls below the second gear threshold T2. If the gear ratio of the human-powered vehicle 1 is the minimum gear ratio, the control unit 81a does not operate the transmission 72 even if the reference value falls below the second gear threshold T2. The minimum gear ratio in an external transmission is the smallest gear ratio based on the relationship between the first rotating body 51 and the second rotating body 52.

[0051] The operating device 43 is configured to output a switching signal to the control unit 81a when a predetermined operation is performed, which switches the control state. The control unit 81a switches the control state according to the switching signal output from the operating device 43. The storage unit 81b stores information about the current control state. In this embodiment, the information about the current control state includes information indicating whether the current control state is the first control state or the second control state.

[0052] The sensor 82 shown in Figure 3 detects at least one of the following: the attachment / detachment state of the cargo bed C to the human-powered vehicle 1, the weight of the cargo loaded on the human-powered vehicle 1, and the weight of the passengers riding in the human-powered vehicle 1. The passengers include at least one of the rider and a child riding in a child seat installed in the human-powered vehicle 1. Sensor 82 includes an attachment / detachment state sensor 82a, a cargo weight sensor 82b, and a passenger weight sensor 82c.

[0053] The attachment / detachment status sensor 82a is a sensor that detects the attachment / detachment status of the cargo bed C to the human-powered vehicle 1. The attachment / detachment status sensor 82a is provided on the human-powered vehicle 1 and at least one of the cargo bed C. The attachment / detachment status sensor 82a outputs an attachment / detachment signal to the control unit 81a according to the attachment / detachment status of the cargo bed C to the human-powered vehicle 1. The attachment / detachment status sensor 82a includes at least one of a contact sensor, a load sensor, a wireless communication-capable first communication unit, and a reading sensor. The attachment / detachment status sensor 82a may also include a camera.

[0054] The contact sensor is configured to detect contact between the human-powered vehicle 1 and the cargo bed C. Based on the contact between the human-powered vehicle 1 and the cargo bed C detected by the contact sensor, the control unit 81a can detect that the cargo bed C is attached to the human-powered vehicle 1.

[0055] The load sensor is configured to detect the load acting on the part connecting the human-powered vehicle 1 and the cargo bed C. Based on the load detected by the load sensor, the control unit 81a can detect that the cargo bed C is attached to the human-powered vehicle 1.

[0056] The first communication unit is configured to communicate with a second communication unit, which is different from the first communication unit. In this embodiment, the first communication unit is provided on either the human-powered vehicle 1 or the cargo bed C, and the second communication unit is provided on the other of the human-powered vehicle 1 or the cargo bed C. In this embodiment, communication between the first communication unit and the second communication unit is performed when the relative distance between the human-powered vehicle 1 and the cargo bed C is less than a predetermined distance. Based on the communication between the first communication unit and the second communication unit, the control unit 81a can detect that the cargo bed C is attached to the human-powered vehicle 1.

[0057] The reading sensor is configured to read at least one of a barcode and a two-dimensional code. In this embodiment, a reading sensor is provided on either the human-powered vehicle 1 or the cargo bed C, and at least one of a barcode and a two-dimensional code is provided on the other of the human-powered vehicle 1 and the cargo bed C. Based on the readings from the reading sensor, the control unit 81a can detect that the cargo bed C is attached to the human-powered vehicle 1.

[0058] The cargo weight sensor 82b is a sensor that detects the weight of the cargo loaded onto the human-powered vehicle 1. The weight of the cargo loaded onto the human-powered vehicle 1 includes at least one of the weight of the cargo loaded on the cargo bed C and the weight of the cargo loaded onto the human-powered vehicle 1. In this embodiment, the weight of the cargo loaded onto the human-powered vehicle 1 includes the weight of the cargo loaded on the cargo bed C.

[0059] The cargo weight sensor 82b outputs a cargo weight signal to the control unit 81a corresponding to the weight of the cargo loaded on the human-powered vehicle 1. The cargo weight sensor 82b is provided on the cargo bed C. In this embodiment, the cargo weight sensor 82b is provided on the rear carrier C20 and the towed vehicle C10. The cargo weight sensor 82b provided on the rear carrier C20 includes a weight sensor that detects the weight of the cargo loaded on the rear carrier C20. The cargo weight sensor 82b provided on the towed vehicle C10 includes at least one main body side weight sensor that detects the weight of the cargo loaded on the main body C11, and a pressure sensor that detects the air pressure of the tires of the towed vehicle C10.

[0060] The main unit weight sensor is formed, for example, in the form of a sheet and placed on the top surface of the main unit C11. The load placed on the main unit C11 is placed on the main unit weight sensor. The main unit weight sensor is configured to detect the weight of the load based on the pressure applied by the load.

[0061] If the cargo weight sensor 82b provided on the towed vehicle C10 includes a pressure sensor, the control unit 81a detects the weight of the cargo loaded on the main unit C11 based on the tire pressure detected by the pressure sensor.

[0062] The control unit 81a can obtain the total weight of the cargo loaded on the human-powered vehicle 1 by adding up the weight of the cargo loaded on the main unit C11 and the weight of the cargo loaded on the rear carrier C20, which are detected by the cargo weight sensor 82b.

[0063] The passenger weight sensor 82c is a sensor that detects the weight of a passenger riding in the human-powered vehicle 1. The passenger weight sensor 82c outputs a passenger weight signal to the control unit 81a corresponding to the weight of the passenger riding in the human-powered vehicle 1. The passenger weight sensor 82c is installed in the passenger seating area. The passenger seating area includes a seat 44 on which the rider sits, a child seat attached to the human-powered vehicle 1, and a towed vehicle on which a person can ride. The passenger weight sensor 82c is installed in at least one of the seat 44 on which the rider sits, the child seat attached to the human-powered vehicle 1, and the towed vehicle on which a person can ride. In this embodiment, the passenger weight sensor 82c is installed in the seat 44 on which the rider sits.

[0064] The passenger weight sensor 82c provided on the seat 44 where the rider sits includes a weight sensor that detects the rider's weight. When a child seat is installed on the human-powered vehicle 1, the passenger weight sensor 82c includes a weight sensor that detects the weight of the child in the child seat. When the human-powered vehicle 1 tows a towed vehicle capable of carrying a person, the passenger weight sensor 82c includes at least one weight sensor that detects the weight of the rider in the towed vehicle, and a pressure sensor that detects the air pressure in the tires of the towed vehicle. If the passenger weight sensor 82c includes a pressure sensor, the control unit 81a detects the rider's weight based on the air pressure in the tires detected by the pressure sensor.

[0065] If two or more passenger weight sensors 82c are provided in the passenger compartment, the control unit 81a can obtain the weight of the passengers riding in the human-powered vehicle 1 by summing the weights of the passengers detected by the two or more passenger weight sensors 82c provided in the passenger compartment.

[0066] The control unit 81a switches one of the first control state and the second control state to the other of the first control state and the second control state, depending on at least one of the following: the state in which the cargo bed C is attached to or detached from the human-powered vehicle 1, the weight of the cargo loaded on the human-powered vehicle 1, and the weight of the passengers riding in the human-powered vehicle 1. In this embodiment, the control unit 81a switches one of the first control state and the second control state to the other of the first control state and the second control state, depending on the state in which the cargo bed C is attached to or detached from the human-powered vehicle 1. In this embodiment, if the cargo bed C is attached to the human-powered vehicle 1 in the second control state, the control unit 81a switches the second control state to the first control state.

[0067] An example of control performed by the control unit 81a is described. Figure 5 is used to describe an example of control performed by the control unit 81a. The control unit 81a starts a first control flow according to the flowchart shown in Figure 5 when a predetermined first condition is met. In this embodiment, the control unit 81a starts the first control flow when power is supplied to the control unit 81a from the battery 60 and when a predetermined operation is performed on the operating device 43. When the first control flow is completed, the control unit 81a repeatedly executes the first control flow at predetermined intervals until a predetermined second condition is met. In this embodiment, the control unit 81a repeatedly executes the first control flow at predetermined intervals until a predetermined operation is performed on the operating device 43. The predetermined first condition is met, for example, when power is supplied to the control unit 81a. The predetermined second condition is met, for example, when the power supply to the control unit 81a is stopped.

[0068] In step S1, the control unit 81a detects the attachment / detachment status of the cargo bed C based on the attachment / detachment signal output from the attachment / detachment status sensor 82a. In step S1, the control unit 81a further detects the current control state by reading information about the current control state from the storage unit 81b. In step S1, if the control unit 81a detects that the cargo bed C is attached to the human-powered vehicle 1 in the second control state, based on the detected attachment / detachment status of the cargo bed C and the current control state, it proceeds to step S2. In step S1, if the control unit 81a does not detect that the cargo bed C is attached to the human-powered vehicle 1 in the second control state, it terminates the first control flow.

[0069] In step S2, the control unit 81a switches the second control state to the first control state. After executing the process in step S2, the control unit 81a terminates the first control flow.

[0070] The control unit 81a can appropriately control the transmission 72 according to the attachment / detachment state of the cargo bed C to the human-powered vehicle 1 by executing a first control flow to switch the control state. By executing the first control flow, the control unit 81a switches the second control state to the first control state when the cargo bed C is attached to the human-powered vehicle 1. By the control unit 81a switching the second control state to the first control state, the transmission 72 is controlled according to the driving state of the human-powered vehicle 1, and the gear ratio of the human-powered vehicle 1 is automatically changed without the rider having to operate the operating device 43. Because the gear ratio of the human-powered vehicle 1 is automatically changed without the rider having to operate the operating device 43, the rider can concentrate on operating the handle 42 when the cargo bed C is attached to the human-powered vehicle 1.

[0071] (Second Embodiment) The control device 81 of the second embodiment will be described. Figure 6 will be used to describe the control device 81 of the second embodiment. Components common to the first embodiment will be denoted by the same reference numerals as in the first embodiment, and redundant descriptions will be omitted.

[0072] The control unit 81a switches between the first control state and the second control state and the other control state depending on the weight of the load loaded onto the human-powered vehicle 1. In this embodiment, if the weight of the load loaded onto the human-powered vehicle 1 is greater than or equal to a first value in the second control state, the control unit 81a switches the second control state back to the first control state. The first value is stored in advance in the storage unit 81b. The first value is set based on experiments conducted in advance.

[0073] An example of control performed by the control unit 81a is described. Figure 6 is used to describe this example of control performed by the control unit 81a. The control unit 81a starts a second control flow according to the flowchart shown in Figure 6 when a predetermined first condition is met. When the second control flow is completed, the control unit 81a repeatedly executes the second control flow at predetermined time intervals until the predetermined second condition is met. The first and second conditions are the same as in the first embodiment.

[0074] In step S11, the control unit 81a detects the weight of the load loaded on the human-powered vehicle 1 based on the load weight signal output from the load weight sensor 82b. In step S11, the control unit 81a acquires the current control state in the same manner as in the first embodiment. In step S11, based on the detected weight of the load loaded on the human-powered vehicle 1 and the current control state, if the control unit 81a detects that the weight of the load loaded on the human-powered vehicle 1 is greater than or equal to a first value in the second control state, it proceeds to step S12. In step S11, if the control unit 81a does not detect that the weight of the load loaded on the human-powered vehicle 1 is greater than or equal to a first value in the second control state, it terminates the second control flow.

[0075] In step S12, the control unit 81a switches the second control state to the first control state. After executing the process in step S12, the control unit 81a terminates the second control flow.

[0076] The control unit 81a can appropriately control the transmission 72 according to the weight of the load loaded on the human-powered vehicle 1 by executing a second control flow to switch the control state. By executing the second control flow, the control unit 81a switches the second control state to the first control state when the weight of the load loaded on the human-powered vehicle 1 is equal to or greater than a first value. By the control unit 81a switching the second control state to the first control state, the transmission 72 is controlled according to the driving state of the human-powered vehicle 1, and the gear ratio of the human-powered vehicle 1 is automatically changed without the rider having to operate the operating device 43. Because the gear ratio of the human-powered vehicle 1 is automatically changed without the rider having to operate the operating device 43, the rider can concentrate on operating the handle 42 of the human-powered vehicle 1, for example, when the weight of the load loaded on the human-powered vehicle 1 is heavy.

[0077] (Third embodiment) The control device 81 of the third embodiment will be described. Figure 7 will be used to describe the control device 81 of the third embodiment. Components common to the first and second embodiments will be denoted by the same reference numerals as in the first and second embodiments, and redundant descriptions will be omitted.

[0078] The control unit 81a switches between the first control state and the second control state and the other control state depending on the weight of the passenger riding in the human-powered vehicle 1. In this embodiment, if the weight of the passenger riding in the human-powered vehicle 1 is greater than or equal to a second value in the second control state, the control unit 81a switches the second control state back to the first control state. The second value is stored in advance in the storage unit 81b. The second value is set based on experiments conducted in advance.

[0079] An example of the control performed by the control unit 81a is described. Figure 7 is used to describe the example of the control performed by the control unit 81a. The control unit 81a starts a third control flow according to the flowchart shown in Figure 7 when a predetermined first condition is met. When the third control flow is completed, the control unit 81a repeatedly executes the third control flow at predetermined time intervals until a predetermined second condition is met. The first and second conditions are the same as in the first embodiment.

[0080] In step S21, the control unit 81a detects the weight of the passenger in the human-powered vehicle 1 based on the passenger weight signal output from the passenger weight sensor 82c. In step S21, the control unit 81a acquires the current control state in the same manner as in the first embodiment. In step S21, based on the weight of the passenger in the human-powered vehicle 1 and the current control state, if the control unit 81a detects that the detected weight of the passenger in the human-powered vehicle 1 is greater than or equal to the second value in the second control state, it proceeds to step S22. In step S21, if the control unit 81a does not detect that the weight of the passenger in the human-powered vehicle 1 is greater than or equal to the second value in the second control state, it terminates the third control flow.

[0081] In step S22, the control unit 81a switches the second control state to the first control state. After executing the process in step S22, the control unit 81a terminates the third control flow.

[0082] The control unit 81a can appropriately control the transmission 72 according to the weight of the rider in the human-powered vehicle 1 by executing a third control flow to switch the control state. By executing the third control flow, the control unit 81a switches the second control state to the first control state when the weight of the rider in the human-powered vehicle 1 is greater than or equal to the second value. By the control unit 81a switching the second control state to the first control state, the transmission 72 is controlled according to the driving state of the human-powered vehicle 1, and the gear ratio of the human-powered vehicle 1 is automatically changed without the rider having to operate the operating device 43. Because the gear ratio of the human-powered vehicle 1 is automatically changed without the rider having to operate the operating device 43, the rider can concentrate on operating the handle 42 of the human-powered vehicle 1, for example, when the weight of the rider in the human-powered vehicle 1 is heavy.

[0083] (Fourth Embodiment) The control device 81 of the fourth embodiment will be described. Figure 8 will be used to describe the control device 81 of the fourth embodiment. Components common to the first to third embodiments will be denoted by the same reference numerals as in the first to third embodiments, and redundant descriptions will be omitted.

[0084] The control unit 81a is configured to control the transmission 72 provided in the human-powered vehicle 1. The control unit 81a is configured to change the gear shift range of the transmission 72. In this embodiment, the gear shift range of the transmission 72 is the range of gear shift stages that the transmission 72 can shift between. The gear shift range of the transmission 72 may also be the range of gear ratios that the transmission 72 can shift between. The gear shift range of the transmission 72 includes a plurality of gear shift ranges. In this embodiment, the gear shift range of the transmission 72 includes a first gear shift range and a second gear shift range. The first gear shift range and the second gear shift range differ from each other in at least some of the parameters, including the minimum gear ratio, the maximum gear ratio, and the width of the gear shift range. The storage unit 81b stores the first gear shift range and the second gear shift range. Table 1 shows an example of the first and second gear ranges stored in the memory unit 81b. [Table 1]

[0085] The gear shifting stages shown in Table 1 correspond to the rear sprockets that engage with the chain 53. When the first rotating body 51 includes one front sprocket and the second rotating body 52 includes multiple rear sprockets, the gear shifting stages indicate the combinations of front and rear sprockets that engage with the chain 53. In Table 1, as the gear shifting stage number increases, the number of teeth on the rear sprockets that engage with the chain 53 decreases. In Table 1, as the gear shifting stage number increases, the gear ratio of the human-powered vehicle 1 increases. In Table 1, a circle (〇) indicates that a gear shifting stage is included in the gear shifting range. The width of the gear shifting range in Table 1 corresponds to the number of gear shifting stages marked with a circle (〇). The width of the gear shifting range may also be the difference between the minimum and maximum gear ratios in the gear shifting range, rather than the number of gear shifting stages marked with a circle (〇).

[0086] The first gear range is from the first gear stage (1st) to the tenth gear stage (10th). The first gear range is set based on prior experiments. The second gear range is from the second gear stage (2nd) to the twelfth gear stage (12th). The second gear range is set based on prior experiments.

[0087] The control unit 81a is configured to set the gear shift range of the transmission 72 to either the first gear shift range or the second gear shift range. The control unit 81a is configured to change the gear shift stage of the transmission 72 based on whichever of the first and second gear shift ranges is set.

[0088] The control unit 81a controls the transmission 72 based on the first gear range, and when increasing the gear ratio according to the reference value of the human-powered vehicle 1, controls the transmission 72 so that the gear stages of the human-powered vehicle 1 increase in steps within the range from the first gear stage 1st to the tenth gear stage 10th. The control unit 81a controls the transmission 72 based on the first gear range, and when decreasing the gear ratio according to the reference value of the human-powered vehicle 1, controls the transmission 72 so that the gear stages of the human-powered vehicle 1 decrease in steps within the range from the tenth gear stage 10th to the first gear stage 1st.

[0089] The control unit 81a controls the transmission 72 based on the second gear range, and when increasing the gear ratio according to the reference value of the human-powered vehicle 1, controls the transmission 72 so that the gear stages of the human-powered vehicle 1 increase in steps from the second gear stage 2nd to the twelfth gear stage 12th. The control unit 81a controls the transmission 72 based on the second gear range, and when decreasing the gear ratio according to the reference value of the human-powered vehicle 1, controls the transmission 72 so that the gear stages of the human-powered vehicle 1 decrease in steps from the twelfth gear stage 12th to the second gear stage 2nd.

[0090] The control unit 81a changes the gear range of the transmission 72 according to at least one of the following: the state in which the cargo bed C is attached to or detached from the human-powered vehicle 1, the weight of the cargo loaded on the human-powered vehicle 1, and the weight of the passengers riding in the human-powered vehicle 1. In this embodiment, the control unit 81a sets the gear range of the transmission 72 according to the state in which the cargo bed C is attached to or detached from the human-powered vehicle 1. An example of the control performed by the control unit 81a will be described. Figure 8 is used to describe an example of the control performed by the control unit 81a.

[0091] The control unit 81a starts the fourth control flow according to the flowchart shown in Figure 8 when a predetermined first condition is met. When the fourth control flow is completed, the control unit 81a repeatedly executes the fourth control flow at predetermined time intervals until a predetermined second condition is met. The first and second conditions are the same as in the first embodiment.

[0092] In step S31, if the control unit 81a detects that the cargo bed C is attached to the human-powered vehicle 1, it proceeds to step S32. In step S31, if the control unit 81a does not detect that the cargo bed C is attached to the human-powered vehicle 1, it proceeds to step S33.

[0093] In step S32, the control unit 81a sets the gear shift range of the transmission 72 to the first gear shift range. After executing the process in step S32, the control unit 81a terminates the fourth control flow.

[0094] In step S33, the control unit 81a sets the gear shift range of the transmission 72 to the second gear shift range. After executing the process in step S33, the control unit 81a terminates the fourth control flow.

[0095] The control unit 81a can appropriately control the transmission 72 according to the attachment / detachment state of the cargo bed C to the human-powered vehicle 1 by executing the fourth control flow and setting the gear range of the transmission 72. The minimum gear ratio in the gear range when the cargo bed C is attached to the human-powered vehicle 1 is smaller than the minimum gear ratio in the gear range when the cargo bed C is not attached to the human-powered vehicle 1. In this embodiment, the minimum gear ratio in the first gear range when the cargo bed C is attached to the human-powered vehicle 1 is smaller than the minimum gear ratio in the second gear range when the cargo bed C is not attached to the human-powered vehicle 1. Because the minimum gear ratio in the first gear range is smaller than the minimum gear ratio in the second gear range, the gear ratio of the human-powered vehicle 1 can be made smaller when the cargo bed C is attached to the human-powered vehicle 1. By making the gear ratio of the human-powered vehicle 1 smaller, for example, when a heavy load is loaded onto the cargo bed C, the rider can suppress the increase in human torque and drive the human-powered vehicle 1, thereby improving the comfort and stability of the human-powered vehicle 1.

[0096] When the cargo bed C is attached to the human-powered vehicle 1, the maximum gear ratio in the gear range is smaller than when the cargo bed C is not attached to the human-powered vehicle 1. In this embodiment, when the cargo bed C is attached to the human-powered vehicle 1, the maximum gear ratio in the first gear range is smaller than when the cargo bed C is not attached to the human-powered vehicle 1. Because the maximum gear ratio in the first gear range is smaller than the maximum gear ratio in the second gear range, the maximum gear ratio can be suppressed when the cargo bed C is attached to the human-powered vehicle 1. By suppressing the maximum gear ratio, the increase in the travel speed of the human-powered vehicle 1 with the cargo bed C attached can be suppressed, thereby improving the comfort and stability of the human-powered vehicle 1.

[0097] The gear shift range when the cargo bed C is attached to the human-powered vehicle 1 is narrower than the gear shift range when the cargo bed C is not attached to the human-powered vehicle 1. In this embodiment, the first gear shift range when the cargo bed C is attached to the human-powered vehicle 1 is narrower than the second gear shift range when the cargo bed C is not attached to the human-powered vehicle 1. Because the first gear shift range is narrower than the second gear shift range, the range in which the transmission 72 can shift gears is narrowed when the cargo bed C is attached to the human-powered vehicle 1, allowing the human-powered vehicle 1 to travel at a stable speed, thereby improving the comfort and stability of the human-powered vehicle 1.

[0098] (Fifth embodiment) The control device 81 of the fifth embodiment will be described. Figure 9 will be used to describe the control device 81 of the fifth embodiment. Components common to the first to fourth embodiments will be denoted by the same reference numerals as in the first to fourth embodiments, and redundant descriptions will be omitted.

[0099] The gear range of the transmission 72 includes a first gear range and a second gear range. The gear range of the transmission 72 may also include a third gear range different from the first gear range and a fourth gear range different from the second gear range.

[0100] The control unit 81a sets the gear range of the transmission 72 according to the weight of the load loaded onto the human-powered vehicle 1. An example of the control performed by the control unit 81a is described below. Figure 9 is used to explain this example of the control performed by the control unit 81a.

[0101] The control unit 81a starts the fifth control flow, according to the flowchart shown in Figure 9, when a predetermined first condition is met. When the fifth control flow is completed, the control unit 81a repeatedly executes the fifth control flow at predetermined intervals until a predetermined second condition is met. The first and second conditions are the same as in the first embodiment.

[0102] In step S41, if the control unit 81a detects that the weight of the load loaded onto the human-powered vehicle 1 is greater than or equal to a first value, the process proceeds to step S42. In step S41, if the control unit 81a does not detect that the weight of the load loaded onto the human-powered vehicle 1 is less than a first value, the process proceeds to step S43.

[0103] In step S42, the control unit 81a sets the gear shift range of the transmission 72 to the first gear shift range. After executing the process in step S42, the control unit 81a terminates the fifth control flow.

[0104] In step S43, the control unit 81a sets the gear shift range of the transmission 72 to the second gear shift range. After executing the process in step S43, the control unit 81a terminates the fifth control flow.

[0105] The control unit 81a can appropriately control the transmission 72 according to the weight of the load loaded on the human-powered vehicle 1 by executing the fifth control flow and setting the gear range of the transmission 72. The minimum gear ratio in the gear range when the weight of the load loaded on the human-powered vehicle 1 is greater than or equal to a first value is smaller than the minimum gear ratio in the gear range when the weight of the load loaded on the human-powered vehicle 1 is less than a first value. In this embodiment, the minimum gear ratio in the first gear range when the weight of the load loaded on the human-powered vehicle 1 is greater than or equal to a first value is smaller than the minimum gear ratio in the second gear range when the weight of the load loaded on the human-powered vehicle 1 is less than a first value. Because the minimum gear ratio in the first gear range is smaller than the minimum gear ratio in the second gear range, the gear ratio of the human-powered vehicle 1 can be made smaller when the weight of the load loaded on the human-powered vehicle 1 is greater than or equal to a first value. By making the gear ratio of the human-powered vehicle 1 smaller, for example, when a heavy load is loaded onto the cargo bed C, the rider can suppress the increase in human torque and drive the human-powered vehicle 1, thereby improving the comfort and stability of the human-powered vehicle 1.

[0106] In this embodiment, the maximum gear ratio in the gear range when the weight of the load on the human-powered vehicle 1 is greater than or equal to a first value is smaller than the maximum gear ratio in the gear range when the weight of the load on the human-powered vehicle 1 is less than a first value.

[0107] The gear shift range when the weight of the load loaded onto the human-powered vehicle 1 is greater than or equal to a first value is narrower than the gear shift range when the weight of the load loaded onto the human-powered vehicle 1 is less than a first value. In this embodiment, the first gear shift range when the weight of the load loaded onto the human-powered vehicle 1 is greater than or equal to a first value is narrower than the second gear shift range when the weight of the load loaded onto the human-powered vehicle 1 is less than a first value. Because the first gear shift range is narrower than the second gear shift range, for example, when the weight of the load loaded onto the human-powered vehicle 1 is heavy, the range in which the gear shift device 72 can shift is narrowed, allowing the human-powered vehicle 1 to travel at a stable speed, thereby improving the comfort and stability of the human-powered vehicle 1.

[0108] (Sixth Embodiment) The control device 81 of the sixth embodiment will be described. Figure 10 will be used to describe the control device 81 of the sixth embodiment. Components common to the first to fifth embodiments will be denoted by the same reference numerals as in the first to fifth embodiments, and redundant descriptions will be omitted.

[0109] The gear range of the transmission 72 includes a first gear range and a second gear range. The gear range of the transmission 72 may also include a fifth gear range different from the first gear range and a sixth gear range different from the second gear range.

[0110] The control unit 81a sets the gear range of the transmission 72 according to the weight of the passenger riding in the human-powered vehicle 1. An example of the control performed by the control unit 81a is described below. Figure 10 is used to explain this example of the control performed by the control unit 81a.

[0111] The control unit 81a starts the sixth control flow, which follows the flowchart shown in Figure 10, when a predetermined first condition is met. When the sixth control flow is completed, the control unit 81a repeatedly executes the sixth control flow at predetermined intervals until a predetermined second condition is met. The first and second conditions are the same as in the first embodiment.

[0112] In step S51, if the control unit 81a detects that the weight of the passenger in the human-powered vehicle 1 is greater than or equal to the second value, the process proceeds to step S52. In step S51, if the control unit 81a does not detect that the weight of the passenger in the human-powered vehicle 1 is less than the second value, the process proceeds to step S53.

[0113] In step S52, the control unit 81a sets the gear shift range of the transmission 72 to the first gear shift range. After executing the process in step S52, the control unit 81a terminates the sixth control flow.

[0114] In step S53, the control unit 81a sets the gear shift range of the transmission 72 to the second gear shift range. After executing the process in step S53, the control unit 81a terminates the sixth control flow.

[0115] The control unit 81a can appropriately control the transmission 72 according to the weight of the passenger riding in the human-powered vehicle 1 by executing the sixth control flow and setting the gear range of the transmission 72. The minimum gear ratio in the gear range when the weight of the passenger riding in the human-powered vehicle 1 is greater than or equal to the second value is smaller than the minimum gear ratio in the gear range when the weight of the passenger riding in the human-powered vehicle 1 is less than the second value. In this embodiment, the minimum gear ratio in the first gear range when the weight of the passenger riding in the human-powered vehicle 1 is greater than or equal to the second value is smaller than the minimum gear ratio in the second gear range when the weight of the passenger riding in the human-powered vehicle 1 is less than the second value. Because the minimum gear ratio in the first gear range is smaller than the minimum gear ratio in the second gear range, the gear ratio of the human-powered vehicle 1 can be made smaller when the weight of the passenger riding in the human-powered vehicle 1 is greater than or equal to the second value. By making the gear ratio of the human-powered vehicle 1 smaller, for example, when a heavy rider is on board the human-powered vehicle 1, the rider can suppress the increase in human torque and drive the human-powered vehicle 1, thereby improving the comfort and stability of the human-powered vehicle 1.

[0116] In this embodiment, the maximum gear ratio in the gear range when the weight of the rider in the human-powered vehicle 1 is greater than or equal to the second value is smaller than the maximum gear ratio in the gear range when the weight of the rider in the human-powered vehicle 1 is less than the second value. By making the maximum gear ratio in the first gear range smaller than the maximum gear ratio in the second gear range, the maximum gear ratio can be suppressed when the weight of the rider in the human-powered vehicle 1 is greater than or equal to the second value. By suppressing the maximum gear ratio, for example, the increase in the travel speed of the human-powered vehicle 1 when a heavy rider is on board can be suppressed, thereby improving the stability of the human-powered vehicle 1.

[0117] The gear shift range when the weight of the passenger in the human-powered vehicle 1 is greater than or equal to the second value is narrower than the gear shift range when the weight of the passenger in the human-powered vehicle 1 is less than the second value. In this embodiment, the first gear shift range when the weight of the passenger in the human-powered vehicle 1 is greater than or equal to the second value is narrower than the second gear shift range when the weight of the passenger in the human-powered vehicle 1 is less than the second value. Because the first gear shift range is narrower than the second gear shift range, for example, when the weight of the passenger in the human-powered vehicle 1 is light, the range in which the gear shift device 72 can shift is narrowed, allowing the human-powered vehicle 1 to travel at a stable speed, thereby improving the comfort and stability of the human-powered vehicle 1.

[0118] (modified version) The descriptions of each embodiment are illustrative of possible forms of the control device 81 and control system 80 according to the present invention and are not intended to limit the present invention. The control device 81 and control system 80 according to the present invention may take the form of, for example, modifications of the embodiments shown below, and combinations of at least two non-inconsistent modifications.

[0119] For example, the configuration of the human-powered vehicle 1 in each embodiment is just an example, and the human-powered vehicle 1 may include various devices not shown in each embodiment, or it may have a configuration that does not include some of the various devices shown in each embodiment. In each embodiment, a rear derailleur 72a is shown as the transmission 72, but the transmission 72 may include components other than a derailleur. For example, the transmission 72 may include an internal gear hub. For example, if the transmission 72 includes an internal gear hub instead of an external gear hub, in the first embodiment, the cargo bed C is attached to the human-powered vehicle 1 when the human-powered vehicle 1 is stopped, and when the second control state is switched to the first control state, the control unit 81a operates the transmission 72 so that the gear ratio corresponds to the reference value when the human-powered vehicle 1 is stopped.

[0120] The configurations exemplified in each embodiment may be combined with each other to the extent that they do not contradict each other. The processing content and processing order of the flowcharts exemplified in each embodiment are examples, and the processing content and processing order can be changed as appropriate within the scope of the present invention.

[0121] For example, the first control flow shown in Figure 5, the second control flow shown in Figure 6, and the third control flow shown in Figure 7 may be combined with each other. When the first control flow, the second control flow, and the third control flow are combined with each other, the control unit 81a may switch the second control state to the first control state in at least one of the following cases: when the cargo bed C is installed in the second control state, when the weight of the cargo is equal to or greater than the first value in the second control state, and when the weight of the passenger is equal to or greater than the second value in the second control state.

[0122] The fourth control flow shown in Figure 8, the fifth control flow shown in Figure 9, and the sixth control flow shown in Figure 10 may be combined with each other. When the fourth, fifth, and sixth control flows are combined with each other, the control unit 81a may set the gear range of the transmission 72 to the first gear range in at least one of the following cases: when the cargo bed C is installed, when the weight of the cargo is greater than or equal to a first value, and when the weight of the passenger is greater than or equal to a second value.

[0123] The various thresholds used in the control exemplified in each embodiment are not limited and may be set arbitrarily. The various thresholds may also be changed arbitrarily by operating the operating device 43 or the like.

[0124] The gear shift ranges exemplified in the fourth to sixth embodiments are examples only, and the specific details of the gear shift ranges are not limited. The gear shift ranges may be arbitrarily changed, for example, by the number of rear sprockets and front sprockets, the number of teeth, etc. For example, in the fourth embodiment, the first gear shift range and the second gear shift range may have different minimum gear ratios, while having the same maximum gear ratio.

[0125] The control unit 81a may change parameters other than the gear shift range of the transmission 72 and the control state. For example, the control unit 81a may change the gear shift threshold T used when changing the gear ratio of the human-powered vehicle 1 in the first control state. For example, the control unit 81a may change the second gear shift threshold T2 shown in Figure 4 to approach the first gear shift threshold T1 in at least one of the following cases: when a cargo bed C is attached to the human-powered vehicle 1, when the weight of the cargo loaded on the human-powered vehicle 1 is greater than or equal to a first value, and when the weight of the passenger riding in the human-powered vehicle 1 is greater than or equal to a second value. In this embodiment, the control unit 81a may change the second gear shift threshold T2 to a threshold T3 that is greater than the second gear shift threshold T2 and less than the first gear shift threshold T1.

[0126] As used herein, the expression "at least one" means "one or more" of the desired options. For example, as used herein, "at least one" means "only one option" or "both of the two options" if there are two options. As another example, as used herein, "at least one" means "only one option" or "a combination of two or more any options" if there are three or more options. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0127] 1...Human-powered vehicle, 43...Operating device, 72...Transmission device, 80...Control system, 81...Control device, 81a...Control unit, 82...Sensor, C...Cargo bed

Claims

1. A control device for a human-powered vehicle, The vehicle includes a control unit configured to control the transmission provided in the aforementioned human-powered vehicle, The control unit changes the gear range of the transmission according to at least one of the following: the state of attachment or detachment of the cargo bed to the human-powered vehicle, the weight of the cargo loaded on the human-powered vehicle, and the weight of the passengers riding in the human-powered vehicle. A control device in which the gear shift range of the transmission is the range of gear shift stages in which the transmission can shift gears.

2. A control device for a human-powered vehicle, The gearbox provided in the aforementioned human-powered vehicle is equipped with a control unit configured to control it in multiple control states, The plurality of control states include a first control state in which the transmission is controlled according to the driving state of the human-powered vehicle, and a second control state in which the transmission is controlled according to the operation of an operating device provided on the human-powered vehicle. The control unit is a control device that switches one of the first control state and the second control state to the other of the first control state and the second control state, depending on at least one of the state in which the cargo bed is attached to or detached from the human-powered vehicle, the weight of the cargo loaded on the human-powered vehicle, and the weight of the passenger riding in the human-powered vehicle.

3. The control device according to claim 2, wherein the control unit switches the second control state to the first control state when a cargo bed is attached to the human-powered vehicle in the second control state.

4. The control device according to claim 2, wherein the control unit switches the second control state to the first control state if the weight of the load loaded on the human-powered vehicle is equal to or greater than a first value in the second control state.

5. The control device according to claim 2, wherein the control unit switches the second control state to the first control state if the weight of the passenger riding in the human-powered vehicle is greater than or equal to a second value in the second control state.

6. The control device according to claim 2, wherein the control unit changes the gear shift range of the transmission according to at least one of the state in which the cargo bed is attached to or detached from the human-powered vehicle, the weight of the cargo loaded on the human-powered vehicle, and the weight of the passenger riding in the human-powered vehicle.

7. The control device according to claim 1 or 6, wherein the minimum gear ratio in the gear range when a cargo bed is attached to the human-powered vehicle is smaller than the minimum gear ratio in the gear range when a cargo bed is not attached to the human-powered vehicle.

8. The control device according to claim 1, 6, or 7, wherein the maximum gear ratio in the gear range when a cargo bed is attached to the human-powered vehicle is smaller than the maximum gear ratio in the gear range when a cargo bed is not attached to the human-powered vehicle.

9. The range of the gear shift when a cargo bed is attached to the human-powered vehicle is narrower than the range of the gear shift when a cargo bed is not attached to the human-powered vehicle. The control device according to any one of claims 1, 6 to 8, wherein the width of the gear shift range is the difference between the minimum gear ratio and the maximum gear ratio in the gear shift range, or the number of gear shift stages.

10. The control device according to any one of claims 1, 6 to 9, wherein the minimum gear ratio in the gear range when the weight of the load loaded on the human-powered vehicle is equal to or greater than a first value is smaller than the minimum gear ratio in the gear range when the weight of the load loaded on the human-powered vehicle is less than a first value.

11. The control device according to any one of claims 1, 6 to 10, wherein the maximum gear ratio in the gear range when the weight of the load loaded on the human-powered vehicle is equal to or greater than a first value is smaller than the maximum gear ratio in the gear range when the weight of the load loaded on the human-powered vehicle is less than a first value.

12. When the weight of the load loaded onto the human-powered vehicle is equal to or greater than a first value, the range of the gear shift is narrower than when the weight of the load loaded onto the human-powered vehicle is less than a first value. The control device according to any one of claims 1, 6 to 11, wherein the width of the gear shift range is the difference between the minimum gear ratio and the maximum gear ratio in the gear shift range, or the number of gear shift stages.

13. The control device according to any one of claims 1, 6 to 12, wherein the minimum gear ratio in the gear range when the weight of the passenger riding in the human-powered vehicle is greater than or equal to the second value is smaller than the minimum gear ratio in the gear range when the weight of the passenger riding in the human-powered vehicle is less than the second value.

14. The control device according to any one of claims 1, 6 to 13, wherein the maximum gear ratio in the gear range when the weight of the passenger riding in the human-powered vehicle is greater than or equal to the second value is smaller than the maximum gear ratio in the gear range when the weight of the passenger riding in the human-powered vehicle is less than the second value.

15. When the weight of the passenger in the human-powered vehicle is greater than or equal to the second value, the range of the gear shift is narrower than when the weight of the passenger in the human-powered vehicle is less than the second value. The control device according to any one of claims 1, 6 to 14, wherein the width of the gear shift range is the difference between the minimum gear ratio and the maximum gear ratio in the gear shift range, or the number of gear shift stages.

16. A control device according to any one of claims 1 to 15, A control system comprising a sensor for detecting at least one of the following: the state of attachment or detachment of a cargo bed to a human-powered vehicle, the weight of cargo loaded onto the human-powered vehicle, and the weight of a passenger riding in the human-powered vehicle.

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