CN110450900B

CN110450900B - Speed change control device for bicycle

Info

Publication number: CN110450900B
Application number: CN201910825061.4A
Authority: CN
Inventors: 严樫昌子; 桥本明典
Original assignee: Shimano Inc
Current assignee: Shimano Inc
Priority date: 2015-06-25
Filing date: 2016-05-27
Publication date: 2021-08-31
Anticipated expiration: 2036-05-27
Also published as: CN106275231B; DE102016007525A1; CN110450900A; CN106275231A

Abstract

The invention provides a bicycle shift control device which can perform shift control according to the running environment of a bicycle. A bicycle shift control device includes a control unit that operates a transmission in accordance with a parameter indicating a running state of a bicycle and a predetermined shift condition, and the control unit sets the predetermined shift condition based on the parameter indicating the running state of the bicycle and a reclining angle of the bicycle.

Description

Speed change control device for bicycle

The present invention is a divisional application of an invention patent application having an application number of 201610364040.3, an application date of 2016, 05, and 27 entitled "bicycle shift control device".

Technical Field

The present invention relates to a shift control device for a bicycle.

Background

A shift control device for a bicycle that controls a transmission is known in the related art. The bicycle shift control device of patent document 1 controls the transmission based on the rotation speed of the crankshaft so as to maintain the rotation speed of the crankshaft in a predetermined range.

Documents of the prior art

Patent documents:

patent document 1: japanese Kohyo publication Hei 10-511621

Disclosure of Invention

Problems to be solved by the invention

The control method of the transmission that is appropriate when the running environment of the bicycle is such as traveling on an uphill and traveling other than an uphill is different. However, in patent document 1, the control of the transmission does not take into consideration the tilt angle.

The invention aims to provide a bicycle speed change control device which can perform speed change control according to the running environment of a bicycle.

Means for solving the problems

(1) According to one aspect of the present invention, a bicycle shift control device includes a control unit that operates a transmission in accordance with a parameter indicating a running state of a bicycle and a predetermined shift condition, wherein the control unit sets the predetermined shift condition based on the parameter indicating the running state of the bicycle and a reclining angle of the bicycle.

(2) According to an example of the bicycle shift control device, the predetermined shift condition includes a threshold value relating to a parameter indicating a running state of the bicycle, and the control unit sets the predetermined shift condition by changing the threshold value.

(3) According to an example of the bicycle shift control device, the threshold value includes a first threshold value and a second threshold value smaller than the first threshold value, and the control unit operates the transmission when a value of the parameter indicating the running state of the bicycle changes from a value smaller than the first threshold value to a value equal to or larger than the first threshold value, or when a value of the parameter indicating the running state of the bicycle changes from a value larger than the second threshold value to a value equal to or smaller than the second threshold value.

(4) According to an example of the bicycle shift control device, the control unit controls the transmission to increase the gear ratio of the bicycle when the value of the parameter indicating the running state of the bicycle changes from a value smaller than the first threshold value to a value equal to or larger than the first threshold value, and controls the transmission to decrease the gear ratio of the bicycle when the value of the parameter indicating the running state of the bicycle changes from a value larger than the second threshold value to a value equal to or smaller than the second threshold value.

(5) According to an example of the bicycle shift control device, the predetermined shift condition includes a first shift condition, and the control unit operates the transmission based on a parameter indicating a running state of the bicycle and the first shift condition when the reclining angle is equal to or greater than a first predetermined angle greater than 0 degrees.

(6) According to an example of the bicycle shift control device, the control unit sets the first shift condition by changing at least the second threshold value based on a condition that the reclining angle is equal to or greater than the first predetermined angle and the reclining angle is changed.

(7) According to an example of the bicycle shift control device, the control unit sets the first shift condition by increasing at least the second threshold value based on a condition that a change ratio in a case where the reclining angle is changed in an increasing direction is equal to or greater than a first ratio, or a condition that a change amount in a case where the reclining angle is changed in an increasing direction is equal to or greater than a first change amount.

(8) According to an example of the bicycle shift control device, the control unit sets the first shift condition by reducing at least the second threshold value on the basis of a condition that a change rate in a case where the reclining angle is changed in a decreasing direction is equal to or greater than a second rate, or a condition that a change amount in a case where the reclining angle is changed in a decreasing direction is equal to or greater than a second change amount.

(9) According to an example of the bicycle shift control device, when the inclination angle is equal to or greater than the first predetermined angle, the control unit sets the first shift condition based on a condition that the increased running distance of the bicycle is equal to or greater than a first running distance or a condition that the elapsed running time of the bicycle is equal to or greater than a first running time.

(10) According to an example of the bicycle shift control device, the control unit sets the first shift condition based on a parameter indicating a running state of the bicycle when the inclination angle changes from a value smaller than the first predetermined angle to a value equal to or larger than the first predetermined angle.

(11) According to an example of the bicycle shift control device, the first threshold value under the first shift condition is larger than a value of the parameter indicating the running state of the bicycle when the reclining angle is changed from a value smaller than the first predetermined angle to a value equal to or larger than the first predetermined angle, and the second threshold value under the first shift condition is larger than a value of the parameter indicating the running state of the bicycle when the reclining angle is changed from a value smaller than the first predetermined angle to a value equal to or larger than the first predetermined angle.

(12) According to an example of the bicycle shift control device, a difference between the value of the parameter indicating the running state of the bicycle when the reclining angle is changed from a value smaller than the first predetermined angle to a value equal to or greater than the first predetermined angle and the second threshold value under the first shift condition is smaller than a difference between the value of the parameter indicating the running state of the bicycle when the reclining angle is changed from a value smaller than the first predetermined angle to a value equal to or greater than the first predetermined angle and the first threshold value under the first shift condition.

(13) According to an example of the bicycle shift control device, the predetermined shift condition includes a second shift condition, and the control unit operates the transmission based on a parameter indicating a running state of the bicycle and the second shift condition when the reclining angle exceeds 0 degrees and is smaller than the first predetermined angle.

(14) According to an example of the bicycle shift control device, the predetermined shift condition includes a third shift condition, and the control unit operates the transmission based on a parameter indicating a running state of the bicycle and the third shift condition when the reclining angle is equal to or smaller than a second predetermined angle smaller than 0 degrees.

(15) In the aforementioned bicycle shift control device, the control unit sets the third shift condition by changing at least the first threshold value based on a condition that the reclining angle is equal to or smaller than the second predetermined angle and the reclining angle is changed.

(16) According to an example of the bicycle shift control device, the control unit sets the third shift condition by reducing at least the first threshold value on the basis of a condition that a change rate in a case where the reclining angle is changed in a decreasing direction is a third rate or more, or a condition that a change amount in a case where the reclining angle is changed in a decreasing direction is a third change amount or more.

(17) According to an example of the bicycle shift control device, the control unit sets the third shift condition by increasing at least the first threshold value on the basis of a condition that a change rate in a case where the reclining angle is changed in an increasing direction is equal to or greater than a fourth rate, or a condition that a change amount in a case where the reclining angle is changed in an increasing direction is equal to or greater than a fourth change amount.

(18) According to an example of the bicycle shift control device, when the inclination angle is equal to or smaller than the second predetermined angle, the control unit sets the third shift condition on the basis of a condition that the increased running distance of the bicycle is equal to or larger than a second running distance or a condition that the elapsed running time of the bicycle is equal to or larger than a second running time.

(19) According to an example of the bicycle shift control device, the control unit sets the third shift condition based on a parameter indicating a running state of the bicycle when the inclination angle changes from a value larger than the second predetermined angle to a value equal to or smaller than the second predetermined angle.

(20) According to an example of the bicycle shift control device, the first threshold value under the third shift condition is smaller than a value of the parameter indicating the running state of the bicycle when the reclining angle changes from a value larger than the second predetermined angle to a value equal to or smaller than the second predetermined angle, and the second threshold value under the third shift condition is smaller than a value of the parameter indicating the running state of the bicycle when the reclining angle changes from a value larger than the second predetermined angle to a value equal to or smaller than the second predetermined angle.

(21) According to an example of the bicycle shift control device, a difference between the value of the parameter indicating the running state of the bicycle and the second threshold value under the third shift condition when the reclining angle changes from a value larger than the second predetermined angle to a value equal to or smaller than the second predetermined angle is larger than a difference between the value of the parameter indicating the running state of the bicycle and the first threshold value under the third shift condition when the reclining angle changes from a value larger than the second predetermined angle to a value equal to or smaller than the second predetermined angle.

(22) According to an example of the bicycle shift control device, the predetermined shift condition includes a fourth shift condition, and the control unit operates the transmission based on a parameter indicating a running state of the bicycle and the fourth shift condition when the reclining angle is smaller than 0 degrees and larger than the second predetermined angle.

(23) According to one example of the bicycle shift control device, the predetermined shift condition includes a fifth shift condition, and the control unit operates the transmission based on the parameter indicating the running state of the bicycle and the fifth shift condition until a value of the parameter indicating the running state of the bicycle reaches a predetermined value when the bicycle starts running from a stopped state.

(24) According to an example of the bicycle shift control device, the threshold value in the fifth shift condition includes a third threshold value corresponding to a first gear ratio and a fourth threshold value corresponding to a second gear ratio larger than the first gear ratio and larger than the third threshold value.

(25) According to an example of the bicycle shift control device, the predetermined shift condition includes a sixth shift condition, the control unit operates the transmission when a signal for increasing the gear ratio of the bicycle is input from an operation unit, the sixth shift condition is set based on a parameter indicating a running state of the bicycle immediately after the transmission is operated, and the transmission is operated based on the parameter indicating the running state of the bicycle and the sixth shift condition.

(26) According to one example of the bicycle shift control device, the predetermined shift condition includes a seventh shift condition, the control unit operates the transmission when a signal for reducing the gear ratio of the bicycle is input from an operation unit, the seventh shift condition is set based on a parameter indicating a running state of the bicycle before the transmission is operated, and the transmission is operated based on the parameter indicating the running state of the bicycle and the seventh shift condition.

(27) According to an example of the bicycle shift control device, the control unit prohibits the transmission from being controlled according to the parameter indicating the running state of the bicycle and the predetermined shift condition until a predetermined period of time elapses after the acceleration generated in the bicycle exceeds a predetermined acceleration.

(28) According to an example of the bicycle shift control device, the predetermined period is set based on a magnitude of the acceleration.

(29) According to an example of the bicycle shift control device, the parameter indicating the running state of the bicycle includes at least one of a rotation speed of a crankshaft of the bicycle and a running speed of the bicycle.

(30) According to an example of the bicycle shift control device, the control unit calculates the rotation speed of the crankshaft of the bicycle based on an output of a sensor that detects the rotation speed of the crankshaft.

(31) According to an example of the bicycle shift control device, the control unit calculates the rotation speed of the crankshaft based on an output of a sensor that detects a speed of the bicycle.

(32) According to one example of the bicycle shift control device, the control unit calculates the reclining angle based on an output of a tilt sensor that detects a reclining angle of the bicycle.

(33) According to an example of the bicycle shift control device, the tilt angle of the bicycle is a tilt angle in a front-rear direction of the bicycle.

(34) According to an example of the bicycle shift control device, the tilt angle of the bicycle is a pitch angle of the bicycle.

ADVANTAGEOUS EFFECTS OF INVENTION

The invention provides a bicycle shift control device capable of performing shift control according to a running environment of a bicycle.

Drawings

Fig. 1 is a side view of a bicycle with a shift control device according to a first embodiment.

Fig. 2 is a front view of a transmission carried by the bicycle of fig. 1.

Fig. 3 is a block diagram of a shift control device mounted on the bicycle of fig. 1.

Fig. 4 is a flowchart of the processing for calculating the tilt angle by the control unit shown in fig. 3.

Fig. 5 is a flowchart of a first process of the gear shift process executed by the control portion of fig. 3.

Fig. 6 is a flowchart of a second process of the gear shift process executed by the control portion of fig. 3.

Fig. 7 is a flowchart of a third process of the gear shift process executed by the control portion of fig. 3.

Fig. 8 is a flowchart of a fourth process of the gear shift process executed by the control portion of fig. 3.

Fig. 9 is a flowchart of a fifth process of the gear shift process executed by the control portion of fig. 3.

Fig. 10 is a flowchart of a sixth process of the gear shift process executed by the control unit according to the second embodiment.

Fig. 11 is a flowchart of a seventh process of the gear shift process executed by the control unit according to the second embodiment.

Fig. 12 is a flowchart of an eighth process of the gear shift process executed by the control unit according to the second embodiment.

Fig. 13 is a flowchart of a modification of the fifth process of the gear shift process according to the first embodiment.

Fig. 14 is a flowchart of a modification of the first process of the gear shift process according to the first embodiment.

Fig. 15 is a block diagram of a shift control device according to a modification of the first embodiment.

Detailed Description

(first embodiment)

The structure of a bicycle equipped with a bicycle shift control device will be described with reference to fig. 1.

The bicycle 10 includes: front wheels 12, rear wheels 14, vehicle body 16, drive mechanism 18, operating portion 20, and shift control device 50.

The vehicle body 16 includes: a frame 24, a handlebar 26 connected to the frame 24, a seat post 28 connected to the frame 24, and a front fork 30 connected to the frame 24.

The frame 24 includes a base frame 32 that supports a crankshaft 44 of the drive mechanism 18. The vehicle body frame 24 includes: a lower tube 24A extending forward from the chassis 32; a rear lower fork 24B extending rearward from the bottom frame 32, and a seat tube 24C extending upward from the bottom frame 32. The frame 24 further includes: a rear upper fork 24D connecting a rear end of the rear lower fork 24B and an upper end of the seat tube 24C, an upper tube 24E extending forward from the upper end of the seat tube 24C, and a head tube 24F connecting a front end of the lower tube 24A and a front end of the upper tube 24E. A transmission suspension bracket 24G is provided at the rear end of the rear under fork 24B.

The handlebar 26 is detachably connected to the front fork 30 via a stem 26A. The seat post 28 is detachably connected to the seat tube 24C. The front fork 30 is supported by the head pipe 24F and is connected to the axle 12A of the front wheel 12.

The drive mechanism 18 includes: a crankshaft assembly 34, left and right foot pedals 36, a pedal shaft 38, a rear sprocket 40, and a chain 42.

The crankshaft assembly 34 includes: a crankshaft 44 rotatably supported by the base frame 32, left and right crank arms 46, and a front sprocket 48 connected to the crankshaft 44. Left and right crank arms 46 are mounted to crankshaft 44. The left and right foot pedals 36 are mounted to the crank arm 46 so as to be rotatable about the pedal shafts 38.

The front sprocket 48 is connected to the crankshaft 44 or the crank arm 46. The front sprocket 48 is disposed coaxially with the crankshaft 44. The front sprocket 48 is connected to the crankshaft 44 so as not to rotate relative thereto.

The rear sprocket 40 is attached to the rear wheel 14 so as to be rotatable about the axle 14A of the rear wheel 14. The rear sprocket 40 is connected to the rear wheel 14 via a one-way clutch. The chain 42 is wound around the front sprocket 48 and the rear sprocket 40. When the crankshaft 44 is rotated by a manual driving force applied to the foot board 36, the rear wheel 14 is rotated by the front sprocket 48, the chain 42, and the rear sprocket 40.

The operating portion 20 is mounted to a handlebar 26. The operating unit 20 is electrically connected to a control unit 54 (see fig. 3) of the shift control device 50 via a cable (not shown). When the operator operates the operation unit 20, the operation unit 20 transmits an upshift signal or a downshift signal to the control unit 54 (see fig. 3). The upshift is a shift in a direction in which the speed ratio γ increases, and the downshift is a shift in a direction in which the speed ratio γ decreases. The operation unit 20 and the control unit 54 (see fig. 3) may be connected to each other by wireless communication so as to be able to communicate with each other.

The shift control device 50 includes: the control unit 54 (see fig. 3). The shift control device 50 preferably includes: a transmission 52 and a vehicle speed detector 56.

As shown in fig. 3, the transmission 52 includes a transmission 58 that changes a transmission ratio γ of the bicycle 10. The tilt sensor 60 is provided on the body 16 and outputs a signal reflecting the posture of the bicycle 10.

As shown in fig. 2, the transmission 58 is a speed change gear transmission. The transmission 58 moves the chain between a plurality of rear sprockets 40 that can achieve different gear ratios γ. The transmission 58 has a gear stage corresponding to each rear sprocket 40. The transmission 58 is mounted to a transmission suspension bracket 24G of the frame 24 near the axle of the rear wheel 14. The transmission 58 includes: a base member 62 mounted to the frame 24 of the bicycle 10, a movable member 64 movable relative to the base member 62, a coupling member 66 coupling the base member 62 and the movable member 64, and an actuator 68. The actuator 68 is, for example, an electric motor. The actuator 68, the control unit 54, and the tilt sensor 60 are electrically connected to a battery, not shown, and power is supplied from the battery. The battery may be provided in the transmission 58, or may be provided outside the transmission 58 such as the vehicle body frame 24.

The base member 62 can be attached to the vehicle body frame 24 via a bracket 62A, a bolt, and the like. The bracket 62A is fixed to the transmission suspension bracket 24G. The coupling member 66 couples the base member 62 and the movable member 64 such that the movable member 64 is movable relative to the base member 62. The movable member 64 supports the chain guide 65. The chain guide 65 includes a pair of pulleys 64A. The chain 42 is wound around the pair of pulleys 64A.

The actuator 68 operates the transmission 58 to change the transmission ratio γ. Specifically, the actuator 68 moves the coupling member 66 and the movable member 64 relative to the base member 62. The transmission 58 changes the transmission gear ratio γ by changing the winding of the chain 42 between the plurality of rear sprockets 40 by driving the actuator 68.

As shown in fig. 3, the tilt sensor 60 includes a sensor unit 70. The tilt sensor 60 is provided in the vehicle body frame 24 (see fig. 1). The inclination sensor 60 may be provided inside the vehicle body frame 24 (see fig. 1) or may be provided on the outer surface of the vehicle body frame 24 (see fig. 1). The tilt sensor 60 is electrically connected to the control unit 54 by a cable.

The sensor unit 70 includes a three-axis gyro sensor 72 and a three-axis acceleration sensor 74. That is, the tilt sensor 60 includes a gyro sensor 72 and an acceleration sensor 74. The output of the tilt sensor 60 includes information of the posture angle and the acceleration of each of the three axes. The attitude angles of the three axes are a pitch angle θ a, a roll angle θ B, and a yaw angle θ C. Preferably, the three axes of the gyro sensor 72 and the three axes of the acceleration sensor 74 coincide. The sensor unit 70 is preferably attached to the vehicle body frame 24 such that the lateral direction of the vehicle body 16 (see fig. 1) substantially coincides with the axial extending direction of the pitch angle θ a.

The vehicle speed detection device 56 shown in fig. 1 detects rotation of the front wheels 12. The vehicle speed detection device 56 includes a magnet 76 attached to the spoke 12B of the front wheel 12 and a vehicle speed sensor 78 attached to the front fork 30. The magnet 76 may be attached to the spoke 14B of the rear wheel 14. In this case, the vehicle speed detection device 56 is mounted to the rear under fork 24B. The vehicle speed detection device 56 is fixed to the vehicle body 16 by bolts and nuts, or a binding band or the like. In the following description, the vehicle speed detector 56 is configured to detect the rotation of the front wheel 12, but in the case where the vehicle speed detector 56 detects the rotation of the rear wheel 14, the front wheel 12 may be replaced with the rear wheel 14, and therefore, the description thereof will be omitted.

The vehicle speed sensor 78 is electrically connected to the control unit 54 (see fig. 3) via a cable (not shown). The vehicle speed sensor 78 includes an element (not shown) that outputs a value corresponding to a change in the relative position with respect to the magnet 76. The element can be realized by a magnetic reed or a hall element or the like constituting a reed switch. The vehicle speed sensor 78 outputs an output of an element (not shown) to the control unit 54 shown in fig. 3. The control unit 54 calculates a travel distance per unit time (hereinafter referred to as "vehicle speed V") based on the output of the element and the circumferential length of the front wheel 12 (see fig. 1) stored in advance. That is, the vehicle speed sensor 78 outputs a signal reflecting the vehicle speed V of the bicycle 10.

The shift control device 50 also includes a crankshaft rotation detecting device 84. The crankshaft rotation detection device 84 includes: the crank arm 46 shown in fig. 1, a magnet (not shown) attached to the front sprocket 48 or the crankshaft 44, and a rotation detection sensor 86 (see fig. 3) attached to the frame 24. The rotation detection sensor 86 shown in fig. 3 is electrically connected to the control unit 54 via a cable. The rotation detection sensor 86 includes an element (not shown) that outputs a value corresponding to a change in the relative position of the crank arm 46. The element can be realized by a magnetic reed or a hall element or the like constituting a reed switch.

The control unit 54 shown in fig. 3 is provided in the transmission 58. The control portion 54 is preferably provided on the base member 62 (see fig. 2). The control unit 54 may be provided inside the base member 62 (see fig. 2) or may be provided on the outer surface of the base member 62 (see fig. 2). The control unit 54 includes a calculation unit 80 and a storage unit 82 that perform various calculations. The control unit 54 calculates the rotation speed of the crankshaft 44 per unit time (hereinafter referred to as "crankshaft rotation speed N") based on the output of the rotation detection sensor 86. The crankshaft speed N is a parameter indicative of the running state of the bicycle 10. Further, the control unit 54 may calculate the crankshaft rotation speed N based on the output of the vehicle speed sensor 78. In this case, the control portion 54 may calculate the crankshaft rotation speed N from the vehicle speed V and the gear ratio γ. If a stage number detection sensor for detecting a gear position is provided in the transmission 58 and the gear ratio γ corresponding to the gear position is stored in the storage unit 82 of the control unit 54, the control unit 54 can calculate the crankshaft rotation speed N based on the detection result from the stage number detection sensor. The control unit 54 may calculate the crankshaft rotation speed N based on the output of the vehicle speed sensor 78 and calculate the crankshaft rotation speed N based on the output of the rotation detection sensor 86. In particular, during coasting, the vehicle speed V is greater than "0", but the crankshaft rotation speed N detected by the rotation detection sensor 86 is "0", and therefore the crankshaft rotation speed N is preferably calculated based on the vehicle speed V. That is, the control unit 54 may use the crankshaft rotation speed N calculated based on the vehicle speed V only when the actual crankshaft rotation speed N detected by the rotation detection sensor 86 is smaller than the crankshaft rotation speed N calculated based on the vehicle speed V.

The control unit 54 calculates the inclination angle θ of the bicycle 10 based on the outputs of the inclination sensor 60 and the vehicle speed sensor 78. The inclination angle θ is an inclination angle of the bicycle 10 in the front-rear direction about an axis extending in the left-right direction of the vehicle body 16 (see fig. 1). That is, the tilt angle θ is the pitch angle θ A of the bicycle 10. The inclination angle θ is set to "0 degrees" when the vehicle body 16 is disposed at a horizontal point. Thus, the inclination angle θ is related to the inclination of the running surface of the bicycle 10.

The calculation process of the inclination angle θ will be described with reference to fig. 4.

In step S11, the control unit 54 calculates a pitch angle θ a, a roll angle θ B, and a yaw angle θ C from the output of the gyro sensor 72. In step S12, the control unit 54 calculates a first acceleration vector in the front-rear direction of the vehicle body 16 (see fig. 1) by the acceleration sensor 74. In step S13, the control unit 54 calculates a second acceleration vector from the output of the vehicle speed sensor 78.

In step S14, the control unit 54 corrects the pitch angle θ a, the roll angle θ B, and the yaw angle θ C based on the first acceleration vector and the second acceleration vector, and reduces errors included in the pitch angle θ a, the roll angle θ B, and the yaw angle θ C. Specifically, the control unit 54 calculates each correction angle of the pitch angle θ a, the roll angle θ B, and the yaw angle θ C based on the difference between the first acceleration vector and the second acceleration vector. The control unit 54 adds the correction angle to the pitch angle θ a, the roll angle θ B, and the yaw angle θ C.

In step S15, the control unit 54 calculates the reclining angle θ based on the pitch angle θ a, the roll angle θ B, and the yaw angle θ C corrected in step S14 and the initial value of the reclining angle of the bicycle 10. When the sensor unit 70 is attached to the transmission 58 so that the lateral direction of the vehicle body 16 (see fig. 1) and the axial extending direction of the pitch angle θ a substantially coincide with each other, the tilt angle θ can be calculated based on the pitch angle θ a, the roll angle θ B, and the initial value of the tilt angle of the bicycle 10. When the sensor unit 70 is attached to the transmission 58 such that the lateral direction of the vehicle body 16 (see fig. 1) and the direction in which the axis of the pitch angle θ a extends substantially coincide with each other, and the longitudinal direction of the vehicle body 16 (see fig. 1) and the axis of the roll angle θ B substantially coincide with each other, the tilt angle θ can be calculated based on the pitch angle θ a and the initial value of the tilt angle of the bicycle 10.

The control unit 54 operates the transmission 58 based on the crankshaft rotation speed N and a predetermined shift condition. The control portion 54 sets a predetermined shift condition based on the crankshaft rotation speed N and the inclination angle θ.

The predetermined shift conditions include a first shift condition, a second shift condition, a fifth shift condition, a sixth shift condition, and a seventh shift condition. The predetermined shift condition includes a threshold value related to the crankshaft rotation speed N. The control unit 54 operates the transmission 58 based on the comparison result between the crankshaft rotation speed N and the threshold value. The control unit 54 sets a predetermined shift condition by changing the threshold value. The threshold values include a first threshold value NX and a second threshold value NY.

The control unit 54 sets the first speed change condition by changing the first threshold value NX and the second threshold value NY based on the crankshaft rotation speed N when the inclination angle θ changes from a value smaller than the first predetermined angle θ X to a value equal to or larger than the first predetermined angle θ X. When the inclination angle θ is equal to or greater than the first predetermined angle θ X, the control unit 54 operates the transmission 58 based on the crankshaft rotation speed N and the first shift condition. Specifically, when the inclination angle θ is equal to or greater than the first predetermined angle θ X, the control unit 54 operates the transmission 58 based on the result of comparison between the crankshaft rotation speed N and the first threshold value NX and the second threshold value NY included in the first shift condition.

When the inclination angle θ is greater than 0 degrees and smaller than the first predetermined angle θ X, the control unit 54 changes the first threshold value NX and the second threshold value NY to the first threshold value NX and the second threshold value NY for traveling, thereby setting the second shift condition. When the inclination angle θ is larger than 0 degrees and smaller than the first predetermined angle θ X, the control portion 54 operates the transmission 58 based on the second shift condition. Specifically, when the inclination angle θ is greater than 0 degrees and smaller than the first predetermined angle θ X, the control unit 54 operates the transmission 58 based on the result of comparison between the crankshaft rotation speed N and the first threshold value NX and the second threshold value NY for running included in the second shift condition. The first threshold value NX and the second threshold value NY for traveling can be changed based on the upshift signal and the downshift signal. The storage unit 82 stores a basic value of the first threshold value NX for running and a basic value of the second threshold value NY. The basic value of the first threshold value NX for running is, for example, 75 rpm. The basic value of the second threshold value NY for running is, for example, 60 rpm. The difference between the first threshold NX and the second threshold NY for running is preferably 15 to 20 rpm.

The control unit 54 sets a fifth shifting condition by changing the first threshold value NX and the second threshold value NY to the first threshold value NX and the second threshold value NY for starting when the bicycle 10 starts to run from the stopped state.

When the bicycle 10 starts running from a stopped state, the control unit 54 operates the transmission 58 based on the crankshaft rotation speed N and the fifth shift condition until the speed ratio γ becomes equal to or higher than the predetermined speed ratio γ X. Specifically, when the bicycle 10 starts to travel from a stopped state, the transmission 58 is operated based on the result of comparison between the crankshaft rotation speed N and the first threshold value NX and the second threshold value NY for starting included in the fifth shift condition.

The first threshold value NX for starting, that is, the first threshold value NX in the fifth shift condition includes an upper limit threshold value NX1 corresponding to the first speed ratio γ a and an upper limit threshold value NX2 corresponding to the second speed ratio γ B in which the speed ratio γ is larger than the first speed ratio γ a. The second threshold value NY for starting, that is, the second threshold value NY in the fifth shift condition includes a lower limit threshold value NY1 corresponding to the first speed ratio γ a and a lower limit threshold value NY2 corresponding to the second speed ratio γ B. The upper threshold NX1 and the lower threshold NY1 are third thresholds in the fifth shifting condition. The upper threshold NX2 and the lower threshold NY2 are fourth thresholds in the fifth shifting condition. That is, the threshold values in the fifth shift condition include the third threshold value and the fourth threshold value.

The upper limit threshold NX1 is smaller than the upper limit threshold NX2 in a range from the speed ratio γ corresponding to the minimum shift stage number to the speed ratio γ corresponding to the first predetermined shift stage number. The lower threshold NY1 is smaller than the lower threshold NY2 in the range from the speed ratio γ corresponding to the smallest speed change step number to the speed ratio γ corresponding to the second predetermined speed change step number. The first predetermined number of shift stages is, for example, 4 stages. The second predetermined number of shift stages is, for example, 5 stages.

The storage unit 82 stores a table indicating the relationship between the shift stage number and the first threshold value NX for start and the second threshold value NY for start. Table 1 shows an example of a table showing the relationship between the shift speed number, the first threshold value NX for start and the second threshold value NY for start in the transmission 58 in which the shift speed number is 8.

[ TABLE 1 ]

When the inclination angle θ is equal to or larger than the first predetermined angle θ X and when an upshift signal for increasing the speed ratio γ is input from the operating unit 20, the control unit 54 operates the transmission 58, and sets a sixth shift condition by changing the first threshold value NX and the second threshold value NY based on the crankshaft rotation speed N immediately after the transmission 58 is operated. When the sixth shift condition is set, the control unit 54 operates the transmission 58 based on the crankshaft rotation speed N and the sixth shift condition.

When the inclination angle θ is equal to or larger than the first predetermined angle θ X and when a downshift signal for reducing the speed ratio γ is input from the operating unit 20, the control unit 54 operates the transmission 58, and sets a seventh shift condition by changing the first threshold value NX and the second threshold value NY based on the crankshaft rotation speed N before operating the transmission 58. When the seventh shift condition is set, the control unit 54 operates the transmission 58 based on the crankshaft rotation speed N and the seventh shift condition.

The shift process executed by the control portion 54 is described with reference to fig. 5 to 9. The shift process is started when the power supply to the control unit 54 is turned on by an operation of an operation button or the like, not shown, and the process is started from step S21 every time the power supply is turned on. The shifting process shown in fig. 5 to 9 may be started when the manual shift mode is switched to the automatic shift mode by the changeover switch. When the automatic shift mode is set, the control unit 54 executes the processing of fig. 5 to 9. That is, the control unit 54 can automatically control the transmission 58. When the manual shift mode is set, the control portion 54 controls the transmission 58 based only on the operation signal from the operation portion 20. That is, in the manual shift mode, the control portion 54 controls the transmission 58 based on only the operation of the rider.

The shift process includes a first process, a second process, a third process, and a fourth process.

A first process executed immediately after the power supply is turned on will be described with reference to fig. 5.

In step S21, control unit 54 sets the zero start flag, and the process proceeds to step S22. When the zero start flag is set, the control unit 54 performs shift control using the first threshold value NX and the second threshold value NY for start. On the other hand, when the zero start flag is not set, the control unit 54 performs the shift control using the first threshold value NX and the second threshold value NY for start. A zero start flag is set when the power is turned on and the vehicle speed V is 0. The fifth shift condition is set by setting the zero activation flag to change the first threshold value NX and the second threshold value NY to the first threshold value NX and the second threshold value NY for activation.

The control unit 54 determines in step S22 whether or not the zero start flag is set. When the zero start flag is not set, the control unit 54 proceeds to step S25. When the zero start flag has been set in step S22, the control portion 54 determines in step S23 whether the current speed ratio γ is the predetermined speed ratio γ X or less. When the current speed ratio γ is larger than the predetermined speed ratio γ X, the control unit 54 clears the zero start flag in step S24, and the process proceeds to step S25. When the current speed ratio γ is equal to or less than the predetermined speed ratio γ X, the control unit 54 proceeds to step S25 without clearing the zero start flag. The predetermined speed ratio γ X can be set to a speed ratio γ corresponding to 4 steps, for example, when the shift stage number of the transmission 58 is 11 steps.

The control unit 54 determines in step S25 whether the acceleration GA is smaller than the predetermined acceleration GX. The acceleration G is preferably an acceleration in the front-rear direction of the bicycle 10, and is calculated based on the output of the acceleration sensor 74 or the vehicle speed sensor 78. When the acceleration GA is equal to or greater than the predetermined acceleration GX, the control unit 54 repeats the determination process of step S26 without proceeding to the next step S27 until the predetermined period TA elapses in step S26. When the acceleration GA is smaller than the predetermined acceleration GX and when the predetermined period TA has elapsed since the acceleration GA was determined to be equal to or greater than the predetermined acceleration GX, the control unit 54 proceeds to step S27. That is, the control unit 54 prohibits the control of the transmission 58 according to the crankshaft rotation speed N and the predetermined shift condition from when the acceleration GA generated by the bicycle 10 exceeds the predetermined acceleration GX until the predetermined period TA elapses. The predetermined period TA is set based on the magnitude of the acceleration GA. Specifically, the larger the acceleration GA, the longer the predetermined period TA. The storage unit 82 stores a table, a map, or a calculation formula indicating the relationship between the acceleration GA and the predetermined period TA.

In step S27, control unit 54 determines whether or not vehicle speed V is "0". When the vehicle speed V is "0", the control unit 54 starts the process again from step S21. When the vehicle speed V is greater than "0", the control unit 54 determines in step S28 whether the inclination angle θ is equal to or greater than a first predetermined angle θ X that is greater than 0 degrees. As the first predetermined angle θ X, an angle corresponding to 2% to 10% of the road inclination of the uphill is preferably selected. The first predetermined angle θ X is, for example, 1.1 degrees, corresponding to 2% of the road inclination of an uphill slope. The controller 54 proceeds to step S29 (see fig. 6) when the inclination angle θ is smaller than the first predetermined angle θ X larger than 0 degrees, and proceeds to step S41 (see fig. 8) when the inclination angle θ is equal to or larger than the first predetermined angle θ X larger than 0 degrees.

A second process when the operation unit 20 is operated during level or downhill running will be described with reference to fig. 6.

In step S29, the control unit 54 determines whether or not an upshift signal is input from the operation unit 20. For example, when the up shift signal is input after the determination of whether or not the up shift signal is input is performed last time, it is determined that the up shift signal is input.

When the upshift signal is input, the control unit 54 performs upshift control of the transmission 58 in step S30 to change the first threshold value NX and the second threshold value NY for traveling to values larger than the current values. It is preferable that the amount of change in the first threshold value NX and the amount of change in the second threshold value NY are equal. The amount of change in the first threshold NX and the amount of change in the second threshold NY are, for example, 3 rpm. After the process at step S30, the control unit 54 proceeds to step S33. The upshift control is control for operating the transmission 58 in a direction in which the gear ratio γ increases.

When the upshift signal is not input in step S29, the control unit 54 determines in step S31 whether the downshift signal is input from the operation unit 20. For example, when the down shift signal is input after the determination of whether or not the down shift signal is input is performed last time, it is determined that the down shift signal is input.

When the down shift signal is input, the control unit 54 performs the down shift control of the transmission 58 in step S32 to change the first threshold value NX and the second threshold value NY for traveling to values smaller than the current values. It is preferable that the amount of change in the first threshold value NX and the amount of change in the second threshold value NY are equal. The amount of change in the first threshold NX and the amount of change in the second threshold NY are, for example, 3 rpm. After the process at step S32, the control unit 54 proceeds to step S33. The downshift control is control for operating the transmission 58 in a direction in which the gear ratio γ decreases.

In step S33, the control unit 54 determines whether the crankshaft rotation speed N is greater than the first threshold value NX. When the crankshaft rotation speed N is greater than the first threshold value NX, the first threshold value NX and the second threshold value NY are changed to values greater than the current values in step S34, and the process is repeated again from step S22 (see fig. 5). The amount of change in the first threshold NX and the amount of change in the second threshold NY in step S33 is, for example, 3 rpm.

When the crankshaft rotation speed N is equal to or less than the first threshold value NX, the control unit 54 determines whether the crankshaft rotation speed N is less than a second threshold value NY in step S35. When the crankshaft rotation speed N is less than the second threshold value NY, the first threshold value NX and the second threshold value NY are changed to values smaller than the current values in step S36, and the process is repeated again from step S22 (see fig. 5). The amount of change in the first threshold value NX and the amount of change in the second threshold value NY in step S35 are, for example, 3 rpm.

When the crankshaft rotation speed N is equal to or higher than the second threshold value NY in step S35, that is, when the crankshaft rotation speed N is within a range smaller than the first threshold value NX and larger than the second threshold value NY, the control unit 54 repeats the process from step S22 (see fig. 5) again without changing the first threshold value NX and the second threshold value NY.

When the down shift signal is not input in step S31, that is, when neither the up shift signal nor the down shift signal is input from operation unit 20, control unit 54 proceeds to step S37 (see fig. 7).

Referring to fig. 7, a third process for maintaining the crankshaft rotation speed N during flat road or downhill running will be described.

When the zero start flag is set, the first threshold value NX and the second threshold value NY for starting are set as the first threshold value NX and the second threshold value NY. Therefore, the third process is performed based on the fifth shift condition. When the zero start flag is not set, the first threshold NX and the second threshold NY for traveling are set as the first threshold NX and the second threshold NY. Therefore, the third process is performed based on the second shift condition.

In step S37, the control unit 54 determines whether the crankshaft rotation speed N is equal to or greater than the first threshold NX. When the crankshaft rotation speed N is equal to or higher than the first threshold NX, the control unit 54 executes the upshift control in step S38, shifts to step S22 (see fig. 1), and executes the process from step S22 again.

When the crankshaft rotation speed N is less than the first threshold value NX, the control unit 54 determines in step S39 whether the crankshaft rotation speed N is equal to or less than a second threshold value NY. When the crankshaft rotation speed N is equal to or less than the second threshold NY, the controller 54 executes the shift-down control in step S40, moves to step S22 (see fig. 1), and executes the process from step S22 again.

When the crankshaft rotation speed N is greater than the second threshold value NY in step S39, that is, when the crankshaft rotation speed N is within a range that is smaller than the first threshold value NX and greater than the second threshold value NY, the control unit 54 shifts to step S22 (see fig. 1) without performing the upshift control and the downshift control, and executes the process from step S22 again.

A fourth process when the operation unit 20 is operated during uphill running will be described with reference to fig. 8.

In step S41, control unit 54 determines whether or not vehicle speed V is "0". When vehicle speed V is "0", control unit 54 starts the process again at step S21 (see fig. 1). When the vehicle speed V is greater than "0", the control portion 54 determines in step S42 whether the inclination angle θ is smaller than the first predetermined angle θ X. The controller 54 proceeds to step S22 (see fig. 5) when the inclination angle θ is smaller than the first predetermined angle θ X, and proceeds to step S43 when the inclination angle θ is equal to or larger than the first predetermined angle θ X.

In step S43, the control unit 54 determines whether or not an upshift signal is input from the operation unit 20. For example, when the up shift signal is input after the determination of whether or not the up shift signal is input is performed last time, it is determined that the up shift signal is input.

When the upshift signal is input, the control unit 54 performs the upshift control of the transmission 58 in step S44, and changes the second threshold value NY based on the crankshaft rotation speed N before the upshift control is performed, that is, before the gear shift is changed. Specifically, the control unit 54 changes the rotation speed obtained by subtracting a first predetermined value from the crankshaft rotation speed N before the upshift control is executed, to the second threshold NY. Thereby setting the sixth shift condition. The first predetermined number is, for example, 3 rpm. After the process of step S44, the control unit 54 sets the first threshold NX in step S47.

When the upshift signal is not input in step S43, the control unit 54 determines in step S45 whether the downshift signal is input from the operation unit 20. For example, when the down shift signal is input after the determination of whether or not the down shift signal is input is performed last time, it is determined that the down shift signal is input.

When the down shift signal is input, the control unit 54 performs the down shift control of the transmission 58 in step S46, and changes the second threshold value NY based on the crankshaft rotation speed N before the down shift control is executed, that is, before the gear shift is performed. Specifically, the control portion 54 changes the crank rotation speed N before the shift-down control is executed to the second threshold NY. Thereby setting the seventh shift condition. After the process of step S46, the control unit 54 sets the first threshold NX in step S47.

In step S47, the control unit 54 changes the first threshold NX based on the second threshold NY. Specifically, the control unit 54 changes the rotation speed obtained by adding the second predetermined value to the second threshold NY set in step S44 or step S46 to the first threshold NX. The second predetermined number is for example 20 rpm. After the first threshold NX is changed in step S47, the control unit 54 proceeds to step S41, and executes the process again from step S41.

When the down shift signal is not input in step S45, that is, when neither the up shift signal nor the down shift signal is input from operation unit 20, control unit 54 proceeds to step S48 (see fig. 9).

A fifth process for maintaining the crankshaft rotation speed N mainly during uphill travel will be described with reference to fig. 9.

When neither the upshift signal nor the downshift signal is input when the inclination angle θ changes from a value smaller than the first predetermined angle θ X to a value equal to or larger than the first predetermined angle θ X, the first threshold value NX and the second threshold value NY are changed based on the crankshaft rotation speed N when the inclination angle θ changes from a value smaller than the first predetermined angle θ X to a value equal to or larger than the first predetermined angle θ X. Therefore, the fifth process is performed based on the first shift condition.

When an upshift signal is input when the inclination angle θ changes from a value smaller than the first predetermined angle θ X to a value equal to or larger than the first predetermined angle θ X and when not a downshift signal but an upshift signal is input last, the first threshold value NX and the second threshold value NY are changed based on the upshift signal. Therefore, the fifth process is performed based on the sixth shift condition.

When a down shift signal is input after the inclination angle θ changes from a value smaller than the first predetermined angle θ X to a value equal to or larger than the first predetermined angle θ X and when a down shift signal is input last instead of the up shift signal, the first threshold value NX and the second threshold value NY are changed based on the down shift signal. Therefore, the fifth process is performed based on the seventh shift condition.

The control unit 54 changes the second threshold value NY based on the crankshaft rotation speed N when the inclination angle θ is changed from a value smaller than the first predetermined angle θ X to a value equal to or larger than the first predetermined angle θ X in step S48. Specifically, the control unit 54 changes the value obtained by subtracting the third predetermined value from the crank rotation speed N when the inclination angle θ is changed from the value smaller than the first predetermined angle θ X to the value equal to or larger than the first predetermined angle θ X to the second threshold NY. Thereby setting the first shift condition. In addition, the third predetermined value is, for example, 3 rpm. Therefore, the second threshold value NY in the first shift condition is smaller than the crankshaft rotation speed N at which the inclination angle θ becomes the first predetermined angle θ X or more.

In step S49, the control unit 54 changes the first threshold NX based on the second threshold NY. Specifically, the control unit 54 changes the rotation speed obtained by adding the fourth predetermined value to the second threshold NY set in step S48 to the first threshold NX. Thereby setting the first shift condition. The fourth predetermined number is for example 20 rpm. Therefore, the first threshold value NX in the first shift condition is larger than the crankshaft rotation speed N at which the inclination angle θ changes from a value smaller than the first predetermined angle θ X to a value equal to or larger than the first predetermined angle θ X. The difference between the crankshaft rotation speed N when the inclination angle θ becomes a value equal to or greater than the first predetermined angle θ X from a value smaller than the first predetermined angle θ X and the second threshold value NY in the first shift condition is smaller than the difference between the crankshaft rotation speed N when the inclination angle θ becomes a value equal to or greater than the first predetermined angle θ X from a value smaller than the first predetermined angle θ X and the first threshold value NX in the first shift condition.

Next, the control unit 54 determines whether or not the crankshaft rotation speed N is equal to or greater than the first threshold NX in step S50. When the crankshaft rotation speed N is equal to or higher than the first threshold NX, the control unit 54 executes the upshift control in step S51, shifts to step S41 (see fig. 8), and executes the process from step S41 again. That is, when the crankshaft rotation speed N exceeds the first threshold value NX, the control unit 54 controls the transmission 58 so as to increase the gear ratio γ.

When the crankshaft rotation speed N is less than the first threshold value NX, the control unit 54 determines in step S52 whether the crankshaft rotation speed N is equal to or less than a second threshold value NY. When the crankshaft rotation speed N is equal to or less than the second threshold NY, the controller 54 executes the shift-down control in step S53, moves to step S41 (see fig. 8), and executes the process from step S41 again. That is, when the crankshaft rotation speed N becomes the second threshold value NY or less, the control portion 54 controls the transmission 58 so as to decrease the gear ratio γ.

As described above, when the crankshaft rotation speed N becomes equal to or higher than the first threshold value NX or becomes equal to or lower than the second threshold value NY, the control portion 54 operates the transmission 58. On the other hand, when the crankshaft rotation speed N is greater than the second threshold value NY in step S52, that is, when the crankshaft rotation speed N is within the range that is smaller than the first threshold value NX and greater than the second threshold value NY, the control unit 54 shifts to step S41 (see fig. 8) without performing the upshift control and the downshift control, and executes the process from step S41 again.

The operation and effect of the control unit 54 will be described.

(1) The control portion 54 sets a predetermined shift condition based on the crankshaft rotation speed N and the inclination angle θ. Therefore, the shift control according to the running environment of the bicycle 10 can be performed.

(2) The control unit 54 sets the first shift condition by changing the first threshold value NX and the second threshold value NY based on the crankshaft rotation speed N when the inclination angle θ changes from a value smaller than the first predetermined angle θ X to a value equal to or larger than the first predetermined angle θ X. The crankshaft rotation speed N at which the inclination angle θ changes from a value smaller than the first predetermined angle θ X to a value equal to or larger than the first predetermined angle θ X is included in the range of the first threshold value NX and the second threshold value NY after the change. Therefore, when the inclination angle θ changes from a value smaller than the first predetermined angle θ X to a value equal to or larger than the first predetermined angle θ X, the control unit 54 controls the transmission 58 so as to maintain the vicinity of the crankshaft rotation speed N before the inclination angle becomes equal to or larger than the first predetermined angle θ X. Therefore, when the inclination angle θ changes from a value smaller than the first predetermined angle θ X to a value equal to or larger than the first predetermined angle θ X, the crank rotation speed N is less likely to change, and therefore an increase in the manual driving force can be suppressed.

(3) The difference between the crankshaft rotation speed N when the inclination angle θ changes from a value smaller than the first predetermined angle θ X to a value equal to or larger than the first predetermined angle θ X and the second threshold value NY in the first speed change condition is smaller than the difference between the crankshaft rotation speed N when the inclination angle θ changes from a value smaller than the first predetermined angle θ X to a value equal to or larger than the first predetermined angle θ X and the first threshold value NX in the first speed change condition. That is, the change of the gear ratio γ is easier when the crankshaft rotation speed N decreases than when the crankshaft rotation speed N increases. Therefore, when the crankshaft rotation speed N is reduced when the inclination angle θ is equal to or greater than the first predetermined angle θ X, the transmission 58 is easily operated in a direction in which the speed ratio γ is reduced. Therefore, it is possible to suppress continuation of a state in which the load on the rider is large due to the reduction of the speed ratio γ when the crankshaft rotation speed N is reduced due to a large load on the rider during uphill running.

(4) When the inclination angle θ is greater than 0 degrees and smaller than the first predetermined angle θ X, the control portion 54 operates the transmission 58 based on the crankshaft rotation speed N and the second shift condition. Therefore, when the lean angle θ is greater than 0 degrees and smaller than the first predetermined angle θ X, the crankshaft rotation speed N is maintained in a predetermined range from the first threshold value NX for running to the second threshold value NY.

(5) In a situation where the acceleration GA increases when the vehicle goes over a step on the road surface, the crankshaft rotation speed N may change. The control unit 54 prohibits the control of the transmission 58 based on the crankshaft rotation speed N and the predetermined shift condition until the predetermined period TA elapses from when the acceleration GA exceeds the predetermined acceleration GX. Therefore, the transmission 58 can be suppressed from being operated by a variation in the crankshaft rotation speed N due to the step crossing or the like.

(6) When the step of the road surface is large, the acceleration GA becomes large. Further, the time for which the crankshaft rotation speed N varies due to the step-over or the like tends to be long. The predetermined period TA is set based on the magnitude of the acceleration GA, and therefore, it is possible to suppress the transmission 58 from being operated due to a change in the output of the inclination sensor 60 caused by the step crossing or the like.

(7) In the virtual shift control device in which the second threshold value NY for starting and the second threshold value NY for running are the same, the situation in which the crankshaft rotation speed N is lower than the second threshold value NY is likely to occur when the bicycle 10 starts running, and there is a risk that the control unit 54 excessively executes the upshift control.

When the bicycle 10 starts running from a stopped state, the control unit 54 operates the transmission 58 based on the crankshaft rotation speed N and the fifth shift condition until the speed ratio γ becomes equal to or higher than the predetermined speed ratio γ a. In the fifth shift condition, the lower limit threshold NY1 corresponding to the first speed ratio γ a is smaller than the lower limit threshold NY2 corresponding to the second speed ratio γ B. Therefore, the upward shift control can be suppressed from being excessively executed when the bicycle 10 starts running.

In the virtual shift control device in which the second threshold value NY for starting is smaller than the second threshold value NY for running and the first threshold value NX for starting is the same as the first threshold value NX for running, the crank rotation speed N is likely to be lower than the first threshold value NX when the bicycle 10 starts running, and the control unit 54 is unlikely to execute the upshift control. Therefore, by continuing the state where the gear ratio γ is small, there is a possibility that a state where the running resistance of the road surface is excessively low with respect to the torque transmitted from the rear wheels 14 to the road surface is formed at the start of running.

In the fifth shift condition, the upper limit threshold NX1 corresponding to the first speed ratio γ a is smaller than the upper limit threshold NX2 corresponding to the second speed ratio γ B. Therefore, the torque can be appropriately transmitted from the front wheels 12 and the rear wheels 14 to the road surface.

(8) In the case where the upshift control is performed, it is conceivable that the crankshaft rotation speed N is decreased. When the upshift signal is input from the operation unit 20, the control unit 54 changes the value smaller than the crankshaft rotation speed N immediately after the transmission 58 is operated to the second threshold NY, thereby setting a sixth shift condition. Therefore, by making the crankshaft rotation speed N lower than the second threshold value NY after the upshift control is performed based on the upshift signal, the execution of the downshift control can be suppressed.

(9) In the case of performing the shift-down control, it is conceivable that the crankshaft rotation speed N increases. When a downshift signal is input from the operating unit 20, the control unit 54 changes the value of the crankshaft rotation speed N before the transmission 58 is operated to the second threshold NY and changes the first threshold NX to a value larger than the second threshold NY, thereby setting a seventh shift condition. Therefore, by making the crankshaft rotation speed N higher than the first threshold value NX after the downshift control is performed based on the downshift signal, the execution of the upshift control can be suppressed.

(second embodiment)

The control unit 54 of the second embodiment sets a predetermined shift condition based on the crankshaft rotation speed N and the inclination angle θ. The predetermined shift conditions include a first shift condition, a second shift condition, a third shift condition, and a fourth shift condition. The predetermined shift condition includes a threshold value related to the crankshaft rotation speed N. The control unit 54 operates the transmission 58 based on the comparison result between the crankshaft rotation speed N and the threshold value. The control unit 54 sets a predetermined shift condition by changing the threshold value. The threshold values include a first threshold value NX and a second threshold value NY.

The control unit 54 sets the first shift condition by changing at least the second threshold NY based on the condition that the inclination angle θ is equal to or larger than the first predetermined angle θ X and the inclination angle θ changes. Specifically, the control unit 54 sets the first shift condition by increasing at least the second threshold NY based on the condition that the change ratio when the inclination angle θ is changed in the increasing direction is equal to or higher than the first ratio. Alternatively, the control unit 54 sets the first shift condition by increasing at least the second threshold NY based on the condition that the amount of change when the inclination angle θ is changed in the increasing direction is equal to or larger than the first amount of change.

The control unit 54 sets the first shift condition by reducing at least the second threshold NY based on the condition that the change ratio when the inclination angle θ is changed in the reduction direction is equal to or higher than the second ratio. Alternatively, the control unit 54 sets the first shift condition by decreasing at least the second threshold NY based on the condition that the amount of change when the inclination angle θ is changed in the decreasing direction is equal to or larger than the second amount of change.

When the inclination angle θ is equal to or greater than the first predetermined angle θ X, the control unit 54 sets the first shift condition based on a condition that the increased running distance of the bicycle 10 is equal to or greater than the first running distance or a condition that the running time of the passing bicycle is equal to or greater than the first running time.

When the inclination angle θ is equal to or smaller than the second predetermined angle θ Y smaller than 0 degrees, the control unit 54 operates the transmission 58 based on the parameter indicating the running state of the bicycle 10 and the third shift condition. The parameter indicative of the driving state of the bicycle 10 is, for example, the crankshaft speed N.

The control unit 54 sets the third shift condition by changing at least the first threshold NX based on the condition that the inclination angle θ is equal to or smaller than the second predetermined angle θ Y and the inclination angle θ changes. Specifically, the control unit 54 sets the third shift condition by reducing at least the first threshold NX on the basis of the condition that the change rate when the inclination angle θ is changed in the reduction direction is equal to or higher than the third rate. Alternatively, the control unit 54 sets the third shift condition by reducing at least the first threshold NX on the basis of the condition that the amount of change when the inclination angle θ is changed in the decreasing direction is equal to or larger than the third amount of change.

The control unit 54 sets the third shift condition by increasing at least the first threshold NX on the basis of the condition that the change rate when the inclination angle θ is changed in the increasing direction is equal to or higher than the fourth rate. Alternatively, the control unit 54 sets the third shift condition by increasing at least the first threshold NX on the basis of the condition that the amount of change when the inclination angle θ is changed in the increasing direction is equal to or larger than the fourth amount of change.

When the inclination angle θ is equal to or less than the second predetermined angle θ Y, the control unit 54 sets the third shifting condition based on a condition that the increased running distance of the bicycle 10 is equal to or more than the second running distance or a condition that the elapsed running time of the bicycle 10 is equal to or more than the second running time.

The control unit 54 sets the third shift condition based on the crankshaft rotation speed N, which is an example of a parameter indicating the running state of the bicycle 10 when the inclination angle θ changes from a value larger than the second predetermined angle θ Y to a value equal to or smaller than the second predetermined angle θ Y.

The first threshold NX under the third shift condition is smaller than the crankshaft speed N of the bicycle 10 when the inclination angle θ is changed from a value larger than the second predetermined angle θ Y to a value equal to or smaller than the second predetermined angle θ Y. The second threshold NY under the third shifting condition is smaller than the crankshaft speed N of the bicycle 10 when the inclination angle θ changes from a value greater than the second predetermined angle θ Y to a value equal to or smaller than the second predetermined angle θ Y.

In the third shift condition, the difference between the crankshaft rotation speed N and the second threshold value NY when the inclination angle θ changes from a value larger than the second predetermined angle θ Y to a value not larger than the second predetermined angle θ Y is larger than the difference between the crankshaft rotation speed N and the first threshold value NX when the inclination angle θ changes from a value larger than the second predetermined angle θ Y to a value not larger than the second predetermined angle θ Y.

When the inclination angle θ is smaller than 0 degrees and larger than the second predetermined angle θ Y, the control unit 54 operates the transmission 58 based on the crankshaft speed N of the bicycle 10 and the fourth shift condition.

The shifting process executed by the control unit 54 will be described with reference to fig. 10 to 12. The shift change processing includes sixth processing, seventh processing, and eighth processing.

With reference to fig. 10, a sixth process for maintaining the crankshaft rotation speed N when the inclination angle θ changes during the main uphill drive will be described.

When the controller 54 determines in step S28 of fig. 5 that the inclination angle θ is equal to or greater than the first predetermined angle θ X, the controller determines in step S71 that the bicycle 10 is traveling uphill and proceeds to step S72. The process of step S71 may be omitted.

In step S72, the control unit 54 sets at least one of the latest first threshold value NX and the latest second threshold value NY based on the outputs of the inclination sensor 60 and the vehicle speed sensor 78, and then determines whether or not the amount of change in the inclination angle θ in the increasing direction is equal to or greater than the first amount of change. The first variation amount is, for example, an angle corresponding to a road inclination of an uphill slope of 1%.

If it is determined YES at step S72, the control unit 54 sets at least one of the latest first threshold value NX and the latest second threshold value NY at step S73, and then determines whether or not the increased running distance of the bicycle 10 is equal to or greater than the first running distance. The first travel distance is, for example, 5 m.

If the determination at step S73 is YES, the control unit 54 changes the first threshold NX and the second threshold NY at step S74, and ends the sixth process. The control unit 54 sets a rotation speed obtained by subtracting a predetermined rotation speed from the current crankshaft rotation speed N as the second threshold NY of the first shift condition. The predetermined rotational speed subtracted is, for example, 3 rpm. The control unit 54 sets the rotation speed obtained by adding the changed second threshold value NY to the predetermined rotation speed as the first threshold value NX under the first shift condition. The predetermined rotational speed added is, for example, 20 rpm. If it is determined at step S73 that NO exists (NO), control unit 54 ends the sixth process.

When determining NO in step S72, the control unit 54 determines whether or not the amount of change in the decreasing direction of the tilt angle θ is equal to or greater than the second amount of change after setting at least one of the latest first threshold NX and the latest second threshold NY in step S75. The second variation amount is, for example, an angle corresponding to a road inclination of a 2% downhill. If the control unit 54 determines that the amount of change in the decreasing direction of the inclination angle θ is smaller than the second amount of change, the sixth process is terminated.

When determining that the amount of change in the inclination angle θ in the decreasing direction is equal to or greater than the second amount of change, the control unit 54 determines whether or not the increased running distance of the bicycle 10 is equal to or greater than the first running distance after setting at least one of the latest first threshold value NX and the latest second threshold value NY in step S76. If the control portion 54 determines that the increased running distance of the bicycle 10 is less than the first running distance, the sixth process is ended.

When the control unit 54 determines that the increased travel distance of the bicycle 10 is equal to or greater than the first travel distance, the control unit changes the first threshold value NX and the second threshold value NY in step S77, and ends the sixth process. The control unit 54 changes the first threshold value NX and the second threshold value NY of the first shift condition to the first threshold value NX and the second threshold value NY for traveling. When the sixth process is finished, the control unit 54 proceeds to the process of step S22.

With reference to fig. 11, a seventh process for maintaining the crankshaft rotation speed N when the inclination angle θ changes mainly during downhill running will be described.

When the control unit 54 determines in step S28 of fig. 5 that the tilt angle θ is smaller than the first predetermined angle θ X, it determines in step S81 whether the tilt angle θ is equal to or smaller than the second predetermined angle θ Y based on the outputs of the tilt sensor 60 and the vehicle speed sensor 78. As the second predetermined angle θ Y, an angle corresponding to a road inclination of a downhill of 2% to 10% is preferably selected. The second predetermined angle θ Y is, for example, 1.1 degrees, corresponding to a road inclination of a 2% downhill.

If the determination at step S81 is YES, the control unit 54 determines that the bicycle 10 is traveling downhill at step S82, and proceeds to step S83. The process of step S82 may be omitted.

In step S83, the control unit 54 determines whether or not the amount of change in the decrease direction of the tilt angle θ is equal to or greater than a third amount of change, based on the outputs of the tilt sensor 60 and the vehicle speed sensor 78. The third variation amount is, for example, an angle corresponding to the road inclination of a 1% downhill.

If the determination at step S83 is YES, the control unit 54 determines whether the increased running distance of the bicycle 10 is equal to or greater than the second running distance after setting the latest first threshold NX and second threshold NY at step S84. The second travel distance is, for example, 5 m.

If the determination at step S84 is YES, the control unit 54 changes the first threshold NX and the second threshold NY at step S85, and ends the seventh process. The control unit 54 sets a rotation speed obtained by subtracting the predetermined rotation speed from the current crankshaft rotation speed N as the second threshold NY of the third shift condition. The predetermined rotational speed subtracted is, for example, 3 rpm. The control unit 54 sets the rotation speed obtained by adding the changed second threshold value NY to the predetermined rotation speed as the first threshold value NX of the third shift condition. The predetermined rotational speed added is, for example, 20 rpm. If it is determined at step S84 that NO, control unit 54 ends the seventh process.

When determining NO in step S84, the controller 54 determines whether or not the amount of change in the increasing direction of the tilt angle θ is equal to or greater than the fourth amount of change in step S86. The fourth variation amount is, for example, an angle corresponding to a road inclination of an uphill of 2%. If it is determined at step S86 that NO, control unit 54 ends the seventh process.

If the determination of step S86 is YES, the control unit 54 determines whether the increased running distance of the bicycle 10 is equal to or greater than the second running distance after setting the latest first threshold NX and second threshold NY in step S87. The second travel distance is, for example, 5 m. The control portion 54 ends the seventh process when the increased running distance of the bicycle 10 is less than the second running distance.

If the determination at step S87 is YES, the control unit 54 changes the first threshold NX and the second threshold NY at step S88, and ends the seventh process. The control unit 54 changes the first threshold value NX and the second threshold value NY under the third shift condition to the first threshold value NX and the second threshold value NY for traveling. When the seventh process is finished, the control unit 54 proceeds to the process of step S22.

With reference to fig. 12, an eighth process for maintaining the crankshaft rotation speed N during the flat road running will be described.

If the controller 54 determines NO in step S81 of fig. 11, it determines that the bicycle 10 is traveling on a flat road because the inclination angle θ is smaller than the first predetermined angle θ X and larger than the second predetermined angle θ Y in step S91. The process of step S81 may be omitted.

In step S92, the control unit 54 determines whether the tilt angle θ is greater than 0 degrees based on the outputs of the tilt sensor 60 and the vehicle speed sensor 78.

When the inclination angle θ is greater than 0 degrees, the control unit 54 changes the first threshold value NX and the second threshold value NY of the second shift condition to the first threshold value NX and the second threshold value NY for running in step S93, and ends the eighth processing.

When the inclination angle θ is 0 degree or less, the control unit 54 of the second embodiment changes the first threshold value NX and the second threshold value NY of the fourth shift condition to the first threshold value NX and the second threshold value NY for running in step S94, and ends the eighth processing. When the eighth process is finished, the control unit 54 proceeds to the process of step S22.

The control unit 54 exerts the following effects in addition to the effects (1) to (9) described above.

(10) The control unit 54 sets the first shift condition by changing at least the second threshold NY based on the condition that the inclination angle θ is equal to or larger than the first predetermined angle θ X and the inclination angle θ changes. Therefore, even when the inclination angle θ changes during the uphill travel of the bicycle 10, the crankshaft rotation speed N is less likely to change greatly from the value of the inclination angle θ smaller than the first predetermined angle θ X to the value of the first predetermined angle θ X or more.

(11) The control unit 54 sets the first shift condition by increasing at least the second threshold NY based on the condition that the amount of change when the inclination angle θ is changed in the increasing direction is equal to or larger than the first amount of change. Therefore, when the inclination angle θ increases and the crankshaft speed N decreases while the bicycle 10 is traveling uphill, the downshift control is easily performed. Therefore, the load of the rider is suppressed from being continuously large.

(12) The control unit 54 sets the first shift condition by reducing at least the second threshold NY based on the condition that the amount of change when the inclination angle θ is changed in the reducing direction is equal to or larger than the second amount of change. Therefore, even when the inclination angle θ changes in the decreasing direction while the bicycle 10 is traveling uphill, the shift-down control is difficult to execute, so an excessive increase in the crankshaft rotation speed N can be suppressed.

(13) When the inclination angle θ is equal to or greater than the first predetermined angle θ X, the control unit 54 sets a first shift condition based on a condition that the increased running distance of the bicycle 10 is equal to or greater than the first running distance. Therefore, frequent changes in the first shift condition can be suppressed.

(14) When the inclination angle θ is equal to or smaller than the second predetermined angle θ Y smaller than 0 degrees, the control unit 54 operates the transmission 58 based on the crankshaft speed N of the bicycle 10 and the third shift condition. The crankshaft rotation speed N at which the inclination angle θ becomes equal to or smaller than the second predetermined angle θ Y is included in the range of the first threshold NX and the second threshold NY after the change. Therefore, when the inclination angle θ becomes the second predetermined angle θ Y or less, the control portion 54 controls the transmission 58 so as to be maintained in the vicinity of the crankshaft rotation speed N before becoming the second predetermined angle θ Y or less. Therefore, when the inclination angle θ is changed from a value larger than the second predetermined angle θ Y to the second predetermined angle θ Y or less, the crank rotation speed N is hard to change, and therefore, a decrease in the manual driving force can be suppressed.

(15) The control unit 54 sets the third shift condition by changing at least the first threshold NX based on the condition that the inclination angle θ is equal to or smaller than the second predetermined angle θ Y and the inclination angle θ changes. Therefore, even when the inclination angle θ changes during downhill running of the bicycle 10, the crankshaft rotation speed N is difficult to change greatly from the value larger than the second predetermined angle θ Y to the value equal to or smaller than the second predetermined angle θ Y.

(16) The control unit 54 sets the third shift condition by reducing at least the first threshold NX on the basis of the condition that the amount of change when the inclination angle θ is changed in the decreasing direction is equal to or larger than the third amount of change. Thus, the upshift control is easily executed when the inclination angle θ is decreased and the crankshaft speed N is increased during downhill travel of the bicycle 10. Therefore, the crankshaft rotation speed N is difficult to excessively increase.

(17) The control unit 54 sets the third shift condition by increasing at least the first threshold NX on the basis of the condition that the amount of change when the inclination angle θ is changed in the increasing direction is equal to or larger than the fourth amount of change. Therefore, when the inclination angle θ of the bicycle 10 is changed in the increasing direction during downhill running, the upshift control is difficult to be executed, and thus the load on the rider is unlikely to increase.

(18) When the inclination angle θ is equal to or smaller than the second predetermined angle θ Y, the control unit 54 sets the third shifting condition based on the condition that the increased running distance of the bicycle 10 is equal to or larger than the second running distance. Therefore, frequent changes in the third shift condition can be suppressed.

(19) In the third shift condition, the difference between the crankshaft rotation speed N and the second threshold value NY when the inclination angle θ changes from a value larger than the second predetermined angle θ Y to a value not larger than the second predetermined angle θ Y is larger than the difference between the crankshaft rotation speed N and the first threshold value NX when the inclination angle changes from a value larger than the second predetermined angle θ Y to a value not larger than the second predetermined angle θ Y. Therefore, the change of the speed ratio γ at the time of the increase is easier than that at the time of the decrease of the crankshaft rotation speed N. Therefore, when the inclination angle θ is equal to or smaller than the second predetermined angle θ Y, the transmission 58 is easily operated in a direction in which the speed ratio γ increases when the crankshaft rotation speed N increases. Therefore, the excessive rise of the crankshaft rotation speed N in the downhill running can be suppressed.

(modification example)

The specific form that the present shift control device can take is not limited to the form of the above embodiment example. The present shift control device may take various forms other than the above embodiments. The modifications of the above embodiments described below are examples of various forms that can be adopted by the present shift control device.

■ the vehicle speed V may be used instead of the crankshaft speed N as a parameter indicating the running state of the bicycle 10. In this case, the storage unit 82 stores the first threshold VX and the second threshold VY for traveling and the first threshold VX and the second threshold VY for starting, which are related to the vehicle speed V. A process using the vehicle speed V will be described with reference to a modification of the fifth process shown in fig. 13.

The control unit 54 changes the second threshold VY based on the vehicle speed V when the inclination angle θ becomes equal to or greater than the first predetermined angle θ X from a value smaller than the first predetermined angle θ X in step S61. Specifically, the control unit 54 changes the value obtained by subtracting the first predetermined speed from the vehicle speed V when the inclination angle θ becomes equal to or greater than the first predetermined angle θ X to the second threshold VY. In step S62, the control unit 54 changes the first threshold VX based on the second threshold VY. Specifically, the control unit 54 changes the rotation speed obtained by adding the second predetermined speed to the second threshold VY set in step S61 to the first threshold VX.

Next, the control unit 54 determines in step S63 whether the vehicle speed V is equal to or greater than the first threshold VX. When the vehicle speed V is equal to or higher than the first threshold VX, the control unit 54 executes the upshift control in step S64. That is, when the vehicle speed V exceeds the first threshold VX, which is a first threshold, the control unit 54 controls the transmission 58 so as to increase the gear ratio γ. When the vehicle speed V is less than the first threshold VX, the control unit 54 determines in step S65 whether the vehicle speed V is less than the second threshold VY. When the vehicle speed V is less than the second threshold VY, the control portion 54 executes the downward shift control in step S66. That is, when the vehicle speed V is lower than the second threshold VY, which is the second threshold, the control unit 54 controls the transmission 58 so as to decrease the gear ratio γ. On the other hand, when the vehicle speed V is equal to or higher than the second threshold VY in step S65, that is, when the vehicle speed V is within a range smaller than the first threshold VX and larger than the second threshold VY, the control unit 54 does not perform the upshift control and the downshift control.

■ the transmission 58 may also be operated based on the crankshaft speed N and the fifth shift condition until the crankshaft speed N reaches a predetermined value. Specifically, the process of step S100 of fig. 14 is executed instead of step S23 of the first process of fig. 5. If it is determined in step S22 that the zero start flag is set, the control unit 54 proceeds to step S25 without clearing the zero start flag when the crankshaft rotation speed N is equal to or less than the predetermined value in step S100. On the other hand, when the crankshaft rotation speed N is greater than the predetermined value, the control unit 54 clears the zero start flag in step S24, and the process proceeds to step S25. That is, when the bicycle 10 starts running from a stopped state, the control unit 54 operates the transmission 58 based on the crankshaft rotation speed N and the fifth shift condition until the crankshaft rotation speed N reaches a predetermined value.

■ vehicle speed detection device 56 may also be provided in transmission 58. In this case, for example, the magnet 76 is provided on one of the pair of pulleys 76A, and the vehicle speed sensor 78 is provided on the chain guide 65 or the coupling member 66. The vehicle speed sensor 78 outputs a signal corresponding to the rotation of the sheave 64A reflecting the vehicle speed V. The control unit 54 calculates the vehicle speed V based on the output of the vehicle speed sensor 78, the circumferential length of the sheave 64A, and the transmission ratio γ. The pulley 64A may be configured as a generator, and a rotation pulse of the generator, which is a signal reflecting the vehicle speed V, may be output to the control unit 54. In this case, the pulley 64A can be rotated even when the rotation of the crankshaft 44 is stopped while the bicycle 10 is running by providing a one-way clutch between the crankshaft 44 and the front sprocket 48 without providing a one-way clutch between the rear sprocket 40 and the chain 42. Therefore, even when the rotation of crankshaft 44 is stopped, vehicle speed V can be detected by vehicle speed detection device 56.

■ the vehicle speed detector 56 may be configured as a gps (global Positioning system) receiver. In this case, the vehicle speed V is calculated based on the position information and the moving time.

■ the crankshaft rotation detecting device 84 may constitute the vehicle speed detecting device 56. In this case, the vehicle speed V is calculated based on the crankshaft rotation speed N, the gear ratio γ, and the circumferential length of the rear wheel 14.

■ the acceleration sensor 74 may also be omitted from the tilt sensor 60.

■ the tilt sensor 60 may be provided in a bicycle component such as a front derailleur, a rear derailleur, or an operating device.

■ the transmission 58 may also be a front transmission. The front derailleur is mounted to the frame 24, preferably to the seat tube 24C, near the crankshaft 44. The front derailleur changes the gear ratio γ of the bicycle 10 by driving an actuator (not shown) provided in the front derailleur to change the engagement of the chain 42 between the plurality of front sprockets.

■ the transmission 58 may also include a front transmission and a rear transmission. In the case of automatically controlling the front transmission and the rear transmission, the control portion 54 controls at least one of the front transmission and the rear transmission so as to shift in accordance with the order of predetermined gear ratios.

■ control unit 54 may be mounted on body frame 16, such as frame 24, handlebar 26, or standpipe 26A.

■ the transmission 58 may also be changed to a built-in type transmission 58. For example, a transmission mounted around the axle 14A of the rear wheel 14 and built in the hub shell may be employed. In this case, the transmission 58 may be a built-in type provided around the crankshaft 44.

■ as shown in fig. 15, the transmission 52 may be provided with a switch 88 for setting an initial value of the inclination angle θ. In this case, the operator sets the bicycle 10 in a stopped state in a horizontal position and presses the switch 88. The control unit 54 stores the inclination angle θ when the switch 88 is pressed in the storage unit 82 as an initial value. In step S15 of the calculation process of the inclination angle θ, the control unit 54 calculates the inclination angle θ based on the stored initial value. Instead of the switch 88, the initial value of the inclination angle θ may be set by a computer which can be connected to the control unit 54 by wire or wirelessly.

■, in step S28 and step S42, a road inclination may be used instead of the inclination angle θ. In this case, the control unit 54 calculates the road inclination from the inclination angle θ. The control unit 54 sets a first shift condition when the road inclination is equal to or greater than a predetermined inclination, and sets a second shift condition when the road inclination is less than the predetermined inclination.

■ the tilt angle θ may be calculated as the roll angle of the bicycle 10 or a value that includes both the roll angle and the pitch angle.

■ a display device may be mounted on the bicycle 10 to display the inclination angle θ or the road inclination calculated based on the inclination angle θ.

The ■ controller 54 may be configured to change at least the second threshold NY in step S74 and step S77 of the sixth process. The control unit 54 may be configured to change at least the first threshold NX in step S85 and step S88 of the seventh process.

■, in step S72, the control unit 54 may set the first shift condition by changing at least the second threshold NY based on the condition that the change ratio when the inclination angle θ is changed in the increasing direction is equal to or higher than the first ratio.

■, in step S75, the control unit 54 may set the first shift condition by changing at least the second threshold NY based on the condition that the change ratio when the inclination angle θ is changed in the decreasing direction is equal to or higher than the second ratio.

■, in at least one of step S73 and step S76, the controller 54 may set the first shift condition based on a condition that the elapsed travel time of the bicycle is equal to or longer than the first travel time.

In the sixth process, the ■ controller 54 may omit at least one of step S73 and step S76. Similarly, in the seventh process, the control unit 54 may omit at least one of step S84 and step S87.

■, in step S74, the controller 54 may maintain the first threshold NX under the first shifting condition. Similarly, the control unit 54 may maintain the first threshold NX for the first shift condition in step S76.

■, in step S83, the control unit 54 may set a third shift condition by changing at least the first threshold NX on the basis of the condition that the change ratio when the inclination angle θ is changed in the decreasing direction is equal to or higher than the third ratio. The control unit 54 of this modification may change at least the first threshold NX each time the change rate of the inclination angle θ becomes equal to or higher than the third rate.

■, in step S86, the control unit 54 may set the third shift condition by changing at least the first threshold NX on the basis of the condition that the change ratio when the inclination angle θ is changed in the increasing direction is equal to or higher than the fourth ratio. The control unit 54 of this modification may change at least the first threshold NX each time the change rate of the inclination angle θ becomes equal to or higher than the fourth rate.

■, in at least one of step S84 and step S87, controller 54 may set the third shift condition based on a condition that the elapsed running time of the bicycle is equal to or longer than the second running time.

At least one of the parameters such as the first variation, the second variation, the third variation, the fourth variation, the first travel distance, the second travel distance, the first ratio, the second ratio, the third ratio, the fourth ratio, the first travel time, and the second travel time may be changed by an external device or a bicycle code table connected to the shift control device 50 by wire or wirelessly.

The control unit 54 may control the shift control device 50 by combining the second process, the fourth process, the sixth process, and the seventh process. In this case, for example, when it is determined at step S31 in fig. 6 that NO is present, the controller 54 proceeds to step S71 in fig. 10, and when it is determined at step S45 in fig. 8 that NO is present, the controller proceeds to step S81 in fig. 11.

■ in step S85, the controller 54 can maintain the second threshold NY of the third shifting condition. Similarly, the control unit 54 can maintain the second threshold NY of the third shift condition at step S88.

(Note 1)

A bicycle shift control device includes a control unit that operates a transmission in accordance with a parameter indicating a running state of a bicycle and a predetermined shift condition, and that operates the transmission in accordance with the parameter indicating the running state of the bicycle and the predetermined shift condition until the parameter indicating the running state of the bicycle reaches a predetermined value when the bicycle starts running from a stopped state.

(Note 2)

The bicycle shift control device according to supplementary note 1, wherein the parameter indicating the running state of the bicycle is a gear ratio of the bicycle.

Description of the symbols

10: a bicycle; 50: a shift control device; 54: a control unit; 60: a tilt sensor; 78: and a vehicle speed sensor.

Claims

1. A bicycle shift control device is provided with a control unit that operates a transmission in accordance with a parameter indicating a running state of a bicycle and a predetermined shift condition,

the control portion sets the predetermined shifting condition based on a parameter indicating a running state of the bicycle and a reclining angle of the bicycle,

the predetermined shift conditions include a first shift condition,

the control unit operates the transmission based on a parameter indicating a running state of the bicycle and the first shift condition when the reclining angle is equal to or greater than a first predetermined angle that is greater than 0 degrees, and sets the first shift condition based on a parameter indicating a running state of the bicycle when the reclining angle is changed from a value that is less than the first predetermined angle to a value that is equal to or greater than the first predetermined angle,

the control portion prohibits the control of the transmission according to the parameter indicating the running state of the bicycle and the predetermined shift condition until a predetermined period elapses from when the acceleration generated from the bicycle exceeds a predetermined acceleration.

2. A bicycle shift control device is provided with a control unit that operates a transmission in accordance with a parameter indicating a running state of a bicycle and a predetermined shift condition,

the predetermined shift conditions include a third shift condition,

the control portion operates the transmission based on a parameter indicating a running state of the bicycle and the third shift condition when the reclining angle is equal to or less than a second predetermined angle that is less than 0 degrees, the control portion sets the third shift condition based on the parameter indicating the running state of the bicycle when the reclining angle changes from a value that is greater than the second predetermined angle to a value that is equal to or less than the second predetermined angle,

3. The shift control device for a bicycle according to claim 1 or 2,

the predetermined shifting condition includes a threshold value related to a parameter indicative of a running state of the bicycle,

the control unit sets the predetermined shift condition by changing the threshold value.

4. The bicycle shift control device according to claim 3,

the threshold values include a first threshold value and a second threshold value smaller than the first threshold value,

the control unit operates the transmission when a value of a parameter indicating a running state of the bicycle changes from a value smaller than the first threshold value to a value equal to or larger than the first threshold value, or when a value of a parameter indicating a running state of the bicycle changes from a value larger than the second threshold value to a value equal to or smaller than the second threshold value.

5. The bicycle shift control device according to claim 4,

the control unit controls the transmission to increase the gear ratio of the bicycle when the value of the parameter indicating the running state of the bicycle changes from a value smaller than the first threshold value to a value equal to or larger than the first threshold value, and controls the transmission to decrease the gear ratio of the bicycle when the value of the parameter indicating the running state of the bicycle changes from a value larger than the second threshold value to a value equal to or smaller than the second threshold value.

6. The bicycle shift control device according to claim 4,

the predetermined shift conditions include a first shift condition,

the control unit operates the transmission based on a parameter indicating a running state of the bicycle and the first shift condition when the reclining angle is equal to or greater than a first predetermined angle greater than 0 degrees.

7. The shift control device for a bicycle according to claim 6,

the control unit sets the first shift condition by changing at least the second threshold value based on a condition that the inclination angle is equal to or greater than the first predetermined angle and the inclination angle changes.

8. The bicycle shift control device according to claim 4,

the control unit sets the first shift condition by increasing at least the second threshold value on the basis of a condition that a change ratio in a case where the inclination angle is changed in an increasing direction is equal to or greater than a first ratio, or a condition that a change amount in a case where the inclination angle is changed in an increasing direction is equal to or greater than a first change amount.

9. The shift control device for a bicycle according to claim 7,

the control unit sets the first shift condition by reducing at least the second threshold value on the basis of a condition that a change rate is equal to or greater than a second rate when the inclination angle is changed in a decreasing direction, or a condition that a change amount is equal to or greater than a second change amount when the inclination angle is changed in the decreasing direction.

10. The shift control device for a bicycle according to claim 1,

when the inclination angle is equal to or greater than the first predetermined angle, the control unit sets the first shift condition on the basis of a condition that the increased running distance of the bicycle is equal to or greater than a first running distance, or a condition that the elapsed running time of the bicycle is equal to or greater than a first running time.

11. The shift control device for a bicycle according to claim 6,

the control unit sets the first shift condition based on a parameter indicating a running state of the bicycle when the inclination angle changes from a value smaller than the first predetermined angle to a value equal to or larger than the first predetermined angle.

12. The shift control device for a bicycle according to claim 11,

the first threshold value under the first shift condition is larger than a value of a parameter indicating a running state of the bicycle when the reclining angle is changed from a value smaller than the first predetermined angle to a value equal to or larger than the first predetermined angle,

the second threshold value under the first shift condition is smaller than a value of a parameter indicating a running state of the bicycle when the inclination angle changes from a value smaller than the first predetermined angle to a value equal to or larger than the first predetermined angle.

13. The shift control device for a bicycle according to claim 12,

the difference between the value of the parameter indicating the running state of the bicycle when the reclining angle changes from a value smaller than the first predetermined angle to a value equal to or larger than the first predetermined angle and the second threshold value under the first shift condition is smaller than the difference between the value of the parameter indicating the running state of the bicycle when the reclining angle changes from a value smaller than the first predetermined angle to a value equal to or larger than the first predetermined angle and the first threshold value under the first shift condition.

14. The shift control device for a bicycle according to claim 6,

the predetermined shift conditions include a second shift condition,

the control portion actuates the transmission based on a parameter indicating a running state of the bicycle and the second shift condition when the reclining angle exceeds 0 degrees and is smaller than the first predetermined angle.

15. The bicycle shift control device according to claim 4,

the predetermined shift conditions include a third shift condition,

the control unit operates the transmission based on a parameter indicating a running state of the bicycle and the third shift condition when the reclining angle is equal to or less than a second predetermined angle smaller than 0 degrees.

16. The shift control device for a bicycle according to claim 15,

the control portion sets the third shift condition by changing at least the first threshold value based on a condition that the inclination angle is equal to or smaller than the second predetermined angle and the inclination angle changes.

17. The bicycle shift control device according to claim 16,

the control unit sets the third shift condition by reducing at least the first threshold value on the basis of a condition that a change rate is equal to or greater than a third rate when the inclination angle is changed in a decreasing direction, or a condition that a change amount is equal to or greater than a third change amount when the inclination angle is changed in the decreasing direction.

18. The bicycle shift control device according to claim 16,

the control unit sets the third shift condition by increasing at least the first threshold value on the basis of a condition that a change rate is equal to or greater than a fourth rate when the inclination angle is changed in an increasing direction, or a condition that a change amount is equal to or greater than a fourth change amount when the inclination angle is changed in an increasing direction.

19. The shift control device for a bicycle according to claim 15,

when the inclination angle is equal to or smaller than the second predetermined angle, the control unit sets the third shift condition on the basis of a condition that the increased running distance of the bicycle is equal to or longer than a second running distance, or a condition that the elapsed running time of the bicycle is equal to or longer than a second running time.

20. The shift control device for a bicycle according to claim 15,

the control portion sets the third shift condition based on a parameter indicating a running state of the bicycle when the reclining angle changes from a value larger than the second predetermined angle to a value equal to or smaller than the second predetermined angle.

21. The bicycle shift control device according to claim 20,

the first threshold value under the third shifting condition is larger than a value of a parameter indicating a running state of the bicycle when the reclining angle changes from a value larger than the second predetermined angle to a value equal to or smaller than the second predetermined angle,

the second threshold value under the third shift condition is smaller than a value of the parameter indicating the running state of the bicycle when the reclining angle is changed from a value larger than the second predetermined angle to a value equal to or smaller than the second predetermined angle.

22. The bicycle shift control device according to claim 21,

the difference between the value of the parameter indicative of the running state of the bicycle when the reclining angle changes from a value larger than the second predetermined angle to a value equal to or smaller than the second predetermined angle and the second threshold value under the third shift condition is larger than the difference between the value of the parameter indicative of the running state of the bicycle when the reclining angle changes from a value larger than the second predetermined angle to a value equal to or smaller than the second predetermined angle and the first threshold value under the third shift condition.

23. The bicycle shift control device according to claim 16,

the predetermined shift conditions include a fourth shift condition,

the control portion actuates the transmission based on a parameter indicating a running state of the bicycle and the fourth shift condition when the reclining angle is less than 0 degrees and greater than the second predetermined angle.

24. The bicycle shift control device according to claim 3,

the predetermined shift conditions include a fifth shift condition,

when the bicycle starts to travel from a stopped state, the control unit operates the transmission based on the parameter indicating the travel state of the bicycle and the fifth shift condition until the value of the parameter indicating the travel state of the bicycle reaches a predetermined value.

25. The bicycle shift control device according to claim 24,

the threshold values in the fifth shift condition include a third threshold value and a fourth threshold value,

the third threshold value corresponds to the first gear ratio,

the fourth threshold value corresponds to a second speed ratio larger than the first speed ratio and is larger than the third threshold value.

26. The shift control device for a bicycle according to claim 1 or 2,

the predetermined shift conditions include a sixth shift condition,

the control unit operates the transmission when a signal for increasing the gear ratio of the bicycle is input from an operation unit, sets the sixth shift condition based on a parameter indicating a running state of the bicycle immediately after the transmission is operated, and operates the transmission based on the parameter indicating the running state of the bicycle and the sixth shift condition.

27. The shift control device for a bicycle according to claim 1 or 2,

the predetermined shifting conditions include a seventh shifting condition,

the control unit operates the transmission when a signal for reducing the gear ratio of the bicycle is input from an operation unit, sets the seventh shift condition based on a parameter indicating a running state of the bicycle before the transmission is operated, and operates the transmission based on the parameter indicating the running state of the bicycle and the seventh shift condition.

28. The shift control device for a bicycle according to claim 1,

the predetermined period is set based on the magnitude of the acceleration.

29. The shift control device for a bicycle according to claim 1 or 2,

the parameter indicating the running state of the bicycle includes at least one of a rotational speed of a crankshaft of the bicycle and a running speed of the bicycle.

30. The bicycle shift control device according to claim 29,

the control unit calculates the rotation speed of a crankshaft of the bicycle based on an output of a sensor that detects the rotation speed of the crankshaft.

31. The bicycle shift control device according to claim 29,

the control unit calculates the rotation speed of the crankshaft based on an output of a sensor that detects a speed of the bicycle.

32. The shift control device for a bicycle according to claim 1 or 2,

the control unit calculates the inclination angle based on an output of an inclination sensor that detects an inclination angle of the bicycle.

33. The shift control device for a bicycle according to claim 1 or 2,

the inclination angle of the bicycle is an inclination angle in the front-rear direction of the bicycle.

34. The shift control device for a bicycle according to claim 33,

the tilt angle of the bicycle is the pitch angle of the bicycle.