JP2008296652A - Gear shift device for electric assistance bicycle - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a gear shift position detection part with general versatility adaptable for any kind of electric assistance bicycle, by properly adjusting displacement between an actual gear shift stage and a gear shift stage position detected by the detection means, and thereby to implement a proper assistance control according to the gear shift stage. <P>SOLUTION: A gear shift device for an electric assistance bicycle implements the proper assistance control for each gear shift stage changed by a gear shift operation means 1 (in the figure). In the gear shift device, a gear position detecting part 4 detecting the gear shift stage is installed, an initial position setting means (an adjusting means of a relative position of a rotational direction of an electrode drum 8 with respect to a brush plate 6 for gear position detection) is disposed to the gear position detecting part 4. Since the displacement between the actual gear shift stage and the gear position detected by the detecting means can be properly adjusted, the use as the gear position detection part with general versatility adaptable for any kind of electric assistance bicycle is implemented, and a precise and appropriate electric assistance control is performed according to the gear shift stage. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2009,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to an electrically assisted bicycle transmission capable of appropriate assist control for each gear stage shifted by a gear shift operating means. In order to realize appropriate assist control for each shift speed, an appropriate shift position where the actual shift speed matches the shift speed detected by the detecting means is detected.

Bicycles with auxiliary power provided with an electric assist unit or the like have been widely spread from the viewpoint of energy saving as compared with automobiles and the like, and assisting driving for powerless bicycle users such as elderly people and women and women. Such an electrically assisted bicycle includes an auxiliary power source for driving an electric motor or the like as auxiliary power. Furthermore, in recent years, there has been proposed a system in which the assist mode (assist rate, etc.) of auxiliary power can be adjusted according to the user (physical condition, young and old). Therefore, in order to perform finer assist control, it is necessary to perform appropriate assist control for each shift stage, and thus it is necessary to accurately detect the shift stage, that is, the shift position. There has been proposed a shift position detecting device for an electrically assisted bicycle as illustrated.
Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 10-264879 (refer to the gazette abstract) JP 2000-38187 A (see paragraph 0012)

  The auxiliary power-equipped bicycle disclosed in Patent Document 1 will be briefly described with reference to FIG. A transmission (not shown) is shifted by rotation of a shift shifter 61 that is installed adjacent to the grip 62. The shift position is detected by the combination of the on / off states of the pair of micro switches 64a and 64b slidably contacting the cam portion of the cam 63 by the rotation of the cam 63 interlocked with the rotation of the grip 62. FIG. 12B shows the state of the first speed, and the microswitches 64a and 64b are both turned off, and auxiliary power by the motor is obtained. In FIG. 12C, the microswitch 64a is turned on and the switch 64b is turned off in the state of the second speed, and auxiliary power can also be obtained. Next, in FIG. 12D, in the state of the third speed, both the micro switches 64a and 64b are turned on, and no auxiliary power can be obtained. Thus, auxiliary power can be appropriately obtained according to the shift position of the bicycle.

  Next, the auxiliary power-equipped bicycle automatic transmission disclosed in Patent Document 2 will be briefly described with reference to FIG. With the rotation of the speed change motor 43 disposed in the speed change drive section (5), the speed change wheel 41 is rotated via the reduction gear 42 and the speed change operation wire 45 is pulled. By pulling the speed change operation wire 45, a speed change pulley such as an interior type transmission mounted in the rear wheel hub shaft is operated to automatically change speed. A pulling amount of the speed change operation wire 45 at this time is grasped as a winding amount of the speed change wheel 41 and detected by the proximity switch 40 disposed in the vicinity of the speed change wheel 41 to read the gear position. As a result, comfortable pedaling can be performed by performing shift control at an optimal shift timing according to the auxiliary power state.

  However, in the above-described electrically assisted bicycle transmission in the above-described first conventional example of FIG. 12, it is necessary to incorporate the cam 63 and the micro switches 64a and 64b in the transmission shifter 61 interlocked with the handle grip 62. Therefore, the shift position detection unit had to be a dedicated original part. In the second conventional example of FIG. 13, the proximity switch 40 or the like constituting the shift position detection unit can be generalized as the shift drive unit (5) and retrofitted into the vicinity of the auxiliary power unit. However, since no adjusting means is taken into consideration between the speed change motor 43 on the speed change operation side and the speed change wheel 41 that pulls the speed change operation wire 45 and grasps it as the winding amount, the proximity switch 40 is not considered. The accuracy of detection of the shift position by was not sufficient. In other words, if there is a deviation between the drive amount of the shift motor 43 that is driven to obtain the intended shift stage and the pulling amount of the shift operation wire 45 that actually shifts the transmission, it is appropriate. The shift position is not detected, and as a result, there is a possibility that appropriate electric assist control according to the shift stage cannot be expected.

  Accordingly, the present invention solves the problem of the conventional electrically assisted bicycle transmission, and makes it possible to properly adjust the deviation between the actual shift speed and the shift position detected by the detection means. An object of the present invention is to provide a versatile shift position detection unit that can be applied to any electric assist bicycle and to realize appropriate assist control according to the shift stage.

  For this reason, the present invention provides a shift position detecting unit for detecting a shift stage in an electrically assisted bicycle transmission capable of appropriate assist control for each shift stage shifted by the shift operation means, An initial position setting means is provided in the position detection unit. Further, the present invention is characterized in that the shift position detecting unit is configured to detect a pulling amount of the shift cable based on a relative position between the brush and the electrode. In the invention, it is preferable that the shift position detecting unit is arranged by arranging a plurality of the brushes on the circumference and combining electrodes having appropriate circumferential lengths that are in sliding contact with the brushes. According to the present invention, the shift position detecting unit arranges the arrangement angle of the plurality of brushes arranged at a predetermined angle on the circumference, and sets an electrode group of an appropriate circumference that is slidably contacted to correspond to these brushes. It is characterized by being repeatedly arranged around the circumference. According to the present invention, the electrode drum on which the electrode is disposed is configured such that the relative position in the rotation direction can be adjusted with respect to the roller member that rotates in accordance with the pulling amount of the transmission cable. Further, the present invention is characterized in that the electrode drum and the roller member are configured to adjust the relative position in the rotation direction by serration meshing that is engaged and disengaged by relative movement in the rotation axis direction. Further, the invention is characterized in that a mark indicating the initial position of the electrode drum with respect to the brush is displayed on the electrode drum. Further, the present invention is characterized in that the shift position detecting unit is configured by a potentiometer that outputs a voltage value based on a rotation amount of a roller member that rotates in accordance with a pulling amount of the transmission cable. Further, according to the present invention, the initial position setting in the shift position detecting unit is performed by detecting that the output voltage value is within the initial voltage set within a predetermined value after operating the shift stage to the initial position. It is configured as described above. Further, the present invention is characterized by an electrically assisted bicycle using any of the aforementioned electrically assisted bicycle transmissions, and these are used as means for solving the problems.

  According to the present invention, in the electrically assisted bicycle transmission capable of performing appropriate assist control for each shift stage shifted by the shift operation means, the shift position detecting unit for detecting the shift stage is installed, and the shift By providing the initial position setting means in the position detection unit, the deviation between the actual gear position and the gear position detected by the detection means can be adjusted appropriately, so that the versatility can be applied to any electric assist bicycle. It can be used as a certain shift position detection unit, and fine and appropriate electric assist control according to the shift position can be realized.

  In addition, when the shift position detecting unit is configured to detect the pulling amount of the transmission cable based on the relative position of the brush and the electrode, the shift position of the shifting cable is electrically simplified and increased as the relative position of the electrode with respect to the brush. In addition to being able to be extracted with accuracy, the detection signal can be stably extracted from the wiring of the brush that is normally fixed.

  Furthermore, the shift position detecting unit may be arranged on the circumference when a plurality of the brushes are arranged on the circumference and in combination with electrodes having appropriate circumferential lengths that are in sliding contact with the brushes. The number of shift stages that can be displayed and detected by the combined state of contact and non-contact between the plurality of brushes and the electrode group of an appropriate circumference that is in sliding contact with these brushes can be remarkably increased. It is possible to reduce the size of the arranged brush plate and the electrode drum in the radial direction and to make the shift position detecting unit compact. In addition, the shift position detecting unit arranges the arrangement angle of the plurality of arranged brushes at a predetermined angle on the circumference, and repeats an electrode group with an appropriate circumference in sliding contact corresponding to these brushes on the circumference. If the gears are arranged in such a manner, a shift position detecting unit having a brush arrangement angle arranged at a predetermined angle on the circumference of the transmission having a small amount of traction of the transmission cable with respect to the shift operation should be selected and installed. Thus, it is possible to perform appropriate electric assist control according to the gear position.

  Further, when the electrode drum on which the electrode is disposed is configured such that the relative position in the rotation direction can be adjusted with respect to the roller member that rotates in accordance with the pulling amount of the transmission cable, the electrode drum is relatively positioned with respect to the roller member. By rotating, it is possible to easily adjust the relative position of the electrode drum with respect to the transmission cable, and adjust the position of the electrode with respect to the brush to obtain an appropriate initial position of the gear shift. Is possible. Furthermore, when the electrode drum and the roller member are configured to adjust the relative position in the rotation direction by serration meshing and disengaging by relative movement in the rotation axis direction, the electrode drum and roller member are serrated meshing. After making a slight relative movement in the direction of the rotation axis so as to disengage, it is possible to obtain an appropriate initial position for gear shifting by re-engaging the two by serration meshing, so there is no need to disassemble the electrode drum and roller member. The loss of can also be prevented.

  In addition, when a mark indicating the initial position of the electrode drum with respect to the brush is displayed on the electrode drum, the initial position of the electrode drum with respect to the brush is marked when adjusting the relative position of the electrode drum with respect to the roller member in the rotation direction. It can be set appropriately without hesitation by matching. Further, when the shift position detecting unit is configured by a potentiometer that outputs a voltage value based on the rotation amount of the roller member that rotates in accordance with the pulling amount of the shift cable, the shift position detecting unit is further configured using a general-purpose potentiometer. It can be configured inexpensively.

  Further, the initial position setting in the shift position detecting unit is performed by detecting that the output voltage value is within the initial voltage set within a predetermined value after operating the shift stage to the initial position. In this case, by setting the initial voltage value of the potentiometer output voltage value to a predetermined value, it is easily detected by software that the initial voltage value of the potentiometer is within the predetermined value and set to an appropriate value. can do. Furthermore, when an electrically assisted bicycle using any one of the above-described electrically assisted bicycle transmissions is provided, any electrically assisted bicycle can be installed by simply installing the transmission of the present invention as a retrofit. Since the shift between the gear position and the gear position detected by the detection means can be adjusted appropriately, fine and appropriate electric assist control according to the gear position can be realized.

  Embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings. 1 to 7 show a first embodiment of an electrically assisted bicycle transmission according to the present invention. FIG. 1 is an exploded perspective view of a shift position detecting unit used in the electrically assisted bicycle transmission according to the present invention. FIG. 2 is a front and side view of the brush plate and the electrode drum in the shift position detecting unit, FIG. 3 is an overall side view of the electrically assisted bicycle equipped with the transmission of the present invention, and FIG. FIG. 4B is a perspective view when the initial position adjustment of the electrode drum is completed in the shift position detecting unit, and FIG. 5 is an initial position adjustment of the electrode drum shown in FIG. 4B. FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view of the electrode drum shown in FIG. 4A when the initial position is adjusted, and FIG. 7 is a shift according to a combination of contact / non-contact between the electrode group and the brush in the shift position detection unit. An explanatory view showing an example of position detection, 8 shows a second embodiment of the transmission device for an electrically assisted bicycle according to the present invention. The brush plate and the electrode drum in the shift position detecting portion in which the arrangement angle of a plurality of arranged brushes is contained within a predetermined angle on the circumference. FIG. 9 shows a third embodiment of the electrically assisted bicycle transmission of the present invention. FIG. 9 is an exploded perspective view of an example in which a shift position detector is installed on the handlebar grip. 11 shows a fourth embodiment of the electrically assisted bicycle transmission of the present invention. FIG. 10 (A) is an exploded perspective view using a potentiometer in the shift position detecting portion, and FIG. 10 (B) is a perspective view after assembly. 11 and 11 are flowcharts of assist operation units and initial position setting.

  Embodiments of the power-assisted bicycle transmission of the present invention will be described in detail below. As shown in FIG. 1, the basic configuration of the electrically assisted bicycle transmission of the present invention is an electrically assisted bicycle transmission that enables appropriate assist control for each gear stage shifted by the gear shifting operation means. The shift position detecting unit 4 for detecting the shift stage is installed, and the shift position detecting unit 4 is provided with initial position setting means (for example, a means for adjusting the relative rotational position of the electrode drum 8 with respect to the brush plate 6 for detecting the shift position). ) Is provided.

  As shown in FIG. 3, the shift position detecting unit 4 is attached to an appropriate portion of the rear wheel chain stay of the electrically assisted bicycle. The electric assist unit 3 is disposed in a pedal crank portion at a substantially lower center of the bicycle. The electric assist unit 3 includes a drive sprocket that is integrally fixed to the pedal crankshaft, a drive gear that is similarly fixed to the pedal crankshaft, an auxiliary power electric motor that drives the drive gear via a reduction gear, and the like. And an auxiliary power source installed on a seat post for supplying electric power to the auxiliary power electric motor. As the transmission, an internal transmission or the like mounted in the rear wheel hub is adopted, and the transmission is sequentially shifted by pulling the transmission cable 2 accompanying the rotation of the transmission shifter 1 which is a transmission operation means installed in the handle grip portion. The shift position detecting unit 4 of the present invention is disposed in the middle of the shift cable 2.

  As shown in FIG. 1, the shift position detector 4 of the present invention (designated as a whole by reference numeral 4) can be installed in the middle of the shift cable 2 as a retrofit. The transmission cable 2 is separated and divided into a shifter-side inner wire 2A and a transmission-side inner wire 2B, which are hand operating sections, and the inner wires 2A and 2B are shifted together with the end members 2C and 2D fixed to the respective ends. It is inserted and locked in wire winding grooves 7A and 7B formed on the peripheral surface of the roller member 7 that rotates in conjunction with the pulling of the cable 2. The gate-shaped wire end fixture 10 is fixed from the peripheral surface to the side surface of the roller member 7 to prevent the end members 2C and 2D from being detached. The inner wire 2 is divided into a shifter-side inner wire 2A and a transmission-side inner wire 2B and locked to the peripheral surface of the roller member 7. However, if the inner wire 2 and the outer peripheral surface of the roller member 7 are prevented from slipping. For example, the inner wire 2 can be wound around the circumferential surface of the roller member 7 without being divided.

  The shift position detection unit 4 is attached to an appropriate part of the rear wheel chain stay by a mounting plate 5. It is fixed by an appropriate fixing tool such as a screw by the flat mounting portion 5A. A shaft portion 5B having a circular cross section protrudes from the upper end portion of the mounting portion 5A in the direction of the wheel axis of the bicycle, and a non-circular portion 5C is cut and formed at the tip portion. Also, a plurality of protrusions 5D project from the upright surface of the shaft portion 5B, and a plurality of anti-rotation holes 6D formed in the brush plate 6 described later are correspondingly inserted and locked and fixed to the stationary side. become. The brush plate 6 has a disk shape, and a fitting hole 6F at the center is fitted into the shaft portion 5B. In the vicinity of the fitting hole 6F and on the same circumference in the radial direction slightly apart from the fitting hole 6F, a plurality of power supply brushes and brushes for detecting the shift position, which are described in detail in FIG. .

  An electrode drum fitting hole 7D is formed in the center portion of the roller member 7, and the cylindrical electrode installation portion 8A of the electrode drum 8 is fitted without excess or deficiency. A serrated external tooth 8C having a slightly larger diameter than the electrode installation portion 8A is formed on the outer side of the electrode installation portion 8A of the electrode drum 8 in the distal end direction of the shaft portion 5B, and correspondingly, an electrode drum fitting hole in the roller member 7 is formed. A serration internal tooth 7C having a large diameter with respect to the electrode drum fitting hole 7D is formed on the outer side in the front end direction of the shaft portion 5B of 7D. A cylindrical knob portion 8B is formed on the outer side of the shaft portion 5B in the distal direction of the serration external teeth 8C in the electrode drum 8. Mark 8D which shows the initial position with respect to brush 6A-6C in brush board 6 of electrode groups 8G-8I in electrode drum 8 which will be described later is engraved in knob 8B. A fitting hole 8 </ b> F formed in the center portion of the electrode drum 8 is fitted into the shaft portion 5 </ b> B of the mounting plate 5. A cylindrical fixing portion 9A of the fixing lid 9 is further fitted into the fitting hole 8F of the electrode drum 8 from the outside to be inserted and fixed. A reference mark 9 </ b> B serving as a reference for the mark 8 </ b> D on the electrode drum 8 is engraved on the end surface of the fixed lid 9. 1 is a view of the electrode drum 8 viewed from the inside, and an arrangement example of the electrode group can be clearly understood. Since the fixing portion 9A of the fixing lid 9 has a fitting hole corresponding to the non-circular portion 5C of the shaft portion 5B, the fixing lid 9 does not rotate with respect to the shaft portion 5B.

  FIG. 2 is a front and side view of the brush plate and the electrode drum in the shift position detection unit. As shown in FIG. 2A, the power brush 6E is provided in the vicinity of the fitting hole 6F on the fixed-side brush plate 6, and is shown on the same circumference slightly apart from the fitting hole 6F in the radial direction. In the example, three brushes 6A, 6B, 6C for detecting the shift position are arranged at intervals of 120 °. As shown in FIG. 2B, corresponding to these brushes 6A, 6B, and 6C, an electrode group of appropriate circumferential length that is in sliding contact with the brushes 6A, 6B, and 6C is arranged in combination on the electrode drum 8 side. The In the illustrated example, one long electrode 8G having a large circumference, two middle electrodes 8H in the middle, and four short electrodes 8I having a short circumference are arranged on the same circumference. As understood from the figure, the electrode 8E and the electrodes 8G to 8I on the outer periphery thereof are configured to be electrically connected by being connected by electrodes in the radial direction.

  FIG. 4 is an explanatory diagram of the initial position adjustment of the shift position detection unit according to the present invention. FIG. 4A is a perspective view when the initial position of the electrode drum is adjusted in the shift position detection unit, and FIG. It is a perspective view at the time of completion of initial position adjustment of the electrode drum in a section. Description will be made with reference to FIG. 5 which is a cross-sectional view when the initial position adjustment of the electrode drum in FIG. 4B is completed, and FIG. 6 which is a cross-sectional view when the initial position adjustment of the electrode drum in FIG. When the shift position detecting unit of the present invention is appropriately installed in the middle of the shift cable of the electric assist bicycle of the specification, in order to adapt to each specification of the bicycle, the gear position detected by the shift position detecting unit and the shift There may be a deviation from the actual shift position in the device. In addition to or in addition to the adjustment of the fine adjustment means for the pulling amount of the transmission cable 2 that is normally provided, the initial position can be obtained by installing this shift position detection unit.

  More specifically, as shown in FIGS. 4A and 6, the roller member 7 and the transmission cable 2 are adjusted to an appropriate initial position (for example, the first gear) by operating the transmission shifter 1. The fixing lid 9 is pivoted by engagement / disengagement by a moderation mechanism 11 constituted by a plurality of moderation grooves formed on the inner peripheral side of the fixing portion 9A in the fixing lid 9 and the moderation protrusions of the shaft portion 5B in the mounting plate 5. After being pulled slightly outward in the direction and anchored to the shaft portion 5B, the serration meshes 7C and 8C with the roller member 7 can be released by pulling the knob 8B of the electrode drum 8 outward. In this state, the knob 8B of the electrode drum 8 is operated and rotated as shown by an arrow (FIG. 4A), and the mark 8D carved on the outer peripheral surface of the knob 8B is used as a reference mark 9B on the end face of the fixed lid 9. The relationship between the brushes 6A to 6C on the brush plate 6 and the electrode groups 8G to 8I on the electrode drum 8 is set to the initial position (first speed stage (1) in FIG. 7A described later). Can be set. In this state, the fixed lid 9 and the electrode drum 8 are moved inward in the axial direction, and the serration meshing 7C and 8C between the roller member 7 and the electrode drum 8 is performed again, and FIG. 4 (B) and FIG. The initial position adjustment work is completed. As described above, the initial position adjustment can be performed by moving the fixing lid 9 and the electrode drum 8 slightly in the axial direction without removing the fixing lid 9 and the electrode drum 8, and loss of components can be prevented. As described above, the initial position setting means includes a brush plate, a roller member, an electrode drum, a mark, and the like.

  FIG. 7 is an explanatory view showing a shift position detection example based on a combination of contact / non-contact between the electrode group and the brush in the shift position detection unit. After the initial position adjustment operation in the shift position detecting unit 4 is completed (the actual shift position and the detected position are aligned), the shift shifter 1 of the electric assist bicycle is operated and the shifter side inner wire 2A is moved to the arrow A (FIG. 4). When the pulling operation is performed as in (B)), the roller member 7 rotates as indicated by an arrow B (FIG. 4B), and the electrode drum 8 is also rotated in synchronization. The relationship between the electrodes and the brushes in FIG. 7 shows the arrangement state of the electrode group when the electrode drum 8 is viewed from the outside of the vehicle body. Therefore, each brush can be seen on the near side of the electrode for convenience, but each brush correctly contacts the electrode on the back side of the paper.

  A plurality (three in the illustrated example) of brushes 6A (Brush A), 6B (Brush B), and 6C (Brush C) are arranged on the same circumference, and are selectively in contact with these brushes. Electrode groups 8G, 8H, which have different circumferential lengths in which contact and non-contact are performed (the circumferential length is such that an on / off combination as shown in FIG. 7B is obtained with respect to rotation of the electrode drum at a predetermined angle). 8I are arranged on the same circumference. Each of the brushes 6A to 6C is stationary on the fixed side, and the electrode side sequentially rotates counterclockwise by pulling the transmission cable 2 to shift from the initial position (first speed). In the first embodiment, the rotation speed is set to 15 degrees per shift stage. A shift position as shown in FIG. 7B is detected from the rotational position of the roller member 7, that is, the amount of movement of the transmission cable 2, from the contact / non-contact relationship between each brush and the electrode group in FIG. In the state (1) of FIG. 7A, all of the brushes A, B, and C are in contact with the electrodes and turned on (circle), and this is set as the first speed stage as shown in FIG. 7B. To detect.

  Subsequently, in (2), only the brush C is non-contact and the second speed is detected, and in (3) only brush B is non-contact and the third speed is detected. In (4), only brush A is in contact and the fourth speed is detected, and in (5) only brush A is in non-contact and the fifth speed is detected. In (6), only the brush B is in contact and the sixth speed is detected. In (7), only the brush C is in contact and the seventh speed is detected. In (8), all brushes are in non-contact and the eighth speed is detected. A stage is detected. As described above, the brush plate and the electrode which can be compactly configured in the radial direction by combining the plurality of brushes arranged on the same circumference and the plurality of electrode groups having different circumferences slidably contacted with the brushes. The shift position detecting unit composed of the drum can be configured in a compact manner, and the number of shift stages that can be displayed and detected can be significantly increased.

  FIG. 8 shows a second embodiment of the transmission device for an electrically assisted bicycle according to the present invention. The brush plate and the electrode in the shift position detecting unit in which the arrangement angle of a plurality of arranged brushes is contained within a predetermined angle on the circumference. It is each example front view of a drum. In FIG. 8A, brushes A, B, and C are arranged at intervals of 45 ° in the circumferential angle, and contact / non-contact between the long electrode 8G having a considerably long circumferential length and the middle electrode 8H. As a result, the shift position can be displayed and detected in accordance with the movement stroke of the transmission cable 2 which is larger than that in FIG. In the configuration of FIG. 8 (a), the rotation is set to 45 degrees per shift step, and eight steps can be detected by one rotation.

  In FIG. 8B, the brushes A, B, and C are arranged at intervals of 22.5 ° in the circumferential angle, and the corresponding electrodes on the electrode drum 8 side are the long electrode 8G and the short electrode 8I. Were arranged so as to face the center of the circle, and were repeated twice on the circumference. In the configuration of FIG. 8 (b), the rotation is set to 22.5 degrees per shift step, and eight steps can be detected by half rotation. In the case of this electrode pattern, the next half rotation is the same pattern, so two marks for displaying the initial position can be displayed at 180 ° intervals. In FIG. 8C, the brushes A, B, and C are arranged at intervals of 15 ° in the circumferential angle. The corresponding electrode on the electrode drum 8 side is formed by circularly connecting the middle electrode 8H and the short electrode 8I. The arrangement was repeated three times around the circumference. In the configuration of FIG. 8 (c), the rotation is set to 15 degrees per shift step, and eight steps can be detected by one-third rotation. Since this electrode pattern repeats the same pattern three times, three marks for displaying the initial position can be displayed at intervals of 120 degrees. In this way, a shift position detecting unit having an arrangement angle of a brush housed within a predetermined angle on the circumference is also selected for an electrically assisted bicycle having different traction amounts of the shift cable with respect to the shift operation. By installing, appropriate electric assist control according to the gear position is possible. In the above embodiment, the brush and the electrode can be arranged in the reverse direction, but since the wiring is usually made from the brush side, it is preferable to arrange the brush side on the stationary stationary side.

  FIG. 9 shows a third embodiment of the electrically assisted bicycle transmission of the present invention, and is an exploded perspective view of an example in which a shift position detector is installed on the handlebar grip. In this embodiment, the shift position detector 4 is installed in the shift shifter 1 adjacent to the handlebar grip 17, and the electrode drum 8 is installed in the shift shifter 1 that rotates for shifting operation. The brush plate 6 is fixed to the shift operation unit main body 18 on the fixed side where the inner wire feeding portion 16 and the shift display portion 15 of the cable are formed. By adjusting the relative position of the electrode drum 8 in the rotation direction with respect to the reference mark 6G displayed on the brush plate 6 (for example, aligning the mark 8D on the electrode drum 8), an appropriate initial position can be obtained. Settings are made. Although not shown in detail, the relative position adjustment of the electrode drum 8 in the rotation direction with respect to the shift shifter 1 employs spline fitting or serration meshing as in the first embodiment, but other appropriate methods. May be adopted. The illustration shows the brush plate 6 and the electrode drum 8 apart so that the brush 6A and the like, the electrode 8G and the like can be understood.

  FIG. 10 shows a fourth embodiment of the electrically assisted bicycle transmission of the present invention. FIG. 10 (A) is an exploded perspective view using a potentiometer in the shift position detecting portion, and FIG. 10 (B) is an assembled view. It is a perspective view. As in the first embodiment, the shift position detection unit 4 is operated with the roller member 7 and the shift cable 2 adjusted to an appropriate initial position (for example, the first speed) by operating the shift shifter 1. The potentiometer 12 to be configured is attached to the roller member 7 together with the attachment plate 5. The non-circular portion 12C of the rotary shaft of the potentiometer 12 is inserted and locked in the non-circular hole 7E at the center of the roller member 7 so as not to be relatively rotatable. As a result, the rotation shaft for detecting the shift position in the potentiometer 12 rotates together with the roller member 7 that rotates relative to the stationary potentiometer 12 to change the resistance value in the potentiometer 12, and the voltage corresponding to the resistance value is output as the output voltage. The shift position taken out from the take-out portion 12A and corresponding to the output voltage value is detected.

  The initial position setting in the shift position detection unit 4 of the present embodiment is performed by detecting that the output voltage value is within the initial voltage set within a predetermined value after operating the gear position to the initial position. By setting the initial voltage value in the output voltage value of the potentiometer to a predetermined value, it is possible to easily detect that the initial voltage value of the potentiometer is within the predetermined value and easily set it to an appropriate value. . A flowchart for performing initial position setting will be described with reference to FIG. 11. Initial position setting is performed in software using the assist operation unit 13 shown in FIG. As shown in FIG. 11B, the gear of the transmission is set to the initial position (first speed) in step S1. In step S2, the ON / OFF switch of the drive unit (assist operation unit 13) is turned ON.

In step S3, the stored initial voltage V _ini is read by long-pressing a setting button (for example, the mode selector switch of the assist operation unit 13) (step S4). In step S5, it is determined whether or not the initial voltage V _ini falls within the initial voltage between the set predetermined values V _SET1 and V _SET2 . If the initial voltage V _ini falls within the initial voltage, the process proceeds to step S6 to move into the drive unit. The initial setting is completed (step S7). If the initial voltage V _ini does not _fall within the initial voltage between the set predetermined values V _SET1 and V _{SET2 in} step S5, an error is displayed in step S8, and the transmission cable 2, that is, the roller member 7 and the potentiometer. Assuming that the matching with the initial position of 12 is inappropriate, the inner wire of the transmission cable is adjusted in step S9, and the process returns to step S3, and the initial position setting is performed again. In this embodiment, the initial position setting means includes a roller member and a potentiometer. The initial position setting means is initially determined by software determination that the initial voltage is within the predetermined initial voltage and adjustment of the inner wire of the transmission cable. Position setting is made.

  The embodiments of the present invention have been described above. However, within the scope of the present invention, the shape and type of the shift operation means (the shift shifter type is a rotary type, a lever type, a manual motor drive type, etc. Can be selected) and location, assist control mode (the assist rate distribution mode for each gear stage can be selected as appropriate), transmission shape and type (internal type installed in the hub axle, hub axle) As for the number of gears, such as an exterior type adjacent to the vehicle, the number of gears may be arranged in the electric assist drive unit in addition to the rear wheel shaft, and in the case where the gears are arranged. The detection unit is installed on a frame as appropriate between the shift operation means) and the shape of the brush plate including the arrangement angle and arrangement form on the circumference of a plurality of brushes constituting the shift position detection unit , Type and its mounting on the mounting plate A plurality of electrode groups including the form (in addition to the engagement between a plurality of rotation protrusions and holes as well as the engagement of non-circular protrusions and holes or screwing, etc.), and the circumferential length corresponding to the arrangement of the brushes The shape of the electrode drum including the arrangement form, the shape, the shape of the roller member, the type and the structure related to the locking with the transmission cable (the locking cable using the winding groove by dividing the transmission cable inner wire, the anti-slip tool Used to adjust the relative rotation position with the electrode drum (such as winding of the transmission cable inner wire that is not divided) and the like (with serration meshing by relative movement in the axial direction of the two, by the chrysanthemum seat and the fixed lid formed on the opposing surfaces of both) Screw plate tightening to the mounting plate shaft, etc., mounting form of the mounting plate to the frame such as chain stays, mounting form of the mark indicating the initial position of the electrode drum relative to the brush, potentiometer Shape, type, and mounting form on the roller member (engagement of non-circular shaft and hole, locking of multiple rotation projections and holes or screwing, etc.) and mounting form on mounting plate, initial by potentiometer The software configuration in the position setting can be selected as appropriate.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS FIG. 1 is an exploded perspective view of a shift position detection unit, illustrating a first embodiment of a transmission device for an electrically assisted bicycle according to the present invention. It is the front and side view of the brush board and electrode drum in a transmission position detection part same as the above. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS FIG. 1 is an overall side view of an electrically assisted bicycle equipped with a transmission of the present invention. FIG. 4A is a perspective view when the initial position of the electrode drum is adjusted in the shift position detector, and FIG. 4B is a perspective view when the initial position adjustment of the electrode drum is completed in the shift position detector. FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view of the electrode drum shown in FIG. 4B when initial position adjustment is completed. FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view of the electrode drum shown in FIG. 4A during initial position adjustment. It is explanatory drawing which shows the example of the shift position detection by the combined state of the contact / non-contact of the electrode group and brush in the shift position detection part. FIG. 7 shows a second embodiment of the transmission device for an electrically assisted bicycle according to the present invention, in which each of the brush plate and the electrode drum in the shift position detecting unit in which a plurality of arranged brushes are arranged within a predetermined angle on the circumference; It is an example front view. FIG. 5 is an exploded perspective view of an example in which a shift position detecting unit is installed on a handlebar grip unit, showing a third embodiment of the transmission device for an electrically assisted bicycle according to the present invention. FIG. 10 (A) is an exploded perspective view using a potentiometer for a shift position detecting portion, and FIG. 10 (B) is a perspective view after assembly. is there. FIG. 6 is an assist operation unit and initial position setting flowchart. It is principal part explanatory drawing of the bicycle with auxiliary power of a 1st prior art example. It is principal part explanatory drawing of the automatic transmission for bicycles with auxiliary power of the 2nd prior art example.

Explanation of symbols

2A Transmission cable (shifter side inner wire)
2B Transmission cable (transmission-side inner wire)
DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 4 Shift position detection part 5 Mounting plate 5B Shaft part 6 Brush board 7 Roller member 7C Serration internal tooth 7D Electrode drum fitting hole 8 Electrode drum 8C Serration external tooth 9 Fixing lid 10 Wire end fixing tool

Claims (10)

In an electrically assisted bicycle transmission capable of performing appropriate assist control for each shift stage shifted by a shift operation means, a shift position detecting unit for detecting a shift stage is installed, and an initial position is set in the shift position detecting unit. A transmission device for an electrically assisted bicycle, comprising setting means. 2. The electrically assisted bicycle transmission according to claim 1, wherein the shift position detecting unit is configured to detect a pulling amount of the shift cable based on a relative position between the brush and the electrode. 3. The shift position detecting unit according to claim 2, wherein a plurality of the brushes are arranged on a circumference and a combination of electrodes having appropriate circumferential lengths in sliding contact with the brushes. Electric assist bicycle transmission. The shift position detecting unit arranges the plurality of arranged brushes at a predetermined angle on the circumference, and repeatedly arranges an electrode group having an appropriate circumference in sliding contact with the brushes on the circumference. The power-assisted bicycle transmission according to claim 3, wherein The electrode drum on which the electrode is disposed is configured to be capable of adjusting a relative position in a rotation direction with respect to a roller member that rotates in accordance with a pulling amount of a transmission cable. The transmission for an electrically assisted bicycle as described. The electrically assisted bicycle according to claim 5, wherein the electrode drum and the roller member are configured to adjust a relative position in a rotation direction by serration meshing and disengaging by a relative movement in a rotation axis direction. Transmission device. The electric assist bicycle transmission according to claim 6, wherein a mark for displaying an initial position of the electrode drum with respect to the brush is displayed on the electrode drum. The transmission device for an electrically assisted bicycle according to claim 1, wherein the shift position detection unit is configured by a potentiometer that outputs a voltage value based on a rotation amount of a roller member that rotates in accordance with a pulling amount of the transmission cable. . The initial position setting in the shift position detection unit is made by detecting that the output voltage value is within the initial voltage set within a predetermined value after operating the gear position to the initial position. The transmission for an electrically assisted bicycle according to claim 8. An electrically assisted bicycle using the electrically assisted bicycle transmission according to any one of claims 1 to 9.

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