JP3327162B2 - Electric bicycle - Google Patents

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to an electric bicycle that operates an electric driving device in accordance with a torque generated by human power and performs auxiliary driving within a specified range according to a running speed.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art A conventional electric bicycle will be described below. An electric bicycle is a bicycle having a function of assisting a driving force by an electric motor within a specified range according to a human-powered torque generated by a driver and a traveling speed by providing a driving force by a human power and a driving force by an electric motor in parallel. It has the advantage that it is easy to drive on hills and in strong wind conditions, and that even a driver with low leg strength can drive comfortably. Also, when driving late at night or early in the morning, the driving noise is quiet, so that it does not bother the surroundings and emits no exhaust gas, leaving enough of the advantages of the bicycle.

[0003] In this electric bicycle, the driving assistance rate by the electric driving device is determined as follows in order to ensure the safety of the driver and the pedestrian. That is, the traveling speed is 1
Within 5 km / h or less, within 50%, 15 km / h to 24
km / h, gradually decrease according to the traveling speed.
It must be controlled to be 0% at 4 km / h.

[0004] Therefore, an electric driving device mounted on an electric bicycle is an auxiliary driving electric motor that generates an auxiliary driving torque,
A speed reduction mechanism for reducing the output of the auxiliary driving motor and transmitting the output to a human-powered driving device, a torque detector for detecting a human-powered torque generated in the human-powered driving device, a speed detector for detecting a running speed of the electric bicycle, and a microcomputer A microcomputer incorporated in the control circuit determines the operating conditions of the auxiliary drive motor based on information obtained from the torque detector and the speed detector, and drives the motor within the above-mentioned specification. Helping power.

[0005] Further, in order to operate the electric drive device under optimum conditions and to exhibit a wide range of functions, a gear shift operation is manually performed between a human-powered drive device assisted by the electric drive device and the drive wheels. An electric bicycle equipped with a machine has been proposed and put into practical use. The transmission includes a plurality of gears having different diameters coaxially fixed to a rotation shaft of a driving wheel, and a chain for transmitting power of a human-powered driving device is switched to and engaged with any one of the gears. The gear is engaged with the chain by pulling or returning a wire by a lever provided on a handle portion or the like. This transmission is the same as that generally used for bicycles that run only with conventional human-powered driving devices, and the number of gears is usually three or four, and is used for hills and headwinds. As described above, when a particularly large driving torque is required, the burden on the driver and the burden on the electric drive device and the rechargeable battery can be reduced by manually operating the lever to switch the gear ratio to the larger reduction ratio side. can do.

[0006]

In such a conventional electric bicycle, there are many elderly and women drivers.
A driver who is physically weak and operates the lever while driving to change the gear ratio according to the road surface condition or weather condition places a considerable burden on the driver, and eventually the transmission may not be used effectively. Many. In addition, it is very troublesome for a driver having normal physical strength to frequently operate the transmission so as to always obtain an optimum gear ratio in accordance with a running state.

A DC motor is generally used as an auxiliary driving motor of an electric bicycle. This auxiliary driving motor has a specific rotational speed at which the efficiency is maximized, and the gear ratio is switched during traveling. By always operating the rotation speed of the auxiliary drive motor at the rotation speed at which the maximum efficiency is obtained, the vehicle can run with the minimum power consumption. This means that a proper discharge current is always maintained without discharging excessive current even for a rechargeable battery.
Eventually, the battery life is greatly extended.

However, in the manual shifting operation, a means for detecting the number of revolutions of the auxiliary drive motor and informing the driver of the change, and an operation in which the driver frequently switches the gear ratio in accordance with the number of revolutions of the auxiliary drive motor. This operation is quite complicated for the driver, and as a result, the auxiliary driving motor is often operated as it is even when it is operating at an inefficient rotation speed. There was a problem that the function was not sufficiently exhibited.

An object of the present invention is to solve the above-mentioned problems and to provide an electric bicycle and a control method for the electric bicycle, which can exhibit a function of a transmission sufficiently to realize a comfortable ride and an efficient use of electric power. With the goal.

[0010]

According to the first aspect of the present invention, there is provided a power transmission mechanism using a manual torque generated by a driver.
A human-powered driving device for driving a driving wheel through the
An electric driving device for assisting driving by the driving device;
A rechargeable battery for supplying power to the driving device;
The dynamic drive device is an auxiliary drive electric motor that generates an auxiliary electric torque.
And the auxiliary based on the human-powered torque and the traveling speed.
Determine the electric torque and generate the auxiliary electric torque.
And a control circuit for controlling the auxiliary drive motor.
Transmission, the power transmission mechanism
At the same time as changing the speed ratio of the transmission.
A speed controller is provided, and the control circuit includes a rechargeable battery
Either the discharge current or the drive current of the auxiliary drive motor
A current detector for detecting
Change the gear ratio of the transmission so that the indicated current value is within the specified range.
Characterized in that it is a circuit having a function of controlling switching.
Electric bicycle .

As a result, the rechargeable battery can be operated while keeping the discharge current within a predetermined range, and the rechargeable battery can be operated comfortably and efficiently while preventing overcurrent.

According to a second aspect of the present invention, the control circuit is adapted to run.
Related to the output of the current detector when the speed is below the specified value
Without changing the transmission gear ratio to a larger reduction ratio
Characterized in that it has a function to control
The electric bicycle according to claim 1 .

As a result, the starting operation can be facilitated.

According to a third aspect of the present invention, the traveling speed is controlled by
Reduction ratio value that is forcibly switched when it is below a certain value
3. The electric vehicle according to claim 2, wherein the driver can select the driver.
It is a bicycle .

Thus, the starting operation can be performed at a reduction ratio selected by the driver according to the physical strength and the like.

According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, the control circuit includes a charging circuit.
A voltage detector for detecting a voltage of the battery;
The rechargeable battery is in the last stage of discharge by the output of the output device
It is determined whether or not it is in the final discharge state.
The gear ratio of the transmission is forcibly switched to the maximum reduction ratio, and
Continue to maintain the maximum reduction ratio until the end-of-power condition disappears
Characterized in that it has a function to control
The electricity according to any one of claims 1 to 3,
It is a bicycle .

[0017] Thus, even when the rechargeable battery is in the last stage of discharge and the electric drive device does not operate, it can be operated with a light human torque.

According to a fifth aspect of the present invention, the control circuit comprises a
The voltage of the rechargeable battery by the output of the detector over a predetermined time
When the value is below the specified value, the rechargeable battery is
5. The electricity according to claim 4, wherein the state is determined to be in a state.
It is a bicycle .

Thus, the end-of-discharge state of the power receiving battery can be easily determined.

According to a sixth aspect of the present invention, there is provided a transmission control.
Is used as a power source to mechanically change the transmission gear ratio.
Control motor, and the control circuit flows to the control motor.
A control current detector for detecting a current flowing through the control motor;
A current breaker for interrupting a drive current;
The current value of the machine has exceeded the specified value for the specified time.
So that the current supply to the control motor is stopped when
It is a transmission controller with a function to control
The method according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that:
Is an electric bicycle .

Thus, it is possible to prevent a situation in which the transmission controller is damaged when the transmission cannot be switched due to a malfunction of the transmission controller or the transmission.

[0022]

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS In a specific example of the present application, a control circuit means means for controlling the operation of an electric driving device, and a manual torque generated by a pedal / crank mechanism is detected by a torque detector. The traveling speed is detected by a speed detector based on the rotation speed of the driving motor. In addition, a microcomputer having a storage means calculates an auxiliary driving torque, and an optimum gear ratio corresponding to a human-powered torque and a traveling speed is stored in advance in the storage means as transmission state data as a transmission state data table. Then, the output of the torque detector and the output of the speed detector during traveling are read and the transmission state data table is referred to, and the corresponding gear ratio is determined as the optimum gear ratio. The transmission state data is
What is necessary is just to determine the reduction ratio at which the auxiliary drive motor and the rechargeable battery can operate most efficiently in accordance with the driving situation based on the characteristics of the auxiliary drive motor and the characteristics of the rechargeable battery. These can be obtained from the characteristic data of the auxiliary drive motor and the rechargeable battery and from experiments.

The transmission controller means a means for mechanically switching the transmission gear ratio to the determined transmission gear ratio under the control of the control circuit. In the embodiment, the wire pulling amount for switching the transmission gear ratio is used. Is controlled by the amount of rotation of the control motor.

Further, the plurality of transmission state data tables mean transmission state data tables provided for each operation state, for example, an operation state such as a slope operation and a headwind operation. These are stored in the storage means in advance.

The current detector, voltage detector, control current detector, current breaker, and the like in the claimed invention can be realized by ordinary means.

[0026]

Embodiments will be described below.

(Embodiment 1) Hereinafter, a first embodiment of an electric bicycle of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.
This will be described with reference to FIG.

FIG. 1 is an external view showing the structure of this embodiment. In the figure, reference numeral 1 denotes a human-powered driving device, which includes a pedal-crank mechanism 1A for converting a driver's treading force into torque, a power transmission mechanism 1C for transmitting the torque of the pedal-crank mechanism 1A to driving wheels 1B, And a drive wheel 1B for propelling the electric bicycle by receiving a rotational force from the transmission mechanism 1C. Note that a chain or a belt is usually used for the power transmission mechanism 1C. Reference numeral 2 denotes an electric driving device for auxiliary driving of the manual driving device 1, reference numeral 3 denotes a rechargeable battery for supplying electric power to the electric driving device 2, and reference numeral 4 denotes a transmission controller for switching and controlling the transmission 5. The transmission 5 is basically a transmission similar to that described in the related art, and is inserted between the power transmission mechanism 1C of the manual power drive 1 and the drive wheels 1B. The difference of the transmission 5 in this embodiment from the conventional example is that the transmission controller 4 automatically switches the gear ratio by pulling or returning the wire 4A. The wire 4A is one of the components of the transmission controller 4.

FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view showing the structure of the electric drive device 2 according to the present embodiment. FIG.
FIG. 2B shows a cross section in the radial direction. In the figure, 2A is a microcomputer for performing arithmetic control, 2B is an auxiliary driving electric motor which is a power source for auxiliary driving, 2C is a torque detector for detecting the torque of the human-powered driving device 1, 2D is the rotation speed of the human-powered driving device 1 Is a speed detector for detecting the running speed of the electric bicycle from the microcomputer 2. A microcomputer 2A, a torque detector 2C and a speed detector 2D constitute a control circuit 2E.
In the control circuit 2E, the microcomputer 2A reads the information output from the torque detector 2C and the speed detector 2D to determine the auxiliary drive ratio, and controls the transmission controller 4 to switch the transmission 5. Further, the electric driving device 2 includes a speed reduction mechanism, and the auxiliary driving electric motor 2B has an auxiliary driving ratio instructed by the control circuit 2E.
Is decelerated and transmitted to the human-powered driving device 1.

FIG. 3 is a sectional view showing the structure of the transmission controller 4 in the present embodiment. In the figure, 4E is a case of the transmission controller 4, 4A is a wire for mechanically switching the transmission ratio of the transmission 5, 4C is a control motor, 4D is a worm gear provided on the output shaft of the control motor 4C, and 4E is a worm gear. A gear that engages and rotates with 4D,
4F is a gear that rotates by engaging with the gear 4E, and 4G is a gear 4
A pinion gear that moves by engaging with F, 4H is a mover that moves integrally with the pinion gear 4G, 4J is a recess provided in the mover 4H corresponding to the number of switching steps, and 4K is a spring that presses the contact 4L against the recess 4J. is there.

The control motor 4C rotates under the control of the control circuit 2E and pulls or returns the wire 4A so that the speed ratio of the transmission 5 becomes the optimum speed ratio according to the running state. At this time, the control circuit 2E
A determines the optimum gear ratio in accordance with the running state and rotates the control motor 4C.
Is provided in a storage means with a transmission state data table storing an optimal gear ratio corresponding to the traveling state, and an optimal gear ratio (hereinafter referred to as a gear ratio) corresponding to the traveling state obtained from output information of the torque detector 2C and the speed detector 2D. From the transmission state data table.

The operation of the above configuration will be described.
FIG. 4 is a block diagram showing a configuration of the electric bicycle. Table 1 is a table showing the contents of a transmission state data table stored in a storage means incorporated in the microcomputer 2A, based on the characteristics of the auxiliary drive motor 2B and the characteristics of the rechargeable battery 3. The transmission state in which the auxiliary driving electric motor 2B and the rechargeable battery 3 can always operate in the operation region with high efficiency is set in three stages and stored in advance in accordance with the torque and the traveling speed.

[0033]

[Table 1]

In FIG. 4, a torque detector 2C detects a torque generated by the driver applying a pedaling force to the pedal-crank mechanism 1A, and a speed detector 2D detects the traveling speed at that time. The microcomputer 2A reads the output of the torque detector 2C and the output of the speed detector 2D to determine the necessary auxiliary drive torque and, based on the transmission state data table shown in (Table 1), changes the speed corresponding to the torque and the traveling speed. Read the machine status. Based on the result, current is controlled and supplied from the rechargeable battery 3 to the auxiliary drive motor 2B and the transmission controller 4 so as to be in a predetermined state.

As described above, according to the present embodiment, the transmission 5
Gear ratio is optimized for human torque and running speed.
Can automatically switch to the speed ratio, which is troublesome for the driver.
Eliminates the need for manual shifting operations to reduce the burden
In addition, the gear ratio can be switched more finely than manual operation.
As a result, the auxiliary driving motor 2B and the rechargeable battery 3 can always be operated with high efficiency.

In this embodiment, the number of gears is three. However, it is needless to say that the number of gears can be controlled more finely.

(Embodiment 2) Hereinafter, a second embodiment of the electric bicycle of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.
This will be described with reference to FIG.

FIG . 5 is a block diagram showing the configuration of this embodiment. Note that the same components as those in FIG. 4 are denoted by the same reference numerals, and detailed description is omitted. This embodiment is different from the first embodiment in that the control circuit 2E includes the microcomputer 2
The storage means of A includes a plurality of transmission state data tables so that the driver can selectively use the transmission state data table in accordance with a plurality of operation modes, for example, high-speed operation, uphill operation, headwind operation, leisurely operation, and the like. It is to have done. Note that the transmission state data table may be selected by, for example, allowing the driver to switch a selection switch provided on a steering wheel or the like.

As described above, according to the present embodiment, a transmission state data table is set for each of various driving modes according to the use state of the electric bicycle, and the driver selects one of them. The driver's physical condition, physical strength, weather conditions such as wind, etc.
Whether to use it on the ground or drive with heavy luggage
Using transmission state data suitable for various driving situations
Driving comfortably and efficiently with automatic transmission switching
And an additional auxiliary drive motor
It is possible to operate the electric bicycle in a fine and efficient manner, and to maximize the performance of the electric bicycle.

(Embodiment 3) Hereinafter, a third embodiment of the electric bicycle of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. This embodiment relates to claim 1 .

FIG. 6 is a block diagram showing the configuration of this embodiment. The same components as those in FIG. 1 are denoted by the same reference numerals, and detailed description is omitted. This embodiment is different from the first embodiment in that the microcomputer 2A does not include a storage unit for storing a transmission state data table, and the current detector 2F detects the drive current value of the auxiliary drive motor 2B.
The microcomputer 2A reads the output of the current detector 2F and determines the gear ratio so that the drive current value falls within a predetermined range. Therefore, the outputs of the torque detector 2C and the speed detector 2D are used only for determining the auxiliary drive torque of the auxiliary drive motor 2B, not for determining the gear ratio.

The operation of the above configuration will be described. The current detector 2F detects the drive current of the auxiliary drive motor 2B and outputs it to the microcomputer 2A. The microcomputer 2A checks whether the current value is within a predetermined range. If the current value exceeds the upper limit of the predetermined range, the microcomputer 2A increases the speed ratio to a larger deceleration side. Is set to a small deceleration side, and the transmission controller 4 is controlled. This operation increases the gear ratio when large torque is required, such as on hills or headwinds.
Kikushi a result, the driving current load becomes lighter auxiliary driving electric motor 2B is reduced, the current value continues to operation is within a predetermined range. Therefore, the auxiliary driving motor 2
The gear ratio can be set to be large when the load on B becomes large, and control can be performed so that the current of the rechargeable battery 3 does not exceed a preferable value range and becomes excessive.

As described above, according to the present embodiment, the control circuit 2E determines the gear ratio so that the drive current value of the auxiliary drive motor 2B falls within a predetermined range, and automatically switches the transmission 5. By doing so, the auxiliary driving motor 2B can always be operated at a current in the most efficient range and can be operated efficiently, and an appropriate value must be set so that the driving current output from the rechargeable battery 3 does not become excessive. Can be used in the range. Further, the microcomputer 2A does not need to include a storage means, and can be controlled by the small-scale microcomputer 2A to simplify the configuration.

In this embodiment, the auxiliary driving motor 2B
Although the description has been given of the case where the drive current is detected, it goes without saying that the discharge current of the rechargeable battery 3 may be detected.

Embodiment 4 Hereinafter, a fourth embodiment of the electric bicycle of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. This embodiment is described in claim 2
It relates to claim 3 .

FIG. 7 is a block diagram showing the configuration of this embodiment. The same components as those in FIG. 6 are denoted by the same reference numerals, and detailed description will be omitted. This embodiment is different from the third embodiment in that the control circuit 2E includes the microcomputer 2A.
Reads the output of the speed detector 2D, and when the value is at a low speed close to the stop state, regardless of the drive current detected by the current detector 2F, the speed ratio is forcibly set to the maximum reduction ratio. It has a startup priority gear ratio control function for controlling the transmission controller 4. Other operations are described in the third embodiment.
Is the same as By this operation, the gear ratio is forcibly switched to the maximum reduction ratio at the time of starting with a low running speed, and the starting can always be performed with a small manpower torque.

As described above, according to the present embodiment, when the traveling speed is lower than the predetermined value, the transmission ratio is automatically switched to the maximum reduction ratio regardless of the driving current of the auxiliary driving motor. This allows the electric bicycle to be started with light pedaling.

Although the present embodiment has been described with reference to switching to the maximum reduction ratio, it is also possible to simply switch to the large reduction ratio. You may make it possible to start according to physical strength.

(Embodiment 5) Hereinafter, a fifth embodiment of the electric bicycle of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. This embodiment corresponds to claims 4 to
It relates to claim 5 .

FIG. 8 is a block diagram showing the configuration of this embodiment. The same components as those in FIG. 6 are denoted by the same reference numerals, and detailed description will be omitted. This embodiment is different from the third embodiment in that the control circuit 2E includes a voltage detector 2G for monitoring the output voltage of the rechargeable battery 3, and the microcomputer 2A reads the output of the voltage detector 2G to read the output of the voltage detector 2G. When it is determined that the battery 3 is in the last stage of discharging, the transmission controller 4 is controlled to forcibly switch the speed ratio to the maximum reduction ratio, and to maintain the state, a rechargeable battery discharge priority speed ratio control function. Have prepared.

The operation of the above configuration will be described. The voltage detector 2G detects the voltage of the rechargeable battery 3 and outputs it to the microcomputer 2A. Microcomputer 2
A determines whether or not the rechargeable battery 3 is completely discharged based on the output of the voltage detector 2G. For example, when the voltage of the rechargeable battery 3 is equal to or lower than a predetermined value, it is determined that the battery is in the last stage of discharge. Then, the transmission controller 4 is controlled so as to switch the gear ratio to the maximum reduction ratio. By this operation, when the rechargeable battery 3 is in the final discharging state and is operated without the auxiliary driving of the electric driving device 2, the operation can be performed with relatively light pedaling.

As described above, according to this embodiment, when the rechargeable battery 3 is in the last stage of discharging, the speed ratio is forcibly switched to the maximum reduction ratio, so that the rechargeable battery 3 is discharged. Even when the auxiliary drive does not function in the terminal state, the vehicle can be driven with relatively light pedaling.

Embodiment 6 Hereinafter, a sixth embodiment of the electric bicycle of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. This embodiment relates to claim 6 .

FIG. 9 is a block diagram showing the configuration of this embodiment. The same components as those in FIG. 6 are denoted by the same reference numerals, and detailed description will be omitted. The present embodiment is different from the third embodiment in that the control circuit 2E includes a control current detector 2H for detecting the current of the control motor 4C and a current breaker 2J for interrupting the drive current of the control motor. And a microcomputer 2A is provided in a current supply path to the transmission controller 4 in series with the control current detector 2H.
Is read, and when it is detected from the output of the control current detector 2H that a current of a predetermined value or more continues to flow through the control motor 4C for a predetermined time or more, the current breaker 2
It has a transmission controller forced stop function for stopping the current supply to the transmission controller 4 by operating J.

The operation of the above configuration will be described. When the transmission 5 does not operate normally due to a foreign object being caught in the transmission controller 4 or the transmission 5, the control motor 4C built in the transmission controller 4 is in a restricted state, and an excessive current continues to flow. The control circuit 2E detects the state by the control current detector 2H, and stops the power supply to the transmission controller 4 by the current breaker 2J.

As described above, according to the present embodiment, when the transmission controller 4 or the transmission 5 becomes defective and does not perform the normal switching operation, the power supply to the transmission controller is stopped and the transmission controller is stopped. 4 can be prevented from being damaged.

[0057]

According to the first aspect of the present invention, a driver is generated.
Drive wheels via a power transmission mechanism with human torque
A human-powered driving device to be driven, and driving by the human-powered driving device
And an electric drive for assisting
And a rechargeable battery to be supplied, wherein the electric driving device is
An auxiliary drive motor for generating an electric torque;
Determines the auxiliary electric torque based on torque and running speed
The auxiliary drive so as to generate the auxiliary electric torque.
Bicycle having control circuit for controlling electric motor for vehicle
And a transmission is provided in the power transmission mechanism.
Transmission control for switching the transmission ratio of the transmission
And the control circuit includes a discharge current of the rechargeable battery or
A current that detects any of the drive currents of the auxiliary drive motor
A current value indicated by the output of the current detector.
Switching control of the transmission gear ratio so that it is within a certain range
An electric bicycle , which is a circuit having a function .

As a result, the auxiliary driving motor can be operated while keeping the current within a predetermined range with high efficiency, the traveling distance per charge can be increased, and the excessive current does not flow. And battery life can be extended. Further, since the transmission state data table is not used, the configuration can be simplified.

According to a second aspect of the present invention, the control circuit runs
Related to the output of the current detector when the speed is below the specified value
Without changing the transmission gear ratio to a larger reduction ratio
Characterized in that it has a function to control
The electric bicycle according to claim 1 .

Thus, the starting operation can be facilitated, and the starting can be performed with comfortable pedaling according to the physical strength of the driver.

According to the third aspect of the present invention, when the traveling speed is a predetermined
The value of the force to cut changing speed reduction ratio when it is of value less
3. The electric vehicle according to claim 2, wherein the driver can select the vehicle.
It is a turning point .

Thus, the starting operation can be performed at the reduction ratio selected by the driver according to the physical strength and the like.

According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, the control circuit includes a charging circuit.
A voltage detector for detecting a voltage of the battery;
The rechargeable battery is in the last stage of discharge by the output of the output device
It is determined whether or not it is in the final discharge state.
The gear ratio of the transmission is forcibly switched to the maximum reduction ratio, and
Continue to maintain the maximum reduction ratio until the end-of-power condition disappears
Characterized in that it has a function to control
The electricity according to any one of claims 1 to 3,
It is a bicycle .

As a result, the rechargeable battery is in the final discharge state,
In the case of a so-called "battery exhausted" state, when moving to a place where charging is possible without auxiliary driving, it is possible to operate with a light human torque.

According to a fifth aspect of the present invention, the control circuit comprises a
The voltage of the rechargeable battery exceeds the specified time by the output of the detector
When the value is below the specified value, the rechargeable battery is
5. The electricity according to claim 4, wherein the state is determined to be in a state.
It is a bicycle .

Thus, the end-of-discharge state of the rechargeable battery can be easily determined.

According to a sixth aspect of the present invention, there is provided a transmission control.
Is used as a power source to mechanically change the transmission gear ratio.
Control motor, and the control circuit flows to the control motor.
A control current detector for detecting a current flowing through the control motor;
A current breaker for interrupting a drive current;
The current value of the machine has exceeded the specified value for the specified time.
So that the current supply to the control motor is stopped when
It is a transmission controller with a function to control
According to claims 1, wherein any one of claims 5
Is an electric bicycle .

Thus, if the transmission cannot switch the gear ratio due to foreign matter being caught or a mechanical failure, the rechargeable battery is protected from overdischarge and the transmission controller is damaged. Can be prevented.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is an external view showing a configuration of a first embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2A is an axial cross-sectional view illustrating a configuration of an electric drive device according to the embodiment. FIG. 2B is a radial cross-sectional view illustrating a configuration of the electric drive device according to the embodiment.

FIG. 3 is a sectional view showing a configuration of a transmission controller in the embodiment.

FIG. 4 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the embodiment.

FIG. 5 is a block diagram showing a configuration of a second embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 6 is a block diagram showing a configuration of a third embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 7 is a block diagram showing a configuration of a fourth embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 8 is a block diagram showing a configuration of a fifth embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 9 is a block diagram showing a configuration of a sixth embodiment of the present invention.

[Explanation of symbols]

 Reference Signs List 1 human power drive 1A pedal-crank mechanism 1B drive wheel 1C power transmission mechanism 2 electric drive 2A microcomputer 2B auxiliary drive motor 2C torque detector 2D speed detector 2E control circuit 2F current detector 2G voltage detector 2H control current Detector 2J Current breaker 3 Rechargeable battery 4 Transmission controller 4A Wire 4B Case 4C Control motor 4D Worm gear 4E, 4F Gear 4G Pinion gear 4H Mover 4J Recess 4K Spring 4L Contact 5 Transmission

──────────────────────────────────────────────────続 き Continued on the front page (58) Field surveyed (Int.Cl. ⁷ , DB name) B62M 23/02

Claims (6)

(57) [Claims] 1. A human-powered driving device that drives driving wheels via a power transmission mechanism with a human-powered torque generated by a driver;
An electric driving device for assisting driving by the manual driving device; and a rechargeable battery for supplying electric power to the electric driving device, wherein the electric driving device includes an auxiliary driving motor for generating an auxiliary electric torque; And a control circuit for controlling the auxiliary driving electric motor so as to generate the auxiliary electric torque based on the power transmission mechanism and the power transmission mechanism. And a transmission controller for switching a transmission ratio of the transmission is provided, and the control circuit includes:
Discharge current of rechargeable battery or drive power of auxiliary drive motor
A current detector for detecting any one of the currents.
Transmission so that the current value indicated by the output of the
Circuit that has the function of switching and controlling the gear ratio of the
An electric bicycle characterized by the above. 2. The control circuit according to claim 1, wherein the control circuit controls the transmission so that the transmission ratio is forcibly switched to a large reduction ratio regardless of the output of the current detector when the traveling speed is equal to or lower than a predetermined value. The electric bicycle according to claim 1, wherein: 3. The electric bicycle according to claim 2, wherein the driver can select a value of the reduction ratio for forcibly switching when the running speed is equal to or lower than a predetermined value. 4. The control circuit includes a voltage detector for detecting a voltage of the rechargeable battery, and determines whether or not the rechargeable battery is in an end-of-discharge state based on an output of the voltage detector. A circuit having a function of forcibly switching the transmission gear ratio to the maximum reduction ratio when it is determined to be present, and controlling to maintain the maximum reduction ratio until the end-of-discharge state is eliminated. Claim 1 to claim
The electric bicycle according to any one of the above items 3 . 5. The rechargeable battery according to claim 4, wherein the output of the voltage detector determines that the rechargeable battery is in the last stage of discharge when the voltage of the rechargeable battery is below a predetermined value for a predetermined time or more. The described electric bicycle. 6. A transmission controller comprising a control motor as a power source for mechanically switching a transmission gear ratio, a control circuit including a control current detector for detecting a current flowing through the control motor, and a drive of the control motor. And a current breaker for interrupting a current, wherein the transmission controller has a function of stopping the current supply to the control motor when the current value of the control motor is equal to or more than a predetermined value for a predetermined time or more. 2. The method according to claim 1, wherein
The electric bicycle according to claim 5 .