Shift control device and gear shifting device

The present invention relates to a shift control device and a gear shifting device.

A human-powered vehicle includes a gear shift control device configured to control a gear changing device.

In accordance with a first aspect of the present invention, a shifting control device for a human-powered vehicle comprises a controller configured to control an actuator of a gear shifting device to arrange a chain guide of the gear shifting device on a plurality of gear positions. The controller is configured to execute a multistage gear shift operation to accomplish a movement between at least three gear positions in a gear shift direction. The controller is configured to control the actuator to move the chain guide from a first current gear position to a first target gear position in a gear shift direction and to temporarily arrange the chain guide on a first temporary position in the multistage gear shift operation before stopping the chain guide at the first target gear position. The controller is configured to execute a single gear shift operation to accomplish a movement between two gear positions in the gear shift direction. The controller is configured to control the actuator to move the chain guide from a second current gear position to a second target gear position in the gear shift direction and to temporarily arrange the chain guide on a second temporary position in the single gear shift operation before stopping the chain guide at the second target gear position. The first temporary position is offset from the second temporary position in the gear shift direction if the first target gear position is the first target gear position and the second target gear position correspond to the same gear position of the plurality of gear positions.

With the shift control device according to the first aspect, it is possible to adjust the first temporary position and the second temporary position in accordance with difference between the multistage gear shift operation and the single gear shift operation. This can smooth the multistage gear shift operation and/or the single gear shift operation.

In accordance with a second aspect of the present invention, the shift control device according to the first aspect is configured so that the controller is configured to vary the first temporary position based on multistage-gear-shift information relating to the multistage gear shift operation.

With the shift control device according to the second aspect, it is possible to adjust the first temporary position corresponding to each of first target gear positions in accordance with the multistage gear shift operation.

In accordance with a third aspect of the present invention, a shifting control device for a human-powered vehicle comprises a controller configured to control an actuator of a gear shifting device to arrange a chain guide of the gear shifting device on a plurality of gear positions. The controller is configured to execute a multistage gear shift operation to accomplish a movement between at least three gear positions in a gear shift direction. The controller is configured to control the actuator to move the chain guide from a first current gear position to a first target gear position in a gear shift direction and to temporarily arrange the chain guide on a first temporary position in the multistage gear shift operation before stopping the chain guide at the first target gear position. The controller is configured to vary the first temporary position based on multistage-gear-shift information relating to the multistage gear shift operation.

With the shift control device according to the third aspect, it is possible to adjust the first temporary position corresponding to each of first target gear positions in accordance with the multistage gear shift operation.

In accordance with a fourth aspect of the present invention, the shift control device according to the second or third aspect is configured so that the controller includes a memory configured to store the plurality of gear positions and the multistage-gear-shift information.

With the shift control device according to the fourth aspect, it is possible to utilize the multistage-gear-shift information stored in the memory as necessary.

In accordance with a fifth aspect of the present invention, the shift control device according to any one of the second to fourth aspects is configured so that the multistage-gear-shift information includes a plurality of available temporary positions. The plurality of available temporary positions is partly different from each other.

With the shift control device according to the fifth aspect, it is possible to select one of the plurality of available temporary positions to vary the first temporary position.

In accordance with a sixth aspect of the present invention, the shift control device according to the fifth aspect is configured so that the controller is configured to select one temporary position from the plurality of available temporary positions to vary the first temporary position.

With the shift control device according to the sixth aspect, it is possible to effectively vary the first temporary position.

In accordance with a seventh aspect of the present invention, the shift control device according to the sixth aspect is configured so that the multistage-gear-shift information includes the gear shift direction. The controller is configured to select one temporary position from the plurality of available temporary positions to vary the first temporary position based on the gear shift direction.

With the shift control device according to the seventh aspect, it is possible to more effectively vary the first temporary position.

In accordance with an eighth aspect of the present invention, the shift control device according to any one of the second to seventh aspects is configured so that the multistage-gear-shift information includes a total number of a plurality of single gear shift control commands periodically transmitted from the operating device in response to a single user input.

With the shift control device according to the eighth aspect, it is possible to select one of the plurality of available temporary positions to vary the first temporary position in accordance with the total number of the plurality of single gear shift control commands.

In accordance with a ninth aspect of the present invention, the shift control device according to the sixth aspect is configured so that the controller is configured to select one temporary position from the plurality of available temporary positions to vary the first temporary position based on the total number of the plurality of single gear shift control commands.

With the shift control device according to the ninth aspect, it is possible to effectively vary the first temporary position using the total number of the plurality of single gear shift control commands.

In accordance with a tenth aspect of the present invention, the shift control device according to the eighth or ninth aspect is configured so that the controller is configured to count the total number of the plurality of single gear shift control commands.

With the shift control device according to the tenth aspect, it is possible to obtain the total number of the plurality of single gear shift control commands.

In accordance with an eleventh aspect of the present invention, the shift control device according to any one of the eighth to tenth aspects is configured so that the controller is configured to select the first target gear position from the plurality of gear positions based on the first current gear position and the total number of the plurality of single gear shift control commands.

With the shift control device according to the eleventh aspect, it is possible to obtain the first target gear position.

In accordance with a twelfth aspect of the present invention, the shift control device according to the sixth aspect is configured so that the multistage-gear-shift information includes the first current gear position. The controller is configured to select one temporary position from the plurality of available temporary positions to vary the first temporary position based on the first current gear position.

With the shift control device according to the twelfth aspect, it is possible to effectively vary the first temporary position.

In accordance with thirteenth aspect of the present invention, the shift control device according to the sixth aspect is configured so that the multistage-gear-shift information includes the first target gear position. The controller is configured to select one temporary position from the plurality of available temporary positions to vary the first temporary position based on the first target gear position.

With the shift control device according to the thirteenth aspect, it is possible to more effectively vary the first temporary position.

In accordance with a fourteenth aspect of the present invention, the shift control device according to any one of the first to thirteenth aspects is configured so that the controller is configured to execute the multistage gear shift operation in response to the plurality of single gear shift control commands periodically transmitted from the operating device in response to a single user input.

With the shift control device according to the fourteenth aspect, it is possible to reliably execute the multistage gear shift operation.

In accordance with a fifteenth aspect of the present invention, the shift control device according to the fourteenth aspect is configured so that the controller is configured to determine a termination of the plurality of single gear shift control commands periodically transmitted from the operating device in response to the single user input. The controller is configured to control the actuator to temporarily arrange the chain guide on the first temporary position in the multistage gear shift operation in response to the termination of the plurality of single gear shift control commands.

With the shift control device according to the fifteenth aspect, it is possible to reliably arrange the chain guide on the first temporary position.

In accordance with a sixteenth aspect of the present invention, the shift control device according to any one of the first to fifteenth aspects is configured so that the first temporary position is provided between the first current gear position and the first target gear position.

With the shift control device according to the sixteenth aspect, it is possible to reduce interference between the chain and the sprocket corresponding to the first target gear position in the multistage gear shift operation. This can smoothly bring the chain into engagement with the sprocket corresponding to the first target gear position in the multistage gear shift operation.

In accordance with a seventeenth aspect of the present invention, the shift control device according to any one of the first to fifteenth aspects is configured so that the first target gear position is provided between the first temporary position and the first current gear position.

With the shift control device according to the seventeenth aspect, it is possible to reliably bring the chain into the sprocket corresponding to the first target gear position in the multistage gear shift operation.

In accordance with an eighteenth aspect of the present invention, the shift control device according to the first or second aspect is configured so that the second temporary position is provided between the second current gear position and the second target gear position.

With the shift control device according to the eighteenth aspect, it is possible to reduce interference between the chain and the sprocket corresponding to the second target gear position in the single gear shift operation. This can smoothly bring the chain into engagement with the sprocket corresponding to the first target gear position in the multistage gear shift operation.

In accordance with a nineteenth aspect of the present invention, the shift control device according to the first or second aspect is configured so that the second target gear position is provided between the second temporary position and the second current gear position.

With the shift control device according to the nineteenth aspect, it is possible to reliably bring the chain into the sprocket corresponding to the first target gear position in the single gear shift operation.

In accordance with a twentieth aspect of the present invention, a gear shifting device for a human-powered vehicle comprises a base member, the chain guide movably coupled to the base member, the actuator configured to move the chain guide relative to the base member, and the shifting control device according to any one of the first to nineteenth aspects.

With the gear shifting device according to the twentieth aspect, it is possible to smooth the multistage gear shift operation and/or the single gear shift operation in the gear shifting device.

A more complete appreciation of the invention and many of the attendant advantages thereof will be readily obtained as the same becomes better understood by reference to the following detailed description when considered in connection with the accompanying drawings.

FIG. 1 is a side elevational view of a human-powered vehicle provided with a shift control device in accordance with an embodiment.

FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram of the shift control device illustrated in FIG. 1 .

FIG. 3 is a schematic block diagram of the shift control device illustrated in FIG. 1 .

FIG. 4 is a flow chart showing an operation of the shift control device illustrated in FIG. 1 (upshift).

FIG. 5 is a flow chart showing an operation of the shift control device illustrated in FIG. 1 (downshift).

FIG. 6 is a side elevational view of a sprocket assembly and a gear shifting device of the human-powered vehicle illustrated in FIG. 1 .

FIG. 7 is a side elevational view of the sprocket assembly of the human-powered vehicle illustrated in FIG. 1 .

FIG. 8 is a partial rear schematic view of the sprocket assembly and the gear shifting device of the bicycle illustrated in FIG. 1 .

FIG. 9 is a side elevational view of an additional sprocket assembly and an additional gear shifting device of the human-powered vehicle illustrated in FIG. 1 .

FIG. 10 is a partial rear schematic view of the additional sprocket assembly and the additional gear shifting device of the human-powered vehicle illustrated in FIG. 1 .

FIG. 11 is a partial schematic view of the sprocket assembly and the gear shifting device of the human-powered vehicle illustrated in FIG. 1 (upshift in a single gear shift operation).

FIG. 12 is a partial schematic view of the sprocket assembly and the gear shifting device of the human-powered vehicle illustrated in FIG. 1 (downshift in a single gear shift operation).

FIG. 13 is a partial schematic view of the sprocket assembly and the gear shifting device of the human-powered vehicle illustrated in FIG. 1 (upshift in a multistage gear shift operation).

FIG. 14 is a partial schematic view of the sprocket assembly and the gear shifting device of the human-powered vehicle illustrated in FIG. 1 (downshift in a multistage gear shift operation).

FIG. 15 is a partial schematic view of a sprocket assembly and a gear shifting device in accordance with a modification (upshift in a multistage gear shift operation).

FIG. 16 is a partial schematic view of a sprocket assembly and a gear shifting device in accordance with a modification (downshift in a multistage gear shift operation).

FIG. 17 is a partial schematic view of a sprocket assembly and a gear shifting device in accordance with a modification (upshift in a single gear shift operation).

FIG. 18 is a partial schematic view of a sprocket assembly and a gear shifting device in accordance with a modification (downshift in a single gear shift operation).

FIG. 19 is a partial schematic view of the sprocket assembly and the gear shifting device of the human-powered vehicle illustrated in FIG. 1 (upshift in the multistage gear shift operation by two stages or three stages).

FIG. 20 is a partial schematic view of the sprocket assembly and the gear shifting device of the human-powered vehicle illustrated in FIG. 1 (downshift in the multistage gear shift operation by two stages or three stages).

FIGS. 21 and 22 show multistage-gear-shift information.

FIGS. 23 to 26 are flow charts showing an operation of the shift control device of the human-powered vehicle illustrated in FIG. 1 .

The embodiment(s) will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings, wherein like reference numerals designate corresponding or identical elements throughout the various drawings.

Referring initially to FIG. 1 , a human-powered vehicle 10 is illustrated that is equipped with a gear shifting device RD in accordance with an embodiment. For example, the human-powered vehicle 10 is a vehicle to travel with a motive power including at least a human power of a user who rides the human-powered vehicle 10 (i.e., rider). The human-powered vehicle 10 has an arbitrary number of wheels. For example, the human-powered vehicle 10 has at least one wheel. In this embodiment, the human-powered vehicle 10 preferably has a smaller size than that of a four-wheeled automobile. However, the human-powered vehicle 10 can have an arbitrary size. For example, the human-powered vehicle 10 can have a larger size than that of the four-wheeled automobile. Examples of the human-powered vehicle 10 include a bicycle, a tricycle, and a kick scooter. In this embodiment, the human-powered vehicle 10 is a bicycle. An electric assisting system including an electric motor can be applied to the human-powered vehicle 10 (e.g., the bicycle) to assist muscular motive power of the user. Namely, the human-powered vehicle 10 can be an E-bike. While the human-powered vehicle 10 is illustrated as a road bike, the gear shifting device RD can be applied to mountain bikes or any type of human-powered vehicles.

As seen in FIG. 1 , the human-powered vehicle 10 includes a handlebar 1 , a saddle 2 , a vehicle body 3 , a crank assembly 4 , a sprocket assembly RS, an operating device OD, the gear shifting device RD, and an additional gear shifting device FD. The operating device OD is mounted to the handlebar 1 . The crank assembly 4 includes an additional sprocket assembly FS. The additional sprocket assembly FS includes a first front sprocket FS 1 and a second front sprocket FS 2 . A chain C is engaged with the sprocket assembly RS and the additional sprocket assembly FS. The additional gear shifting device FD is configured to shift the chain C between a plurality of gear positions in response to operation of the operating device OD. The gear shifting device RD is configured to shift the chain C between a plurality of gear positions in response to operation of the operating device OD. The operating device OD includes a rear brake operating device via which a user operates a rear braking device B 1 and a front operating device via which a user operates a front braking device B 2 .

In the present application, the following directional terms “front,” “rear,” “forward,” “rearward,” “left,” “right,” “transverse,” “upward” and “downward” as well as any other similar directional terms refer to those directions which are determined on the basis of a user (e.g., a rider) who sits on the saddle 2 of the human-powered vehicle 10 with facing the handlebar 1 . Accordingly, these terms, as utilized to describe components, should be interpreted relative to the human-powered vehicle 10 equipped with the components as used in an upright riding position on a horizontal surface.

As seen in FIG. 2 , the human-powered vehicle 10 includes a power supply PS. The power supply PS is electrically connected to the operating device OD, the gear shifting device RD, and the additional gear shifting device FD to supply electricity to the operating device OD, the gear shifting device RD, and the additional gear shifting device FD. Examples of the battery PS 1 include a primary battery such as a lithium manganese dioxide battery, and a secondary battery such as a lithium-ion secondary battery. In this embodiment, the battery PS 1 is the secondary battery. The battery PS 1 is detachably attached to the battery holder PS 2 to supply electricity to the gear shifting device RD, the additional gear shifting device FD, and other electric components.

The battery holder PS 2 is mounted to the vehicle body 3 ( FIG. 1 ) and is electrically connected to the operating device OD, the gear shifting device RD, and the additional gear shifting device FD to supply electricity from the battery PS 1 to the operating device OD, the gear shifting device RD, and the additional gear shifting device FD.

As seen in FIG. 2 , the human-powered vehicle 10 comprises an electric communication path CP. The electric communication path CP operatively connects electric components to each other. For example, the electric communication path CP includes electric cables C 1 to C 6 and electric junctions J 1 and J 2 . However, the electric communication path CP can at least partly include a wireless communication path.

The operating device OD includes an operating device OD 1 and an operating device OD 2 . The operating device OD 1 can also be referred to as a first operating device OD 1 . The operating device OD 2 can also be referred to as a second operating device OD 2 . The operating device OD 1 is connected to the electric junction J 1 with the electric cable C 1 . The operating device OD 2 is connected to the electric junction J 1 with the electric cable C 2 . The electric junction J 1 is connected to the electric junction J 2 with the electric cable C 3 . The gear shifting device RD is connected to the electric junction J 2 with the electric cable C 4 . The additional gear shifting device FD is connected to the electric junction J 2 with the electric cable C 5 . The battery holder PS 2 is connected to the electric junction J 2 with the electric cable C 6 . Thus, the power supply PS is electrically connected to the operating device OD, the gear shifting device RD, and the additional gear shifting device FD with the electric cables C 1 to C 6 and the electric junctions J 1 and J 2 .

As seen in FIG. 3 , the operating device OD is configured to receive a user input U to operate the additional gear shifting device FD and the gear shifting device RD. However, the operating device OD can be configured to receive another user input to operate another bicycle component.

The user input U includes shift-changing user inputs U 1 and U 2 . In this embodiment, the shift-changing user input U 1 includes a first upshift user input U 11 and a first downshift user input U 12 . The shift-changing user input U 2 includes a second upshift user input U 21 and a second downshift user input U 22 . In this embodiment, the first upshift user input U 11 can also be referred to as a rear upshift user input U 11 . The first downshift user input U 12 can be referred to as a rear downshift user input U 12 . The second upshift user input U 21 can also be referred to as a front upshift user input U 21 . The second downshift user input U 22 can also be referred to as a front downshift user input U 22 .

In this embodiment, the operating device OD 1 is configured to generate a gear shift control command OS 1 in response to the shift-changing user input U 1 . The operating device OD 1 includes a first upshift switch OD 11 , a first downshift switch OD 12 , a first operation controller OD 14 , and a first circuit board OD 15 . The first upshift switch OD 11 , the first downshift switch OD 12 , and the first operation controller OD 14 are electrically mounted on the first circuit board OD 15 and are electrically connected to each other with a bus OD 16 . The first upshift switch OD 11 is configured to receive the first upshift user input U 11 from the user. The first upshift switch OD 11 is configured to generate a first upshift command OS 11 in response to the first upshift user input U 11 . The first downshift switch OD 12 is configured to receive the first downshift user input U 12 from the user. The first downshift switch OD 12 is configured to generate a first downshift command OS 12 in response to the first downshift user input U 12 . For example, each of the first upshift switch OD 11 and the first downshift switch OD 12 includes a push-button switch.

The first operation controller OD 14 is electrically connected to the first upshift switch OD 11 to generate the first upshift command OS 11 in response to the first upshift user input U 11 received by the first upshift switch OD 11 . The first operation controller OD 14 is electrically connected to the first downshift switch OD 12 to generate the first downshift command OS 12 in response to the first downshift user input U 12 received by the first downshift switch OD 12 .

In this embodiment, the first operation controller OD 14 includes a processor OD 17 and a memory OD 18 . The processor OD 17 and the memory OD 18 are electrically mounted on the first circuit board OD 15 . The processor OD 17 includes a central processing unit (CPU) and a memory controller. The memory OD 18 is electrically connected to the processor OD 17 . The memory OD 18 includes a read only memory (ROM) and a random-access memory (RAM). The ROM includes a non-transitory computer-readable storage medium. The RAM includes a transitory computer-readable storage medium. The memory OD 18 includes storage areas each having an address in the ROM and the RAM. The processor OD 17 controls the memory OD 18 to store data in the storage areas of the memory OD 18 and reads data from the storage areas of the memory OD 18 . The memory OD 18 (e.g., the ROM) stores a program. The program is read into the processor OD 17 , and thereby functions of the first operation controller OD 14 is performed.

As seen in FIGS. 4 and 5 , the operating device OD 1 is configured to generate at least one gear shift control command OS 1 (at least one first upshift commands OS 11 or at least one first upshift commands OS 12 ) having a total number that depends on a single time period during which operating device OD 1 continuously receives the shift-changing user input U 11 (the first upshift input U 11 or the first downshift input U 12 ). The shift-changing user input U 1 can also be referred to as a single user input U 1 .

As seen in FIG. 4 , the first operation controller OD 14 is configured to generate at least one first upshift commands OS 11 having a total number that depends on a single time period during which first upshift switch OD 11 continuously receives the first upshift input U 11 . The first upshift input U 11 can also be referred to as a single user input U 11 . As seen in FIG. 5 , the first operation controller OD 14 is configured to generate at least one first downshift commands OS 12 having a total number that depends on a single time period during which first downshift switch OD 12 continuously receives the first downshift input U 12 . The first downshift input U 12 can also be referred to as a single user input U 12 . However, the operating device OD 1 can be configured to transmit a plurality of single gear shift control commands OS 1 (a plurality of first upshift commands OS 11 or a plurality of first downshift commands OS 12 ) which are intermittently generated in response to the single user input U 1 (the single user input U 11 or U 12 ).

In this embodiment, as seen in FIGS. 4 and 5 , the first operation controller OD 14 is configured to generate the plurality of single gear shift control commands OS 1 periodically transmitted from the operating device OD 1 in response to the single user input U 1 such as a long press of one of the first upshift switch OD 11 and the first downshift switch OD 12 . For example, as seen in FIG. 4 , the first operation controller OD 14 is configured to generate the plurality of first upshift commands OS 11 periodically transmitted from the operating device OD 1 in response to the single user input U 11 such as a long press of the first upshift switch OD 11 . As seen in FIG. 5 , the first operation controller OD 14 is configured to generate the plurality of first downshift commands OS 12 periodically transmitted from the operating device OD 1 in response to the single user input U 12 such as a long press of the first downshift switch OD 12 .

Examples of the first upshift switch OD 11 include a single-stage push button switch and a multistage (e.g., two-stage) push button switch. Examples of the first downshift switch OD 12 include a single stage push button switch and a multistage (e.g., two-stage) push button switch. For example, the long press of the first upshift switch OD 11 can include a long press of the single-stage push button switch and a long press of one of a first-stage and a second stage of the two-stage push button switch. The long press of the first downshift switch OD 12 can include a long press of the single-stage push button switch and a long press of one of a first-stage and a second stage of the two-stage push button switch.

In this embodiment, the first operation controller OD 14 is configured to generate the plurality of single gear shift control commands OS 1 periodically and continuously transmitted from the operating device OD 1 in response to the single user input U 1 . The first operation controller OD 14 is configured to generate the plurality of single first upshift commands OS 11 periodically and continuously transmitted from the operating device OD 1 in response to the single user input U 11 . The first operation controller OD 14 is configured to generate the plurality of single first downshift commands OS 12 periodically and continuously transmitted from the operating device OD 1 in response to the single user input U 12 . However, the first operation controller OD 14 can be configured to generate the plurality of single gear shift control commands OS 1 periodically and intermittently transmitted from the operating device OD 1 in response to the single user input U 1 . The first operation controller OD 14 can be configured to generate the plurality of single first upshift commands OS 11 periodically and intermittently transmitted from the operating device OD 1 in response to the single user input U 11 . The first operation controller OD 14 is configured to generate the plurality of single first downshift commands OS 12 periodically and intermittently transmitted from the operating device OD 1 in response to the single user input U 12 .

As seen in FIG. 3 , the operating device OD 2 includes a second upshift switch OD 21 , a second downshift switch OD 22 , a second operation controller OD 24 , and a second circuit board OD 25 . The second upshift switch OD 21 , the second downshift switch OD 22 , and the second operation controller OD 24 are electrically mounted on the second circuit board OD 25 and are electrically connected to each other with a bus OD 26 . The second upshift switch OD 21 is configured to receive the second upshift user input U 21 from the user. The second upshift switch OD 21 is configured to generate a second upshift command OS 21 in response to the second upshift user input U 21 . The second downshift switch OD 22 is configured to receive the second downshift user input U 22 from the user. The second downshift switch OD 22 is configured to generate a second downshift command OS 22 in response to the second downshift user input U 22 . For example, each of the second upshift switch OD 21 and the second downshift switch OD 22 includes a push-button switch.

The second operation controller OD 24 is electrically connected to the second upshift switch OD 21 to generate the second upshift command OS 21 in response to the second upshift user input U 21 received by the second upshift switch OD 21 . The second operation controller OD 24 is electrically connected to the second downshift switch OD 22 to generate the second downshift command OS 22 in response to the second downshift user input U 22 received by the second downshift switch OD 22 .

In this embodiment, the second operation controller OD 24 includes a processor OD 27 and a memory OD 28 . The processor OD 27 and the memory OD 28 are electrically mounted on the second circuit board OD 25 . The processor OD 27 includes a CPU and a memory controller. The memory OD 28 is electrically connected to the processor OD 27 . The memory OD 28 includes a ROM and a RAM. The ROM includes a non-transitory computer-readable storage medium. The RAM includes a transitory computer-readable storage medium. The memory OD 28 includes storage areas each having an address in the ROM and the RAM. The processor OD 27 controls the memory OD 28 to store data in the storage areas of the memory OD 28 and reads data from the storage areas of the memory OD 28 . The memory OD 28 (e.g., the ROM) stores a program. The program is read into the processor OD 27 , and thereby functions of the second operation controller OD 24 is performed.

As seen in FIG. 6 , the gear shifting device RD for the human-powered vehicle 10 comprises a base member RD 1 , a chain guide RD 2 , an actuator RD 3 , and a shifting control device RD 8 . The base member RD 1 is mounted to the vehicle body 3 . The chain guide RD 2 is movably coupled to the base member RD 1 . The actuator RD 3 is configured to move the chain guide RD 2 relative to the base member RD 1 .

The chain guide RD 2 includes a guide plate RD 21 , a guide pulley RD 22 , and a link structure RD 23 . The guide pulley RD 22 is rotatably coupled to the guide plate RD 21 about a rotational axis A 22 . The link structure RD 23 movably couples the guide plate RD 21 to the base member RD 1 . The guide plate RD 21 is pivotally coupled to the link structure RD 23 about a pivot axis A 21 with a pivot shaft RD 24 . The rotational axis A 22 of the guide pulley RD 22 is offset from the pivot axis A 21 of the guide plate RD 21 when viewed along the rotational axis A 22 . The actuator RD 3 is coupled to the link structure RD 23 to move the guide plate RD 21 relative to the base member RD 1 .

The chain guide RD 2 includes an additional guide pulley RD 25 . The additional guide pulley RD 25 is rotatably coupled to the guide plate RD 21 about an additional rotational axis A 25 . The additional rotational axis A 25 of the additional guide pulley RD 25 is offset from the rotational axis A 22 of the guide pulley RD 22 and the pivot axis A 21 of the guide plate RD 21 when viewed along the rotational axis A 22 .

The chain guide RD 2 includes a tension biasing member RD 26 to bias the guide plate RD 21 in a tension direction D 3 . A pivotal orientation of the guide plate RD 21 changes about the pivot axis A 21 relative to the base member RD 1 in response to tension of the chain C. Namely, the pivotal orientation of the guide plate RD 21 changes about the pivot axis A 21 relative to the base member RD 1 based on a current shift position of the gear shifting device RD and a current shift position of the additional gear shifting device FD.

As seen in FIG. 7 , the sprocket assembly RS has a rotational center axis A 1 and is rotatable about the rotational center axis A 1 in a rotational driving direction D 1 . The sprocket assembly RS includes a plurality of sprockets. In this embodiment, the sprocket assembly RS includes first to eleventh rear sprockets RS 1 to RS 11 . However, a total number of the rear sprockets is not limited to this embodiment. The first rear sprocket RS 1 has the largest pitch-circle diameter in the sprocket assembly RS and corresponds to low gear. The eleventh rear sprocket RS 11 has the smallest pitch-circle diameter in the sprocket assembly RS and corresponds to top gear.

As seen in FIG. 8 , the first to eleven rear sprockets RS 1 to RS 11 are arranged in an axial direction D 2 parallel to the rotational center axis A 1 . The first to eleventh rear sprockets RS 1 to RS 11 are spaced apart from each other in the axial direction D 2 . The chain C is shifted relative to the sprocket assembly RS in a gear shift direction D 4 . In the illustrated embodiment, upshifting occurs when the gear shifting device RD shifts the chain C from a larger sprocket to a neighboring smaller sprocket in an upshifting direction D 41 . Downshifting occurs when the gear shifting device RD shifts the chain C from a smaller sprocket to a neighboring larger sprocket in a downshifting direction D 42 . The gear shift direction D 4 includes the upshifting direction D 41 and the downshifting direction D 42 . The downshifting direction D 42 is an opposite direction of the upshifting direction D 41 .

The chain guide RD 2 is movable relative to the sprocket assembly RS in the upshifting direction D 41 and the downshifting direction D 42 . The actuator RD 3 is configured to move the chain guide RD 2 to shift the chain C in the upshifting direction D 41 and the downshifting direction D 42 .

In this embodiment, the gear shifting device RD has a plurality of gear positions RP 1 to RP 11 corresponding to the plurality of rear sprockets RS 1 to RS 11 . The gear position RP 1 corresponds to low gear, and the gear position RP 11 corresponds to top gear. The actuator RD 3 is operatively coupled to the chain guide RD 2 to move the chain guide RD 2 relative to the base member RD 1 among the plurality of gear positions RP 1 to RP 11 and to stop the chain guide RD 2 relative to the base member RD 1 in any one position of the plurality of gear positions RP 1 to RP 11 . A total number of the gear positions is not limited to this embodiment.

In the present application, the term “gear position” can encompass a position of the chain guide RD 2 relative to the base member RD 1 and/or a sprocket corresponding to a position of the chain guide RD 2 .

As seen in FIG. 9 , the additional gear shifting device FD comprises a base member FD 1 , a chain guide FD 2 , and an actuator FD 3 . The base member FD 1 is secured to the vehicle body 3 ( FIG. 1 ). The chain guide FD 2 is movably coupled to the base member FD 1 . The actuator FD 3 is operatively coupled to the chain guide FD 2 to move the chain guide FD 2 relative to the base member FD 1 .

The chain guide FD 2 includes a guide plate FD 21 and a link structure FD 23 . The link structure FD 23 movably couples the guide plate FD 21 to the base member FD 1 . The actuator FD 3 is coupled to the link structure FD 23 to move the guide plate FD 21 relative to the base member FD 1 .

In this embodiment, as seen in FIG. 10 , the additional gear shifting device FD has a plurality of gear positions FP 1 and FP 2 . The gear position FP 1 corresponds to low gear, and the gear position FP 11 corresponds to top gear. The actuator FD 3 is operatively coupled to the chain guide FD 2 to move the chain guide FD 2 relative to the base member FD 1 among the plurality of gear positions FP 1 and FP 2 and to stop the chain guide FD 2 relative to the base member FD 1 in any one of the plurality of gear positions FP 1 and FP 2 . A total number of the gear positions is not limited to this embodiment.

In the present application, the term “gear position” can encompass a position of the chain guide FD 2 relative to the base member FD 1 and/or a sprocket corresponding to a position of the chain guide FD 2 .

As seen in FIG. 3 , the shifting control device RD 8 for the human-powered vehicle 10 comprises a controller CR 10 . The controller is configured to control the actuator RD 3 of the gear shifting device RD to arrange the chain guide RD 2 of the gear shifting device RD on the plurality of gear positions RP 1 to RP 11 ( FIG. 8 ).

The controller CR 10 is configured to receive the first upshift command OS 11 from the operating device OD 1 . The controller CR 10 is configured to receive the first downshift command OS 12 from the operating device OD 1 . The controller CR 10 is configured to receive the second upshift command OS 21 from the operating device OD 2 . The controller CR 10 is configured to receive the second downshift command OS 22 from the operating device OD 2 .

The controller CR 10 is configured to generate a rear upshift control command CC 11 in response to the first upshift command OS 11 . The controller CR 10 is configured to generate a rear downshift control command CC 12 in response to the first downshift command OS 12 . The controller CR 10 is configured to generate a front upshift control command CC 21 in response to the second upshift command OS 21 . The controller CR 10 is configured to generate a front downshift control command CC 22 in response to the second downshift command OS 22 .

As seen in FIG. 3 , the shifting control device RD 8 includes a motor driver RD 4 and a position sensor RD 5 . The motor driver RD 4 is electrically connected to the actuator RD 3 to control the actuator RD 3 based on commands and/or signals from the controller CR 10 . Examples of the actuator RD 3 include a direct-current (DC) motor and a stepper motor. The actuator RD 3 includes a rotational shaft operatively coupled to the chain guide RD 2 . The position sensor RD 5 is configured to sense a current gear position CRP of the gear shifting device RD. Examples of the position sensor RD 5 include a potentiometer and a rotary encoder. The position sensor RD 5 is configured to sense an absolute rotational position of the rotational shaft of the actuator RD 3 as the current gear position CRP of the gear shifting device RD. The actuator RD 3 , the motor driver RD 4 , and the position sensor RD 5 are electrically connected to each other with a bus RD 6 . The actuator RD 3 , the motor driver RD 4 , and the position sensor RD 5 constitute a motor unit RD 7 .

The motor driver RD 4 is configured to control the actuator RD 3 to move the chain guide RD 2 relative to the base member RD 1 in the upshifting direction D 41 based on the rear upshift control command CC 11 and the current gear position CRP sensed by the position sensor RD 5 . The motor driver RD 4 is configured to control the actuator RD 3 to stop the chain guide RD 2 relative to the base member RD 1 based on the target-gear position TSP included in the rear upshift control command CC 11 and the current gear position CRP sensed by the position sensor RD 5 .

The motor driver RD 4 is configured to control the actuator RD 3 to move the chain guide RD 2 relative to the base member RD 1 ( FIG. 5 ) in the downshifting direction D 42 ( FIG. 6 ) based on the rear downshift control command CC 12 and the current gear position CRP sensed by the position sensor RD 5 . The motor driver RD 4 is configured to control the actuator RD 3 to stop the chain guide RD 2 relative to the base member RD 1 ( FIG. 5 ) based on the target-gear position TSP included in the rear downshift control command CC 12 and the current gear position CRP sensed by the position sensor RD 5 .

As seen in FIG. 3 , the additional gear shifting device FD includes a motor driver FD 4 and a position sensor FD 5 . The motor driver FD 4 is electrically connected to the actuator FD 3 to control the actuator FD 3 based on commands and/or signals from the controller CR 10 . Examples of the actuator FD 3 include a DC motor and a stepper motor. The actuator FD 3 includes a rotational shaft operatively coupled to the chain guide FD 2 . The position sensor FD 5 is configured to sense a current gear position CFP of the additional gear shifting device FD. Examples of the position sensor FD 5 include a potentiometer and a rotary encoder. The position sensor FD 5 is configured to sense an absolute rotational position of the rotational shaft of the actuator FD 3 as the current gear position CFP of the additional gear shifting device FD. The actuator FD 3 , the motor driver FD 4 , and the position sensor FD 5 are electrically connected to each other with a bus FD 6 . The actuator FD 3 , the motor driver FD 4 , and the position sensor FD 5 constitute a motor unit FD 7 .

The motor driver FD 4 is configured to control the actuator FD 3 to move the chain guide FD 2 relative to the base member FD 1 in the upshifting direction D 41 based on the front upshift control command CC 21 and the current gear position CFP sensed by the position sensor FD 5 . The motor driver FD 4 is configured to control the actuator FD 3 to stop the chain guide FD 2 relative to the base member FD 1 based on the target-gear position TSP included in the front upshift control command CC 21 and the current gear position CFP sensed by the position sensor FD 5 .

The motor driver FD 4 is configured to control the actuator FD 3 to move the chain guide FD 2 relative to the base member FD 1 in the downshifting direction D 42 based on the front downshift control command CC 22 and the current gear position CFP sensed by the position sensor FD 5 .

In the illustrated embodiment, the controller CR 10 is constituted as a microcomputer. The controller CR 10 includes a processor CR 11 , a memory CR 12 , and a circuit board CR 13 . The processor CR 11 includes a CPU and a memory controller. The memory CR 12 is electrically connected to the processor CR 11 . The memory CR 12 includes a ROM and a RAM. The ROM includes a non-transitory computer-readable storage medium. The RAM includes a transitory computer-readable storage medium. The memory CR 12 includes storage areas each having an address in the ROM and the RAM. The processor CR 11 controls the memory CR 12 to store data in the storage areas of the memory CR 12 and reads data from the storage areas of the memory CR 12 . For example, the memory CR 12 is configured to store the current gear position CRP sensed by the position sensor RD 5 . The memory CR 12 is also configured to store the current gear position CFP sensed by the position sensor FD 5 .

At least one program is stored in the memory CR 12 (e.g., the ROM). The at least one program is read into the processor CR 11 , and thereby configurations of the controller CR 10 are performed. The processor CR 11 and the memory CR 12 are mounted on the circuit board CR 13 and are connected to each other with a bus CR 14 . Thus, the controller CR 10 can also be referred to as a control circuit or circuitry CR 10 . The controller CR 10 generates the rear upshift control command CC 11 , the rear downshift control command CC 12 , the front upshift control command CC 21 , and the front downshift control command CC 22 . The bus CR 14 is connected to the bus RD 6 . The rear upshift control command CC 11 and the rear downshift control command CC 12 are transmitted from the controller CR 10 to the motor driver RD 4 .

The memory CR 12 is configured to store the current gear position. The controller CR 10 is configured to select one of the upshifting direction D 41 and the downshifting direction D 42 based on the current gear position and the gear shift control command OS 1 . The memory CR 12 is configured to store selected one of the upshifting direction D 41 and the downshifting direction D 42 . The controller CR 10 is configured to control the actuator RD 3 to move the chain guide RD 2 in the selected one of the upshifting direction D 41 and the downshifting direction D 42 .

As seen in FIG. 2 , the gear shifting device RD, the additional gear shifting device FD, the power supply PS, and the operating device OD communicate with each other via the electric communication path CP using power line communication (PLC) technology. More specifically, each of the electric cables C 1 to C 6 includes a ground line and a voltage line that are detachably connected to a serial bus that is formed by communication interfaces and the electric junctions J 1 and J 2 . In this embodiment, the gear shifting device RD, the additional gear shifting device FD, the power supply PS, and the operating device OD can all communicate with each other through the voltage line using the PLC technology. As seen in FIG. 3 , the front upshift control command CC 21 and the front downshift control command CC 22 are transmitted from the controller CR 10 to the additional gear shifting device FD.

The PLC technology is used for communicating between electric components. The PLC carries data on a conductor that is also used simultaneously for electric power transmission or electric power distribution to the electric components. In this embodiment, electricity is supplied from the power supply PS to the gear shifting device RD, the additional gear shifting device FD, and the operating device OD via the electric communication path CP. Furthermore, the controller CR 10 can receive information signals from the gear shifting device RD, the additional gear shifting device FD, the power supply PS, and the operating device OD via the electric communication path CP using the PLC.

As seen in FIG. 3 , the PLC uses unique identifying information such as a unique identifier that is assigned to each of the gear shifting device RD, the additional gear shifting device FD, the power supply PS, the operating device OD 1 , and the operating device OD 2 . Each of the electric components RD, FD, PS, OD 1 , and OD 2 includes a memory in which the unique identifying information is stored. Based on the unique identifying information, each of the electric components RD, FD, PS, OD 1 , and OD 2 can recognize, based on the unique identifying information, information signals which are necessary for itself among information signals transmitted via the electric communication path CP. For example, the controller CR 10 can recognize information signals transmitted from the gear shifting device RD, the additional gear shifting device FD, the power supply PS, the operating device OD 1 , and the operating device OD 2 with the electric communication path CP. Instead of using the PLC technology, however, separate signal wires can be provided for transmitting data in addition to the ground wire and the voltage wire if needed and/or desired.

The controller CR 10 includes an interface IF 1 . The interface IF 1 is electrically connected to the processor CR 11 and the memory CR 12 with the bus CR 14 . The interface IF 1 is electrically connected to the additional gear shifting device FD, the power supply PS, and the operating device OD to communicate with the additional gear shifting device FD, the power supply PS, and the operating device OD using the PLC. However, the interface IF 1 can be configured to communicate with the additional gear shifting device FD, the power supply PS, and the operating device OD using another communication protocol.

The interface IF 1 includes a circuit configured to transmit and receive a signal to and from other components via the electric communication path CP using the PLC. The interface IF 1 is configured to separate input signals to the power source voltage and information signals. The interface IF 1 is configured to regulate the power source voltage to a level at which various components of the controller CR 10 , the motor driver RD 4 , and the actuator RD 3 can properly operate. The interface IF 1 is configured to superimpose at least one of the front upshift control command CC 21 and the front downshift control command CC 22 to the power source voltage. The interface IF 1 can be configured to superimpose at least one of the rear upshift control command CC 11 and the rear downshift control command CC 12 to the power source voltage.

The additional gear shifting device FD includes an interface IF 2 . The interface IF 2 is electrically connected to the motor driver FD 4 and the position sensor FD 5 with the bus FD 6 . The interface IF 2 is electrically connected to the gear shifting device RD and the operating device OD to communicate with the gear shifting device RD and the operating device OD using the PLC. However, the interface IF 2 can be configured to communicate with the gear shifting device RD and the operating device OD using another communication protocol.

The operating device OD 1 includes an interface IF 3 . The interface IF 3 is electrically connected to the first upshift switch OD 11 , the first downshift switch OD 12 , and the first operation controller OD 14 with the bus OD 16 . The interface IF 3 is electrically connected to the gear shifting device RD and the additional gear shifting device FD to communicate with the gear shifting device RD and the additional gear shifting device FD using the PLC. However, the interface IF 3 can be configured to communicate with the gear shifting device RD and the additional gear shifting device FD using another communication protocol.

The operating device OD 2 includes an interface IF 4 . The interface IF 4 is electrically connected to the second upshift switch OD 21 , the second downshift switch OD 22 , and the second operation controller OD 24 with the bus OD 26 . The interface IF 4 is electrically connected to the gear shifting device RD and the additional gear shifting device FD to communicate with the gear shifting device RD and the additional gear shifting device FD using the PLC. However, the interface IF 4 can be configured to communicate with the gear shifting device RD and the additional gear shifting device FD using another communication protocol.

The power supply PS includes an interface IF 5 . The interface IF 5 is electrically connected to the battery holder PS 2 . The interface IF 5 is electrically connected to the operating device OS, the gear shifting device RD, and the additional gear shifting device FD to communicate with the operating device OD, the gear shifting device RD, and the additional gear shifting device FD using the PLC. However, the interface IF 5 can be configured to communicate with the operating device OD, the gear shifting device RD, and the additional gear shifting device FD using another communication protocol.

The interfaces IF 2 , IF 3 , IF 4 , and IF 5 have substantially the same configuration as that of the interface IF 1 . Thus, they will not be described in detail here for the sake of brevity.

As seen in FIGS. 11 and 12 , the controller CR 10 is configured to execute a single gear shift operation to accomplish a movement between two gear positions in the gear shift direction D 4 . The two gear positions are adjacent to each other in the gear shift direction D 4 without another gear position between the two gear positions. The controller CR 10 is configured to execute the single gear shift operation to accomplish the movement of the chain guide RD 2 between two gear positions in the gear shift direction D 4 in response to one of the first upshift command OS 11 and the first downshift command OS 12 .

As seen in FIG. 11 , the controller CR 10 is configured to execute the single gear shift operation to accomplish the movement of the chain guide RD 2 between two gear positions (e.g., the gear positions RP 8 and RP 9 ) in the upshifting direction D 41 in response to the first upshift command OS 11 . As seen in FIG. 12 , the controller CR 10 is configured to execute the single gear shift operation to accomplish the movement between two gear positions (e.g., the gear positions RP 6 and RP 7 ) in the downshifting direction D 42 in response to the first downshift command OS 12 .

As seen in FIGS. 13 and 14 , the controller CR 10 is configured to execute a multistage gear shift operation to accomplish a movement between at least three gear positions in the gear shift direction D 4 . The controller CR 10 is configured to execute the multistage gear shift operation in response to the plurality of single gear shift control commands OS 1 periodically transmitted from the operating device OD 1 in response to the single user input U 1 .

As seen in FIG. 13 , the controller CR 10 is configured to execute the multistage gear shift operation to accomplish the movement of the chain guide RD 2 between at least three gear positions (e.g., the gear positions RP 6 to RP 9 ) in the upshifting direction D 41 in response to the plurality of first upshift commands OS 11 periodically and continuously transmitted from the operating device OD 1 . As seen in FIG. 14 , the controller CR 10 is configured to execute the multistage gear shift operation to accomplish the movement of the chain guide RD 2 between at least three gear positions (e.g., the gear positions RP 6 to RP 9 ) in the downshifting direction D 42 in response to the plurality of first downshift commands OS 12 periodically and continuously transmitted from the operating device OD 1 .

As seen in FIGS. 13 and 14 , the controller CR 10 is configured to control the actuator RD 3 to move the chain guide RD 2 from a first current gear position CRP 1 to a first target gear position TRP 1 in the gear shift direction D 4 and to temporarily arrange the chain guide RD 2 on a first temporary position TP 1 in the multistage gear shift operation before stopping the chain guide RD 2 at the first target gear position TRP 1 . In this embodiment, the first current gear position CRP 1 is the current gear position CRP stored in the memory CR 12 ( FIG. 3 ) at the start of the multistage gear shift operation. Thus, the first current gear position CRP 1 can also be referred to as a first start gear position CRP 1 .

As seen in FIGS. 13 and 14 , the controller CR 10 is configured to determine a termination of the plurality of single gear shift control commands OS 1 ( FIGS. 4 and 5 ) periodically transmitted from the operating device OD 1 in response to the single user input U 1 . The controller CR 10 is configured to control the actuator RD 3 to temporarily arrange the chain guide RD 2 on the first temporary position TP 1 in the multistage gear shift operation in response to the termination of the plurality of single gear shift control commands OS 1 . In this embodiment, the controller CR 10 is configured to control the actuator RD 3 to temporarily stop the chain guide RD 2 on the first temporary position TP 1 in the multistage gear shift operation in response to the termination of the plurality of single gear shift control commands OS 1 . However, the controller CR 10 can be configured to control the actuator RD 3 to temporarily decrease a speed of the chain guide RD 2 on the first temporary position TP 1 in the multistage gear shift operation in response to the termination of the plurality of single gear shift control commands OS 1 .

As seen in FIG. 13 , in this embodiment, the controller CR 10 is configured to determine a termination of the plurality of first upshift commands OS 11 ( FIG. 4 ) periodically transmitted from the operating device OD 1 in response to the single user input U 11 . The controller CR 10 is configured to control the actuator RD 3 to temporarily arrange the chain guide RD 2 on the first temporary position TP 1 in the multistage gear shift operation in response to the termination of the plurality of first upshift commands OS 11 . The controller CR 10 is configured to control the actuator RD 3 to temporarily stop the chain guide RD 2 on the first temporary position TP 1 in the multistage gear shift operation in response to the termination of the plurality of first upshift commands OS 11 . However, the controller CR 10 can be configured to control the actuator RD 3 to temporarily decrease a speed of the chain guide RD 2 on the first temporary position TP 1 in the multistage gear shift operation in response to the termination of the plurality of first upshift commands OS 11 .

As seen in FIG. 14 , in this embodiment, the controller CR 10 is configured to determine a termination of the plurality of first downshift commands OS 12 ( FIG. 5 ) periodically transmitted from the operating device OD 1 in response to the single user input Ulf. The controller CR 10 is configured to control the actuator RD 3 to temporarily arrange the chain guide RD 2 on the first temporary position TP 1 in the multistage gear shift operation in response to the termination of the plurality of first downshift commands OS 12 . The controller CR 10 is configured to control the actuator RD 3 to temporarily stop the chain guide RD 2 on the first temporary position TP 1 in the multistage gear shift operation in response to the termination of the plurality of first downshift commands OS 12 . However, the controller CR 10 can be configured to control the actuator RD 3 to temporarily decrease a speed of the chain guide RD 2 on the first temporary position TP 1 in the multistage gear shift operation in response to the termination of the plurality of first downshift commands OS 12 .

In the multistage gear shift operation, at least one gear position (two gear positions in FIGS. 13 and 14 ) is provided on a moving path from the first current gear position CRP 1 to the first target gear position TRP 1 . In the multistage gear shift operation, the first target gear position TRP 1 and the first temporary position TP 1 are adjacent to each other in the gear shift direction D 4 without another gear position between the first target gear position TRP 1 and the first temporary position TP 1 .

In this embodiment, the controller CR 10 is configured to control the actuator RD 3 to move the chain guide RD 2 from the first current gear position CRP 1 to the first target gear position TRP 1 in the gear shift direction D 4 without temporarily stopping the chain guide RD 2 in each gear position provided on the moving path. However, the controller CR 10 can be configured to control the actuator RD 3 to move the chain guide RD 2 from the first current gear position CRP 1 to the first target gear position TRP 1 in the gear shift direction D 4 with temporarily stopping the chain guide RD 2 in each gear position providing on the moving path.

As seen in FIGS. 13 and 14 , the first temporary position TP 1 is provided between the first current gear position CRP 1 and the first target gear position TRP 1 . As seen in FIGS. 15 and 16 , however, the first target gear position TRP 1 can be provided between the first temporary position TP 1 and the first current gear position CRP 1 .

As seen in FIGS. 11 and 12 , the controller CR 10 is configured to control the actuator RD 3 to move the chain guide RD 2 from a second current gear position CRP 2 to a second target gear position TRP 2 in the gear shift direction D 4 and to temporarily arrange the chain guide RD 2 on a second temporary position TP 2 in the single gear shift operation before stopping the chain guide RD 2 at the second target gear position TRP 2 .

As seen in FIG. 11 , the controller CR 10 is configured to control the actuator RD 3 to move the chain guide RD 2 from the second current gear position CRP 2 to the second target gear position TRP 2 in the upshifting direction D 41 and to temporarily arrange the chain guide RD 2 on the second temporary position TP 2 in the single gear shift operation in response to the first upshift command OS 11 before stopping the chain guide RD 2 at the second target gear position TRP 2 . As seen in FIG. 12 , the controller CR 10 is configured to control the actuator RD 3 to move the chain guide RD 2 from the second current gear position CRP 2 to the second target gear position TRP 2 in the downshifting direction D 42 and to temporarily arrange the chain guide RD 2 on the second temporary position TP 2 in the single gear shift operation in response to the first upshift command OS 11 before stopping the chain guide RD 2 at the second target gear position TRP 2 .

As seen in FIGS. 11 and 12 , the second temporary position TP 2 is provided between the second current gear position CRP 2 and the second target gear position TRP 2 . As seen in FIGS. 17 and 18 , however, the second target gear position TRP 2 can be provided between the second temporary position TP 2 and the second current gear position CRP 2 .

As seen in FIGS. 11 and 12 , in the single gear shift operation, the second current gear position CRP 2 and the second target gear position TRP 2 are adjacent to each other in the gear shift direction D 4 without another gear position between the second current gear position CRP 2 and the second target gear position TRP 2 . In the single gear shift operation, the second target gear position TRP 2 and the second temporary position TP 2 are adjacent to each other in the gear shift direction D 4 without another gear position between the second target gear position TRP 2 and the second temporary position TP 2 .

As seen in FIGS. 13 to 16 , the first temporary position TP 1 is offset from the second temporary position TP 2 in the gear shift direction D 4 if the first target gear position TRP 1 and the second target gear position TRP 2 correspond to the same gear position of the plurality of gear positions RP 1 to RP 11 . In this embodiment, the second temporary position TP 2 is closer to the first target gear position TRP 1 than the first temporary position TP 1 in the gear shift direction D 4 if the first target gear position TRP 1 and the second target gear position TRP 2 correspond to the same gear position of the plurality of gear positions RP 1 to RP 11 . However, the first temporary position TP 1 can be closer to the first target gear position TRP 1 than the second temporary position TP 2 in the gear shift direction D 4 if the first target gear position TRP 1 and the second target gear position TRP 2 correspond to the same gear position of the plurality of gear positions RP 1 to RP 11 .

As seen in FIGS. 19 and 20 , the controller CR 10 is configured to vary the first temporary position TP 1 based on multistage-gear-shift information INF ( FIGS. 21 and 22 ) relating to the multistage gear shift operation. As seen in FIGS. 21 and 22 , the memory ( FIG. 3 ) is configured to store the plurality of gear positions RP 1 to RP 11 and the multistage-gear-shift information INF. The multistage-gear-shift information INF includes a plurality of available temporary positions. The plurality of available temporary positions is partly different from each other.

In this embodiment, as seen in FIG. 21 , the plurality of available temporary positions includes an available temporary position TU 0302 corresponding to the gear position RP 3 , available temporary positions TU 0402 and TU 0403 corresponding to the gear position RP 4 , available temporary positions TU 0502 to TU 0504 corresponding to the gear position RP 5 , available temporary positions TU 0602 to TU 0605 corresponding to the gear position RP 6 , available temporary positions TU 0702 to TU 0706 corresponding to the gear position RP 7 , available temporary positions TU 0802 to TU 0807 corresponding to the gear position RP 8 , available temporary positions TU 0902 to TU 0908 corresponding to the gear position RP 9 , available temporary positions TU 1002 to TU 1009 corresponding to the gear position RP 10 , and available temporary positions TU 1102 to TU 1110 corresponding to the gear position RP 11 .

The available temporary positions TU 0402 and TU 0403 are different from each other. The available temporary positions TU 0502 to TU 0504 are different from each other. The available temporary positions TU 0602 to TU 0605 are different from each other. The available temporary positions TU 0702 to TU 0706 are different from each other. The available temporary positions TU 0802 to TU 0807 are different from each other. The available temporary positions TU 0902 to TU 0908 are different from each other. The available temporary positions TU 1002 to TU 1009 are different from each other. The available temporary positions TU 1102 to TU 1110 are different from each other.

In this embodiment, as seen in FIG. 22 , the plurality of available temporary positions includes available temporary positions TD 0102 to TD 0110 corresponding to the gear position RP 1 , available temporary positions TD 0202 to TD 0209 corresponding to the gear position RP 2 , available temporary positions TD 0302 to TD 0308 corresponding to the gear position RP 3 , available temporary positions TD 0402 to TD 0407 corresponding to the gear position RP 4 , available temporary positions TD 0502 to TD 0506 corresponding to the gear position RP 5 , available temporary positions TD 0602 to TD 0605 corresponding to the gear position RP 6 , available temporary positions TD 0702 to TD 0704 corresponding to the gear position RP 7 , available temporary positions TD 0802 and TD 0803 corresponding to the gear position RP 8 , and an available temporary position TD 0902 corresponding to the gear position RP 9 .

The available temporary positions TD 0102 to TD 0110 are different from each other. The available temporary positions TD 0202 to TD 0209 are different from each other. The available temporary positions TD 0302 to TD 0308 are different from each other. The available temporary positions TD 0402 to TD 0407 are different from each other. The available temporary positions TD 0502 to TD 0506 are different from each other. The available temporary positions TD 0602 to TD 0605 are different from each other. The available temporary positions TD 0702 to TD 0704 are different from each other. The available temporary positions TD 0802 and TD 0803 are different from each other.

The controller CR 10 ( FIG. 3 ) is configured to select one temporary position from the plurality of available temporary positions to vary the first temporary position TP 1 . The controller CR 10 ( FIG. 3 ) is configured to select one temporary position from the plurality of available temporary positions to vary the first temporary position TP 1 based on multistage-gear-shift information INF. The controller CR 10 is configured to store the selected available temporary position as the first temporary position TP 1 based on multistage-gear-shift information INF.

As seen in FIGS. 21 and 22 , the multistage-gear-shift information INF includes the gear shift direction D 4 . The controller CR 10 is configured to select one temporary position from the plurality of available temporary positions to vary the first temporary position TP 1 based on the gear shift direction D 4 . The controller CR 10 is configured to select one temporary position from the plurality of available temporary positions to vary the first temporary position TP 1 based on selected one of the upshifting direction D 41 and the downshifting direction D 42 .

The multistage-gear-shift information INF includes a total number N of the plurality of single gear shift control commands OS 1 periodically transmitted from the operating device OD 1 in response to the single user input U 1 . The controller CR 10 is configured to select one temporary position from the plurality of available temporary positions to vary the first temporary position TP 1 based on the total number N of the plurality of single gear shift control commands OS 1 . The controller CR 10 is configured to count the total number N of the plurality of single gear shift control commands OS 1 . The controller CR 10 is configured to select the first target gear position TRP 1 from the plurality of gear positions based on the first current gear position CRP 1 and the total number N of the plurality of single gear shift control commands OS 1 .

The multistage-gear-shift information INF includes the first current gear position CRP 1 . The controller CR 10 is configured to select one temporary position from the plurality of available temporary positions to vary the first temporary position TP 1 based on the first current gear position CRP 1 . The multistage-gear-shift information INF includes the first target gear position TRP 1 . The controller CR 10 is configured to select one temporary position from the plurality of available temporary positions to vary the first temporary position TP 1 based on the first target gear position TRP 1 . The controller CR 10 is configured to determine the first target gear position TRP 1 based on the first current gear position CRP 1 and the total number N of the single gear shift control commands OS 1 periodically transmitted from the operating device OD 1 in response to the single user input U 1 .

As seen in FIGS. 19 and 21 , for example, the controller CR 10 is configured to conclude that the first target gear position TRP 1 is the gear position RP 9 and to select the available temporary position TU 0903 if the gear shift direction D 4 is the upshifting direction D 41 , the first current gear position CRP 1 is the gear position RP 6 , and the total number of the single gear shift control commands is three. The controller CR 10 is configured to conclude that the first target gear position TRP 1 is the gear position RP 9 and to select the available temporary position TU 0902 if the gear shift direction D 4 is the upshifting direction D 41 , the first current gear position CRP 1 is the gear position RP 7 , and the total number of the single gear shift control commands is two.

As seen in FIGS. 20 and 22 , the controller CR 10 is configured to conclude that the first target gear position TRP 1 is the gear position RP 6 and to select the available temporary position TD 0603 if the gear shift direction D 4 is the downshifting direction D 42 , the first current gear position CRP 1 is the gear position RP 9 , and the total number of the single gear shift control commands is three. The controller CR 10 is configured to conclude that the first target gear position TRP 1 is the gear position RP 6 and to select the available temporary position TD 0602 if the gear shift direction D 4 is the downshifting direction D 42 , the first current gear position CRP 1 is the gear position RP 8 , and the total number of the single gear shift control commands is two.

As seen in FIGS. 21 and 22 , the controller CR 10 is configured to execute the single gear shift operation based on single-gear-shift information relating to the single gear shift operation. The single-gear-shift information includes a plurality of available temporary positions different from each other. The plurality of available temporary positions includes an available temporary position TD 0101 corresponding to the gear position RP 1 , available temporary positions TU 0201 and TD 0201 corresponding to the gear position RP 2 , available temporary positions TU 0301 and TD 0301 corresponding to the gear position RP 3 , available temporary positions TU 0401 and TD 0401 corresponding to the gear position RP 4 , available temporary positions TU 0501 and TD 0501 corresponding to the gear position RP 5 , available temporary positions TU 0601 and TD 0601 corresponding to the gear position RP 6 , available temporary positions TU 0701 and TD 0701 corresponding to the gear position RP 7 , available temporary positions TU 0801 and TD 0801 corresponding to the gear position RP 8 , available temporary positions TU 0901 and TD 0901 corresponding to the gear position RP 9 , available temporary positions TU 1001 and TD 1001 corresponding to the gear position RP 10 , and an available temporary position TU 101 corresponding to the gear position RP 11 .

The control algorithm of the gear shifting device RD will be described in detail below referring to FIGS. 23 to 26 .

As seen in FIG. 23 , the controller CR 10 resets the total number N of the single gear shift control commands OS 1 (the total number N of the first upshift commands OS 11 ), a determination time TM 1 , and a determination time TM 2 (Step S 1 ). The controller CR 10 is configured to measure each of the determination time TM 1 and the determination time TM 2 . The controller CR 10 determines whether the controller CR 10 receives one of the first upshift command PS 11 and the first downshift command OS 12 (Steps S 2 and S 3 ). The controller CR 10 obtains the first current gear position CRP 1 if the controller CR 10 receives the first upshift command OS 11 (Steps S 3 and S 4 ). The controller CR 10 controls the actuator RD 3 to move the chain guide RD 2 in the upshifting direction D 41 (Step S 5 ). The controller CR 10 starts to measure the determination time TM 1 and increments the total number N of the first upshift commands OS 11 by one (Steps S 6 and S 7 ).

The controller CR 10 determines whether the determination time TM 1 is equal to or longer than a threshold time T 1 (Step S 8 ). The controller CR 10 determines whether the controller CR 10 still receives the first upshift command OS 11 if the determination time TM 1 is shorter than the threshold time T 1 (Steps S 8 and S 9 ). The Steps S 8 and S 9 are repeated if the determination time TM 1 is shorter than the threshold time T 1 and the controller CR 10 still receives the first upshift command OS 11 .

If the determination time TM 1 is equal to or longer than the threshold time T 1 , the controller CR 10 resets the determination time TM 1 and determines whether the controller CR 10 still receives the first upshift command OS 11 (Steps S 8 , S 10 , and S 11 ). The process enters the Step S 6 if the controller CR 10 still receives the first upshift command OS 11 (Step S 11 ).

As seen in FIG. 24 , the process enters Step S 12 if the controller CR 10 does not receive the first upshift command OS 11 (Steps S 9 , S 11 , and S 12 ). The controller CR 10 selects the first target gear position TRP 1 based on the first current gear position CRP 1 and the total number N of the first upshift commands OS 11 (Step S 12 ). In this embodiment, the controller CR 10 selects the first target gear position TRP 1 from among the gear positions RP 1 to RP 11 based on the first current gear position CRP 1 and the total number N of the first upshift commands OS 11 . For example, as seen in FIG. 21 , the controller CR 10 selects the gear position RP 9 as the first target gear position TRP 1 if the first current gear position CRP 1 is the gear position RP 6 and the total number N is three. The controller CR 10 selects the gear position RP 9 as the first target gear position TRP 1 if the first current gear position CRP 1 is the gear position RP 7 and the total number N is two.

As seen in FIG. 24 , the controller CR 10 selects the temporary position TP 1 based on the multistage-gear-shift information INF, the first current gear position CRP 1 , and the first target gear position TRP 1 (Step S 13 ). In this embodiment, the controller CR 10 selects the temporary position TP 1 from among the plurality of available temporary positions based on the multistage-gear-shift information INF, the first current gear position CRP 1 , and the first target gear position TRP 1 . For example, as seen in FIG. 21 , the controller CR 10 selects the available temporary position TU 0903 as the temporary position TP 1 if the first current gear position CRP 1 is the gear position RP 6 and the first target gear position TRP 1 is the gear position RP 9 . The controller CR 10 selects the available temporary position TU 0902 as the temporary position TP 1 if the first current gear position CRP 1 is the gear position RP 7 and the first target gear position TRP 1 is the gear position RP 9 . However, the controller CR 10 can be configured to directly select the temporary position TR 1 from among the plurality of available temporary positions based on the multistage-gear-shift information INF, the first current gear position CRP 1 , and the total number N.

As seen in FIG. 24 , the controller CR 10 controls the actuator RD 3 to temporarily arrange the chain guide RD 2 on the selected temporary position TP 1 after selecting the temporary position TP 1 (Step S 14 ). In this embodiment, the controller CR 10 controls the actuator RD 3 to temporarily stop the chain guide RD 2 on the selected temporary position TP 1 . For example, as seen in FIG. 19 , the controller CR 10 controls the actuator RD 3 to temporarily stop the chain guide RD 2 on the temporary position TP 1 (TU 0903 ) if the controller CR 10 selects the available temporary position TU 0903 as the temporary position TP 1 . The controller CR 10 controls the actuator RD 3 to temporarily stop the chain guide RD 2 on the temporary position TP 1 (TU 0902 ) if the controller CR 10 selects the available temporary position TU 0902 as the temporary position TP 1 . However, the controller CR 10 can be configured to control the actuator RD 3 to temporarily reduce the speed of the chain guide RD 2 on the selected temporary position TP 1 .

As seen in FIG. 24 , the controller CR 10 starts to measure the determination time TM 2 after arranging the chain guide RD 2 on the temporary position TP 1 (Step S 15 ). The controller CR 10 controls the actuator RD 3 to move the chain guide RD 2 to the first target gear position TRP 1 and to stop the chain guide RD 2 at the first target gear position TRP 1 if the determination time TM 2 is equal to or longer than a threshold time T 2 (Steps S 16 and S 17 ). Namely, the controller CR 10 controls the actuator RD 3 to stop the chain guide RD 2 on the temporary position TP 1 for a time period corresponding to the threshold time T 2 . Thus, it is possible to reduce shock during the multistate gear shift operation. The process enters the Step S 1 after the chain guide RD 2 is moved to the first target gear position TRP 1 .

As seen in FIGS. 23 and 25 , the controller CR 10 obtains the first current gear position CRP 1 if the controller CR 10 receives the first downshift command OS 12 (Steps S 3 and S 24 ). The controller CR 10 controls the actuator RD 3 to move the chain guide RD 2 in the downshifting direction D 42 (Step S 25 ). The controller CR 10 starts to measure the determination time TM 1 and increments the total number N of the first downshift commands OS 12 by one (Steps S 26 and S 27 ).

The controller CR 10 determines whether the determination time TM 1 is equal to or longer than the threshold time T 1 (Step S 28 ). The controller CR 10 determines whether the controller CR 10 still receives the first downshift command OS 12 if the determination time TM 1 is shorter than the threshold time T 1 (Steps S 28 and S 29 ). The Steps S 28 and S 29 are repeated if the determination time TM 1 is shorter than the threshold time T 1 and the controller CR 10 still receives the first downshift command OS 12 .

If the determination time TM 1 is equal to or longer than the threshold time T 1 , the controller CR 10 resets the determination time TM 1 and determines whether the controller CR 10 still receives the first downshift command OS 12 (Steps S 28 , S 30 , and S 31 ). The process enters the Step S 26 if the controller CR 10 still receives the first downshift command OS 12 (Step S 31 ).

As seen in FIG. 26 , the process enters Step S 12 if the controller CR 10 does not receive the first downshift command OS 12 (Steps S 29 , S 31 , and S 32 ). The controller CR 10 selects the first target gear position TRP 1 based on the first current gear position CRP 1 and the total number N of the first downshift commands OS 12 (Step S 32 ). In this embodiment, the controller CR 10 selects the first target gear position TRP 1 from among the gear positions RP 1 to RP 11 based on the first current gear position CRP 1 and the total number N of the first downshift commands OS 12 . For example, as seen in FIG. 22 , the controller CR 10 selects the gear position RP 6 as the first target gear position TRP 1 if the first current gear position CRP 1 is the gear position RP 9 and the total number N is three. The controller CR 10 selects the gear position RP 7 as the first target gear position TRP 1 if the first current gear position CRP 1 is the gear position RP 9 and the total number N is two.

As seen in FIG. 26 , the controller CR 10 selects the temporary position TP 1 based on the multistage-gear-shift information INF, the first current gear position CRP 1 , and the first target gear position TRP 1 (Step S 33 ). In this embodiment, the controller CR 10 selects the temporary position TP 1 from among the plurality of available temporary positions based on the multistage-gear-shift information INF, the first current gear position CRP 1 , and the first target gear position TRP 1 . For example, as seen in FIG. 22 , the controller CR 10 selects the available temporary position TD 0603 as the temporary position TP 1 if the first current gear position CRP 1 is the gear position RP 9 and the first target gear position TRP 1 is the gear position RP 6 . The controller CR 10 selects the available temporary position TD 0602 as the temporary position TP 1 if the first current gear position CRP 1 is the gear position RP 8 and the first target gear position TRP 1 is the gear position RP 6 . However, the controller CR 10 can be configured to directly select the temporary position TR 1 from among the plurality of available temporary positions based on the multistage-gear-shift information INF, the first current gear position CRP 1 , and the total number N.

As seen in FIG. 26 , the controller CR 10 controls the actuator RD 3 to temporarily arrange the chain guide RD 2 on the selected temporary position TP 1 after selecting the temporary position TP 1 (Step S 34 ). In this embodiment, the controller CR 10 controls the actuator RD 3 to temporarily stop the chain guide RD 2 on the selected temporary position TP 1 . For example, as seen in FIG. 20 , the controller CR 10 controls the actuator RD 3 to temporarily stop the chain guide RD 2 on the temporary position TP 1 (TD 0603 ) if the controller CR 10 selects the available temporary position TD 0603 as the temporary position TP 1 . The controller CR 10 controls the actuator RD 3 to temporarily stop the chain guide RD 2 on the temporary position TP 1 (TD 0602 ) if the controller CR 10 selects the available temporary position TD 0602 as the temporary position TP 1 . However, the controller CR 10 can be configured to control the actuator RD 3 to temporarily reduce the speed of the chain guide RD 2 on the selected temporary position TP 1 .

As seen in FIG. 26 , the controller CR 10 starts to measure the determination time TM 2 after arranging the chain guide RD 2 on the temporary position TP 1 (Step S 35 ). The controller CR 10 controls the actuator RD 3 to move the chain guide RD 2 to the first target gear position TRP 1 and to stop the chain guide RD 2 at the first target gear position TRP 1 if the determination time TM 2 is equal to or longer than a threshold time T 2 (Steps S 36 and S 37 ). Namely, the controller CR 10 controls the actuator RD 3 to stop the chain guide RD 2 on the temporary position TP 1 for a time period corresponding to the threshold time T 2 . Thus, it is possible to reduce shock during the multistate gear shift operation. The process enters the Step S 1 after the chain guide RD 2 is moved to the first target gear position TRP 1 .

The term “comprising” and its derivatives, as used herein, are intended to be open ended terms that specify the presence of the stated features, elements, components, groups, integers, and/or steps, but do not exclude the presence of other unstated features, elements, components, groups, integers and/or steps. This concept also applies to words of similar meaning, for example, the terms “have,” “include” and their derivatives.

The terms “member,” “section,” “portion,” “part,” “element,” “body” and “structure” when used in the singular can have the dual meaning of a single part or a plurality of parts.

The ordinal numbers such as “first” and “second” recited in the present application are merely identifiers, but do not have any other meanings, for example, a particular order and the like. Moreover, for example, the term “first element” itself does not imply an existence of “second element,” and the term “second element” itself does not imply an existence of “first element.”

The term “pair of,” as used herein, can encompass the configuration in which the pair of elements have different shapes or structures from each other in addition to the configuration in which the pair of elements have the same shapes or structures as each other.

The terms “a” (or “an”), “one or more” and “at least one” can be used interchangeably herein.

Terms of degree such as “substantially,” “about” and “approximately” as used herein mean a reasonable amount of deviation of the modified term such that the end result is not significantly changed. All of numerical values described in the present application can be construed as including the terms such as “substantially,” “about” and “approximately.”

The phrase “at least one of” as used in this disclosure means “one or more” of a desired choice. For one example, the phrase “at least one of” as used in this disclosure means “only one single choice” or “both of two choices” if the number of its choices is two. For other example, the phrase “at least one of” as used in this disclosure means “only one single choice” or “any combination of equal to or more than two choices” if the number of its choices is equal to or more than three. For instance, the phrase “at least one of A and B” encompasses (1) A alone, (2), B alone, and (3) both A and B. The phrase “at least one of A, B, and C” encompasses (1) A alone, (2), B alone, (3) C alone, (4) both A and B, (5) both B and C, (6) both A and C, and (7) all A, B, and C. In other words, the phrase “at least one of A and B” does not mean “at least one of A and at least one of B” in this disclosure.

Obviously, numerous modifications and variations of the present invention are possible in light of the above teachings. It is therefore to be understood that within the scope of the appended claims, the invention may be practiced otherwise than as specifically described herein.