Bicycle control apparatus

A bicycle control apparatus is basically configured to control at least one shifting device having a plurality of gear stages. The bicycle control apparatus includes a shifting input device, at least one detection sensor and a controller. The at least one detection sensor detects the gear stage of the at least one shifting device. The controller controls the at least one shifting device. The controller controls the at least one shifting device to upshift or to downshift in a state in which the detected gear stage matches a prescribed condition, upon receiving the prescribed shift command is input via the shifting input device.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims priority to Japanese Patent Application No. 2014-144069, filed on Jul. 14, 2014. The entire disclosure of Japanese Patent Application No. 2014-144069 is hereby incorporated herein by reference.

BACKGROUND

Field of the Invention

This invention generally relates to a bicycle control apparatus that controls at least one of a first shifting device having a plurality of gear stages and a second shifting device having a plurality of gear stages.

Background Information

A bicycle control apparatus is known that controls a first shifting device (for example, a front derailleur) and a second shifting device (for example, a rear derailleur) of a bicycle (see, for example, U.S. Pat. No. 8,712,656).

SUMMARY

A conventional bicycle control apparatus is required to reference a gear ratio table; therefore, when the sprocket is replaced with one having a different set of teeth, the setting of the table has to be changed.

One object of the present invention is to provide a bicycle control apparatus that can realize a simpler control.

The bicycle control apparatus according to the present invention is a device that controls at least one of a first shifting device having a plurality of gear stages and a second shifting device having a plurality of gear stages. The bicycle control apparatus comprises a shifting input device, at least one detection sensor and a controller. The shifting input device is for inputting a shift command. The at least one detection sensor detects the gear stage of at least one of the first shifting device and the second shifting device. The controller controls the first shifting device and the second shifting device. The controller controls at least one of the first shifting device and the second shifting device to upshift or to downshift upon determining a state exists in which the gear stage detected by the detection sensor matches a prescribed condition, and when a prescribed shift command is input via the shifting input device.

In this bicycle control apparatus, in a state in which the gear stage detected by the detection sensor matches a prescribed condition, when a user inputs a prescribed shift command via the shifting input device, the controller controls at least one of the first shifting device and the second shifting device to upshift or to downshift. Here, in a state that matches a prescribed condition, at least one of the first shifting device and the second shifting device is controlled to upshift or to downshift; therefore, a bicycle control apparatus that can realize a simpler control can be provided.

The at least one detection sensor can comprise a first detection sensor that detects the gear stage of the first shifting device and a second detection sensor that detects the gear stage of the second shifting device. The controller controls at least one of the first shifting device and the second shifting device to upshift or to downshift upon determining a state exists in which the gear stage detected by the first detection sensor and the gear stage detected by the second detection sensor match the prescribed condition, when the prescribed shift command is input via the shifting input device. In this case, since the gear stages of the first shifting device and the second shifting device are detected for the control, the gear stages can be detected even if the first shifting device and the second shifting device have three or more gear stages.

The controller can control the first shifting device to upshift when a first shift command is input via the shifting input device and upon determining a state exists in which the gear stage detected by the detection sensor matches at least one first shifting condition.

The controller can control the second shifting device to downshift when a first shift command is input via the shifting input device and upon determining a state exists in which the gear stage detected by the detection sensor matches at least one first shifting condition.

The controller can control the first shifting device to downshift when a second shift command is input via the shifting input device and upon determining a state exists in which the gear stage detected by the detection sensor matches at least one second shifting condition.

The controller can control the second shifting device to upshift when a second shift command is input via the shifting input device and upon determining a state exists in which the gear stage detected by the detection sensor matches at least one second shifting condition.

The bicycle control apparatus can further comprise a storage device that stores at least one coordinated shifting condition comprising at least one first shifting condition regarding the gear stage that is detected by the detection sensor and at least one second shifting condition regarding the gear stage that is detected by the detection sensor. The controller can control at least one of the first shifting device and the second shifting device to upshift or to downshift, based on at least one coordinated shifting condition stored in the storage device. In this case, instead of the gear ratio, a coordinated shifting condition comprising at least one first shifting condition and at least one second shifting condition can be stored in the storage device; control can be maintained according to the stored coordinated shifting condition. For this reason, a bicycle control apparatus that can realize a simpler control can be provided.

The bicycle control apparatus can further comprise a condition input device. At least one coordinated shifting condition can comprise a plurality of coordinated shifting conditions, and the controller can control at least one of the first shifting device and the second shifting device, based on the coordinated shifting condition that is selected via the condition input device. In this case, since one of a plurality of coordinated shifting conditions can be selected, shifting can be controlled according to the physical strength, skill, etc. of the user.

The controller can drive the second shifting device after driving the first shifting device. In this case, the first shifting device and the first shifting device do not shift gears at the same time, so smooth shifting can be realized even if the first shifting device and the second shifting device are external shifting devices that shift gears by derailing the chain from a sprocket and hanging the chain on a different sprocket.

The controller can drive the first shifting device after driving the second shifting device. In this case, the first shifting device and the second shifting device do not shift gears at the same time, so smooth shifting can be realized even if the first shifting device and the second shifting device are external shifting devices that shift gears by derailing the chain from a sprocket and hanging the chain on a different sprocket.

The first shifting device can comprise a front derailleur that changes the chain over to one of a plurality of front sprockets. In this case, controlling the front derailleur according to the upshift or the downshift gear changing command becomes simple.

The second shifting device can comprise a rear derailleur that changes the chain over to one of a plurality of rear sprockets. In this case, controlling the rear derailleur according to the upshift or downshift gear changing command becomes simple.

The bicycle control apparatus can further comprise a condition changing input device. The controller can change at least one of the first shift conditions and at least one of the second shifting conditions that are included in the coordinated shifting conditions, based on the condition changing command when a condition changing command is input via the condition changing input device.

The bicycle control apparatus can further comprise a setting input device. The controller can control only either the first shifting device or the second shifting device to upshift or to downshift upon determining a state exists in which the gear stage that is detected by the detection sensor matches a prescribed condition, when a first setting is selected via the setting input device and when a prescribed gear changing command is input via the shifting input device.

The bicycle control apparatus can further comprise a setting input device. The controller can control both the first shifting device and the second shifting device to upshift or to downshift upon determining a state exists in which the gear stage that is detected by the detection sensor matches a prescribed condition, when a second setting has been selected via the setting input device and when a prescribed gear changing command is input via the shifting input device.

According to the present invention, providing a bicycle control apparatus that can realize a simpler control is possible.

In view of the state of the known technology and in accordance with a first aspect of the present disclosure, a bicycle control apparatus is provided that. The bicycle control apparatus basically

Also other objects, features, aspects and advantages of the disclosed bicycle control apparatus will become apparent to those skilled in the art from the following detailed description, which, taken in conjunction with the annexed drawings, discloses one embodiment of the bicycle control apparatus.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS

Referring initially toFIG. 1, a bicycle10is illustrated that is equipped with a gear changing control apparatus12(e.g., a bicycle control apparatus) in accordance with a first embodiment. A road bike is depicted as the bicycle10, but the gear changing control apparatus12is not limited to use in a road bike as depicted inFIG. 1; the apparatus can be applied to any other type of bicycle, including mountain bikes.

Referring toFIGS. 1 to 3, the gear changing control apparatus12is one part of a bicycle electric gear shift system. The gear changing control apparatus12is one example of a bicycle control apparatus that comprises a first gear changing operating device16and a second gear changing operating device18. Additionally, the gear changing control apparatus12further comprises a signal controller20, a front gear shifting device22(one example of a first shifting device), a rear gear shifting device23(one example of a second shifting device), a cycle computer24, a power supply34, and a power supply sensor35, i.e., a voltage sensor. The gear changing control apparatus12also comprises a crank rotational speed sensor28and a wheel rotational speed sensor29. The front gear shifting device22comprises a plurality of first gear stages. The rear gear shifting device23comprises a plurality of second gear stages. The crank rotational speed sensor28is configured to detect the cadence. The wheel rotational speed sensor29is configured to detect the speed of the bicycle10.

As shown inFIGS. 1 and 2, the first gear changing operating device16and the second gear changing operating device18are installed on curved portions of a drop handlebar. The first gear changing operating device16is fixed to the curved portion on the right side of the handlebar, as seen from the rear. The first gear changing operating device16has a first base member40athat is fixed to the curved portion. For example, a first brake lever43ais pivotally mounted to the first base member40afor braking a front brake device31(or a rear brake device30). A first gear changing operating member44aand a second gear changing operating member45athat are pivotal around an axis that is different from the first brake lever43ais provided on the first brake lever43a. The first gear changing operating member44ais provided in order to press a first switch SW1. The second gear changing operating member45ais provided in order to press a second switch SW2. The first gear changing operating device16is configured to change the gears of the rear gear shifting device23. The first brake lever43ais mechanically coupled with the front brake device31via a Bowden cable.

The second gear changing operating device18is a member that has a mirror image relationship with the first gear changing operating device16. The second gear changing operating device18comprises a second base member40bthat is fixed to the left side of the handlebars, as seen from the rear. For example, a second brake lever43bis pivotally mounted to the second base member40bfor braking the rear brake device30. The second brake lever43bis provided with a third gear changing operating member44band a fourth gear changing operating member45bthat are pivotal around an axis that is transverse to the second brake lever43b. The third gear changing operating member44bis provided in order to press a third switch SW3. The fourth gear changing operating member45bis provided in order to press a fourth switch SW4. The second gear changing operating device18is configured to change the gears of the front gear shifting device22. The second brake lever43bof the second gear changing operating device18is mechanically coupled to the rear brake device30via a Bowden cable.

The first gear changing operating device16and18are each electrically connected to the signal controller20by electrical wirings32and33. Meanwhile, the rear brake device30and the front gear shifting device22can be coupled with the first gear changing operating device16and the front brake device31, and the rear gear shifting device23can be coupled with the second gear changing operating device18.

The signal controller20is one example of a controller. The signal controller20is configured to shift the gears of the rear gear shifting device23and the front gear shifting device22in response to the gear changing signal by the operation of the first gear changing operating device16and the second gear changing operating device18or in response to the gear changing signal corresponding to the speed. The signal controller20comprises a microcomputer21.

The microcomputer21comprises a microprocessor21aand a memory21b. The microprocessor21aand the memory21bare configured to process signals from various sensors, including a voltage sensor35, and from the components of the gear changing control apparatus12. The signal controller20further comprises a shift control program. The shift control program controls the operation of the front gear shifting device22and the rear gear shifting device23, as mentioned below. The shift control program is stored in the memory21b.

The memory21bcomprises a ROM (Read Only Memory) device and a RAM (Random Access Memory) device.

The memory21bis one example of a storage device that is configured to store the coordinated shifting conditions M1, M2, and M3mentioned below both for two gear stages and for three gear stages.

As shown schematically inFIG. 3, the signal controller20is electrically connected to the other parts of the gear changing control apparatus12. This disclosure clearly shows that the communication with the other parts of the gear changing control apparatus12can be a wireless, rather than a wired, communication in order to transmit and receive data.

The signal controller20interprets and executes commands (data, signals, and commands) from hardware and various programs for operating the gear changing control apparatus12. Meanwhile, the signal controller20is inFIG. 3configured as a single body. However, the signal controller20can also be configured as a part of another configuration. Additionally, the signal controller20can be configured by a plurality of controllers that are provided to different parts.

In the present embodiment, the signal controller20comprises a mode button20athat can select between two shift modes; a manual shifting mode that changes gears according to the operation of the first gear changing operating device16and the second gear changing operating device18; and an automatic shifting mode that changes the gears according to the traveling state of the bicycle10, such as the speed or the cadence of the bicycle10. The manual shifting mode and the automatic shifting mode both have a synchro mode that coordinates and controls the front gear shifting device22and the rear gear shifting device23; they also have a non-synchro mode that controls the front gear shifting device22and the rear gear shifting device23individually. Therefore, in the manual shifting mode and the automatic shifting mode, both the synchro mode and non-synchro mode shifting modes can be alternatively selected with a mode button20a, and the front gear shifting device22and the rear gear shifting device23can be shifted gears with the selected shifting mode. When the shifting mode is in the synchro mode, for example, as shown inFIG. 5, in a state in which the gear stage that is detected by the detecting section matches a prescribed condition, in the case that a prescribed shift command is input, the signal controller20controls at least one of the front gear shifting device22and the rear gear shifting device23to upshift or to downshift. InFIG. 5, the prescribed gear stages for upshifting are the Low stage for the front gear shifting device22and the third stage for the rear gear shifting device23.

The first gear changing operating member44aand the second gear changing operating member45aof the first gear changing operating device16during synchro mode of manual shifting are examples of a shifting input device for inputting the shift command. The third gear changing operating member44bduring the synchro mode can be a selection operation unit for selecting the coordinated shifting conditions M1, M2, and M3, mentioned below.

Meanwhile, changing the shifting mode, instead of the mode button20a, can be done by operating the first gear changing operating device16or the second gear changing operating device18or by operating the buttons B1, B2, and B3of the cycle computer24.

When in the manual shifting mode, the signal controller20, according to a signal that has been output by the operation of the first gear changing operating device16and the second gear changing operating device18, outputs a signal that controls the front gear shifting device22and the rear gear shifting device23individually or in cooperation to at least one of the front gear shifting device22and the rear gear shifting device23.

When in the automatic shifting mode, the signal controller20, will generate a signal for controlling the front gear shifting device22and the rear gear shifting device23individually or in cooperation, according to a speed signal that is calculated from the output of the wheel rotational speed sensor29; the controller outputs the signal to at least one of the front gear shifting device22and the rear gear shifting device23.

As shown inFIG. 1, the first shifting device, i.e., the front gear shifting device22, comprises an electric front derailleur having a plurality of gear stages (for example, two or three gear stages). The electric front derailleur changes the chain26over to one of a plurality (for example, two or three) of front sprockets47with different diameters. In the present embodiment, the front sprocket47comprises two front sprockets47with different diameters (corresponding toFIGS. 5 to 7) or three front sprockets47with different diameters (corresponding toFIGS. 8 to 10). The front sprockets47are disposed so that the diameter becomes sequentially larger when moving from near to farther from the center axis of the bicycle.

In this embodiment, for example, when there are two front sprockets47, the gear stage of the front gear shifting device22includes a Low stage and a Top stage. Of the gear stages of the front gear shifting device22, the Low stage is in a position that is closest to the center axis of the bicycle, and the Top stage is in a position that is farthest from the center axis of the bicycle. Also, for example, when there are three front sprockets47, the gear stage of the front gear shifting device22includes a Low stage, a Mid stage, and a Top stage. Of the gear stages of the front gear shifting device22, the Low stage is in a position that is closest to the center axis of the bicycle, the Top stage is in a position that is farthest from the center axis of the bicycle, and the Mid stage is in between thereof.

As shown inFIG. 3, the front gear shifting device22comprises a front control unit22a, a motor driver unit22b, a gear stage sensor22c, and a motor22ein the same way as a conventional electric derailleur. The gear stage sensor22cis one example of a detecting section and a first detecting section. The front control unit22acontrols the motor driver unit22bbased on the gear changing control signal corresponding to the operation of the first gear changing operating device16or the second gear changing operating device18or based on the gear changing control signal corresponding to the speed (or cadence). The motor22emoves a chain guide of the front gear shifting device22laterally closer to and away from the frame27.

As shown inFIG. 1, the second shifting device, i.e., the rear gear shifting device23comprises an electric rear derailleur having a plurality of second gear stages (for example, ten gear stages). The electric rear derailleur changes the chain26over to one of a plurality of (for example, ten) rear sprockets46with different diameters. The rear sprockets46are disposed so that the diameter becomes sequentially smaller when moving from near to farther from the center axis of the bicycle.

In this embodiment, for example, the gear stage of the rear gear shifting device23comprises a first stage through a tenth stage. Of the gear stages of the rear gear shifting device23, the first stage is in a position that is closest to the center axis of the bicycle, and the tenth stage is in a position that is farthest from the center axis of the bicycle.

As shown inFIG. 3, the rear gear shifting device23comprises a rear control unit23a, a motor driver unit23b, a gear stage sensor23c, and a motor23ein the same way as a conventional electric derailleur. The gear stage sensor23cis one example of a detecting section and a second detecting section. The rear control unit23acontrols the motor driver unit23bbased on the gear changing control signal corresponding to the operation of the first gear changing operating device16or the second gear changing operating device18or based on the gear changing control signal corresponding to the speed (or cadence). The motor23emoves the chain guide of the rear gear shifting device23laterally closer to and away from the frame27.

The cycle computer24comprises a microprocessor and a memory. The cycle computer24, as shown inFIG. 3, is electrically connected to the signal controller20by electrical wiring48. With this, various data can be received from the other parts (the speed, the cadence, the gear stage, etc.). As shown inFIG. 4, the cycle computer24comprises a liquid crystal display49, an input/output port50that is configured by a USB (Universal Serial Bus) port, etc., and operating buttons B1, B2, and B3, which are an example of a condition input section or device for selecting the coordinated shifting conditions M1, M2, and M3.

As shown inFIG. 4, the speed, the cadence, the travel distance, the gear stages of the front gear shifting device22and the rear gear shifting device23, and the power level of the power supply34are displayed on the liquid crystal display49. Additionally, the liquid crystal display49is able to display a condition display section52that shows which of the coordinated shifting conditions M1, M2, or M3mentioned below is selected, as well as a stage mark54that shows if the gear stage of the front gear shifting device22is two or three. With this stage mark54, for example, three circles are lit when the stage is three, and two circles are lit when the stage is two.

The power supply34is provided, for example, to the frame27of the bicycle10. The power supply34comprises a power storage element, such as a rechargeable secondary battery, a large-capacity capacitor, etc. In the present embodiment, secondary batteries such as a rechargeable lithium-ion battery or a nickel-hydrogen battery are used as the power supply34. The maximum storage voltage of the power supply34is, for example, 8.4 volts. The power supply34supplies electric power to each part of the gear changing control apparatus12, such as the first gear changing operating device16, the second gear changing operating device18, the signal controller20, the front gear shifting device22, the rear gear shifting device23, the cycle computer24, etc.

As shown inFIGS. 2 and 3, the power supply34and the signal controller20are electrically connected by the electrical wiring37. With this, electric power is supplied to the signal controller20. Also, electric power is supplied to the first gear changing operating device16, the second gear changing operating device18, and the cycle computer24via the signal controller20. The electrical wiring37transmits a gear changing signal (FSS, RSS) and a gear stage signal (DATA) between the signal controller20and the front gear shifting device22and the rear gear shifting device23. The electrical wirings32,33, and37are two-core wiring. In the present embodiment, a PLC (Power Line Communication) circuit board is provided to the signal controller20, the front gear shifting device22, and the rear gear shifting device23.

In the present embodiment, a front gear shifting device22with two or three first gear stages and a rear gear shifting device23with ten-second gear stages are combined; therefore, a maximum of 30 combinations of gear stages can be obtained.

Here, when in the synchro mode, in a state in which the gear stage detected by at least one of the gear stage sensor22cand the gear stage sensor23cmatches the prescribed shifting condition, with the user only operating the first gear change operation member44afor upshifting or the second gear changing operating member45afor downshifting, the signal controller20controls at least one of the front gear shifting device22and the rear gear shifting device23to upshift or to downshift. Meanwhile, each of the three coordinated shifting conditions M1, M2, and M3comprises at least one first shifting condition regarding the gear stage that is detected by the gear stage sensor22cand the gear stage sensor23cand at least one second shifting condition regarding the gear stage that is detected by the gear stage sensor22cand the gear stage sensor23c. The first shifting condition is, for example, a condition for upshifting up, and the first shifting condition is, for example, a condition for downshifting. Meanwhile, fromFIG. 5toFIG. 10, the group of gear stages of the rear gear shifting device23is described as CS, and the group of gear stages of the front gear shifting device22is described as FC.

In the present embodiment, in the case that there are two front sprockets47(corresponding toFIGS. 5 to 7), the gear stage of the front gear shifting device22comprises a Low stage and a Top stage; in the case that there are three first storage parts47(corresponding toFIG. 8throughFIG. 10), the gear stage comprises a Low stage, a Mid stage, and a Top stage. Additionally, the gear stage of the rear gear shifting device23comprises the first through the tenth stages.

Next, the three coordinated shifting conditions M1, M2, and M3of the manual shifting synchro mode when there are two front sprockets47will be explained, with reference toFIGS. 5 to 7.

InFIGS. 5 to 7, each of the coordinated shifting conditions M1, M2, and M3when there are two front sprockets47comprises one first shifting condition and the second shifting condition. The first shifting condition is a condition to control at least the front gear shifting device22to upshift, and the second shifting condition is a condition to control at least the front gear shifting device22to downshift. In the coordinated shifting condition M1shown inFIG. 5, the case in which the gear stage of the front gear shifting device22is in the Low stage and the gear stage of the rear gear shifting device23is in the third stage is the first shifting condition. Additionally, the second shifting condition is when the gear stage of the front gear shifting device22is in the Top stage and the gear stage of the rear gear shifting device23is in the first stage.

In the coordinated shifting condition M2shown inFIG. 6, the case in which the gear stage of the front gear shifting device22is in the Low stage and the gear stage of the rear gear shifting device23is in the fifth stage is the first shifting condition. Additionally, the second shifting condition is when the gear stage of the front gear shifting device22is in the Top stage and the gear stage of the rear gear shifting device23is in the second stage.

In the coordinated shifting condition M3shown inFIG. 7, the first shifting condition is the case in which the gear stage of the front gear shifting device22is in the Low stage and the gear stage of the rear gear shifting device23is in the seventh stage. Additionally, the second shifting condition is when the gear stage of the front gear shifting device22is in the Top stage and the gear stage of the rear gear shifting device23is in the third stage.

In the coordinated shifting condition M1shown inFIG. 5, in the case of upshifting, when the first gear changing operating member44ais operated, the signal controller20shifts the rear gear shifting device23up each time until the first shifting condition of the coordinated shifting condition M1has been matched. Then, the rear gear shifting device23is upshifted to the third stage; when the first gear changing operating member44ais operated in a state that matches the first shifting condition, as shown by the solid arrow, the signal controller20shifts the front gear shifting device22up. Meanwhile, as shown by the dashed arrow inFIG. 5, the rear gear shifting device23can be downshifted after upshifting or before upshifting the front gear shifting device22.

In the case of downshifting, when the second gear changing operating member45ais operated, the signal controller20shifts the rear gear shifting device23down each time until the second shifting condition of the coordinated shifting condition M1has been matched. Then, the rear gear shifting device23is downshifted to the first stage; when the second gear changing operating member45ais operated in a state that matches the first shifting condition, as shown by the solid arrow, the signal controller20shifts the front gear shifting device22down. Meanwhile, as shown by the dashed arrow inFIG. 5, the rear gear shifting device23is upshifted after downshifting or before downshifting the front gear shifting device22.

In the coordinated shifting condition M2shown inFIG. 6, in the case of upshifting, when the signal controller20shifts the rear gear shifting device23up to the fifth stage by the operation of the first gear changing operating member44a, the state will match the first shifting condition. For this reason, the signal controller20shifts at least the front gear shifting device22up with the next operation of the first gear changing operating member44a. Therefore, the timing for upshifting is slower than the coordinated shifting condition M1. In this case as well, the rear gear shifting device23can be downshifted before upshifting or after upshifting the front gear shifting device22.

In the case of downshifting, when the signal controller20shifts the rear gear shifting device23down to the second stage by the operation of the second gear changing operating member45a, the state will match the second shifting condition. For this reason, the signal controller20shifts at least the front gear shifting device22down with the next operation of the second gear changing operating member45a. Therefore, the timing for downshifting is slower than the coordinated shifting condition M1. In this case as well, the rear gear shifting device23can be upshifted before downshifting or after downshifting the front gear shifting device22.

In the coordinated shifting condition M3shown inFIG. 7, in the case of upshifting, when the signal controller20shifts the rear gear shifting device23up to the seventh stage by the operation of the first gear changing operating member44a, the state will match the first shifting condition. For this reason, the signal controller20shifts at least the front gear shifting device22up with the next operation of the first gear changing operating member44a. Therefore, the timing for upshifting is slower than the coordinated shifting condition M2. In this case as well, the rear gear shifting device23can be downshifted before upshifting or after upshifting the front gear shifting device22.

In the case of downshifting, when the signal controller20shifts the rear gear shifting device23down to the third stage by the operation of the second gear changing operating member45a, the state will match the second shifting condition. For this reason, the signal controller20shifts at least the front gear shifting device22down with the next operation of the second gear changing operating member45a. Therefore, the timing for downshifting is faster than the coordinated shifting condition M2. In this case as well, the rear gear shifting device23can be upshifted before downshifting or after downshifting the front gear shifting device22.

Next, the three coordinated shifting conditions M1, M2, and M3of the manual shifting synchro mode when there are three front sprockets47will be explained, with reference toFIGS. 8 to 10.

InFIGS. 8 to 10, each of the coordinated shifting conditions M1, M2, and M3when there are three front sprockets47comprises two first shifting conditions and second shifting conditions. One of the first shifting conditions is a condition to shift at least the front gear shifting device22up from the Low stage to the Mid stage. The other first shifting condition is a condition to shift at least the front gear shifting device22up from the Mid stage to the Top stage.

One of the second shifting conditions is a condition to shift at least the front gear shifting device22down from the Top stage to the Mid stage. The other second shifting condition is a condition to shift at least the front gear shifting device22down from the Mid stage to the Low stage.

In the coordinated shifting condition M1shown inFIG. 8, the case in which the gear stage of the front gear shifting device22is in the Low stage and the gear stage of the rear gear shifting device23is in the fifth stage is one of the first shifting conditions. Additionally, the other first shifting condition is when the gear stage of the front gear shifting device22is in the Mid stage and the gear stage of the rear gear shifting device23is in the eighth stage. Also, one of the second shifting conditions is when the gear stage of the front gear shifting device22is in the Top stage and the gear stage of the rear gear shifting device23is in the second stage. The other second shifting condition is when the gear stage of the front gear shifting device22is in the Mid stage and the gear stage of the rear gear shifting device23is in the first stage.

In the coordinated shifting condition M2shown inFIG. 9, the case in which the gear stage of the front gear shifting device22is in the Low stage and the gear stage of the rear gear shifting device23is in the fifth stage is one of the first shifting conditions. The other first shifting condition is when the gear stage of the front gear shifting device22is in the Mid stage and the gear stage of the rear gear shifting device23is in the seventh stage. Also, one of the second shifting conditions is when the gear stage of the front gear shifting device22is in the Top stage and the gear stage of the rear gear shifting device23is in the third stage. The other second shifting condition is when the gear stage of the front gear shifting device22is in the Mid stage and the gear stage of the rear gear shifting device23is in the second stage.

In the coordinated shifting condition M3shown inFIG. 10, the case in which the gear stage of the front gear shifting device22is in the Low stage and the gear stage of the rear gear shifting device23is in the fourth stage is one of the first shifting conditions. The other first shifting condition is when the gear stage of the front gear shifting device22is in the Mid stage and the gear stage of the rear gear shifting device23is in the ninth stage. Additionally, one of the second shifting conditions is when the gear stage of the front gear shifting device22is in the Top stage and the gear stage of the rear gear shifting device23is in the third stage. The other second shifting condition is when the gear stage of the front gear shifting device22is in the Mid stage and the gear stage of the rear gear shifting device23is in the second stage.

In the coordinated shifting condition M1shown inFIG. 8, in the case of upshifting, when the first gear changing operating member44ais operated, the signal controller20shifts the rear gear shifting device23up each time until the first shifting condition of the coordinated shifting condition M1has been matched. Then, the rear gear shifting device23is upshifted to the fifth stage; when the first gear changing operating member44ais operated in a state that matches one of the first shifting conditions, as shown by the solid arrow, the signal controller20shifts the front gear shifting device22up from the Low stage to the Mid stage. Meanwhile, as shown by the dashed arrow inFIG. 8, the rear gear shifting device23can be downshifted after upshifting or before upshifting the front gear shifting device22.

In this state, when the first gear changing operating member44ais operated, the signal controller20shifts the rear gear shifting device23up each time until the other first shifting condition of the coordinated shifting condition M1has been matched. Then, the rear gear shifting device23is upshifted to the eighth stage; when the first gear changing operating member44ais operated in a state that matches the other first shifting condition, as shown by the solid arrow, the signal controller20shifts the front gear shifting device22up from the Mid stage to the Top stage. Meanwhile, in the case of the other first shifting condition as well, as shown by the dashed arrow inFIG. 8, the rear gear shifting device23can be downshifted after upshifting or before upshifting the front gear shifting device22.

In the case of downshifting, when the second gear changing operating member45ais operated, the signal controller20shifts the rear gear shifting device23down each time until the second shifting condition of the coordinated shifting condition M1has been matched. Then, the rear gear shifting device23is downshifted to the second stage; when the second gear changing operating member45ais operated in a state that matches one of the second shifting conditions, as shown by the solid arrow, the signal controller20shifts the front gear shifting device22down from the Top stage to the Mid stage. Meanwhile, as shown by the dashed arrow inFIG. 8, the rear gear shifting device23can be upshifted after downshifting or before downshifting the front gear shifting device22.

In this state, when the second gear changing operating member45ais operated, the signal controller20shifts the rear gear shifting device23down each time until the other second shifting condition of the coordinated shifting condition M1has been matched. Then, the rear gear shifting device23is downshifted to the first stage; when the second gear changing operating member45ais operated in a state that matches the other second shifting condition, as shown by the solid arrow, the signal controller20shifts the front gear shifting device22down from the Mid stage to the Low stage. Meanwhile, in the case of the other second shifting condition as well, as shown by the dashed arrow inFIG. 8, the rear gear shifting device23can be upshifted after downshifting or before downshifting the front gear shifting device22.

In the coordinated shifting condition M2shown inFIG. 9, in the case of upshifting, when the first gear changing operating member44ais operated, the signal controller20shifts the rear gear shifting device23up each time until one of the first shifting conditions of the coordinated shifting condition M1has been matched. Then, the rear gear shifting device23is upshifted to the fifth stage; when the first gear changing operating member44ais operated in a state that matches one of the first shifting conditions, as shown by the solid arrow, the signal controller20shifts the front gear shifting device22up from the Low stage to the Mid stage. Meanwhile, as shown by the dashed arrow inFIG. 9, the rear gear shifting device23can be downshifted after upshifting or before upshifting the front gear shifting device22.

In this state, when the first gear changing operating member44ais operated, the signal controller20shifts the rear gear shifting device23up each time until the other first shifting condition of the coordinated shifting condition M2has been matched. Then, the rear gear shifting device23is upshifted to the seventh stage; when the first gear changing operating member44ais operated in a state that matches the other first shifting condition, as shown by the solid arrow, the signal controller20shifts the front gear shifting device22up from the Mid stage to the Top stage. Meanwhile, in the case of the other first shifting condition as well, as shown by the dashed arrow inFIG. 9, the rear gear shifting device23can be downshifted after upshifting or before upshifting the front gear shifting device22.

In the case of downshifting, when the second gear changing operating member45ais operated, the signal controller20shifts the rear gear shifting device23down each time until one of the second shifting conditions of the coordinated shifting condition M2has been matched. Then, the rear gear shifting device23is downshifted to the third stage; when the second gear changing operating member45ais operated in a state that matches one of the second shifting conditions, as shown by the solid arrow, the signal controller20shifts the front gear shifting device22down from the Top stage to the Mid stage. Meanwhile, as shown by the dashed arrow inFIG. 9, the rear gear shifting device23can be upshifted after downshifting or before downshifting the front gear shifting device22.

In this state, when the second gear changing operating member45ais operated, the signal controller20shifts the rear gear shifting device23down each time until the other second shifting condition of the coordinated shifting condition M2has been matched. Then, the rear gear shifting device23is downshifted to the second stage; when the second gear changing operating member45ais operated in a state that matches the other second shifting condition, as shown by the solid arrow, the signal controller20shifts the front gear shifting device22down from the Mid stage to the Low stage. Meanwhile, in the case of the other second shifting condition as well, as shown by the dashed arrow inFIG. 9, the rear gear shifting device23can be upshifted after downshifting or before downshifting the front gear shifting device22.

In the coordinated shifting condition M3shown inFIG. 10, in the case of upshifting, when the first gear changing operating member44ais operated, the signal controller20shifts the rear gear shifting device23up each time until the first shifting condition of the coordinated shifting condition M3has been matched. Then, the rear gear shifting device23is upshifted to the fourth stage; when the first gear changing operating member44ais operated in a state that matches one of the first shifting conditions, as shown by the solid arrow, the signal controller20shifts the front gear shifting device22up from the Low stage to the Mid stage. Meanwhile, as shown by the dashed arrow inFIG. 10, the rear gear shifting device23can be downshifted after upshifting or before upshifting the front gear shifting device22.

In this state, when the first gear changing operating member44ais operated, the signal controller20shifts the rear gear shifting device23up each time until the other first shifting condition of the coordinated shifting condition M3has been matched. Then, the rear gear shifting device23is upshifted to the ninth stage; when the first gear changing operating member44ais operated in a state that matches the other first shifting condition, as shown by the solid arrow, the signal controller20shifts the front gear shifting device22up from the Mid stage to the Top stage. Meanwhile, in the case of the other first shifting condition as well, as shown by the dashed arrow inFIG. 8, the rear gear shifting device23can be downshifted after upshifting or before upshifting the front gear shifting device22.

In the case of downshifting, when the second gear changing operating member45ais operated, the signal controller20shifts the rear gear shifting device23down each time until one of the second shifting conditions of the coordinated shifting condition M3has been matched. Then, the rear gear shifting device23is downshifted to the third stage; when the second gear changing operating member45ais operated in a state that matches one of the second shifting conditions, as shown by the solid arrow, the signal controller20shifts the front gear shifting device22down from the Top stage to the Mid stage. Meanwhile, as shown by the dashed arrow inFIG. 10, the rear gear shifting device23can be upshifted after downshifting or before downshifting the front gear shifting device22.

In this state, when the second gear changing operating member45ais operated, the signal controller20shifts the rear gear shifting device23down each time until the other second shifting condition of the coordinated shifting condition M3has been matched. Then, the rear gear shifting device23is downshifted to the second stage; when the second gear changing operating member45ais operated in a state that matches the other second shifting condition, as shown by the solid arrow, the signal controller20shifts the front gear shifting device22down from the Mid stage to the Low stage. Meanwhile, in the case of the other second shifting condition as well, as shown by the dashed arrow inFIG. 10, the rear gear shifting device23can be upshifted after downshifting or before downshifting the front gear shifting device22.

In this kind of gear changing control apparatus12, at least one of the front shifting device22and the rear shifting device23is controlled to upshift or to downshift at a prescribed gear stage; therefore, a bicycle control apparatus that can realize a simpler control can be provided.

Other Embodiments

(a) In the above-described embodiment, a front derailleur was exemplified as the first shifting device, and a rear derailleur was exemplified as the second shifting device; however, the present invention is not limited to this. For example, the first shifting device can be an internal transmission or a gearbox. The second shifting device can also be an internal transmission hub.

(b) The set of teeth and the coordinated shifting condition disclosed in the above-described embodiment are one example, and the present invention is not limited to these. Specifically, in the above-described embodiment, there were three coordinated shifting conditions; however, the configuration is not limited to this and can comprise two or fewer coordinated shifting conditions; alternatively, the configuration can comprise four or more coordinated shifting conditions. Additionally, the first shifting condition and the second shifting condition of the coordinated shifting conditions M1, M2, and M3can be configured to be changeable. In this case, the signal controller20can change the first shifting condition and the second shifting condition of the coordinated shifting conditions M1, M2, and M3, based on a condition changing command that is input via the input/output port50as the condition changing input section or device. This condition changing command can be generated by a shifting condition changing program that is stored in an information terminal, such as a personal computer, which is not diagrammed.

(c) In the above-described embodiment, the first gear changing operating member44aand the second gear changing operating member45aare provided to the brake lever; however, the first gear changing operating member and the second gear changing operating member can be provided separately from the brake lever, for example, on the handlebars.

(d) In the above-described embodiment, when in the manual transmission synchro mode, upshifting is done by the first gear changing operating member44a, and downshifting is done by the second gear changing operating member45a; however, these settings can be freely set with software. For example, it can be set so that the first gear changing operating member44acarries out one of either the upshift operation or the downshift operation, and be set so that the second gear changing operating member45acarries out the other of either the upshift operation or the downshift operation.

(e) In the above-described embodiment, the present invention was explained with the manual shift synchro mode as an example, but the present invention is not limited to this. For example, the present invention can also be applied to an automatic shift synchro mode. In this case, the shifting input device can be a gear changing signal that is generated by the signal controller20according to the speed or the cadence.

(f) In the above-described embodiment, the signal controller20can be configured to control only the front gear shifting device22as the first shifting device when a first setting is selected and both the front gear shifting device22as the first shifting device and the rear gear shifting device23as the second shifting device when a second setting is selected to upshift or downshift in a state in which the gear stage that has been detected by at least one of the gear stage sensors22cand23cmatches a prescribed condition. Specifically, when the first setting is selected, the signal controller20can upshift or downshift only the front gear shifting device22, as shown by the solid arrows inFIGS. 5 through 10. Also, when the second setting has been selected, as shown by the dashed arrow inFIGS. 5 through 10, the signal controller20can upshift or downshift the rear gear shifting device23before upshifting or downshifting the front gear shifting device22; or, the signal controller can upshift or downshift the rear gear shifting device23after upshifting or downshifting the front gear shifting device22. In this case, the operating buttons B1, B2, and B3of the cycle computer24are an example of the setting input section or device, and the stage mark54is configured so that the illumination pattern (including, for example, constant illumination and blinking) will differ between when the first setting has been selected and when the second setting has been selected.

(g) In the above-described embodiment, the signal controller20can be configured so that, when the third gear changing operating member44bof the second gear changing operating device18is operated, when the gear stage of the front gear shifting device22at that point in time is not the Top stage, the front gear shifting device22is forcibly upshifted; when the fourth gear changing operating member45bof the second gear changing operating device18is operated, when the gear stage of the front gear shifting device22at that point in time is not the Low stage, the front gear shifting device22is forcibly downshifted.

As used herein, the following directional terms “frame facing side”, “non-frame facing side”, “forward”, “rearward”, “front”, “rear”, “up”, “down”, “above”, “below”, “upward”, “downward”, “top”, “bottom”, “side”, “vertical”, “horizontal”, “perpendicular” and “transverse” as well as any other similar directional terms refer to those directions of a bicycle in an upright, riding position and equipped with the bicycle control apparatus. Accordingly, these directional terms, as utilized to describe the bicycle control apparatus should be interpreted relative to a bicycle in an upright riding position on a horizontal surface and that is equipped with the bicycle control apparatus. The terms “left” and “right” are used to indicate the “right” when referencing from the right side as viewed from the rear of the bicycle, and the “left” when referencing from the left side as viewed from the rear of the bicycle.

Also it will be understood that although the terms “first” and “second” may be used herein to describe various components these components should not be limited by these terms. These terms are only used to distinguish one component from another. Thus, for example, a first component discussed above could be termed a second component and vice-a-versa without departing from the teachings of the present invention. The term “attached” or “attaching”, as used herein, encompasses configurations in which an element is directly secured to another element by affixing the element directly to the other element; configurations in which the element is indirectly secured to the other element by affixing the element to the intermediate member(s) which in turn are affixed to the other element; and configurations in which one element is integral with another element, i.e. one element is essentially part of the other element. This definition also applies to words of similar meaning, for example, “joined”, “connected”, “coupled”, “mounted”, “bonded”, “fixed” and their derivatives. Finally, terms of degree such as “substantially”, “about” and “approximately” as used herein mean an amount of deviation of the modified term such that the end result is not significantly changed.