Abstract: A propulsion device for a two-wheeled vehicle includes a mechanism for providing traction to a rear wheel for manual advancement of the vehicle and a first epicyclic gear reducer coupled with the mechanism and drivable by a first control device configured for varying the geometric configuration of the first epicyclic gear reducer and thus the gear ratio. A motor for assisting pedalling is interposed between the mechanism for the bottom bracket and the rear wheel and is coupled with a second epicyclic gear reducer, drivable by a second control device configured for varying the geometric configuration of the second epicyclic gear reducer and thus the corresponding gear ratio. The second epicyclic gear reducer is coupled and directly in contact with the rear wheel in order to transmit the movement from the propulsion device thereto.

Abstract: A human-powered vehicle control device includes an electronic controller configured to control a human-powered vehicle component included in a human-powered vehicle in accordance with a human driving force. The electronic controller controls the human-powered vehicle component in accordance with a first value and a second value. The first value relates to the human driving force or a driving force of the human-powered vehicle obtained using a first sensor. The second value relates to the human driving force or the driving force of the human-powered vehicle obtained using a second sensor, which differs from the first sensor.

Abstract: A bicycle includes a frame, and a transmission device including a motor, a transmission unit, a crank unit, a sprocket and a unidirectional bearing. The transmission unit includes a first gear driven by the motor, a one-way clutch mounted in a compartment of the frame and connected between the first gear and the motor for limiting rotation to be transmitted from the motor to the first gear, and a second gear meshing with the first gear. The crank unit includes a crank shaft extending into the second gear, and first and second cranks connected respectively to two ends of the crank shaft. The sprocket is formed with an engaging hole non-rotatably engages the second gear and a receiving groove receives the unidirectional bearing for driving rotation of the sprocket in a single direction.

Abstract: A hybrid drive for an electric bicycle comprising a pedal crank drive that contains a pedal crank axle connected to pedal cranks at both ends, an electromotive drive electrically connected to an accumulator, which contains two electric motors that are connected to different transmission elements of a superposition transmission, which on the drive side is connected to the pedal crank drive and on the output side is connected to the sprocket of a chain drive of the electric bicycle recuperative electromotive braking of the electric bicycle with charging of the accumulator.

Abstract: A longitudinal two-wheel somatosensory car, comprising a car frame, and a front wheel and a rear wheel that are provided at the front and rear ends of the car frame. The rear wheel is connected to a drive motor which is used for driving the rear wheel. The two-wheel car further comprises a somatosensory platform. The somatosensory platform is built-in with an attitude sensor. The somatosensory platform in a mechanical transmission connection with the motor stator shaft of the drive motor. The traditional balanced structure, in which the wheels are provided on the left and right sides of a balanced car, is changed to a structure in which the moving wheels are provided at the front and the rear ends.

Abstract: A built-in motor for a bicycle and an electric powered bicycle are provided. The built-in motor includes: a motor shell, a motor inner stator fixed in the motor shell by means of an inner stator frame; a motor outer rotor is installed on the inner stator frame, the motor outer rotor and a motor body output shaft being connected into a whole; a first planetary gear mechanism arranged in the inner stator frame, and the first planetary gear mechanism being used for increasing input human force before outputting the same; a ring gear of the first planetary gear mechanism is connected with an elastic body, the elastic body being fixedly arranged in the inner stator frame; a torque sensor is arranged on the elastic body, the torque sensor being used for measuring the pedaling force provided by a rider to the bicycle.

Abstract: An autonomous electronic bicycle comprises a frame, a wheel that can be powered by a first electronic motor, and a pedal assembly connected to a pedal motor. The pedal assembly is not mechanically connected to the wheel, but the autonomous electronic bicycle simulates a mechanical connection by powering the rear wheel proportional to the user's pedaling force. The autonomous electronic bicycle uses a virtual gear ratio based on the cadence of the rider, the current incline of the bicycle, and the current speed of the bicycle. The virtual gear ratio can be a ratio between a torque of the set of pedals and a torque of the wheel.

Abstract: A green bike comprises a frame, two wheels, a first internal-gear module and a second internal-gear module and a transmission element. The frame has a pedal, a front supporting unit, a rear supporting unit, and a seat unit. The two wheels are attached to the front supporting unit and the rear supporting unit, respectively. The transmission element is disposed in the frame or a tube shield linking to the frame. The first internal-gear module and the second internal-gear module are coupled with the pedal and at least one of the wheels. The transmission element links the first and the second internal-gear modules for delivering power to the at least one of the wheels.

Abstract: The disclosure relates to improved friction drive systems, control algorithms for friction drive systems, and automatic traction control for friction drive systems. Embodiments of friction drive systems and methods may improve control over an amount of normal force between a contact surface on a friction drive (e.g., disposed on a drive motor) and a tire or wheel of a wheeled vehicle. Embodiments of friction drive systems and methods may dynamically adjust the normal force between the contact surface and the tire or wheel in response to rapidly changing conditions, such as weather, road surface, and/or tire inflation. Embodiments of an automatic traction control system may adjust the normal force to avoid slippage while minimizing tire wear and maximizing battery efficiency. Embodiments of friction drive systems and methods may allow a user to calibrate or adjust the amount of normal force delivered based on their preferences or based on a selected mode of operation.

Abstract: Disclosed is a device for measuring torque applied to a rotary shaft, including: a transmission, including a first part securely fastened to the shaft and receiving the torque applied to the shaft, and a second part securely fastened to the first part and able to move in relation to the first part when a torque is applied thereto; a first electrode securely fastened to the second part; a first support, securely fastened to the second part, including a second electrode situated facing the first electrode when no torque is applied to the shaft, the first and the second electrodes generating a first capacitance, the value of which varies according to a movement of the second part; a unit for measuring the first capacitance; and a unit for converting the first capacitance into a value of the torque applied to the shaft.

Abstract: A vehicle operable by muscle force and/or pedaling force including an electric drive, a control unit for actuating the electric drive, a crankshaft drive; a first detection device for detecting a cycle time across a predefined crank angle, a second detection device for detecting a force applied by a driver; and a third detection device for detecting a first time during which the force applied by the driver lies above a threshold value, or a second time during which the force applied by the driver lies below the threshold value, and the control unit is configured to calculate a quotient of the first time and the cycle time, or a quotient of the second time and the cycle time, or a quotient of the first time and the second time, and the control unit is further configured to control the electric drive as a function of the calculated quotient.

Abstract: A torque sensor system for a pedelec includes an annular gear (6), a planetary gear train (5), a sun gear output shaft (2), a pressure conversion device (9) and a signal processing component (8). The annular gear (6), the planetary gear train (5), and the sun gear output shaft (2) are engaged in turn. The annular gear (6) is driven by the planetary gear train (5), and an applied force signal is transmitted to the signal processing component (8) via the pressure conversion device (9) at an edge of the annular gear (6). The applied force signal is converted to an electric signal by the signal processing component (8) and transmitted to a controller, so as to realize a torque feedback. As a result, a problem that a speed sensor is not applicable to a pedelec when climbing is solved; and a user will feel real and comfortable when riding.

Abstract: A simplified mid-motor drive system includes all necessary electronics and allows for throttle-only operation of the motor. The mid-motor drive system includes an arrangement of uni-directional drive connections (i.e., sprag clutches) between the motor and the pedals which allows each to operate independently or in conjunction, and allows simple modifications to gear ratios of packaged drive systems in order to adapt to regulatory requirements of different worldwide territories.

Abstract: An electrically assisted bicycle includes a motor controller that calculates a command value which determines a magnitude of an assisting torque based on at least an output of a pedal torque detector. The motor controller switches between a first control and a second control, in which a time required for the assisting torque to change to meet a change in the pedal torque is shorter and the amount of change in the assisting torque to meet a change in the pedal torque is greater than in the first control.

Abstract: Disclosed is an electric bicycle drive assembly with torque detection, including a torque detection mechanism, a clutch mechanism, a sleeve member, a pedal axle, and an electric machine assembly. The electric machine assembly is coupled to a seat, and the seat is mounted a vehicle frame. The torque detection mechanism, the clutch mechanism, and the sleeve member are assembled in sequence with the pedal axle extending therethrough and are arranged inside the seat. In case that the pedal axle is operable to drive the torque detection mechanism to rotate, when the torque detection mechanism detects a torque, a signal is generated and fed to a controller module to activate the electric machine assembly, such that the electric machine assembly drives the sleeve member and the clutch mechanism to rotate and the clutch mechanism in turn drives a toothed wheel of a bicycle to rotate.

Abstract: A magnet is fixed to an output shaft of a motor. The output shaft is rotated such that a magnetic field emitted by the magnet also rotates. A voltage pulse is generated from a passive sensor when the magnetic field rotates past the passive sensor. The voltage pulse is generated using a Wiegand wire. An active sensor is activated, from an unpowered state, in response to the voltage pulse. The active sensor detects a position of the magnet that correlates to a position of the output shaft.

Abstract: The disclosure relates to improved friction drive systems, control algorithms for friction drive systems, and automatic traction control for friction drive systems. Embodiments of friction drive systems and methods may improve control over an amount of normal force between a contact surface on a friction drive (e.g., disposed on a drive motor) and a tire or wheel of a wheeled vehicle. Embodiments of friction drive systems and methods may dynamically adjust the normal force between the contact surface and the tire or wheel in response to rapidly changing conditions, such as weather, road surface, and/or tire inflation. Embodiments of an automatic traction control system may adjust the normal force to avoid slippage while minimizing tire wear and maximizing battery efficiency. Embodiments of friction drive systems and methods may allow a user to calibrate or adjust the amount of normal force delivered based on their preferences or based on a selected mode of operation.

Abstract: A vehicle drivable by motor power and/or pedal power, in particular to an electric bicycle, including: a crank mechanism having a crank spindle; an output drive element that delivers a drive torque for the vehicle, in particular to a chain or the like; an electric drive system having a reduction linkage; and a steplessly adjustable planetary linkage, an output element of the steplessly adjustable planetary linkage transferring the drive torque to the output drive element.

Abstract: A support block for a torque arm on a vehicle can include a first indentation and a second indentation each having an opening adapted to accept a portion of a torque arm, the first indentation and the second indentation each having a relief cut opposite the opening into which a portion of a torque arm can fit.

Abstract: A sensor assembly includes a detected portion that rotates a front wheel, a detector that detects the rotation of the detected portion, and a holder that is fixed to one of a body frame and the front wheel so as not to rotate, wherein the holder supports the detector and the detected portion so as to rotate relative to each other.

Abstract: A torque sensor for electrically assisting a vehicle with pedals includes a housing, a first gear, an actuator, and a control circuit. The housing defines a receiving chamber and is configured to be coupled to a drive member. The first gear is rotatably mounted in the receiving chamber. The actuator is received in the receiving chamber and is driven by the first gear. The control circuit including a resistor is received in the receiving chamber and the actuator slides along the resistor as a rider applies force to the pedals, thus for adjusting a resistance value of the control circuit, to allow the control circuit to output a signal which governs the assisting power. The disclosure also includes an electric bicycle using the torque sensor.

Abstract: A bicycle control apparatus is basically provided with a memory device and a control device. The control device is programmed with an automatic switching function and a manual switching function. The automatic switching function automatically switches an assist ratio, which is a ratio of a manual drive force to a drag force of an electric assist motor, based on a relationship between a threshold value that is stored and a reference value that is indicative of one of a bicycle traveling environment and a bicycle traveling state. The manual switching function switches the assist ratio based on a manual operation. The control device is further programmed to update the threshold value is updated based on the reference value when switching the assist ratio by the manual switching function.

Abstract: A gearing system comprises a first rotational input, a second rotational input and a rotational output. The first rotational input and second rotational input may transmit a rotation to the rotational output, wherein one of the first rotational input and second rotational input is connected to the rotational output through a one way clutch, and wherein the other of the first rotational input and second rotational input is connected to the rotational output through an overrunning clutch, wherein said one way clutch and said overrunning clutch are rotationally coupled. The gearing system may be used in electric bicycles, but may also be used in other dual propulsion vehicles such as hybrid cars.

Abstract: A method for energy management in an electrically assisted vehicle includes the steps of determining the quantity of total energy required for a journey and allocating a quantity of electrical energy to the journey and deducing the quantity of human energy required for the journey on the basic thereof, or allocating a quantity of human energy to the journey and deducing the quantity of electrical energy required for the journey on the basis thereof.

Abstract: A bicycle shift notification apparatus is provided with a transmission state determining component, a bicycle derailleur and a controller. The transmission state determining component determines a current operating state of a bicycle transmission having a plurality of speed stages. The bicycle derailleur produces a notification based on a determination of the current operating state by the transmission state determining component. The controller is operatively coupled to the bicycle derailleur. The controller activates the bicycle derailleur to produce the notification in accordance with a preselected notification pattern based on determining that a predetermined condition exists. A sound is produced by actuation of the bicycle derailleur.

Abstract: Disclosed is a transmission comprising: a first driving source configured to provide a rotational force and having a first input shaft; a second driving source configured to provide the rotational force and having a second input shaft; a planetary gear unit including a sun gear, a planetary gear and a ring gear, two of the sun gear, the planetary gear and the ring gear being connected to each of the first input shaft and the second input shaft, and the remaining one being connected to an output shaft; a first one-way clutch disposed between the first driving source and the planetary gear unit; and a second one-way clutch disposed between the second driving source and the planetary gear unit, wherein the first direction and the second direction are set such that the output shaft of the planetary gear unit is rotated in the same direction.

Abstract: A magnetic detection system includes a platform, a magnetic detection sensor, a servo-motor, and a magnetic shield. The platform is an unmanned platform. The magnetic anomaly detection sensor is located onboard the unmanned platform. The servo-motor is also located onboard the unmanned platform. The magnetic shield is further disposed onboard the unmanned platform over the servo-motor reducing magnetic noise the magnetic anomaly detection sensor receives from the servo-motor.

Abstract: There is described a method for determining the torque applied to a pedal axle (210) under load. The method comprises measuring the strain experienced by the pedal axle (210) as a result of the load, determining the orientation of the load from the strain measurement, determining the magnitude of the load from the strain measurement and determining torque from the orientation and the magnitude. There is also described a method for determining the orientation of a pedal axle (210) under load. The method comprises measuring the strain experienced by the pedal axle (210) as a result of the load and determining the orientation of the load from the strain measurement.

Abstract: A driving apparatus, an electromechnical actuator and a clutch driver are disclosed. A variable-speed gear disk module and an electric driving component are linked, and a one-way bearing is installed between the variable-speed gear disk and a pedal driving module, such that a user can selectively use the electric driving component to drive a gear disk in order to drive a bicycle body to move forward, without driving a pedal module by a feed-back link. When the pedal module is used to drive the bicycle body to move forward, the electric driving component will not be driven by the feed-back link, so as to prevent accidents caused by the pedal module that is rotated with the gear disk at a high speed.

Abstract: A vehicle, particularly a bicycle, including a crank drive that is to be actuated by muscular force and that is disconnectably drive-connected to at least one driven wheel, and also including an electrical auxiliary drive for assisting the crank drive. The vehicle can be driven solely by the auxiliary drive when the drive connection between the crank drive and the wheel is disconnected. In addition, a control device for the auxiliary drive is preferably connected to a sensor which detects the crank rotational speed.

Abstract: An electrically assisted vehicle includes a vehicle body, pedals to input human power, a crank that is coupled to the pedals and freely rotatably supported on the vehicle body, at least one wheel that is attached to the vehicle body and rotates according to a rotation of the crank, a first electric motor that is attached to the vehicle body and drives the one wheel, a second electric motor that is attached to the vehicle body and drives the one wheel or another wheel, a torque detection unit that detects a torque applied to the crank, a torque command value calculation unit, and a motor drive unit that drives the first electric motor and second electric motor according to a calculated torque command value.

Abstract: A driving unit for use in an electric assist bicycle includes a rotation detection device in addition to a torque detection device such that the detection resolution of the rotation detection device is increased. The driving unit includes a housing, a crankshaft, a torque detection device, a rotating member, and a rotation detection device. The rotating member includes a connecting shaft and an output shaft. The connecting shaft is located at one of the ends of the rotating member disposed along its axis, and is coupled with the crankshaft in the housing. The output shaft is located at the other one of the ends of the rotating member disposed along its axis. The rotation detection device includes a detected portion and a detector. The detected portion is provided on the rotating member, and located around the central axis of the crankshaft in the housing.

Abstract: Motive power unit for a pedal vehicle, comprising a first and second motor, the latter being meshed on the bottom-bracket spindle and the first motor being connected to a sun gear, a planet holder being connected to an output sprocket of the motive power unit, which comprises a measuring element arranged to produce a measurement signal indicating a torque supplied by the first motor and a control unit producing a speed control signal to be supplied to the first motor and a torque control signal to be supplied to the second motor on the basis of the angular velocities of the motors.

Abstract: The invention relates to a drive unit for a muscle-powered vehicle having a crankshaft mounted in a crankcase or in a frame. At least one crank for transferring the muscle power of a driver to a drive wheel of the vehicle is fastened to the crankshaft. A gear unit is provided, which is arranged in the power train from the crankshaft to a driven gear of the gear unit coupled to the drive wheel of the vehicle. According to the invention, a substantially stationary part of the gear unit for determining a total torque of the crankshaft is supported on the crankcase or on the frame.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are a safety apparatus of an electric bicycle and a safety driving method thereof. The safety apparatus of an electric bicycle includes a foldable portion which is foldable by rotation of a folding lever, a first sensing portion, a second sensing portion, a control unit provided with at least one of current rotation information and current folded position information and including at least one of sensing range information on a per rotation basis and sensing range information on a per position basis, and a safety drive portion which, when the control unit determines that at least one of the current rotation information and the current folded position information is deviated from at least one of the sensing range information on a per rotation basis and the sensing range information on a per position basis, turns off activation of a motor.

Abstract: A device for detecting rotation of a bicycle pedal mechanism and communicating that information to an electronic bicycle wheel motor controller.

Abstract: A transmission for electric bicycles to detect a torque applied to a pedal crank shaft, includes a pedal crank shaft upon which the torque acts, a hollow shaft configured to connect to an output, through which the pedal crank shaft extends coaxially, and which is supported rotatably with respect to the pedal crank shaft, a sensor shaft offset in parallel with respect to the pedal crank shaft and a force sensor connected to the sensor shaft. The transmission includes a drive-side sensor transmission and an output side sensor transmission. The drive-side sensor transmission connects the pedal crank shaft to the sensor shaft and the output-side sensor transmission connects the sensor shaft to the hollow shaft, which is configured to be connected to an output, and the drive-side sensor transmission has a gear ratio which differs from the gear ratio of the output-side sensor transmission. A corresponding method is also described.

Abstract: A power assisting transmission system of a power assisting bike drives a gear of the transmission system to produce a lateral force in forward and backward pedaling and to detect an axial displacement of a sliding gear in the transmission system to output a voltage signal to control motive power for driving a motor, to achieve forward and backward transmissions or a back pedaling brake effect.

Abstract: Uni-wheel personal mobility vehicle with self-balancing function is disclosed. This transportation device can be pedaled by a driving force provided by the driver's manpower and/or the in-wheel motor's electric power. The uni-wheel personal mobility vehicle with self-balancing function is equipped with an inertial sensing and control driving module, an in-wheel motor, and a steering mechanism consisting of a transmission pulley set, an idle pulley set, a transmission cable, and a spring set, therefore the personal mobility vehicle can simultaneously maintain its self balance when being propelled by driver's pedaling force or the in-wheel motor's electrical torque; moreover, the driver can also make the personal mobility electric vehicle change its direction by rotating a handlebar similar to steering a bicycle, wherein the rotation of the handlebar would simultaneously pull one side of the transmission cable via the transmission pulley set to steer the vehicle and maintain its lateral balance.

Abstract: A vehicle that includes a vehicle frame having a steering device, a first vehicle wheel fastened to the steering device, one or more second vehicle wheels fastened to the vehicle frame, a braking device, and a drive device having a pedal crank that can be driven by pedals. The vehicle further includes a freewheel clutch and an optionally engageable reverse gear mechanism. When the freewheel clutch is in an engaged state in a drive mode during the forward movement of the pedals, force is transmitted from the drive device to at least the second vehicle wheel. The freewheel clutch can be switched from the drive mode into a braking mode when the reverse gear mechanism is in the engaged state so that, in the braking mode, the pedal crank and the at least one second vehicle wheel are connected to each other in a torsionally rigid manner.

Abstract: An assistive power control apparatus for a motor-assisted bicycle controls a motor to generate an assistive torque depending on the pedaling force of a rider. The assistive power control apparatus detects a rotating torque value of a crankshaft rotated when a rider steps on pedals by a torque sensor, controls a motor to generate an assistive power determined using the rotating torque value, calculates a rotation angle of the crankshaft when a present rotating torque value is detected from a time period from a timing of detection of a peak position of the rotating torque value to a timing of detection of the rotating torque value, calculates a pedaling force applied when the rider steps on the pedals from the calculated rotation angle of the crankshaft and the detected present rotating torque value, and determines the assistive power of the motor according to the calculated pedaling force.

Abstract: A bicycle control apparatus is configured to control a bicycle having a transmission and a drive assistance electric motor that drives a wheel. The bicycle control apparatus includes a pedaling force detector and a controller. The pedaling force detector detects a pedaling force. The controller includes a control section that controls the drive assistance electric motor according to a pedaling force detected by the pedaling force detector. The control section increases a ratio of an output of the drive assistance electric motor with respect to the pedaling force upon completion of a downshift of the transmission, and subsequently decreasing the ratio of the output of the drive assistance electric motor with respect to the pedaling force.

Abstract: A battery-assisted bicycle includes a driving unit that accurately detects a failure in each of a torque detector, a crank rotation detector, and a motor rotation detector. The driving unit includes a crankshaft to which pedals are to be connected, a motor rotation detector that detects rotation of an electric motor, a torque detector that detects a torque generated at the crankshaft, a crank rotation detector that detects rotation of the crankshaft, and a sensor failure detector that detects a failure in at least one of the motor rotation detector, the torque detector, and the crank rotation detector based on detection results from the motor rotation detector, the torque detector, and the crank rotation detector.

Abstract: A battery-assisted bicycle includes a driving unit that increases an assist ratio and provides a smooth assist control that does not make a rider feel uncomfortable. The driving unit includes a crankshaft to which pedals are to be connected, a crank rotation detector that detects rotation of the crankshaft, and an assist control stopping unit programmed to stop an assist control in response to the rotation of the crankshaft detected by the crank rotation detector.

Abstract: A driving unit for use in an electric assist bicycle includes a rotation detection device in addition to a torque detection device such that the detection resolution of the rotation detection device is increased. The driving unit includes a housing, a crankshaft, a torque detection device, a rotating member, and a rotation detection device. The rotating member includes a connecting shaft and an output shaft. The connecting shaft is located at one of the ends of the rotating member disposed along its axis, and is coupled with the crankshaft in the housing. The output shaft is located at the other one of the ends of the rotating member disposed along its axis. The rotation detection device includes a detected portion and a detector. The detected portion is provided on the rotating member, and located around the central axis of the crankshaft in the housing.

Abstract: A driving unit and a battery-assisted bicycle include a stopping assist control without making a rider feel uncomfortable. The driving unit includes a crankshaft to which pedals are to be connected, a torque detector that detects a torque generated at the crankshaft, and an assist control stopping unit that stops an assist control based on an amplitude of a torque detected by the torque detector while the crankshaft rotates in a prescribed rotation angle range.

Abstract: A movable body according to the present invention detects an operation state including attitude information of the movable body by using an operation state detector, generates a drive velocity command based on the detected attitude information and an attitude information command to be input, generates a torque command of the drive device based on the generated drive velocity command and a drive velocity detected by a drive velocity detector, and drives the drive device in accordance with the torque command generated by a velocity controller, to thereby move. In the movable body, the velocity controller performs velocity control so that the drive velocity detected by the drive velocity detector follows the drive velocity command generated by an attitude controller, and the attitude controller performs attitude control so that the attitude information detected by the operation state detector follows the attitude information command to be input.

Abstract: A power-assisted bicycle with an auxiliary power unit that improves positional stability of a torque sensor and inhibits the position of the sensor from being misaligned, wherein the power-assisted bicycle includes an annular hollow member inserted over an outer periphery of a crankshaft and a one-way clutch disposed on the hollow member for transmitting, when a pedaling torque in a direction in which the power-assisted bicycle traveling in a forward direction, is applied to the crankshaft, and wherein a magnetic film is formed in a recess disposed in an outer periphery of the hollow member, and a magnetostrictive torque sensor is positioned and fixed by a support member for rotatably supporting the magnetostrictive torque sensor relative to the annular hollow member at both ends of the recess, such that the magnetostrictive torque sensor faces the magnetic film in the recess.

Abstract: A control apparatus for a motor-assisted bicycle detects a pedaling torque applied to a crankshaft with a pedaling force sensor, controls a motor unit of the motor-assisted bicycle in a regenerative control process to charge a battery if the torque value of the detected pedaling torque is equal to or smaller than a predetermined level, and controls the motor unit in an assistive control process if the torque value is greater than the predetermined level. The control apparatus switches between the assistive control process and the regenerative control process depending on the torque value which is detected, increases the predetermined level if the state of charge of the battery becomes lower than a first level, and restores the predetermined level if the state of charge of the battery becomes higher than a second level which is greater than the first level.

Abstract: A motor unit comprises a housing for containing a motor, a motor shaft for receiving a motor provided driving force, a torque sensor mechanism for detecting torque, and a controller for controlling power to the motor in response to a detected amount of torque. An actuator couples the torque sensor to a sensor of the controller. The actuator is configured to move relative to the controller sensor thereby causing the sensor to produce a signal indicative of the detected level of torque. The controller is contained within the housing of the motor. The motor unit may also have an auxiliary shaft for receiving an externally provided driving force with a first torque transmission path for transferring the externally provided driving force to a drive mechanism and a second torque transmission path for transferring the motor provided driving force to said drive mechanism.