Torque detection device

DETAILED DESCRIPTION Accordingly, an object of the present invention is to provide a torque detection device for detecting torque applied to a bicycle by a rider and generating a signal corresponding to the torque for controlling power output of a motor of the bicycle whereby the power output of the motor is determined based on the torque applied by the rider for efficient use of power of a battery set of the bicycle.
Another object of the present invention is to provide a device which automatically controls power output of a motor of a power-assisted bicycle for eliminating manual control of the motor.
To achieve the above object, in accordance with the present invention, there is provided a torque detection device for detecting a torque applied to a bicycle for controlling power output of a motor applied to the bicycle in helping moving the bicycle.
The torque detection device comprises a shaft coupled to a driving chain wheel and pedals of the bicycle.
A circuit comprising strain gauge based elements is embedded in the shaft for converting a torsional deformation caused by the torque applied to the shaft by a rider via the pedals into an electrical signal.
The electrical signal, after being properly processed, is applied to a motor power controller which in turn controls the power output of the motor whereby the torque from the motor is determined based on the torque applied by the rider to the bicycle.
Thus, as the rider applies a great torque to the pedals, the motor correspondingly supplies a large output of power to the bicycle for helping moving the bicycle.
No additional manual control of the motor is needed.