Assembly for human-powered vehicles

Abstract

The present application provides a component for a human-powered vehicle that improves heat dissipation and quiet performance. The component for a human-powered vehicle of the present application has a housing and an internal component. The housing has an internal space. At least a portion of the internal component is disposed in the internal space, and includes at least one of a heat generating component that generates heat during operation and a mechanical component that generates at least one of sound and vibration during operation. The housing includes at least one first portion and at least one second portion. The at least one first portion has a porous structure. The at least one second portion has a solid structure and is integrally formed with the at least one first portion.

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The present application relates to an assembly for a human-powered vehicle. BACKGROUND

[0002] There is an assembly for a human-powered vehicle that is installed on a frame of a human-powered vehicle and assists in the propulsion of the human-powered vehicle.

[0003] PRIOR ART DOCUMENTS

[0004] PATENT DOCUMENTS

[0005] Patent Document 1: Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 2017-24700 SUMMARY

[0006] (PROBLEMS TO BE SOLVED BY THE INVENTION)

[0007] An object of the present application is to provide an assembly for a human-powered vehicle that can improve at least one of heat dissipation performance and quiet performance.

[0008] (Technical Solution to Solve the Problem)

[0009] The assembly according to the first aspect of the present application is an assembly for a human-powered vehicle, which has: a housing having an internal space; and an internal component having at least a portion disposed in the internal space, which includes at least one of a heat generating component that generates heat during operation and a mechanical component that generates at least one of sound and vibration during operation; the housing includes at least one first portion having a porous structure and at least one second portion having a solid structure and formed integrally with the at least one first portion. According to the assembly of the first aspect, at least one of heat dissipation performance and quiet performance can be improved by the first portion having a porous structure.

[0010] In the assembly according to the second aspect of the first aspect of the present application, the housing includes an outer surface and an inner surface that defines the internal space, and the at least one first portion includes at least a portion of the inner surface. According to the assembly of the second aspect, sound and vibration generated by the mechanical component in the internal space of the housing can be attenuated by the first component.

[0011] In the assembly according to the third aspect of the second aspect of the present application, the internal component includes the mechanical component, and the at least a portion of the inner surface is opposed to at least a portion of the mechanical component. According to the assembly of the third aspect, sound generated by the mechanical component can be attenuated by the first component.

[0012] In the assembly according to the fourth aspect of the third aspect of the present application, the mechanical component includes a rotating shaft and a bearing portion supporting the rotating shaft, and the at least a portion of the inner surface is in contact with the bearing portion. According to the assembly of the fourth aspect, sound generated by the rotating shaft and the bearing portion can be attenuated by the first component.

[0013] In the assembly according to the fifth aspect of any one of the first to fourth aspects of the present application, the porous structure of the first portion forms a decompression space. According to the assembly of the fifth aspect, the transmission of sound can be suppressed using the decompression space.

[0014] In the assembly according to the sixth aspect of the fifth aspect of the present application, the decompression space of the first portion accounts for 1% or more and 50% or less of the total volume. According to the assembly of the sixth aspect, the sound attenuation performance can be improved while ensuring the mechanical strength of the first portion.

[0015] In the assembly according to the seventh aspect of the first aspect of the present application, the housing includes an outer surface and an inner surface defining the internal space, and the at least one first portion includes at least a portion of the outer surface. According to the assembly of the seventh aspect, the area of the outer surface is increased, and thus heat generated by the heat generating component in the internal space of the housing can be effectively released to the outside of the housing.

[0016] In the assembly according to the eighth aspect of the seventh aspect of the present application, the internal component includes the heat generating component, the at least one second portion includes at least a portion of the inner surface, and the at least a portion of the inner surface is opposed to at least a portion of the heat generating component. According to the assembly of the eighth aspect, heat generated by the heat generating component can be absorbed by the second portion, and the heat absorbed by the second portion can be released to the outside of the housing through the first portion.

[0017] In the assembly according to the ninth aspect of the seventh or eighth aspect of the present application, the at least one second portion includes at least one fin, and the at least one first portion covers the at least one fin. According to the assembly of the ninth aspect, the heat dissipation performance of the fin can be improved.

[0018] In the assembly according to the tenth aspect of the seventh or eighth aspect of the present application, the at least one first portion forms at least one fin. According to the assembly of the tenth aspect, the heat dissipation performance of the fin as a whole can be improved.

[0019] In the assembly according to the eleventh aspect of the first aspect of the present application, the housing includes an outer side surface and an inner side surface defining the internal space, and the at least one first portion includes a portion of the outer side surface and a portion of the inner side surface not connected to the portion of the outer side surface via the at least one second portion. According to the assembly of the eleventh aspect, heat dissipation performance of the at least one first portion including a portion of the outer side surface of the housing and a portion of the inner side surface not connected to the portion of the outer side surface via the at least one second portion can be improved.

[0020] In the assembly according to the twelfth aspect of the eleventh aspect of the present application, the at least one first portion allows gas to pass between the portion of the outer side surface and the portion of the inner side surface. According to the assembly of the twelfth aspect, heat can be released from the inside of the housing to the outside via the at least one first portion including a portion of the outer side surface of the housing and a portion of the inner side surface not connected to the portion of the outer side surface via the at least one second portion.

[0021] In the assembly according to the thirteenth aspect of the eleventh or twelfth aspect of the present application, the at least one first portion includes at least two first portions. According to the assembly of the thirteenth aspect, for example, cool air can be introduced from the outside of the housing to the inside via one of the first portions, and hot air can be released to the outside of the housing via the other first portion.

[0022] In the assembly according to the fourteenth aspect of any one of the first to thirteenth aspects of the present application, the heat generating component includes an electric motor. According to the assembly of the fourteenth aspect, by releasing heat generated by the electric motor to the outside of the housing, temperature rise of the electric motor can be suppressed.

[0023] In the assembly according to the fifteenth aspect of the fourteenth aspect of the present application, the electric motor is configured to impart a propulsive force to a human-powered vehicle. According to the assembly of the fifteenth aspect, by releasing heat generated by the electric motor in imparting a propulsive force to the human-powered vehicle to the outside of the housing, temperature rise of the electric motor can be suppressed.

[0024] In the assembly according to the sixteenth aspect of any one of the first to fifteenth aspects of the present application, the housing is formed of a metal material. According to the assembly of the sixteenth aspect, mechanical strength of the housing can be improved.

[0025] In the assembly according to the seventeenth aspect of the sixteenth aspect of the present application, the metal material includes at least one of iron, aluminum, and magnesium. According to the assembly of the seventeenth aspect, a housing of an arbitrary shape can be formed while improving mechanical strength.

[0026] In the eighteenth aspect of any one of the first to seventeenth aspects according to the present application, the housing is formed by additive manufacturing. According to the assembly of the eighteenth aspect, an arbitrary-shaped housing can be formed without using a mold.

[0027] (EFFECT OF INVENTION)

[0028] The assembly for a human-powered vehicle according to the present application can improve at least one of heat dissipation performance and quietness performance. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0029] Figure 1 is a side view of a human-powered vehicle including the assembly for a human-powered vehicle of the first embodiment.

[0030] Figure 2 is a perspective view of the assembly for a human-powered vehicle of the first embodiment.

[0031] Figure 3 is a first side view of the assembly for a human-powered vehicle of Figure 2

[0032] Figure 4 is a second side view of the assembly for a human-powered vehicle of Figure 2

[0033] is a cross-sectional view along the D5-D5 line of Figure 5 Figure 3

[0034] Figure 6 is a side view of a state after a part of the housing is removed from the first side view of the assembly for a human-powered vehicle of Figure 3

[0035] Figure 7 is a side view of a state after a part of the housing is removed from the second side view of the assembly for a human-powered vehicle of Figure 4

[0036] Figure 8 is a schematic view showing the assembly for a human-powered vehicle of the first embodiment.

[0037] Figure 9 is a cross-sectional view showing a modification example of a cross section along the D5-D5 line of Figure 3

[0038] Figure 10 is a schematic view showing the assembly for a human-powered vehicle of the second embodiment.

[0039] Figure 11 is a schematic view showing a first modification example of the assembly for a human-powered vehicle of the second embodiment.

[0040] ​​​​​​Figure 12 is a schematic view showing a second modification of the assembly for the human-powered vehicle according to the second embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0041] <First Embodiment>

[0042] Reference Figures 1-9 The assembly 40 for the human-powered vehicle according to the first embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. 1. The human-powered vehicle 10 is a vehicle having at least one wheel and being drivable at least by human power. The human-powered vehicle 10 includes various bicycles such as a mountain bike, a road bike, a city bike, a cargo bike, a hand cycle, a recumbent bicycle, and the like, for example. The number of wheels of the human-powered vehicle 10 is not limited. The human-powered vehicle 10 includes a unicycle and a vehicle having three or more wheels, for example. The human-powered vehicle 10 is not limited to a vehicle drivable only by human power. The human-powered vehicle 10 includes an electric bicycle (E-bike) that is propelled by not only human power but also driving force of an electric motor. The electric bicycle includes an electrically assisted bicycle that is assisted in propulsion by the electric motor. Hereinafter, in the embodiments, the human-powered vehicle 10 will be described as an electrically assisted bicycle.

[0043] The human-powered vehicle 10 includes a crank 12 for input of human power. The human-powered vehicle 10 further includes a wheel 14, a vehicle body 16. The wheel 14 includes a rear wheel 14A and a front wheel 14B. The vehicle body 16 includes a frame 18. The crank 12 includes an input shaft 12A rotatable with respect to the frame 18, and a pair of crank arms 12B provided at both axial ends of the input shaft 12A, respectively. In the present embodiment, the input shaft 12A is a crank shaft. A pair of pedals 20 is coupled to each of the crank arms 12B, respectively. The crank 12 is rotated to drive the rear wheel 14A. The rear wheel 14A is supported to the frame 18. The crank 12 and the rear wheel 14A are coupled through a drive mechanism 22. The drive mechanism 22 includes a first drive rotary body 24 coupled to the input shaft 12A. The first drive rotary body 24 includes a sprocket, a pulley, or a bevel gear. The drive mechanism 22 further includes a second drive rotary body 26, and a coupling member 28. The coupling member 28 transmits a rotational force of the first drive rotary body 24 to the second drive rotary body 26. The coupling member 28 includes a chain, a belt, or a transmission shaft, for example.

[0044] The second drive rotary body 26 is coupled to the rear wheel 14A. The second drive rotary body 26 includes a sprocket, a pulley, or a bevel gear. A one-way clutch is preferably provided between the second drive rotary body 26 and the rear wheel 14A. The one-way clutch is configured to cause the rear wheel 14A to rotate forward when the second drive rotary body 26 rotates forward, and to allow the second drive rotary body 26 to rotate relative to the rear wheel 14A when the second drive rotary body 26 rotates backward. In the present embodiment, the first drive rotary body 24 includes only one sprocket, and the second drive rotary body 26 includes a plurality of sprockets, but the first drive rotary body 24 can include a plurality of sprockets, and the second drive rotary body 26 can include only one sprocket. When at least one of the first drive rotary body 24 and the second drive rotary body 26 includes a plurality of sprockets, the human-powered vehicle 10 further includes a derailleur that moves a chain between the plurality of sprockets. In the present embodiment, a rear derailleur 27 is provided on the frame 18.

[0045] The front wheel 14B is mounted to the frame 18 via the fork 30. The handlebar 34 is coupled to the fork 30 by the stem 32. In the present embodiment, at least one of the rear wheel 14A and the front wheel 14B is coupled to the crank 12 by the drive mechanism 22.

[0046] The human-powered vehicle 10 includes a battery 36 for a human-powered vehicle. The battery 36 includes one or more battery elements. The battery element includes a rechargeable battery. The battery 36 supplies power to a component 40 for a human-powered vehicle. The battery 36 is preferably communicably connected to a control portion 78 of the component 40 by a cable 38 or a wireless communication device. The battery 36 can communicate with the control portion 78, for example, by Power Line Communication (PLC), CAN (Controller Area Network), or UART (Universal Asynchronous Receiver / Transmitter).

[0047] The assembly 40 includes a housing 42 and an electric motor 44. The housing 42 serves to support the input shaft 12A for human-powered driving force input. The assembly 40 has a mounting portion 40A for mounting to the frame 18. The mounting portion 40A includes a protrusion 40B provided to an outer peripheral portion of the housing 42. A hole 40C is formed in the protrusion 40B. The hole 40C is, for example, a threaded hole. In the frame 18, a hole for mounting the assembly 40 is formed in a portion corresponding to the hole 40C of the assembly 40. The hole provided to the frame 18 is, for example, a through hole. The assembly 40 is mounted to the frame 18 by, for example, inserting a bolt into the hole provided to the frame 18 and coupling the bolt to the hole 40C. The hole 40C can also be a through hole not formed with a thread. When the hole 40C is a through hole, the hole provided to the frame 18 is a through hole not formed with a thread or a threaded hole. When the hole 40C is a through hole and the hole provided to the frame 18 is a through hole not formed with a thread, the assembly 40 can be mounted to the frame 18 by a bolt and a nut.

[0048] Preferably, the assembly 40 includes the input shaft 12A, the electric motor 44, the output portion 46, and the speed reducer 48. The output portion 46 is configured to have a first rotational axis C1 and to transmit the rotational force of the input shaft 12A. Preferably, the assembly 40 further includes a power transmission member 51. The power transmission member 51 is configured to transmit the rotational force input to the input shaft 12A to the output portion 46. The power transmission member 51 is connected to the input shaft 12A and the output portion 46, respectively. The power transmission member 51 can be directly connected to the input shaft 12A or indirectly connected to the input shaft 12A. In the present embodiment, the power transmission member 51 substantially has a cylindrical shape. The power transmission member 51 is disposed so as to surround the outer peripheral portion of the input shaft 12A about the axis of the input shaft 12A. In the present embodiment, in the axial direction of the input shaft 12A, a first end portion 51A of the power transmission member 51 is directly connected to the outer peripheral portion of the input shaft 12A. Splines that engage with each other are formed in the first end portion 51A of the power transmission member 51 and the outer peripheral portion of the input shaft 12A, respectively. In the present embodiment, in the axial direction of the input shaft 12A, a second end portion 51B of the power transmission member 51 is connected to the output portion 46 via a first one-way clutch 52.

[0049] The housing 42 rotatably supports the input shaft 12A. The housing 42 has a first hole 42X into which the input shaft 12A is inserted, and a second hole 42Y. The first hole 42X and the second hole 42Y join a space surrounded by the housing 42 and a space outside the housing 42, respectively. The first hole 42X is formed in a first side portion 43A of the housing 42 in the axial direction of the input shaft 12A. The second hole 42Y is formed in a second side portion 43B of the housing 42 in the axial direction of the input shaft 12A. An axial first end portion 12C of the input shaft 12A protrudes from the first hole 42X to the space outside the housing 42. An axial second end portion 12D of the input shaft 12A protrudes from the second hole 42Y to the space outside the housing 42. The first hole 42X is provided with a first bearing 42A. The input shaft 12A is rotatably supported by the first bearing 42A with respect to the housing 42. The first bearing 42A can be a ball bearing, a roller bearing, or a sliding bearing. A first rotation axis C1 of the output portion 46 is equal to a rotation axis of the input shaft 12A. The output portion 46 is provided to an outer peripheral portion of the input shaft 12A around the first rotation axis C1. The second hole 42Y is provided with a second bearing 42B. The output portion 46 is rotatably provided to the housing 42 by the second bearing 42B with respect to the housing 42. The output portion 46 substantially has a cylindrical shape. The second bearing 42B is provided to an outer peripheral portion of the output portion 46. A third bearing 42C is preferably provided between an inner peripheral portion of the output portion 46 and the outer peripheral portion of the input shaft. The output portion 46 rotatably supports the input shaft 12A via the third bearing 42C. The second bearing 42B can be a ball bearing, a roller bearing, or a sliding bearing. The third bearing 42C includes, for example, a needle bearing or a sleeve. In a direction perpendicular to the first rotation axis C1, at least a portion of the second bearing 42B is arranged to overlap the third bearing 42C. An outer peripheral portion of an axial second end portion 46A of the output portion 46 is provided with a coupling portion for coupling the first drive rotation body 24. The coupling portion has one or more splines extending in the axial direction of the input shaft 12A.

[0050] The electric motor 44 is configured to be provided to the housing 42, and is configured to impart a propulsive force to the human-powered vehicle 10. The electric motor 44 includes one or more electric motors. The electric motor 44 is, for example, a brushless motor. In the present embodiment, the electric motor 44 is a motor of an inner rotor type. In the present embodiment, the electric motor 44 is configured to transmit a rotation to the first drive rotating body 24. The electric motor 44 includes a rotor 44A having an output shaft 44B, and a stator 50 having a coil 50A electrically connected to the inverter circuit 74A. It is preferable that the input shaft 12A and the output shaft 44B of the electric motor 44 are substantially parallel. The rotor 44A includes a rotor core 44C that rotates integrally with the output shaft 44B, and a plurality of magnets held to the rotor core 44C. The stator 50 is fixed to the housing 42. In the present embodiment, the housing 42 functions as a housing of the electric motor 44. The electric motor 44 can include a housing that is formed separately from the housing 42. When the housing of the electric motor 44 is included, the housing of the electric motor 44 can be fixed to the housing 42. The housing of the electric motor 44 can be fixed to the outer peripheral portion of the housing 42. When the housing of the electric motor 44 is fixed to the outer peripheral portion of the housing 42, a portion of the output shaft 44B of the electric motor 44 is disposed in the accommodation space SA of the housing 42 via a through-hole formed in the housing 42. In the present embodiment, the housing 42 includes a first housing 41A, a second housing 41B, and a cover member 41C. The first housing 41A includes a first side portion 43A. The second housing 41B includes a second side portion 43B. The accommodation space SA is formed by the first housing 41A and the second housing 41B. The first housing 41A and the second housing 41B are fixed to each other, for example, by a bolt. In the accommodation space SA of the housing 42, a portion of the input shaft 12A, a portion of the output portion 46, the first one-way clutch 52, the power transmission member 51, the electric motor 44, the speed reducer 48, the first circuit substrate 76, the second circuit substrate 80, the third circuit substrate 84, the fourth circuit substrate 86, the control portion 78, the first electronic component 74, the second electronic component 78A, and the like are disposed. In the present embodiment, the first housing 41A functions as a housing of the electric motor 44. The outer peripheral portion of the stator 50 is fixed to the side wall of the recessed portion 41D formed in the first housing 41A. The cover member 41C is provided to the first housing 41A, and forms a motor disposition space together with the first housing 41A. The cover member 41C is fixed to the first housing 41A, for example, by a bolt. The cover member 41C serves to cover the opening of the recessed portion 41D. The cover member 41C includes a through-hole 41E into which the output shaft 44B of the electric motor 44 is inserted. The cover member 41C includes a through-hole into which a terminal or a cable is inserted, the terminal being used to connect the coil of the electric motor 44 and the inverter circuit 74A.

[0051] Preferably, the reduction gear 48 has a first one-way clutch 52 provided in a first power transmission path between the electric motor 44 and the output 46. The reduction gear 48 includes a first rotary body 54, a first rotary shaft 56, and a second rotary body 58. The first rotary body 54 has a larger diameter than the second rotary body 58. The first rotary body 54 is provided to the output 46 so as to rotate integrally with the output 46. The first rotary body 54 is integrally formed with the output 46, for example, as a single component. The first rotary body 54 and the output 46 are formed of metal, for example. The first rotary body 54 and the output 46 can be formed separately and fixed so as not to rotate relatively. The first rotary body 54 can be formed of resin, for example. The first rotary shaft 56 has a second rotary shaft center C2 different from a first rotary shaft center C1. The second rotary shaft center C2 is substantially parallel to the first rotary shaft center C1.

[0052] The second rotary body 58 is provided to the first rotary shaft 56 and connected to the first rotary body 54 directly or via a ring member. In the present embodiment, the second rotary body 58 is a gear having teeth provided in an outer peripheral portion, and the first rotary body 54 is a gear having teeth provided in an outer peripheral portion. The second rotary body 58 is directly connected to the first rotary body 54 by engagement of the teeth of the second rotary body 58 and the teeth of the first rotary body 54. The first rotary body 54 and the second rotary body 58 can be indirectly connected via a ring member. The ring member includes a belt or a pulley, for example. The first rotary body 54 and the second rotary body 58 are pulleys, for example, and the ring member can be a belt. The first rotary body 54 and the second rotary body 58 are sprockets, for example, and the ring member can be a chain. The first rotary shaft 56 is rotatably supported to the housing 42 via a pair of fourth bearings 42D with respect to the housing 42.

[0053] The pair of fourth bearings 42D support both end portions in the axial direction of the first rotary shaft 56, respectively. One of the pair of fourth bearings 42D is supported to a recess provided in an inner peripheral portion of the first housing 41A. The other of the pair of fourth bearings 42D is supported to a recess provided in an inner peripheral portion of the second housing. The pair of fourth bearings 42D can be ball bearings, roller bearings, or sliding bearings. The first rotary shaft 56 is for supporting the second rotary body 58. The first rotary shaft 56 is coaxially arranged with the second rotary body 58. The second rotary body 58 is formed in a ring shape and arranged radially outward of the first rotary shaft 56.

[0054] Preferably, the speed reducer 48 includes a first reduction portion 48A and a second reduction portion 48B. The first reduction portion 48A includes the first rotary body 54, the first rotary shaft 56, and the second rotary body 58. The second reduction portion 48B is provided on the first power transmission path between the electric motor 44 and the first reduction portion 48A. Preferably, the second reduction portion 48B includes a third rotary body 60, a second rotary shaft 62, and a fourth rotary body 64. The third rotary body 60 has a diameter larger than that of the fourth rotary body 64. The third rotary body 60 is configured to rotate integrally with the first rotary shaft 56 and has a diameter smaller than that of the second rotary body 58. The third rotary body 60 is formed separately from the first rotary shaft 56 and fixed so as not to rotate relatively. The first rotary shaft 56 is formed of, for example, metal. The third rotary body 60 is formed of, for example, resin or metal. The third rotary body 60 can be formed integrally with the first rotary shaft 56 as a single member. The second rotary body 58 and the third rotary body 60 are disposed between the pair of fourth bearings 42D in the axial direction of the first rotary shaft 56. The second rotary body 58 and the third rotary body 60 are disposed adjacent to the pair of fourth bearings 42D, respectively. The fourth rotary body 64 is configured to rotate integrally with the second rotary shaft 62 and connected to the third rotary body 60 directly or via an annular member. The fourth rotary body 64 is formed integrally with the second rotary shaft 62 as a single member, for example. The fourth rotary body 64 and the second rotary shaft 62 are formed of, for example, metal. The fourth rotary body 64 and the second rotary shaft 62 can be formed separately and fixed so as not to rotate relatively. The fourth rotary body 64 can be formed of, for example, resin. In the present embodiment, the fourth rotary body 64 is a gear provided with teeth on an outer peripheral portion, and the third rotary body 60 is a gear provided with teeth on an outer peripheral portion. The fourth rotary body 64 is directly connected to the third rotary body 60 by engagement of the teeth of the fourth rotary body 64 with the teeth of the third rotary body 60. The second rotary shaft 62 has a third rotary shaft center C3 different from the first rotary shaft center Cl and the second rotary shaft center C2. The third rotary shaft center C3 is substantially parallel to the first rotary shaft center Cl and the second rotary shaft center C2. The third rotary body 60 and the fourth rotary body 64 can be indirectly connected via an annular member. For example, the third rotary body 60 and the fourth rotary body 64 can be pulleys, and the annular member can be a belt. For example, the third rotary body 60 and the fourth rotary body 64 can be sprockets, and the annular member can be a chain. The second rotary shaft 62 is rotatably supported to the housing 42 via a pair of fifth bearings 42E with respect to the housing 42. The pair of fifth bearings 42E support both end portions of the second rotary shaft 62 in the axial direction, respectively. The fifth bearings 42E can be ball bearings, roller bearings, or slide bearings. One of the pair of fifth bearings 42E is supported to the first recess 41F provided in the cover member 41C. The first recess 41F is provided on one face of the cover member 41C in the axial direction of the electric motor 44.On the other face of the cover member 41C in the axial direction of the electric motor 44, a second recess 41G is provided, which is configured with a sixth bearing 42F for supporting the output shaft 44B of the electric motor 44. One of a pair of fifth bearings 42E is supported in a recess 41D provided in the second housing 41B.

[0055] In the present embodiment, the speed reducer 48 further includes a third speed reduction portion 48C. The third speed reduction portion 48C includes a fifth rotating body 66 and a sixth rotating body 68. The diameter of the fifth rotating body 66 is larger than the diameter of the sixth rotating body 68. The fifth rotating body 66 is disposed on the first housing side with respect to the fourth rotating body in the axial direction of the input shaft. The fifth rotating body 66 is provided to the second rotating shaft 62 so as to rotate integrally with the second rotating shaft 62. The fifth rotating body 66 can be formed integrally with the second rotating shaft 62 as a single member, or can be formed separately from the second rotating shaft 62 and coupled to the second rotating shaft 62. The fifth rotating body 66 is formed of, for example, metal or resin. The sixth rotating body 68 is provided to the output shaft 44B of the electric motor 44 so as to rotate integrally with the output shaft 44B. The fourth rotating body 64 and the fifth rotating body 66 are disposed between a pair of fifth bearings 42E in the axial direction of the second rotating shaft 62. The fourth rotating body 64 and the fifth rotating body 66 are disposed adjacent to the pair of fifth bearings 42E, respectively. The sixth rotating body 68 can be formed integrally with the output shaft 44B of the electric motor 44 as a single member, or can be formed separately from the output shaft 44B of the electric motor 44 and coupled to the output shaft 44B. The sixth rotating body 68 is formed of, for example, metal or resin. The output shaft 44B of the electric motor 44 is formed of, for example, metal. The sixth rotating body 68 is connected to the fifth rotating body 66 directly or via an annular member. In the present embodiment, the sixth rotating body 68 is a gear provided with teeth on the outer peripheral portion, and the fifth rotating body 66 is a gear provided with teeth on the outer peripheral portion. The sixth rotating body 68 is directly connected to the fifth rotating body 66 by the meshing of the teeth of the sixth rotating body 68 and the teeth of the fifth rotating body 66. The fifth rotating body 66 and the sixth rotating body 68 can be indirectly connected by an annular member. For example, the fifth rotating body 66 and the sixth rotating body 68 can be pulleys, and the annular member can be a belt. For example, the fifth rotating body 66 and the sixth rotating body 68 can be sprockets, and the annular member can be a chain.

[0056] The output shaft 44B of the electric motor 44 has a fourth rotation axis C4. The fourth rotation axis C4 is different from the first rotation axis Cl, the second rotation axis C2, and the third rotation axis C3. In the present embodiment, the fourth rotation axis C4 is substantially parallel to the first rotation axis Cl, the second rotation axis C2, and the third rotation axis C3. The output shaft 44B of the electric motor 44 is rotatably supported to the housing 42 with respect to the housing 42 via a pair of sixth bearings 42F. The sixth bearings 42F can be ball bearings, roller bearings, or sliding bearings. One of the pair of sixth bearings 42F supports the first end portion 44D of the output shaft 44B in the axial direction Ml. Between the pair of sixth bearings 42F, the rotor core 44C is disposed in the axial direction Ml of the output shaft 44B. The other of the pair of sixth bearings 42F supports the intermediate portion between the first end portion 44D and the second end portion 44E of the output shaft 44B in the axial direction Ml. The sixth rotating body 68 is disposed closer to the second end portion 44E than the rotor core 44C in the axial direction Ml of the output shaft 44B. In the axial direction Ml of the output shaft 44B, the end surface 68A of the sixth rotating body 68 can be disposed at the same position as the end surface 44F of the second end portion 44E, or can be disposed closer to the rotor core 44C than the end surface 44F of the second end portion 44E. In the axial direction Ml of the output shaft 44B, the end surface 68A of the sixth rotating body 68 is disposed closer to the second end portion 44E than the rotor core 44C in the axial direction Ml of the output shaft 44B. The other of the pair of sixth bearings 42F is disposed between the sixth rotating body 68 and the rotor core 44C of the rotor 44A in the axial direction Ml of the output shaft 44B. The other of the pair of sixth bearings 42F is supported to the cover member 41C. In the inner peripheral portion of the defined through-hole 41E of the cover member 41C, a second recessed portion 41G for supporting the outer peripheral portion of the sixth bearing 42F is formed. With the second recessed portion 41G, the other of the bearings of the pair of sixth bearings 42F is prevented from moving in a direction away from the one of the pair of sixth bearings 42F.

[0057] The second rotation axis C2 is closer to the first rotation axis C1 than the third rotation axis C3 and the fourth rotation axis C4 when viewed in a direction parallel to the first rotation axis C1. The third rotation axis C3 is closer to the fourth rotation axis C4 than the first rotation axis C1 and the second rotation axis C2 when viewed in a direction parallel to the first rotation axis C1. The second rotation axis C2 and the third rotation axis C3 are not disposed on a straight line LA passing through the first rotation axis C1 and the fourth rotation axis C4 when viewed in an axial direction M1 of the output shaft 44B of the electric motor 44, for example. The second rotation axis C2 and the third rotation axis C3 are disposed on one side with respect to the straight line LA when viewed in the axial direction M1 of the output shaft 44B of the electric motor 44, for example. The positional relationship of the first rotation axis C1, the second rotation axis C2, the third rotation axis C3, and the fourth rotation axis C4 is determined in accordance with the required reduction ratio of the reduction gear 48, for example, and is not limited to the present embodiment. At least one of the second rotation axis C2 and the third rotation axis C3 can be disposed on the straight line LA when viewed in the axial direction M1 of the output shaft 44B of the electric motor 44, for example. The straight line LA can be disposed between the second rotation axis C2 and the third rotation axis C3 when viewed in the axial direction M1 of the output shaft 44B of the electric motor 44.

[0058] The first one-way clutch 52 inhibits transmission of the rotational force of the input shaft 12A to the electric motor 44 when the input shaft 12A rotates in a predetermined rotational direction. The first one-way clutch 52 is preferably provided between the first rotation body 56 and the second rotation body 58. The first one-way clutch 52 preferably includes a roller clutch, a wedge clutch, or a ratchet clutch. At least a portion of the first one-way clutch 52 is preferably disposed radially inward of the second rotation body 58. The first one-way clutch 52 includes an inner wheel body 52A and an outer wheel body 52B that surrounds the inner wheel body 52A. The inner wheel body 52A is provided to an outer peripheral portion of the first rotation shaft 56. The inner wheel body 52A is preferably formed as a single piece with the first rotation shaft 56. The inner wheel body 52A can be formed separately from the first rotation shaft 56 and fixed to the first rotation shaft 56 in a manner that prevents relative rotation. The inner wheel body 52A is formed of metal, for example. At least a portion of the outer wheel body 52B is provided to an inner peripheral portion of the second rotation body 58. The outer wheel body 52B is preferably formed as a single piece with the second rotation body 58. The outer wheel body 52B can be formed separately from the second rotation body 58 and fixed to the second rotation body 58 in a manner that prevents relative rotation. The outer wheel body is formed of metal, for example. A roller, a wedge, or a pawl is disposed between the inner wheel body 52A and the inner wheel body 52A.

[0059] The predetermined rotation direction corresponds to the rotation direction of the input shaft 12A when the input shaft 12A is rotated by a human to drive the vehicle 10 forward. When the input shaft 12A is rotated in the predetermined rotation direction and the rotation force of the input shaft 12A is transmitted to the output 46, the output 46 is also rotated in the predetermined rotation direction. When the rotation force of the electric motor 44 is transmitted to the output 46 via the reduction gear 48 and the output 46 is rotated in the predetermined rotation direction, the first rotation shaft 56 and the first rotation body 54 are rotated in the first rotation direction. When the rotation speed of the first rotation shaft 56 in the first rotation direction exceeds the rotation speed of the second rotation body 58 in the first rotation direction, the first one-way clutch 52 transmits the rotation force in the first rotation direction from the first rotation shaft 56 to the second rotation body 58.

[0060] When the rotation speed of the second rotation body 58 in the first rotation direction exceeds the rotation speed of the first rotation shaft 56 in the first rotation direction, the first one-way clutch 52 relatively rotates the second rotation body 58 with respect to the first rotation shaft 56 and does not transmit the rotation force in the first rotation direction from the second rotation body 58 to the first rotation shaft 56. When the input shaft 12A is rotated in the predetermined rotation direction and the output 46 and the first rotation body 54 are rotated in the predetermined rotation direction, the rotation force of the input shaft 12A is transmitted from the first rotation body 54 to the second rotation body 58. When the rotation speed of the second rotation body 58 in the first rotation direction still exceeds the rotation speed of the first rotation shaft 56 in the first rotation direction, the rotation force of the input shaft 12A can be inhibited from being transmitted to the electric motor 44. Preferably, only one first one-way clutch is provided in the first power transmission path from the electric motor 44 to the output 46.

[0061] Preferably, the assembly 40 further includes a second one-way clutch 70 provided in the second power transmission path between the output 46 and the input shaft 12A. Preferably, the second one-way clutch 70 includes a roller clutch, a wedge clutch, or a ratchet clutch. Preferably, at least a portion of the second one-way clutch 70 is disposed radially inward of the first rotation body 54. The second one-way clutch 70 includes an inner wheel body 70A and an outer wheel body 70B that surrounds the inner wheel body 70A. The inner wheel body 70A is provided to the outer circumferential portion of the input shaft 12A. Preferably, the inner wheel body 70A is integrally formed with the power transmission member 51 as a single member. The inner wheel body 70A can be formed separately from the power transmission member 51 and fixed to the power transmission member 51 or the input shaft 12A to which the power transmission member 51 is coupled, in a manner that the inner wheel body 70A cannot relatively rotate. The inner wheel body 70A is formed of metal, for example. At least a portion of the outer wheel body 70B is provided to the inner circumferential portion of the first rotation body 54. Preferably, the outer wheel body 70B is integrally formed with the first rotation body 54 as a single member. The outer wheel body 70B can be formed separately from the first rotation body 54 and fixed to the first rotation body 54 in a manner that the outer wheel body 70B cannot relatively rotate. The outer wheel body 70B is formed of metal, for example. A roller, a wedge, or a pawl is disposed between the inner wheel body 70A and the outer wheel body 70B.

[0062] Preferably, the assembly 40 includes an electronic circuit substrate 72. The electronic circuit substrate 72 is disposed within the housing 42. The electronic circuit substrate 72 includes at least one first electronic component 74, a first circuit substrate 76, a control section 78, and a second circuit substrate 80. The at least one first electronic component 74 constitutes at least a part of an inverter circuit 74A configured to supply power to the electric motor 44. The at least one first electronic component 74 is disposed on the first circuit substrate 76. The control section 78 is configured to include at least one second electronic component 78A electrically connected to the inverter circuit 74A for controlling the inverter circuit 74A. The second circuit substrate 80 is formed separately from the first circuit substrate 76 and is provided with the at least one second electronic component 78A in the control section 78. The at least one first electronic component 74 can be disposed on only one mounting surface of the first circuit substrate 76 or on both surfaces. The at least one first electronic component 74 includes, for example, at least one of a semiconductor element, a capacitor, a resistance element, and an inductor. The at least one second electronic component 78A in the control section 78 can be disposed on only one mounting surface of the second circuit substrate 80 or on both surfaces. Preferably, most of the electronic components constituting the inverter circuit 74A are disposed on the second circuit substrate 80. More preferably, all of the electronic components constituting the inverter circuit 74A are disposed on the second circuit substrate 80.

[0063] Preferably, the at least one second electronic component 78A includes an arithmetic processing device for executing a predetermined control program. The arithmetic processing device includes, for example, a CPU (Central Processing Unit) or an MPU (Micro Processing Unit). The at least one second electronic component 78A can include a plurality of arithmetic processing devices. The plurality of arithmetic processing devices can be provided at a plurality of locations separate from each other. The at least one second electronic component 78A can include one or a plurality of microcomputers. Preferably, the at least one second electronic component 78A further includes a storage section. The storage section stores therein various control programs and information used for various control processes. The storage section includes, for example, a nonvolatile memory and a volatile memory. The nonvolatile memory includes, for example, at least one of a ROM (Read-Only Memory), an EPROM (Erasable Programmable Read-Only Memory), an EEPROM (Electrically Erasable Programmable Read-Only Memory), and a flash memory. The volatile memory includes, for example, a RAM (Random Access Memory). Preferably, a majority of the plurality of second electronic components 78A included in the control section 78 are provided on the first circuit substrate 76. More preferably, all of the plurality of second electronic components 78A included in the control section 78 are provided on the first circuit substrate 76.

[0064] The first circuit board 76 and the second circuit board 80 are printed wiring boards. The printed wiring boards can be single-layer printed wiring boards or multilayer printed wiring boards. Preferably, the first circuit board 76 is disposed closer to the stator 50 of the electric motor 44 than the second circuit board 80 in a predetermined first direction Al. Preferably, the predetermined first direction Al is the axial direction Ml of the output shaft 44B of the electric motor 44. Preferably, at least a portion of the first circuit board 76 is disposed between the second circuit board 80 and the stator in the predetermined first direction Al. Preferably, the first circuit board 76 and the second circuit board 80 extend in a direction substantially perpendicular to the axial direction Ml of the output shaft 44B of the electric motor 44. In the present embodiment, the first circuit board 76 is disposed closer to the stator 50 than the end surface 44F of the second end portion 44E in the axial direction Ml of the output shaft 44B of the electric motor 44. In the present embodiment, the first circuit board 76 is disposed at a position between the end surface 44F of the second end portion 44E in the axial direction Ml of the output shaft 44B of the electric motor 44 and the sixth bearing 42F for supporting the intermediate portion of the output shaft 44B in the axial direction Ml of the output shaft 44B of the electric motor 44. In the present embodiment, the first circuit board 76 is disposed at a position between the end surface 44F of the second end portion 44E in the axial direction Ml of the output shaft 44B of the electric motor 44 and the cover member 41C. Preferably, the second circuit board 80 is disposed not to overlap the sixth rotating body 68 when viewed in the axial direction of the output shaft 44B of the electric motor 44. Preferably, at least a portion of the first circuit board 76 and at least a portion of the second circuit board 80 are disposed to overlap the stator 50 of the electric motor 44 when viewed in the axial direction Ml of the output shaft 44B of the electric motor 44. Preferably, one of the first circuit board 76 and the second circuit board 80 is disposed opposite to an end portion of the output shaft 44B of the electric motor 44. In the present embodiment, the end portion of the output shaft 44B of the electric motor 44 is the second end portion 44E in the axial direction Ml of the output shaft 44B of the electric motor 44. Preferably, one of the first circuit board 76 and the second circuit board 80 is opposite to the end surface 44F of the second end portion 44E in the axial direction Ml of the output shaft 44B of the electric motor 44. In the present embodiment, the second circuit board 80 is opposite to the end surface 44F of the second end portion 44E in the axial direction Ml of the output shaft 44B of the electric motor 44. The end portion of the output shaft 44B of the electric motor 44 can be the first end portion 44D in the axial direction Ml of the output shaft 44B of the electric motor 44. In this case, one of the first circuit board 76 and the second circuit board 80 is opposite to the end surface 44F of the second end portion 44E in the axial direction Ml of the output shaft 44B of the electric motor 44.Preferably, a portion 76A of the first circuit substrate 76 that is farthest from the input shaft 12A is disposed farther from the input shaft 12A than a portion 80A of the second circuit substrate 80 that is farthest from the input shaft 12A, when viewed in the axial direction of the input shaft 12A. The portion 76A of the first circuit substrate 76 that is farthest from the input shaft 12A is disposed on the opposite side of the input shaft 12A with respect to the output shaft 44B of the electric motor 44. In the present embodiment, the first circuit substrate 76 has a recess 76B for accommodating the output shaft 44B of the electric motor 44. The first circuit substrate 76 is disposed so as to surround the outer peripheral portion of the output shaft 44B of the electric motor 44. The first circuit substrate and the second circuit substrate are electrically connected via at least one of a connector and a cable.

[0065] Preferably, the assembly 40 further includes a rotation detection sensor 82 configured to detect a rotation state of the output shaft 44B of the electric motor 44. The rotation detection sensor 82 is provided on one of the first circuit board 76 and the second circuit board 80. In the present embodiment, the rotation detection sensor 82 is provided on the first circuit board 76. The rotation detection sensor 82 is configured to detect information corresponding to a rotation speed of the output shaft 44B of the electric motor 44. The rotation detection sensor 82 includes, for example, a magnetic sensor that outputs a signal corresponding to a magnetic field intensity. A magnet is provided on the second end portion 44E of the output shaft 44B of the electric motor 44. The magnet can be formed in a cylindrical shape or a circular ring shape. The shape and material of the magnet are not particularly limited as long as the magnetic field intensity around the second end portion 44E changes when the output shaft 44B of the electric motor 44 rotates. In the present embodiment, the magnet is formed in a cylindrical shape. The second end portion 44E of the output shaft 44B of the electric motor 44 includes a recess 44G having an opening in an end surface 44F. The recess 44G is preferably provided on a central portion including the fourth rotation axis C4 in a radial direction of the output shaft 44B of the electric motor 44. The magnet is fixed to the recess 44G. The magnet can be arranged so that a portion of the magnet protrudes from the recess 44G or can not protrude from the recess 44G. When the magnet is formed in a circular ring shape, for example, a circular ring-shaped recess 44G in which the magnet is arranged can be formed on an outer peripheral portion of the second end portion 44E. The rotation detection sensor 82 is provided, for example, on a portion of one of the first circuit board 76 and the second circuit board 80 that opposes the magnet in an axial direction of the output shaft 44B of the electric motor 44. The rotation detection sensor 82 can also be provided, for example, at a position offset from the portion of one of the first circuit board 76 and the second circuit board 80 that opposes the magnet in the axial direction of the output shaft 44B of the electric motor 44. In the axial direction of the output shaft 44B of the electric motor 44, the magnet can be provided, for example, on an outer peripheral portion of the output shaft 44B of the electric motor 44 between the sixth rotation body 68 and the cover member 41C. At this time, the rotation detection sensor 82 is provided on the second circuit board 80, for example, can be arranged in the vicinity of a portion of the second circuit board 80 that opposes the output shaft 44B. The rotation detection sensor 82 can be provided on a circuit board different from the first circuit board 76 and the second circuit board 80, and the rotation detection sensor 82 detects a magnetic field of the magnet of the rotor core 44C. The magnet can also be provided on a member that rotates in conjunction with the output shaft 44B of the electric motor 44. The member that rotates in conjunction with the output shaft 44B of the electric motor 44 can include a rotation body included in the speed reducer 48. The rotation detection sensor 82 can also include an optical sensor instead of a magnetic sensor. When the rotation detection sensor 82 is provided on the first circuit board 76, the rotation detection sensor 82 is electrically connected to the control portion 78 via a printed circuit formed on the first circuit board 76. When the rotation detection sensor 82 is provided on the second circuit board 80 or another circuit board, the rotation detection sensor 82 is electrically connected to the control portion 78 at least via a cable or an electrical connector.

[0066] Preferably, the electronic circuit board 72 further includes a third circuit board 84 formed separately from the first circuit board 76 and the second circuit board 80. The third circuit board 84 has a wireless transmission section 84A configured to transmit information related to the human-powered driving force transmitted to the input shaft 12A. At least a portion of the third circuit board 84 is arranged in overlapping relation with at least one of the first circuit board 76 and the second circuit board 80, as viewed in the axial direction Ml of the output shaft 44B of the electric motor 44.

[0067] Preferably, the electronic circuit board 72 further includes a fourth circuit board 86 formed separately from the first circuit board 76, the second circuit board 80, and the third circuit board 84. The fourth circuit board 86 has a wireless reception section 86A configured to receive information related to the human-powered driving force, at least a portion of which is arranged in opposing relation to the third circuit board 84 and electrically connected to at least one of the first circuit board 76 and the second circuit board 80. Preferably, at least a portion of the fourth circuit board 86 is arranged in overlapping relation with at least one of the first circuit board 76 and the second circuit board 80, as viewed in the axial direction Ml of the output shaft 44B of the electric motor 44.

[0068] Preferably, the assembly 40 further includes a human-driven force detecting portion 88. The human-driven force detecting portion 88 includes a torque sensor 83. The torque sensor 83 is configured to output a signal corresponding to a torque of the human-driven force applied to the crank 12. For example, when the second one-way clutch 70 is provided in the power transmission path, the torque sensor is preferably provided on the upstream side of the second one-way clutch 70 in the power transmission path. In the present embodiment, the torque sensor 83 is provided to the power transmission member 51. The torque sensor 83 can be provided to the input shaft 12A. The torque sensor 83 includes a strain sensor or a pressure sensor, or the like. The strain sensor includes a strain gauge. In the present embodiment, the torque sensor 83 is mounted to the outer peripheral portion of the power transmission member 51 and is electrically connected to the third circuit substrate 84 via a flexible printed wiring board. The wireless transmitting portion 84A includes a first signal processing circuit and a first antenna. The signal processing circuit processes the signal output from the torque sensor 83 and causes the first antenna to transmit information related to the human-driven force. The torque sensor 83 can not be provided to the power transmission member 51 but can be disposed in the vicinity of a member included in the power transmission path. In this case, the torque sensor 83 can be, for example, a magnetic strain sensor. When the torque sensor 83 is a magnetic strain sensor, a magnetic strain element is provided to the outer peripheral portion of the power transmission member 51 and a magnetic strain sensor is disposed in the outer periphery of the power transmission member 51. When the torque sensor 83 is a magnetic strain sensor, the third circuit substrate 84 and the fourth circuit substrate 86 can be omitted. The wireless receiving portion 86A includes a second signal processing circuit and a second antenna. The second antenna is disposed so as to face the first antenna. The first antenna and the second antenna each include, for example, a coil antenna. The second signal processing circuit transmits information related to the human-driven force received by the second antenna to the control portion 78. The fourth circuit substrate 86 is electrically connected to the first circuit substrate 76. The fourth circuit substrate 86 is electrically connected to the first circuit substrate 76 via a connector or a cable, for example.

[0069] For example, the first circuit board 76 has a U-shape when viewed from the axial direction Ml of the output shaft 44B of the electric motor 44. An area surrounded by the recess of the U-shape is configured with the output shaft 44B of the electric motor 44. For example, the first circuit board 76 overlaps more than half of the stator 50 of the electric motor 44 when viewed from the axial direction Ml of the output shaft 44B of the electric motor 44. Preferably, the first circuit board 76 does not overlap the fifth rotating body 66 and the sixth rotating body 68 when viewed from the axial direction Ml of the output shaft 44B of the electric motor 44. Preferably, the first circuit board 76 does not overlap the third rotating body 60 and the fourth rotating body 64 when viewed from the axial direction Ml of the output shaft 44B of the electric motor 44. For example, the first circuit board 76 does not overlap the first rotating body 54 and the output portion 46 when viewed from the axial direction Ml of the output shaft 44B of the electric motor 44. For example, the first circuit board 76 overlaps a part of the fourth circuit board 86 but does not overlap the third circuit board 84 when viewed from the axial direction Ml of the output shaft 44B of the electric motor 44. Preferably, the part of the first circuit board 76 overlapping the fourth circuit board 86 is configured with a connector directly connecting the first circuit board 76 and the fourth circuit board 86 when viewed from the axial direction Ml of the output shaft 44B of the electric motor 44. For example, the first circuit board 76 is disposed on both sides of a straight line LA passing through the first rotating axis center CI and the fourth rotating axis center C4 when viewed from the axial direction Ml of the output shaft 44B of the electric motor 44. The first circuit board 76 can be formed in various shapes as needed, and the shape is not particularly limited.

[0070] The second circuit substrate 80 has an L-shape when viewed from the axial direction Ml of the output shaft 44B of the electric motor 44. The recessed portion of the L-shape is configured with the second rotary shaft 62. Preferably, the second circuit substrate 80 overlaps the output shaft 44B of the electric motor 44 when viewed from the axial direction Ml of the output shaft 44B of the electric motor 44. The second circuit substrate 80 does not overlap the fourth rotary body 64 but overlaps a portion of the fifth rotary body 66 when viewed from the axial direction Ml of the output shaft 44B of the electric motor 44. The second circuit substrate 80 does not overlap the second rotary body 58 and the third rotary body 60 when viewed from the axial direction Ml of the output shaft 44B of the electric motor 44. The second circuit substrate 80 overlaps a portion of the first rotary body 54 and does not overlap the output portion 46 when viewed from the axial direction Ml of the output shaft 44B of the electric motor 44. The second circuit substrate 80 overlaps a portion of the third circuit substrate 84 and a portion of the fourth circuit substrate 86 when viewed from the axial direction Ml of the output shaft 44B of the electric motor 44. More than half of the second circuit substrate 80 is disposed on the side opposite to the side on which the second rotary shaft center C2 and the third rotary shaft center C3 are disposed with respect to a straight line LA passing through the first rotary shaft center Cl and the fourth rotary shaft center C4 when viewed from the axial direction Ml of the output shaft 44B of the electric motor 44. The second circuit substrate 80 can be formed in various shapes as needed, and the shape is not particularly limited.

[0071] Preferably, the third circuit substrate 84 has a circular ring shape when viewed from the axial direction Ml of the output shaft 44B of the electric motor 44. The space surrounded by the inner peripheral portion of the third circuit substrate 84 is configured with the input shaft 12A and the power transmission member 51. Preferably, the fourth circuit substrate 86 has a circular ring shape when viewed from the axial direction Ml of the output shaft 44B of the electric motor 44. The space surrounded by the inner peripheral portion of the fourth circuit substrate 86 is configured with the input shaft 12A and the power transmission member 51. For example, the outer diameter of the fourth circuit substrate 86 is larger than the outer diameter of the third circuit substrate 84. The outer peripheral portion of the third circuit substrate 84 overlaps the fourth circuit substrate 86 over the entire circumference when viewed from the axial direction Ml of the output shaft 44B of the electric motor 44. The third circuit substrate 84 is provided to the power transmission member 51. The third circuit substrate 84 rotates integrally with the power transmission member 51. The third circuit substrate 84 is fixed to the power transmission member 51, for example, via a fixing member. The third circuit substrate 84 and the fourth circuit substrate 86 extend in a direction substantially perpendicular to the axial direction Ml of the output shaft 44B. The fourth circuit substrate 86 is supported to the housing 42, for example. The third circuit substrate 84 and the fourth circuit substrate 86 are disposed closer to the output portion 46 than the first circuit substrate 76 in the axial direction of the input shaft 12A, for example. The third circuit substrate 84 and the fourth circuit substrate 86 are disposed between the first circuit substrate 76 and the second circuit substrate 80 in the axial direction of the input shaft 12A, for example.

[0072] Preferably, the assembly 40 includes an electric connector 90. The electric connector 90 can be detached from the electric cable 38, disposed in the housing 42, and electrically connected to at least one of the first circuit board 76 and the second circuit board 80. The electric connector 90 can be directly connected to the first circuit board 76 or the second circuit board 80, or connected via an electric cable. In the present embodiment, the electric cable 38 is configured to be connected to the battery 36 to transmit electric power from the battery 36, and the electric connector 90 is directly or via an electric cable connected to the second circuit board 80. Preferably, a mounting surface of one of the first circuit board 76 and the second circuit board 80 has a first region R1 overlapping the other of the first circuit board 76 and the second circuit board 80 in a predetermined second direction A2, and a second region R2 not overlapping the other of the first circuit board 76 and the second circuit board 80 in the predetermined second direction A2. Preferably, at least a portion of the electric connector 90 overlaps the second region R2 in the predetermined second direction A2, and is disposed between the first circuit board 76 and the second circuit board 80 in the predetermined second direction A2. Preferably, the predetermined second direction A2 is an axial direction M1 of the output shaft 44B of the electric motor 44. In the present embodiment, the second region R2 overlaps the first circuit board 76 and does not overlap the second circuit board 80 in the predetermined second direction. A terminal of the electric connector 90 to which the electric cable is connected is exposed to the outside of the housing 42. The housing 42 has a through hole into which a portion of the electric connector or an electric cable connecting the electric connector 90 and the second circuit board 80 is inserted. The housing 42 has a recessed portion 43C in the outer peripheral portion. At least a portion of the recessed portion 43C of the housing 42 is disposed in the second region R2. At least a portion of the electric connector 90 is disposed in the recessed portion. By disposing at least a portion of the recessed portion 43C in which the electric connector 90 is disposed in the second region R2, the housing 42 can be downsized. A bottom portion or a side surface portion of the recessed portion 43C of the housing 42 extends along the second circuit board 80. A heat transfer sheet in contact with both the housing 42 and the second circuit board 80, or a thermally conductive grease in contact with both the housing 42 and the second circuit board 80 can be provided between the bottom portion or the side surface portion of the recessed portion 43C of the housing 42 and the second circuit board 80.

[0073] As Figure 8 As shown schematically, the assembly 40 is an assembly 40 for a human-powered vehicle, and includes a housing 42 and internal components. The housing 42 has an internal space 100. At least a portion of the internal components is disposed in the internal space 100, and includes at least one of a heat generating component that generates heat during operation and a mechanical component that generates at least one of sound and vibration during operation. The heat generating component includes, for example, an electric motor 44. The heat generating component can include at least one of the electric motor 44, an electronic circuit board 72, and an inverter circuit 74A. The mechanical component includes, for example, at least an output 46 and a speed reducer 48. The mechanical component can include, for example, the electric motor 44.

[0074] The housing 42 includes at least one first portion 92 and at least one second portion 94. The at least one first portion 92 has a porous structure. The at least one second portion 94 has a solid structure and is integrally formed with the at least one first portion 92. The housing 42 is formed of a metal material. The metal material includes at least one of iron, aluminum, and magnesium, for example. The housing 42 is formed by additive manufacturing. The housing 42 can be formed of a resin material other than the metal material, for example.

[0075] The housing 42 includes an outer side surface 98 and an inner side surface 102 defining an internal space 100. The at least one first portion 92 includes at least a portion of the inner side surface 102. The internal component includes a mechanical component. At least a portion of the inner side surface 102 is opposed to at least a portion of the mechanical component. For example, the at least one first portion 92 includes 10% or more of the inner side surface 102. For example, the at least one first portion 92 can include the entire inner side surface 102.

[0076] The mechanical component includes a rotating shaft and a bearing portion supporting the rotating shaft. At least a portion of the inner side surface 102 is in contact with the bearing portion. The rotating shaft includes the first rotating shaft 56 and the second rotating shaft 62, for example. The bearing portion includes the fourth bearing 42D and the fifth bearing 42E, for example. Figure 9 The at least one first portion 92 includes at least a portion of the first rotating shaft 56 and the second rotating shaft 62, for example. The at least one first portion 92 includes at least a portion of the fourth bearing 42D and the fifth bearing 42E, for example. Figure 9 Figure 9 For example, as shown in FIG. 1, at least a portion of the first portion 92 is configured to be opposed to at least a portion of the first rotating shaft 56, the second rotating shaft 62, the fourth bearing 42D, and the fifth bearing 42E.

[0077] The porous structure of the first portion 92 forms a reduced pressure space. The reduced pressure space of the first portion 92 accounts for 1% or more and 50% or less of the total volume. The first portion 92 is configured to attenuate sound generated by the mechanical component through the reduced pressure space of the porous structure. The reduced pressure space can be a vacuum space.

[0078] <Second Embodiment>

[0079] Referring to Figures 10-12 , the assembly 40a, 40b, 30c for the human-powered vehicle of the second embodiment will be described. As shown in FIG. 2, the assembly 40a, 40b, 30c includes a housing 42, a first rotating shaft 56, a second rotating shaft 62, a fourth bearing 42D, and a fifth bearing 42E. Figure 10 ​As schematically shown, the component 40a of the second embodiment is a component 40a for a human-powered vehicle, which includes a housing 42a and internal components. The housing 42a has an internal space 100. At least a portion of the internal components are disposed in the internal space 100, including at least one of a heating component that generates heat during operation and a mechanical component that generates at least one of sound and vibration during operation. The heating component includes, for example, an electric motor 44. The heating component may include at least one of an electric motor 44, an electronic circuit board 72, and an inverter circuit 74A. The mechanical components include, for example, at least an output section 46 and a reducer 48. The mechanical components include, for example, an electric motor 44.

[0080] The housing 42a includes at least one first portion 92A and at least one second portion 94A. The at least one first portion 92A has a porous structure. The at least one second portion 94A has a solid structure and is integrally formed with the at least one first portion 92A. The housing 42a is formed of a metallic material. The metallic material includes, for example, at least one of iron, aluminum, and magnesium. The housing 42a is formed by additive manufacturing. The housing 42a may, for example, be formed of a resin material other than a metallic material.

[0081] The housing 42a includes an outer surface 98 and an inner surface 102 defining the internal space 100. At least one first portion 92A includes at least a portion of the outer surface 98. The internal components include a heating element. At least one second portion 94A includes at least a portion of the inner surface 102. At least a portion of the inner surface 102 is opposite to at least a portion of the heating element. For example, at least one first portion 92A includes more than 10% of the outer surface 98. For example, at least one first portion 92A may include the entire outer surface 98.

[0082] The porous structure of the first part 92A forms a pressure-reducing space. The pressure-reducing space of the first part 92A accounts for more than 1% and less than 50% of the total volume. The first part 92A is configured to release the heat generated by the heat-generating component to the outside of the housing 42a through the porous structure with a heat dissipation area larger than that of the solid structure.

[0083] like Figure 11 As shown, the component 40b of the first variation of the second embodiment includes a housing 42b. The housing 42b has an internal space 100. At least a portion of the internal components are disposed in the internal space 100, including at least one of a heating component that generates heat during operation and a mechanical component that generates at least one of sound and vibration during operation. The heating component includes, for example, an electric motor 44. The heating component may include at least one of an electric motor 44, an electronic circuit board 72, and an inverter circuit 74A. The mechanical components include, for example, at least an output section 46 and a reducer 48. The mechanical components may include, for example, an electric motor 44.

[0084] The housing 42b includes at least one first portion 92B and at least one second portion 94A. The at least one first portion 92B has a porous structure. The at least one second portion 94A has a solid structure and is integrally formed with the at least one first portion 92B. The housing 42b is formed of a metallic material. The metallic material includes, for example, at least one of iron, aluminum, and magnesium. The housing 42b is formed by additive manufacturing. The housing 42b may, for example, be formed of a resin material other than a metallic material.

[0085] At least one first portion 92B forms at least one fin. The fin is formed on the outer surface 104 of the second portion 94A. The fin is configured, for example, to be opposite to a heat-generating component, namely an electric motor 44. The fin is configured to release the heat generated by the electric motor 44 to the outside of the housing 42b through a porous structure with a heat dissipation area larger than that of the solid structure.

[0086] The second portion 94A may have a wing formed on the outer surface 104 at a position opposite to the electric motor 44. For example, at least one second portion 94A has at least one wing. At least one first portion 92B is configured to cover at least one wing.

[0087] like Figure 12 As shown, the component 40c of the second variation of the second embodiment includes a housing 42c. The housing 42c has an internal space 100. At least a portion of the internal components are disposed in the internal space 100, including at least one of a heating component that generates heat during operation and a mechanical component that generates at least one of sound and vibration during operation. The heating component includes, for example, an electric motor 44. The heating component may include at least one of an electric motor 44, an electronic circuit board 72, and an inverter circuit 74A. The mechanical component includes, for example, at least an output section 46 and a reducer 48. The mechanical component may include, for example, an electric motor 44.

[0088] The housing 42c includes at least one first portion 92C and at least one second portion 94C. The at least one first portion 92C has a porous structure. The at least one second portion 94C has a solid structure and is integrally formed with the at least one first portion 92C. The housing 42c is formed of a metallic material. The metallic material includes, for example, at least one of iron, aluminum, and magnesium. The housing 42c is formed by additive manufacturing. The housing 42c may, for example, be formed of a resin material other than a metallic material.

[0089] The housing 42c includes an outer surface 104 and an inner surface 102 defining the internal space 100. At least one first portion 92C includes a portion of the outer surface 104 and a portion of the inner surface 102 that is connected to a portion of the outer surface 104 without via at least one second portion 94C. Figure 12As indicated by the hollow white double-headed arrow, at least one first portion 92C is configured to allow gas to pass between a portion of the outer side surface 104 and a portion of the inner side surface 102.

[0090] The at least one first portion 92C includes at least two first portions 92C. For example, at least one of the at least two first portions 92C is formed at a first end portion 106 on a direction of travel side of the human-powered vehicle 10. At least another of the at least two first portions 92C is formed at a second end portion 108 on an opposite direction of travel side of the human-powered vehicle 10.

[0091] When the human-powered vehicle 10 travels forward, as indicated by the solid arrow in FIG. 1, the outside air enters the inside space 100 from the outside via the first portion 92C formed at the first end portion 106. The outside air that has entered the inside space 100 is released to the outside from the inside space 100 via the first portion 92C formed at the second end portion 108. Figure 12 As indicated by the dashed arrow, the outside air enters the inside space 100 from the outside via the first portion 92C formed at the first end portion 106. The outside air that has entered the inside space 100 is released to the outside from the inside space 100 via the first portion 92C formed at the second end portion 108.

[0092] In each embodiment, the assembly 40 can further include a transmission configured on the drive force transmission path between the input shaft 12A and the output portion 46. In each embodiment, the assembly 40 can include a transmission configured on the drive force transmission path between the input shaft 12A and the output portion 46 instead of the electric motor 44 and the speed reducer 48. The transmission is configured to change a speed ratio. The transmission includes, for example, a planetary gear mechanism or a continuously variable transmission mechanism.

[0093] In each embodiment, at least one of the first rotary shaft 56 and the second rotary shaft 62 can have a solid structure or a porous structure. When at least one of the first rotary shaft 56 and the second rotary shaft 62 has a porous structure, noise of the speed reducer 48 can be reduced, or vibration of the speed reducer 48 can be limited. When the second rotary shaft 62 is formed of a metal having a porous structure, the fourth rotary body 64 can be formed of a metal having a solid structure and formed integrally with the second rotary shaft 62 as a single component.

[0094] The expression "at least one" used in the present specification means "one or more" of the required options. As one example, if the number of options is two, the expression "at least one" used in the present specification means "only one option" or "both options". As other examples, if the number of options is three or more, the expression "at least one" used in the present specification means "only one option" or "a combination of two or more of any options".

[0095] Legend of symbols

[0096] 12A input shaft;

[0097] 38 electric cable;

[0098] 40, 40a, 40b, 40c assembly

[0099] 42, 42a, 42b, 42c housing

[0100] 44 electric motor

[0101] 44A rotor

[0102] 44B output shaft

[0103] 50 stator

[0104] 50A coil

[0105] 46 output

[0106] 48 reducer

[0107] 48A first reduction portion

[0108] 48B second reduction portion

[0109] 52 first one-way clutch

[0110] 54 first rotary body

[0111] 56 first rotary shaft

[0112] 58 second rotary body

[0113] 60 third rotary body

[0114] 70 second one-way clutch

[0115] 72 electronic circuit substrate

[0116] 74 first electronic component

[0117] 74A inverter circuit

[0118] 76 first circuit substrate

[0119] 78 control section

[0120] 78A second electronic component

[0121] 80 second circuit substrate

[0122] 82 rotation detection sensor

[0123] 84 third circuit substrate

[0124] 84A wireless transmission section

[0125] 86 fourth circuit substrate

[0126] 86A wireless reception section

[0127] 88 human power detection section;

[0128] 90 electrical connector;

[0129] 92, 92A, 92B, 92C first portion;

[0130] 94, 94A, 94C second portion;

[0131] 98, 104 outer side surface;

[0132] 100 inner space;

[0133] 102 inner side surface;

[0134] 106 first end portion;

[0135] 108 second end portion.

Claims

1. A component for a human-powered vehicle, comprising: A shell, which has an internal space; and An internal component, at least a portion of which is disposed in the internal space, includes at least one of a heating component that generates heat during operation and a mechanical component that generates at least one of sound and vibration during operation. The housing includes: At least one first portion having a porous structure, wherein the porous structure of the first portion forms a decompression space; and At least one second part having a solid structure and integrally formed with the at least one first part.

2. The component according to claim 1, wherein, The housing includes an outer surface and an inner surface defining the internal space. The at least one first portion includes at least a portion of the inner surface.

3. The component according to claim 2, wherein, The internal components include the mechanical components. At least a portion of the inner surface is opposite to at least a portion of the mechanical component.

4. The component according to claim 3, wherein, The mechanical component includes a rotating shaft and a bearing portion supporting the rotating shaft. At least a portion of the inner surface is in contact with the bearing portion.

5. The component according to claim 1, wherein, The decompression space in the first part accounts for more than 1% and less than 50% of the total volume.

6. The component according to claim 1, wherein, The housing includes an outer surface and an inner surface defining the internal space. The at least one first part includes at least a portion of the outer surface.

7. The component according to claim 6, wherein, The internal components include the heating element. The at least one second portion includes at least a portion of the inner surface. At least a portion of the inner surface is opposite to at least a portion of the heating element.

8. The component according to claim 6 or 7, wherein, The at least one second portion has at least one winglet. The at least one first portion is configured to cover the at least one wing.

9. The component according to claim 6 or 7, wherein, The at least one first part forms at least one wing.

10. The component of claim 1, wherein, The housing includes an outer surface and an inner surface defining the internal space. The at least one first portion includes a portion of the outer surface and a portion of the inner surface that is not connected to the portion of the outer surface via the at least one second portion.

11. The component of claim 10, wherein, The at least one first portion is configured to allow gas to pass between a portion of the outer surface and a portion of the inner surface.

12. The component according to claim 10 or 11, wherein, The at least one first part includes at least two first parts.

13. The component according to any one of claims 1 to 7, 10 and 11, wherein, The heating element includes an electric motor.

14. The component of claim 13, wherein, The electric motor is configured to provide propulsion to a human-powered vehicle.

15. The component according to any one of claims 1 to 7, 10 and 11, wherein, The shell is made of metallic material.

16. The component of claim 15, wherein, The metallic material includes at least one of iron, aluminum, and magnesium.

17. The component according to any one of claims 1 to 7, 10 and 11, wherein, The shell is formed by additive manufacturing.

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