Assembly for human-powered vehicle

Abstract

The invention provides an assembly for a human-powered vehicle, which can change speed and generate electricity. An assembly for a human-powered vehicle is provided with: a housing; a transmission unit that includes at least one planetary gear unit, is provided in the housing, and is capable of selecting one of a plurality of gear stages; a power generation unit provided in the housing; and a control unit which is provided in the housing so as to control the transmission unit, and which is supplied with power from the power generation unit.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to an assembly for a human-powered vehicle. Background Art

[0002] Patent Document 1 discloses a transmission for a human-powered vehicle.

[0003] Prior art literature

[0004] Patent Literature

[0005] Patent document 1: Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2021-84608. Summary of the invention

[0006] Problems to be solved by the invention

[0007] One of the objects of the present disclosure is to provide an assembly for a human-powered vehicle capable of changing speed and generating electricity.

[0008] Means used to solve problems

[0009] The component according to the first aspect of the present disclosure is a component for a human-powered vehicle and comprises: a housing; a transmission part, which includes at least one planetary gear unit, is arranged in the housing and can select one of a plurality of gear shift gears; a power generation part, which is arranged in the housing; and a control part, which is arranged in the housing in a manner to control the transmission part and is supplied with power by the power generation part.

[0010] According to the first aspect, the assembly includes the speed change unit and the power generation unit, so it is possible to change speed and generate electricity. According to the first aspect, the assembly includes the speed change unit, the power generation unit, and the control unit, so the power generated in the assembly can be used to control the speed change unit.

[0011] In the component according to the second aspect of the first aspect of the present disclosure, it also includes: an axis component, which has a rotation center axis extending in a direction parallel to the first direction; an input rotating part, which is arranged on the axis component and can rotate relative to the rotation center axis; and an output rotating part, which is arranged on the axis component and can rotate relative to the rotation center axis, the speed change part is configured to transmit the driving force input to the input rotating part to the output rotating part, and the output rotating part is formed integrally with at least a portion of the housing.

[0012] According to the assembly of the second aspect, since the output rotating portion is formed integrally with at least a portion of the case, the driving force can be appropriately output from the case via the speed change portion.

[0013] In the assembly according to the third aspect of the second aspect of the present disclosure, the speed change portion, the control portion, and the power generation portion are arranged side by side in the first direction.

[0014] According to the assembly of the third aspect, since the speed change unit, the control unit, and the power generation unit are arranged side by side in the first direction, it is possible to suppress an increase in the size of the shaft member in the radial direction of the assembly.

[0015] In the assembly according to the fourth aspect of the third aspect of the present disclosure, the input rotating part has a first mounting portion that can be used to mount a sprocket or a pulley, and the speed change part is arranged between the power generation part and the first mounting portion in the first direction.

[0016] According to the assembly of the fourth aspect, since the speed change portion is arranged between the power generation portion and the first mounting portion, the driving force from the first mounting portion is appropriately input to the speed change portion, and the speed change portion is appropriately controlled by the control portion.

[0017] In the assembly according to the fifth aspect of the third aspect or the fourth aspect of the present disclosure, at least a portion of the control unit is arranged between the speed change unit and the power generation unit in the first direction.

[0018] According to the assembly of the fifth aspect, since at least a part of the control unit can be arranged between the speed change unit and the power generation unit in the first direction, the electric power generated by the power generation unit is appropriately supplied to the control unit.

[0019] In the assembly of a sixth aspect according to the second aspect of the present disclosure, at least a portion of the power generation portion is arranged to be radially spaced from the control portion with respect to the rotation center axis.

[0020] According to the assembly of the sixth aspect, since at least a portion of the power generation section overlaps with the control section in the radial direction about the rotation center axis, it is possible to suppress an increase in size of the assembly in the first direction.

[0021] In the assembly of a seventh aspect according to any one of the second to sixth aspects of the present disclosure, the output rotating portion forms a housing space, and the power generating portion is arranged in the housing space.

[0022] According to the assembly of the seventh aspect, since the power generation section can be arranged in the storage space, the power generation section can be appropriately protected.

[0023] In the assembly according to the eighth aspect of the seventh aspect of the present disclosure, the control unit is configured in the storage space.

[0024] According to the assembly of the eighth aspect, since the control unit is arranged in the storage space, the control unit can be appropriately protected.

[0025] In the component of the ninth aspect according to any one of the second aspect to the eighth aspect of the present disclosure, the power generation unit comprises: at least one magnet; and at least one coil, which generates electricity by relative rotation with the at least one magnet, the at least one magnet is arranged in one of the output rotating unit and the shaft component, and the at least one coil and the control unit are arranged in the other of the output rotating unit and the shaft component.

[0026] According to the assembly of the ninth aspect, since the at least one coil and the control unit are both provided on the other of the output rotating unit and the shaft member, the at least one coil and the control unit do not rotate relative to each other. Therefore, the at least one coil and the control unit can be appropriately connected.

[0027] In the assembly according to the tenth aspect of the ninth aspect of the present disclosure, the at least one magnet is provided on the output rotating portion, the at least one coil is provided on the shaft component, and the control portion is provided on the shaft component.

[0028] According to the assembly of the tenth aspect, by arranging both the at least one coil and the control unit on the shaft member, the at least one coil and the control unit can be easily electrically connected to each other.

[0029] In the assembly of the eleventh aspect according to any one of the second to tenth aspects of the present disclosure, a maximum dimension of the speed change portion in the first direction is smaller than a maximum dimension of the shaft member in a radial direction about the rotation center axis.

[0030] According to the assembly of claim 11, since the maximum dimension of the speed change portion in the first direction is smaller than the maximum dimension of the shaft member in the radial direction about the rotation center axis, the size of the assembly in the first direction can be suppressed.

[0031] In the component of the twelfth aspect according to any one of the second aspect to the eleventh aspect of the present disclosure, the output rotating portion includes: a hub shell; a first flange portion, which is configured to be arranged on the hub shell and can be used to install the spokes of the human-powered vehicle; and a second flange portion, which is configured to be arranged on the hub shell and can be used to install the spokes, and is arranged at a position different from the first flange portion in the first direction, and at least a portion of the speed change portion is arranged in a portion different from the first flange portion and the second flange portion in the first direction.

[0032] According to the assembly of the twelfth aspect, at least a part of the speed change portion can be provided at a portion different from the portion between the first flange portion and the second flange portion in the first direction.

[0033] In the assembly of a thirteenth aspect according to any one of the second to twelfth aspects of the present disclosure, the shaft member includes a hub axle.

[0034] According to the assembly of the thirteenth aspect, in the assembly including the hub axle, speed change and power generation are possible.

[0035] In the assembly of a fourteenth aspect according to any one of the first to thirteenth aspects of the present disclosure, the control portion includes: an electric actuator connected to the speed change portion; and a circuit portion that controls the electric actuator.

[0036] According to the assembly of the fourteenth aspect, the speed change portion can be appropriately controlled by the electric actuator and the circuit portion.

[0037] In the component of the fifteenth aspect according to any one of the second aspect to the thirteenth aspect of the present disclosure, the control unit includes: an electric actuator connected to the speed change unit; and a circuit unit that controls the electric actuator, the electric actuator including a motor having an output rotating shaft, and the output rotating shaft of the motor extends in the first direction.

[0038] According to the assembly of the fifteenth aspect, the motor can be arranged so that the output rotation shaft of the motor extends in the first direction.

[0039] In the component of the sixteenth aspect according to the fourteenth aspect or the fifteenth aspect of the present disclosure, the speed shifting part includes a switching part, which is connected to the at least one planetary gear unit and switches the transmission path of the driving force in the speed shifting part, and the electric actuator is connected to the switching part.

[0040] According to the assembly of claim 16, since the electric actuator is connected to the switching unit, the control unit can appropriately switch the transmission path of the driving force by operating the electric actuator.

[0041] In the assembly according to the sixteenth aspect and the seventeenth aspect of the present disclosure, the switching portion is configured to change one of the plurality of selected shift speeds by rotating.

[0042] According to the seventeenth aspect, the control unit operates the electric actuator to appropriately change one of the plurality of selected shift speeds.

[0043] In the assembly according to the eighteenth aspect of the twelfth aspect of the present disclosure, the hub shell has a second mounting portion, and the second mounting portion can be used to mount a disc brake rotor.

[0044] According to the assembly of the eighteenth aspect, the disc brake rotor can be mounted via the second mounting portion.

[0045] In the assembly of the nineteenth aspect according to the eighteenth aspect of the present disclosure, the control portion is arranged at a position farther from the second mounting portion than the power generation portion.

[0046] According to the assembly of the nineteenth aspect, the control unit can be arranged at a position farther from the second mounting portion than the power generation unit.

[0047] In the assembly of the twentieth aspect according to the eighteenth aspect of the present disclosure, the control portion is arranged at a position farther from the second mounting portion than the speed change portion.

[0048] According to the assembly of the twentieth aspect, the control unit is arranged at a position farther from the second mounting portion than the speed change unit, so that conduction of heat from the second mounting portion to the control unit can be suppressed.

[0049] Effects of the Invention

[0050] The components for the human-powered vehicle disclosed herein are capable of changing speed and generating electricity. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0051] Figure 1 is a top view of an assembly for a human-powered vehicle according to an embodiment;

[0052] Figure 2 yes Figure 1 A cross-sectional view of a portion of an assembly for a human-powered vehicle;

[0053] Figure 3 It is for Figure 3 A transmission unit is a schematic diagram showing a first driving force transmission path;

[0054] Figure 4 yes Figure 3 A perspective view of a switching portion, a first sun gear, and a second sun gear;

[0055] Figure 5 It is for Figure 3 A transmission unit is a schematic diagram showing a second driving force transmission path;

[0056] Figure 6 It is for Figure 3 A transmission unit is a schematic diagram showing a third driving force transmission path;

[0057] Figure 7 is a side view showing a motion conversion mechanism of a modified example;

[0058] Figure 8 Yes means Figure 7 A top view of a motion conversion mechanism;

[0059] Fig. 9is a schematic diagram showing a first example of the arrangement of a transmission unit, a power generation unit, and a control unit of a unit for a human-powered vehicle according to a modified example;

[0060] Fig.10 It is a schematic diagram showing a second example of the arrangement of the transmission unit, the power generation unit, and the control unit of the assembly for the human-powered vehicle according to the modified example. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0061] <Implementation Method>

[0062] Reference Figures 1 to 6 , the component 20 for the human-powered vehicle is described.

[0063] A human-powered vehicle is a vehicle having at least one wheel and being driven at least by human-powered driving force. Examples of human-powered vehicles include various bicycles such as mountain bikes, road bikes, city bikes, cargo bikes, hand-operated bikes, and recumbent bikes. The number of wheels a human-powered vehicle has is not limited. Examples of human-powered vehicles include unicycles and vehicles having more than two wheels. Human-powered vehicles are not limited to vehicles driven only by human-powered driving force. Human-powered vehicles include E-bikes (electric bicycles) that are propelled not only by human-powered driving force but also by the driving force of an electric motor. E-bikes include electric-assisted bicycles that are propelled with the assistance of an electric motor. In the following, in each embodiment, a human-powered vehicle is described as a bicycle.

[0064] The human-powered vehicle 10 includes at least one wheel and a vehicle body. For example, the at least one wheel includes a front wheel and a rear wheel. The vehicle body includes a frame 10A. For example, the human-powered vehicle 10 also includes a crank for inputting human-powered driving force. For example, the crank includes a crank arm and a crank shaft. For example, the crank shaft can rotate relative to the frame 10A. For example, the crank arm is connected to a pedal.

[0065] The frame 10A is connected to a front fork. The front fork is mounted with a front wheel. The handlebar is connected to the front fork via a stem. The rear wheel is supported by the frame 10A. The crank is connected to the rear wheel via a drive mechanism. The rear wheel is driven by the rotation of the crankshaft. At least one of the front wheel and the rear wheel can be connected to the crank via a drive mechanism.

[0066] The driving mechanism includes a first rotating body connected to the crankshaft. The first rotating body includes, for example, a front sprocket. The first rotating body may include a pulley or a bevel gear. In the present embodiment, since the human-powered vehicle 10 includes a rear wheel brake, the crankshaft is not connected to the front sprocket via a one-way clutch, but in the case where the human-powered vehicle 10 does not include a rear wheel brake, the crankshaft may be connected to the front sprocket via a one-way clutch.

[0067] The driving mechanism also includes a second rotating body and a transmission component. The transmission component is configured to transmit the rotational force of the first rotating body to at least one second rotating body. For example, the transmission component includes a chain. The transmission component may include a belt or a transmission shaft. For example, the second rotating body includes a rear sprocket. The second rotating body may include a pulley or a bevel gear. For example, the chain is wound around the front sprocket and the rear sprocket. For example, the second rotating body is connected to the rear wheel. For example, the rear wheel is configured to rotate with the rotation of the second rotating body.

[0068] For example, the component 20 for the human-powered vehicle is a hub unit. For example, the component 20 for the human-powered vehicle is an internal transmission. The component 20 is configured to change the speed ratio of the human-powered vehicle 10. For example, the component 20 is configured to be arranged in the transmission path of the human-powered driving force of the human-powered vehicle 10 and change the speed ratio. For example, the speed ratio is the ratio of the rotation speed of the wheel to the rotation speed of the crankshaft.

[0069] The relationship between the speed ratio, the rotation speed of the crankshaft, and the rotation speed of the wheel is expressed by equation (1). In equation (1), R represents the speed ratio. In equation (1), W represents the rotation speed of the wheel. In equation (1), C represents the rotation speed of the crankshaft.

[0070] Formula (1): R = W (rpm) / C (rpm)

[0071] The assembly 20 includes a housing 22, a speed change unit 24, a power generation unit 26, and a control unit 28. For example, the assembly 20 further includes a shaft member 30, an input rotation unit 32, and an output rotation unit 34.

[0072] The shaft member 30 has a rotation center axis C1 extending in a direction parallel to the first direction X1. For example, the input rotating portion 32 is provided on the shaft member 30 and is rotatable relative to the rotation center axis C1. For example, the output rotating portion 34 is provided on the shaft member 30 and is rotatable relative to the rotation center axis C1. For example, the speed change portion 24 is configured to transmit the driving force input to the input rotating portion 32 to the output rotating portion 34.

[0073] For example, the second rotating body is mounted on the input rotating part 32. For example, a sprocket or a pulley is mounted on the input rotating part 32. For example, the input rotating part 32 has a first mounting part 32A to which a sprocket or a pulley can be mounted. For example, the first mounting part 32A is configured to be mounted on the sprocket or the pulley through a spline or a serration.

[0074] For example, the output rotating part 34 includes a hub shell 36, a first flange part 36A, and a second flange part 36B. For example, the first flange part 36A is configured to be provided on the hub shell 36 and can be used to install the spokes of the human-powered vehicle 10. For example, the second flange part 36B is configured to be provided on the hub shell 36 and can be used to install the spokes, and is arranged at a position different from the first flange part 36A in the first direction X1. For example, the shaft member 30 includes a hub shaft 30A. For example, the hub shaft 30A is supported on the frame 10A of the human-powered vehicle 10. For example, both ends of the hub shaft 30A are respectively fixed to the frame 10A. The method of fixing the hub shaft 30A to the frame 10A is not particularly limited, and it can be fixed to the frame 10A using nuts, bolts, or E-Thru (registered trademark) shafts. For example, the hub shell 36 transmits the rotational torque to the wheel rim. The hub shell 36 can be integrally formed with the wheel rim. For example, the first flange portion 36A is formed with a plurality of spoke mounting holes penetrating in the first direction X1. For example, the second flange portion 36B is formed with a plurality of spoke mounting holes penetrating in the first direction X1.

[0075] For example, the output rotating portion 34 is formed integrally with at least a portion of the housing 22. For example, the hub housing 36 in the output rotating portion 34 is formed integrally with the housing 22. For example, the hub housing 36 constitutes at least a portion of the housing 22. For example, the hub housing 36 has a second mounting portion 36C that can be used to mount a disc brake rotor.

[0076] For example, the input rotating portion 32 is provided at an end portion on one side of the hub shell 36 in the first direction X1. For example, the second mounting portion 36C is provided at an end portion on the opposite side of the input rotating portion 32 in the hub shell 36 in the first direction X1. For example, the second mounting portion 36C is configured to include serrations or splines formed at intervals around the rotation center axis C1 of the shaft member 30. The second mounting portion 36C may also be configured to include a plurality of holes arranged at intervals around the rotation center axis C1 of the shaft member 30 and extending in the direction of the rotation center axis C1.

[0077] For example, the output rotating portion 34 forms a housing space 34S. For example, at least a portion of the speed change portion 24, at least a portion of the power generation portion 26, and at least a portion of the control portion 28 are arranged in the housing space 34S.

[0078] The speed change unit 24 includes at least one planetary gear unit 38. For example, the speed change unit 24 is disposed in the storage space 34S. For example, only a portion of the speed change unit 24 is disposed in the storage space 34S. Alternatively, the speed change unit 24 may be entirely disposed in the storage space 34S. The speed change unit 24 is configured to be disposed in the housing 22 and to be able to select one of a plurality of speed gears.

[0079] In the present embodiment, the speed change portion 24 includes one planetary gear unit 38. The speed change portion 24 may include a plurality of planetary gear units 38. The planetary gear unit 38 includes at least one planetary gear mechanism 38X. In the present embodiment, the planetary gear unit 38 includes two planetary gear mechanisms 38X. The planetary gear unit 38 may include one planetary gear mechanism 38X, or may include three or more planetary gear mechanisms 38X.

[0080] For example, the planetary gear unit 38 includes a first planetary gear mechanism 38A and a second planetary gear mechanism 38B. The first planetary gear mechanism 38A includes a first sun gear 40A, a first ring gear 40B, a first planetary gear 40C, and a first gear carrier 40D. The second planetary gear mechanism 38B includes a second sun gear 42A, a second ring gear 42B, a second planetary gear 42C, and a second gear carrier 42D. For example, the second ring gear 42B is formed integrally with the first ring gear 40B. For example, the second gear carrier 42D is formed integrally with the first gear carrier 40D. For example, the first planetary gear 40C and the second planetary gear 42C are formed as a single component. For example, the first planetary gear 40C and the second planetary gear 42C are formed as stepped gears.

[0081] For example, the first sun gear 40A is mounted on the outer periphery of the shaft member 30. For example, the second sun gear 42A is mounted on the outer periphery of the shaft member 30. For example, the pitch circle radius of the second sun gear 42A is smaller than the pitch circle radius of the first sun gear 40A.

[0082] A one-way clutch may be provided between the first ring gear 40B and the input rotating part 32. The first gear carrier 40D is configured to transmit driving force to the output rotating part 34. For example, the driving force from the input rotating part 32 is input to the first ring gear 40B. For example, the first ring gear 40B is configured to rotate integrally with the input rotating part 32.

[0083] For example, the transmission unit 24 includes a first one-way clutch 24A. For example, the first one-way clutch 24A is provided between the first gear frame 40D and the output rotating unit 34. For example, the transmission unit 24 includes a second one-way clutch 24B. For example, the second one-way clutch 24B is provided between the first ring gear 40B and the output rotating unit 34. For example, the first gear frame 40D and the second gear frame 42D are supported on the shaft member 30 via the bearing 20A so as to be rotatable relative to the shaft member 30.

[0084] For example, the first one-way clutch 24A includes an inner wheel 25A, an outer wheel 25B, and at least one rotating body 25C disposed between the inner wheel 25A and the outer wheel 25B. The at least one rotating body 25C can be replaced by at least one claw. The second one-way clutch 24B includes an inner wheel 25D, an outer wheel 25E, and at least one rotating body 25F disposed between the inner wheel 25D and the outer wheel 25E. The at least one rotating body 25F can also be replaced by at least one claw.

[0085] For example, the inner wheel 25A of the first one-way clutch 24A is formed integrally with the first gear frame 40D and the second gear frame 42D. For example, the inner wheel 25A of the first one-way clutch 24A may also be formed separately from the first gear frame 40D and the second gear frame 42D, and mounted on the first gear frame 40D and the second gear frame 42D in a manner that rotates integrally with the first gear frame 40D and the second gear frame 42D.

[0086] For example, the inner race 25D of the second one-way clutch 24B is formed integrally with the input rotating part 32. For example, the inner race 25D of the second one-way clutch 24B may be formed separately from the input rotating part 32 and mounted to the input rotating part 32 so as to rotate integrally with the input rotating part 32.

[0087] For example, the outer wheel 25B of the first one-way clutch 24A and the outer wheel 25E of the second one-way clutch 24B are formed integrally. The outer wheel 25B of the first one-way clutch 24A and the outer wheel 25E of the second one-way clutch 24B may also be formed separately, and the outer wheel 25B of the first one-way clutch 24A and the outer wheel 25E of the second one-way clutch 24B are connected in a manner of integral rotation.

[0088] The outer wheel 25B of the first one-way clutch 24A and the outer wheel 25E of the second one-way clutch 24B are connected to the output rotating part 34 via the third one-way clutch 24C. The third one-way clutch 24C includes an inner wheel 25G, an outer wheel 25H, and at least one rotating body 25J disposed between the inner wheel 25G and the outer wheel 25H. The at least one rotating body 25J can be replaced with at least one claw. For example, the inner wheel 25G of the third one-way clutch 24C is formed integrally with the outer wheel 25B of the first one-way clutch 24A and the outer wheel 25E of the second one-way clutch 24B. For example, the outer wheel 25H of the third one-way clutch 24C is formed integrally with the output rotating part 34.

[0089] For example, the second one-way clutch 24B is arranged outside the storage space 34S. For example, in the first direction X1, the third one-way clutch 24C is arranged closer to the first one-way clutch 24A than the second one-way clutch 24B. The third one-way clutch 24C is arranged in the storage space 34S. By using the third one-way clutch 24C, the second one-way clutch 24B can be arranged outside the storage space 34S, which can increase the degree of freedom in design.

[0090] The third one-way clutch 24C may be omitted. For example, when the third one-way clutch 24C is omitted, the outer wheel 25B of the first one-way clutch 24A and the outer wheel 25E of the second one-way clutch 24B are formed integrally with the output rotating portion 34. The outer wheel 25B of the first one-way clutch 24A and the outer wheel 25E of the second one-way clutch 24B may also be formed separately from the output rotating portion 34, and the outer wheel 25B of the first one-way clutch 24A and the outer wheel 25E of the second one-way clutch 24B are connected to the output rotating portion 34 in a manner that they rotate integrally with the output rotating portion 34.

[0091] For example, the speed change portion 24 includes a switching portion 44. For example, the switching portion 44 is connected to at least one planetary gear unit 38, and switches the transmission path of the driving force in the speed change portion 24.

[0092] For example, the switching unit 44 includes a control component 44A and at least one switching component 44B. For example, the number of the at least one switching component 44B corresponds to the number of the planetary gear mechanisms 38X included in the at least one planetary gear unit 38. In the present embodiment, the at least one switching component 44B includes a first switching component 44C and a second switching component 44D. For example, the switching component 44B is a claw component.

[0093] For example, the first switching component 44C is arranged between the outer periphery of the shaft component 30 and the first sun gear 40A. For example, the inner periphery of the first sun gear 40A is provided with a recess that can engage with the first switching component 44C. The second switching component 44D is arranged between the outer periphery of the shaft component 30 and the inner periphery of the second sun gear 42A. For example, the inner periphery of the second sun gear 42A is provided with at least one recess that can engage with the second switching component 44D. The at least one recess includes a plurality of recesses. For example, the plurality of recesses are arranged on the inner periphery of the second sun gear 42A at intervals around the rotation center axis C1.

[0094] For example, the switching unit 44 is configured to change one of the selected multiple speed gears by rotating. For example, the switching unit 44 is configured to change one of the selected multiple speed gears by rotating the control member 44A. In the present embodiment, the number of speed gears is three, but the number of speed gears may be two or more than four. For example, the control member 44A controls the rotation state of the first sun gear 40A and the second sun gear 42A according to the rotation angle relative to the shaft member 30. For example, when the rotation angle relative to the shaft member 30 is a first rotation angle, the switching unit 44 restricts the rotation of the first sun gear 40A relative to the shaft member 30 in a state where the human driving force is transmitted to the speed change unit 24, and allows the rotation of the second sun gear 42A relative to the shaft member 30. For example, when the rotation angle relative to the shaft member 30 is a second rotation angle, the switching unit 44 allows the rotation of the first sun gear 40A relative to the shaft member 30, and restricts the rotation of the second sun gear 42A relative to the shaft member 30 in a state where the human driving force is transmitted to the speed change unit 24. For example, when the rotation angle relative to the shaft member 30 is the third rotation angle, the switching unit 44 allows the first sun gear 40A to rotate relative to the shaft member 30 and allows the second sun gear 42A to rotate relative to the shaft member 30 .

[0095] Figure 3 Arrow A1 in FIG. 1 indicates a transmission path of the driving force in the speed change unit 24 when the rotation angle of the switching unit 44 relative to the shaft member 30 is the first rotation angle. Figure 3 In the embodiment, the driving force input from the input rotating unit 32 to the first ring gear 40B is changed in speed by the first planetary gear mechanism 38A, and the first carrier 40D is rotated. The rotation torque of the first carrier 40D is transmitted to the output rotating unit 34 via the first one-way clutch 24A.

[0096] Figure 5 Arrow A2 in FIG. 1 indicates a transmission path of the driving force in the speed change unit 24 when the rotation angle of the switching unit 44 relative to the shaft member 30 is the second rotation angle. Figure 5 In the embodiment, the driving force input from the input rotating unit 32 to the first ring gear 40B is changed in speed by the second planetary gear mechanism 38B, and the first carrier 40D is rotated. The rotation torque of the first carrier 40D is transmitted to the output rotating unit 34 via the first one-way clutch 24A.

[0097] Figure 6 Arrow A3 in FIG. 1 indicates a transmission path of the driving force in the speed change unit 24 when the rotation angle of the switching unit 44 relative to the shaft member 30 is the third rotation angle. Figure 5 In the embodiment, the driving force input from the input rotating portion 32 to the first ring gear 40B is transmitted to the output rotating portion 34 via the second one-way clutch 24B.

[0098] The power generation unit 26 is provided in the housing 22. For example, the power generation unit 26 is arranged in the storage space 34S. For example, the entire power generation unit 26 is arranged in the storage space 34S. Only a part of the power generation unit 26 may be arranged in the storage space 34S.

[0099] For example, the power generation unit 26 includes: at least one magnet 46; and at least one coil 48 that generates electricity by relative rotation with the at least one magnet 46. For example, the power generation unit 26 includes a generator. For example, the power generation unit 26 includes a claw-pole generator.

[0100] For example, at least one magnet 46 is provided at one of the output rotating part 34 and the shaft member 30. For example, at least one coil 48 and the control unit 28 are provided at the other of the output rotating part 34 and the shaft member 30. In the present embodiment, at least one magnet 46 is provided at the output rotating part 34. In the present embodiment, at least one coil 48 is provided at the shaft member 30. In the present embodiment, the control unit 28 is provided at the shaft member 30.

[0101] For example, at least one magnet 46 is provided on the inner circumference of the hub shell 36. For example, at least one magnet 46 is attached to the inner circumference of the hub shell 36. At least one magnet 46 may also be provided on the inner circumference of the hub shell 36 by magnetization.

[0102] The control unit 28 is provided in the housing 22 so as to control the speed change unit 24, and is supplied with power by the power generation unit 26. For example, the control unit 28 is disposed in the storage space 34S. For example, the entire control unit 28 is disposed in the storage space 34S. Alternatively, only a portion of the control unit 28 may be disposed in the storage space 34S.

[0103] For example, the control unit 28 includes: an electric actuator 50 connected to the speed change unit 24; and a circuit unit 52 that controls the electric actuator 50. For example, the electric actuator 50 is operated by the power generated by the power generation unit 26. At least one coil 48 is electrically connected to the control unit 28. For example, the electronic components included in the circuit unit 52 are operated by the power generated by the power generation unit 26. For example, the circuit unit 52 may also include: a rectifier that converts the AC voltage received from the power generation unit 26 into a DC voltage; and a transformer that transforms the DC voltage output from the rectifier.

[0104] For example, the circuit unit 52 may include a control device for controlling the electric actuator 50. For example, the control device includes an arithmetic processing device that executes a predetermined control program. The arithmetic processing device included in the control device includes, for example, a CPU (Central Processing Unit) or an MPU (Micro Processing Unit). The arithmetic processing device included in the control device may be located in a plurality of places separated from each other. In the case where the arithmetic processing device is located in a plurality of places separated from each other, the various parts of the arithmetic processing device may be connected to each other in a communicative manner via at least one of a wireless communication device and a wired communication device. The control device may include one or more microcomputers.

[0105] The circuit unit 52 may include a receiving unit that receives a speed change instruction from the speed change operating device. For example, the receiving unit includes a wireless communication device. The control device controls the electric actuator 50 according to the speed change instruction. The circuit unit 52 may include a rotation sensor that detects the rotation speed of the output rotating unit 34. The rotation sensor may be configured to detect the rotation speed of the output rotating unit 34 based on the AC voltage output from at least one coil 48. For example, the rotation sensor may include an acceleration sensor that detects the acceleration of the output rotating unit 34 in the rotation direction. The control device may automatically control the speed change unit 24 according to the rotation speed of the output rotating unit 34.

[0106] For example, the circuit unit 52 may also include a storage unit. For example, the storage unit stores a control program and information for control processing. The storage unit includes, for example, a non-volatile memory and a volatile memory. The non-volatile 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).

[0107] The circuit unit 52 may include a drive circuit for the electric actuator 50. For example, the drive circuit includes an inverter circuit. The control unit 28 may include a power storage unit for storing the power generated by the power generation unit 26. For example, the power storage unit includes at least one of a rechargeable battery and a capacitor.

[0108] The control unit 28 may include a circuit housing 28A that accommodates at least a portion of the circuit unit 52. For example, the circuit housing 28A is configured to be disposed on the outer periphery of the shaft member 30. For example, the electric actuator 50 is disposed inside the storage space 34S of the output rotating unit 34 and outside the circuit housing 28A. For example, the circuit housing 28A accommodates a rectifier, a transformer, a power storage unit, a control device, and a drive circuit.

[0109] For example, the electric actuator 50 includes a motor 54 having an output rotating shaft 54A. For example, the output rotating shaft 54A of the motor 54 extends in the first direction X1. For example, the electric actuator 50 is connected to the switching unit 44. For example, the electric actuator 50 rotates the control component 44A. For example, a reducer 50A is provided between the electric actuator 50 and the switching unit 44. For example, the output rotating shaft 54A, the reducer 50A, and the control component 44A respectively include gears. For example, the gear included in the output rotating shaft 54A is configured to mesh with the input gear included in the reducer 50A. For example, the output gear included in the reducer 50A is configured to mesh with the gear included in the control component 44A.

[0110] For example, the speed change unit 24, the control unit 28, and the power generation unit 26 are arranged in a row in the first direction X1. The speed change unit 24 is arranged between the power generation unit 26 and the first mounting portion 32A in the first direction X1. At least a portion of the speed change unit 24 is provided in a portion different from the first flange portion 36A and the second flange portion 36B in the first direction X1.

[0111] For example, at least a portion of the control unit 28 is disposed in the first direction X1 between the transmission unit 24 and the power generation unit 26. For example, at least a portion of the circuit unit 52 is disposed in the first direction X1 between the transmission unit 24 and the power generation unit 26. At least a portion of the electric actuator 50 is disposed in a position overlapping with the transmission unit 24 in the first direction X1.

[0112] For example, the control unit 28 is arranged at a position farther from the second attachment portion 36C than the power generation unit 26 .

[0113] For example, the maximum dimension of the speed change portion 24 in the first direction X1 is smaller than the maximum dimension of the shaft member 30 in the radial direction about the rotation center axis C1. For example, the maximum dimension of the speed change portion 24 in the first direction X1 is larger than the maximum dimension of the circuit case 28A in the first direction X1.

[0114] <Modification>

[0115] The descriptions related to the embodiments are examples of the methods that the components for the human-powered vehicle can adopt, and are not intended to limit the methods. The components for the human-powered vehicle according to the present disclosure can adopt the methods obtained by combining, for example, the modified examples of the embodiments shown below and at least two modified examples that do not contradict each other. In the following modified examples, for the parts common to the embodiments, the same marks as the embodiments are added, and their descriptions are omitted.

[0116] ·like Figure 7 as well as Figure 8 As shown, the control unit 28 may be provided at the output rotating unit 34. For example, the electric actuator 50 is mounted on the output rotating unit 34 in such a manner as to rotate integrally with the output rotating unit 34. For example, the electric actuator 50 is connected to the control member 44A of the speed change unit 24 via a motion conversion mechanism 56. For example, the motion conversion mechanism 56 includes a first motion conversion mechanism 58 and a second motion conversion mechanism 60. For example, the first motion conversion mechanism 58 is configured to convert a rotational motion into a linear motion. For example, the second motion conversion mechanism 60 is configured to convert a linear motion into a rotational motion.

[0117] The first motion conversion mechanism 58 includes a first transmission part 58A provided on the electric actuator 50 and a second transmission part 58B provided on the shaft member 30. For example, the second transmission part 58B is arranged coaxially with the rotation center axis C1. For example, the first transmission part 58A is configured to rotate around the second transmission part 58B. When the electric actuator 50 is not driven, the first transmission part 58A is configured to rotate around the rotation center axis C1 while contacting the outer peripheral portion of the second transmission part 58B.

[0118] The outer periphery of the first transmission part 58A is provided with a plurality of convex parts 58C arranged in the circumferential direction of the first transmission part 58A. The outer periphery of the second transmission part 58B is provided with a plurality of groove parts 58D arranged in the first direction X1. Each of the plurality of groove parts 58D extends in the circumferential direction of the second transmission part 58B. The plurality of convex parts 58C is configured to engage with the plurality of groove parts 58D. When the electric actuator 50 is driven, the first transmission part 58A rotates, so that the plurality of convex parts 58C causes the second transmission part 58B to move in the first direction X1.

[0119] The second motion conversion mechanism 60 includes a third transmission part 60A connected to the second transmission part 58B and a fourth transmission part 60B connected to the control component 44A. For example, the fourth transmission part 60B includes a groove 60C engaged with the third transmission part 60A. The groove 60C is configured so that the circumferential phase changes as it moves from one side of the first direction X1 to the other side. When the second transmission part 58B moves in the first direction X1, the third transmission part 60A moves the fourth transmission part 60B in the first direction X1. The fourth transmission part 60B moves along the first direction X1 while contacting the wall of the groove 60C, thereby rotating the fourth transmission part 60B. If the fourth transmission part 60B rotates, the control component 44A connected to the fourth transmission part 60B rotates, thereby switching the gear of the speed change part 24.

[0120] At least a portion of the power generation unit 26 may be arranged to overlap with the control unit 28 in the radial direction about the rotation center axis C1. Fig. 9 As shown, the power generation unit 26 may be arranged to overlap with a portion of the control unit 28 located on the side of the speed change unit 24 in the first direction X1 in the radial direction about the rotation center axis C1. Fig.10 As shown, the power generation section 26 may be arranged so as to overlap with the control section 28 in a manner that the power generation section 26 is arranged inside the entire control section 28 in the radial direction about the rotation center axis C1.

[0121] The control unit 28 may be arranged at a position farther from the second mounting portion 36C than the speed change unit 24. In the present modification, for example, the speed change unit 24 is arranged between the power generation unit 26 and the control unit 28 in the first direction X1.

[0122] The input rotating portion 32 may include a crankshaft. In the present modification, for example, the output rotating portion 34 includes an output portion to which a first rotating body is mounted.

[0123] The expression "at least one" used in this specification refers to "one or more" of the desired options. As an example, if the number of options is two, the expression "at least one" used in this specification refers to "only one option" or "both of the two options". As another example, if the number of options is three or more, the expression "at least one" used in this specification refers to "only one option" or "a combination of any two or more options".

[0124] The ordinal numbers such as “first, second, and third” used in this specification are merely used to distinguish multiple components with the same name and have no special meaning.

[0125] Explanation of symbols:

[0126] 10…human-powered vehicle, 20…assembly, 22…housing, 24…speed-changing section, 26…power-generating section, 28…control section, 30…shaft member, 30A…hub shaft, 32…input rotating section, 32A…first mounting section, 34…output rotating section, 34S…storage space, 36…hub housing, 36A…first flange section, 36B…second flange section, 36C…second mounting section, 38…planetary gear unit, 44…switching section, 46…magnet, 48…coil, 50…electric actuator, 52…circuit section, 54…motor, 54A…output rotating shaft.

Claims

1. A component, which is a component for a human-powered vehicle and comprises: case; a speed change unit, which includes at least one planetary gear unit and is disposed in the housing and is capable of selecting one of a plurality of speed change gears; A power generation unit, which is arranged on the housing; as well as A control unit is provided on the housing in such a manner as to control the speed change unit and is supplied with electric power from the power generation unit.

2. The assembly according to claim 1, wherein Also available: a shaft member having a rotation center axis extending in a direction parallel to the first direction; an input rotating portion, which is provided on the shaft member and is rotatable relative to the rotation center axis; and an output rotating portion, which is provided on the shaft member and is rotatable relative to the rotation center axis, The transmission portion is configured to transmit the driving force input to the input rotating portion to the output rotating portion. The output rotating portion is formed integrally with at least a portion of the housing.

3. The assembly according to claim 2, wherein: The speed change unit, the control unit, and the power generation unit are arranged side by side in the first direction.

4. The assembly according to claim 3, wherein: The input rotating part has a first mounting part that can be used to mount a sprocket or a pulley. The speed change portion is disposed between the power generation portion and the first mounting portion in the first direction.

5. An assembly according to claim 3 or 4, wherein: At least a portion of the control unit is disposed between the speed change unit and the power generation unit in the first direction.

6. The assembly according to claim 2, wherein: At least a portion of the power generation unit is arranged to overlap with the control unit in a radial direction about the rotation center axis.

7. The assembly according to claim 2, wherein: The output rotating part forms a storage space, The power generation unit is disposed in the storage space.

8. The assembly according to claim 7, wherein: The control unit is disposed in the storage space.

9. The assembly according to claim 2, wherein: The power generation unit includes: at least one magnet; and at least one coil that generates power by rotating relative to the at least one magnet. The at least one magnet is provided on one of the output rotating part and the shaft member, The at least one coil and the control unit are provided on the other of the output rotating unit and the shaft member.

10. The assembly according to claim 9, wherein: The at least one magnet is disposed on the output rotating part, The at least one coil is disposed on the shaft member, The control unit is provided on the shaft member.

11. The assembly according to claim 2, wherein: The maximum dimension of the speed change portion in the first direction is smaller than the maximum dimension of the shaft member in a radial direction about the rotation center axis.

12. The assembly of claim 2, wherein: The output rotating part comprises: Hub shell; a first flange portion configured to be disposed on the hub shell and capable of being used to mount spokes of the human-powered vehicle; and a second flange portion which is provided on the hub shell and can be used for the spoke and is arranged at a position different from the first flange portion in the first direction; At least a portion of the speed change portion is provided at a portion different from a portion between the first flange portion and the second flange portion in the first direction.

13. The assembly of claim 2, wherein: The shaft component includes a hub axle.

14. The assembly of claim 1, wherein: The control unit includes: an electric actuator connected to the speed change portion; and A circuit unit controls the electric actuator.

15. The assembly of claim 2, wherein: The control unit includes: an electric actuator connected to the speed change portion; and a circuit unit that controls the electric actuator, The electric actuator includes a motor having an output rotating shaft, The output rotation shaft of the motor extends in the first direction.

16. The assembly of claim 14, wherein: The transmission unit includes a switching unit connected to the at least one planetary gear unit and configured to switch a transmission path of a driving force in the transmission unit. The electric actuator is connected to the switching unit.

17. The assembly of claim 16, wherein: The switching unit is configured to change one of the plurality of selected shift speeds by rotating.

18. The assembly of claim 12, wherein: The hub shell has a second mounting portion that can be used to mount a disc brake rotor.

19. The assembly of claim 18, wherein: The control unit is arranged at a position farther from the second mounting portion than the power generation unit.

20. The assembly of claim 18, wherein: The control unit is arranged at a position farther from the second mounting portion than the speed change unit.

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