bicycle drive unit

Abstract

Bicycle drive unit (80), comprising: a motor (90) which outputs a power assist corresponding to a human-applied driving force exerted on a crankshaft (82); and a housing (86) on which a coupling device (94, 102, 130) is arranged, wherein a derailleur (24, 110, 140) is coupled to the coupling device (94, 102, 130).

Description

[0001] The present invention relates to a bicycle drive unit comprising a motor which outputs a support force in accordance with a driving force applied by a person to a crankshaft.

[0002] JP 2013-517 176 A describes a known bicycle drive unit comprising a motor that outputs assistance in response to a human-applied driving force exerted on a crankshaft. A conventional derailleur is coupled to the frame.

[0003] WO 2011 / 088 722 A1 discloses a bicycle drive unit with an internal gear hub and a motor housed within a casing, which provides assistance that is transmitted to a crankshaft. A rack and pinion mechanism with a sensor is mounted on the top of the casing.

[0004] US Patent 2006 / 0068955A1 discloses a front derailleur mounting arrangement for attaching a front derailleur to the bottom bracket of a bicycle frame. This mounting arrangement is intended for bicycle frames without a seat tube. The bottom bracket is screwed into the hollow, tubular bottom bracket tube, and a flange presses the derailleur mount against the bottom bracket tube.

[0005] US Patent 2004 / 0 185 975 A1 discloses a front derailleur that is attached to the seat tube of a bicycle frame via a bracket. The derailleur's position is adjustable vertically, allowing the use of different derailleur designs. To facilitate adjustment, the bracket has a slot, and the derailleur has a pin and a projection. The pin engages in the slot, and the projection is also engaged in the slot. A nut is screwed onto the pin to lock the bracket and derailleur in the correct vertical position. The derailleur comprises two plates through which a chain can be routed. The two plates are attached to the seat tube in the conventional manner via a clamping ring.

[0006] The object of the present invention is to further develop a bicycle drive unit with a motor in such a way that a derailleur can be coupled to it.

[0007] A first aspect of the present invention is a bicycle drive unit comprising a motor that outputs an assisting force corresponding to a driving force applied by a person to a crankshaft, and a housing on which a coupling device is arranged. A derailleur is coupled to the coupling device.

[0008] In a preferred embodiment, the coupling device is designed separately from the housing.

[0009] In a preferred embodiment, the coupling device is removablely coupled to the housing.

[0010] In a preferred embodiment, the coupling device is coupled to the housing by a fastening element.

[0011] In a preferred embodiment, the coupling device comprises a first adjustment section configured to adjust the position of the coupling device relative to the housing.

[0012] In a preferred embodiment, the first adjustment section enables the adjustment of the position of the coupling device in at least one direction in which the crankshaft runs.

[0013] In a preferred embodiment, the first adjustment section comprises an elongated hole or a plurality of holes.

[0014] In a preferred embodiment, the coupling device is formed integrally with at least one section of the housing.

[0015] In a preferred embodiment, the coupling device comprises a coupling mechanism to which the derailleur is removably coupled.

[0016] In a preferred embodiment, the coupling mechanism comprises a second adjustment section configured to adjust a coupling position of the external gearshift device relative to the coupling device.

[0017] In a preferred embodiment, the second adjustment section allows the position of the external gearshift device to be adjusted in at least one direction towards the crankshaft and one direction away from the crankshaft.

[0018] In a preferred embodiment, the second adjustment section comprises an elongated hole or a plurality of holes.

[0019] In a preferred embodiment, a connecting link shaft of a connecting link mechanism contained in the derailleur can be coupled to the coupling device.

[0020] In a preferred embodiment, the connecting link mechanism comprises an outer connecting link and an inner connecting link, and the coupling device comprises a hole or groove that receives the connecting link shaft to which the outer connecting link and the inner connecting link are coupled.

[0021] In a preferred embodiment, the housing comprises an output section to which a plurality of front pinions can be coupled.

[0022] In a preferred embodiment, the output section protrudes from a wall of the housing that is located in the direction in which the crankshaft extends, and the coupling device is located adjacent to that wall.

[0023] In a preferred embodiment, the output section and the crankshaft are coaxial.

[0024] In a preferred embodiment, the coupling device comprises a first section that is coupled to the housing, a second section to which the derailleur can be coupled, and a connecting section that joins the first and second sections. The connecting section comprises a first side surface and a second side surface, which is a surface on a side opposite the first side surface. The first section is formed on the same side as the first side surface. The second section is formed on the same side as the second side surface.

[0025] In a preferred embodiment, it further comprises the crankshaft, which is arranged on the housing.

[0026] In a preferred embodiment, it further comprises the derailleur to which the coupling device is coupled.

[0027] According to a second aspect of the present invention, a bicycle drive unit comprises a motor which outputs a support force in accordance with a driving force applied by a person to a crankshaft, and a housing on which the motor and the crankshaft are arranged, and comprises two plates which are attached to the housing, the two plates forming a slot for guiding a chain. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0028] The invention, together with its tasks and advantages, can best be understood with reference to the following description of the preferred embodiments, together with the accompanying drawings, in which: Fig. 1 is a side view of a bicycle comprising a drive unit according to a first embodiment; Fig. 2 a perspective representation of the in Fig. The drive unit shown in 1 is; Fig. 3 is a side view showing the relationship between the drive unit, a derailleur and a frame; Fig. 4 is a perspective view showing a coupling device of the drive unit; Fig. 5 is a perspective view showing a coupling device of a drive unit according to a second embodiment; Fig. 6. A top view is when a derailleur is coupled to the drive unit, which is in Fig. 5 coupling device shown includes; Fig. 7 is a perspective view showing a coupling device of the drive unit according to the third embodiment; Fig. 8. A schematic diagram is shown when a derailleur is coupled to the drive unit, which is shown in Fig. 7 coupling device shown includes; Fig. 9 is a perspective view showing a coupling device of a drive unit according to a first modified example of the first embodiment; Fig. 10 is a perspective view showing a coupling device of a drive unit according to a second modified example of the first embodiment; and Fig. 11 is a perspective view showing a coupling device of a drive unit according to a third modified example of the first embodiment. DESCRIPTION OF THE EXECUTION FORMS First embodiment

[0029] The construction of a bicycle 10, which includes a bicycle drive unit, will now be described with reference to Fig. 1 described.

[0030] A bicycle 10 comprises a frame 12, a handlebar 14, a front wheel 16, a rear wheel 18, a drive mechanism 20, a gear shift control unit 22, a derailleur 24, a battery unit 26 and a drive unit 80.

[0031] The drive mechanism 20 includes a crankset 28, front sprocket 30, a rear sprocket 32 ​​and a chain 34.

[0032] The crankset 28 comprises a left and a right crank arm 36 and a crankshaft 82. The left and right crank arms 36 are coupled to the crankshaft 82, which is contained in the drive unit 80. A pedal 40 comprises a pedal shaft 38 and a pedal body, which is rotatably mounted on the pedal shaft 38. The pedal shaft 38 is supported by the crank arm 36.

[0033] As in Fig. As can be seen in Figure 2, the front pinions 30 differ from each other in the number of teeth and in diameter. The front pinions 30 are connected to an output section 84 (see Figure 2). Fig. 3) coupled to a drive unit 80, which is coaxial with the crankshaft 82. In this case, two front pinions 30 are coupled to the output section 84 (see Fig. 3) However, three or more front pinions can be coupled to the output section 84.

[0034] As in Fig. As shown in Figure 1, the rear sprocket 32 ​​is rotatably coupled to an axle 18A of the rear wheel 18. A freewheel clutch (not shown) couples the rear sprocket 32 ​​to the rear wheel 18. A chain 34 runs around one of the front sprockets 30 and the rear sprocket 32. A driving force applied by the rider is exerted on the pedal 40 to rotate the crankset 28. This rotates the rear wheel 18 via the front sprocket 30, the chain 34, and the rear sprocket 32. The drive mechanism 20 may include at least one internal gear-shifting device and a rear derailleur. If the drive mechanism 20 includes an internal gear-shifting device, the internal gear-shifting device is located on a hub axle of the rear wheel 18. If the drive mechanism 20 includes an internal gear shifting device, the rear sprocket 32 ​​is replaced by a plurality of rear sprockets, and a derailleur is coupled to a rear end of the frame 12.The drive mechanism 20 can include any gear shifting mechanism on the side of the rear wheel 18.

[0035] The gearshift control unit 22 is coupled to the handlebar 14. A cable C (see Fig. 2) connects the gear shift control unit 22 to the derailleur 24. The cable C is a Bowden cable. When an operator operates the gear shift control unit 22, an inner cable C1 of the cable C moves (see Fig. 2) and operates the front derailleur 24.

[0036] As in Fig. As shown in Figure 2, the derailleur 24 is a front derailleur. The derailleur 24 comprises a base element 42, a connecting mechanism 44, and a movable element 46.

[0037] The base element 42 comprises a mounting section 48 configured to couple the derailleur 24 to a housing 86 of the drive unit 80. The mounting section 48 includes a plate 50 and a bolt 52, which is inserted through an elongated hole 50A formed in the plate 50. The base element 42 further comprises a guide 54, which positions an outer cable C2 of the cable C and guides the inner cable C1.

[0038] The connecting mechanism 44 connects the base 42 and the movable element 46 so that they are movable relative to each other. The connecting mechanism 44 comprises an inner connecting link 56, an outer connecting link 58, four connecting link shafts 62, 64, 66 and 68, and a fastening section 70.

[0039] The inner connecting link 56 couples the base element 42 and the movable element 46 to the connecting link shafts 62 and 64. One end of the inner connecting link 56 is coupled to the base element 42 via the connecting link shaft 62. The inner connecting link 56 can be rotated about the connecting link shaft 62 relative to the base element 42. The other end of the inner connecting link 56 is coupled to the movable element 46 via the connecting link shaft 64. The inner connecting link 56 can be rotated about the connecting link shaft 64 relative to the movable element 46.

[0040] The outer connecting link 58 couples the base element 42 and the movable element 46 to the connecting link shafts 66 and 68. One end of the outer connecting link 58 is coupled to the base element 42 via the connecting link shaft 66. The outer connecting link 58 can be rotated about the connecting link shaft 66 relative to the base element 42. The other end of the outer connecting link 58 is coupled to the movable element 46 via the connecting link shaft 68. The outer connecting link 58 can be rotated about the connecting link shaft 68 relative to the movable element 46.

[0041] The connecting mechanism 44 includes a spring (not shown). The spring tensions the movable element 46 to low normal or high normal. The spring is arranged, for example, around the connecting link shaft 64 at the end of the inner connecting link 56 on the side of the movable element.

[0042] The fastening section 70 is coupled to the inner connecting link 56. The fastening section 70 is fixed to the end of the inner cable pull C1 of the cable pull C, which has been guided through the guide 54.

[0043] The inner connecting link 56 and the outer connecting link 58 couple the movable element 46 to the base element 42 in a manner that allows relative movement. The movable element 46 comprises two plates 46A. A slot formed between the two plates 46A guides the chain 34 (see Fig. 1).

[0044] The derailleur 24 changes the gear ratio by changing the front sprocket 30 to which the chain 34, which is in Fig. The process shown in section 1 is as follows.

[0045] An operation of the gearshift control unit 22 moves the inner cable C1 of the cable C, which is in Fig. 2 is shown, and moves the inner connecting link 56 and the outer connecting link 58 around the connecting link shafts 62, 64, 66 and 68 with the fastening section 70. The rotation of the inner connecting link 56 and the outer connecting link 58 moves the movable element 46 towards or away from the frame 12. Therefore, the plates 46A guide the chain 34 (see Fig. 1) and change the front sprocket 30 around which the chain 34 runs.

[0046] As in Fig. As shown in Figure 1, a battery holder 72 secures the battery unit 26 to the frame 12. The battery unit 26 comprises a battery 74, which is formed by one or more battery cells. The battery 74 is a rechargeable battery. The battery 74 is electrically connected to the drive unit 80 and supplies the drive unit 80 with power.

[0047] As in Fig. As shown in Figure 2, the drive unit 80 comprises the crankshaft 82, the output section 84 (see Figure 2). Fig. 3) the housing 86, a cover 88 and a motor 90. The motor 90 can be arranged in the housing 86, partially exposed from the housing 86 or coupled to the housing 86 outside the housing 86.

[0048] As in Fig. As shown in Figure 3, the output section 84 is arranged coaxially with the crankshaft 82 on its outer circumference. The output section 84, which is partially located within the housing 86, includes an end that projects from one of the walls 86A of the housing 86 in the direction in which the crankshaft 82 extends. The output section 84 is supported by the housing 86 so that it is movable relative to the housing 86. The output section 84 can be rotatable relative to the crankshaft 82. The front pinions 30 (see Figure 3) Fig. 2) are coupled to the end of the output section 84.

[0049] As in Fig. As shown in Figure 2, the motor 90 is arranged radially on the outer side of the crankshaft 82 and the output section 84. The axial direction of the motor 90 is parallel to the direction in which the crankshaft 82 extends. The motor 90 is connected to the output section 84 by a reduction gear (not shown). The motor 90 outputs a supporting force corresponding to a human-applied driving force exerted on the crankshaft 82. A freewheel clutch can be arranged in a motor power transmission path between the motor 90 and the output section 84, so that a human-applied driving force does not produce rotation in the motor 90.Furthermore, a freewheel clutch can be arranged in a motor power transmission path between the motor 90 and the output section 84 to interrupt the transmission of a human-applied driving force to the output section when the rotation of the crank set 28 is reversed.

[0050] A sensor that detects human-applied driving force is located in the housing 86. The sensor is positioned in a path through which driving force is transmitted from the crankshaft 82 to the output section 84. The sensor can be, for example, a strain gauge, a magnetostrictive sensor, an optical sensor, or a pressure sensor. The sensor that detects human-applied driving force need not be located in the housing and can be configured to detect the human-applied driving force exerted, for example, on the crank arms 36 or the pedal 40. As long as a signal corresponding to the human-applied driving force is output, the sensor can have any structure. A control unit (not shown) drives the motor 90 based on the sensor's output.The control unit can be located inside or outside the drive unit 80.

[0051] As in Fig. As shown in Figure 3, the housing 86 comprises a first section 86B, located near the output section 84 in the direction in which the crankshaft 82 extends, and a second section 86C, located far from the output section 84. The circumferential area of ​​the second section 86C includes a plurality of fastening sections 86D, which are used to couple the drive unit 80 to the frame 12. The housing 86 is made of a metallic material, such as iron or aluminum. The cover 88 is arranged on the housing 86. The cover 88 is removably fixed to the second section 86C to cover the first section 86B of the housing 86. The cover 88 is made, for example, of a resin material. The cover 88 is configured to cover electrical connectors in the housing 86 and the electrical wires connected to the electrical connectors.The cover 88 can form part of the housing 86.

[0052] The housing 86 includes a coupling device 94. The coupling device 94 is configured to couple the derailleur 24 to the housing 86. The coupling device 94 is either a separate component that is removably coupled to the housing 86 or a part of the housing 86. In the first embodiment, the coupling device 94 is configured separately from the housing 86. The coupling device 94 is removably coupled via fasteners 92 to one end of the second section 86C of the housing 86, adjacent to the output section 84 and adjacent to the wall 86A of the housing 86. The fasteners 92 are formed by bolts. The coupling device 94 can be referred to as the front derailleur mount. The coupling device 94 is made of a metallic material, for example, iron or aluminum.

[0053] The coupling device 94 comprises a first section 96 which is coupled to the housing 86, a second section 98 to which the derailleur 24 can be coupled, and a connecting section 100 which connects the first section 96 and the second section 98.

[0054] The first section 96 extends in the direction in which the crankshaft 82 extends.

[0055] The second section 98 comprises a base section 98A, which connects continuously to the connecting section 100, and a distal section 98B. The base section 98A extends in the direction in which the crankshaft 82 extends. The distal section 98B extends in a direction orthogonal to the direction in which the crankshaft 82 extends. Thus, the second section 98 is L-shaped, and the base section 98A is orthogonal to the distal section 98B. As shown in Fig. As shown in Figure 4, the coupling device 94 comprises a coupling mechanism 98C to which the derailleur 24 is removably coupled. The coupling mechanism 98C is located in the distal section 98B. The coupling mechanism 98C is an internal thread that receives the bolt 52 (see Figure 4). Fig. 2) Referring to Fig. 3, an end surface 98D of the distal section 98B contacts the derailleur 24 and is parallel to a surface that is orthogonal to the crankshaft 82.

[0056] The connecting section 100 extends away from the crankshaft 82. The connecting section 100 comprises a first side surface 100A and a second side surface 100B, which is the surface on the side opposite the first side surface 100A. The first section 96 is formed on the same side as the first side surface 100A. The second section 98 is formed on the same side as the second side surface 100B.

[0057] The drive unit 80 of the first embodiment has the effects and advantages described below. (1) The drive unit 80 comprises the coupling device 94 on the housing 86. The sprockets 30 are coupled to the drive unit 80. Thus, by coupling the derailleur 24 to the coupling device 94, the derailleur 24 can be positioned relative to the front sprockets 30. (2) If a coupling device is used that can couple the derailleur 24 to the frame 12, the shape of the frame 12 is restricted. The drive unit 80 of the present embodiment includes the coupling device 94. This increases the degree of freedom for the frame 12. (3) The drive unit 80 includes the engine 90. This increases the size of the drive unit 80 in the direction in which the crankshaft 82 extends. If the size of the drive unit 80 in the direction in which the crankshaft 82 extends is larger than the size of the frame 12 in the same direction, the front pinions 30 can be spaced apart from the frame 12.

[0058] In the present embodiment, the derailleur 24 can be coupled to the drive unit 80. Thus, the derailleur 24 can be coupled to the bicycle 10 even if the front sprockets 30 are spaced away from the frame 12.

[0059] (4) The coupling device 94 is designed separately from the housing 86. This makes it possible for the coupling device 94 and the housing 86 to be made of suitable materials.

[0060] (5) The coupling device 94 is detachably coupled to the housing 86. Thus, the coupling device 94 can be replaced by a coupling device 94 having a different shape to fit the type or similar of the derailleur 24. This improves the versatility of the drive unit 80.

[0061] (6) The coupling device 94 is coupled to the housing 86 by means of the fastening elements 92, which can be removed or separated from the coupling device 94. This allows for easy coupling and disconnection of the coupling device 94 and the housing 86.

[0062] (7) The coupling device 94 comprises the coupling mechanism 98C, which is used to detachably couple the derailleur 24. Thus, once the derailleur 24 has been coupled, it can be removed for servicing or replacement. Furthermore, compared to the use of other elements, the number of components can be reduced. Second embodiment

[0063] The bicycle 10 of the present embodiment comprises a drive unit 80, which includes a coupling device 102, which is in Fig. 5 is shown, and includes a motor-driven derailleur 110, which is in Fig. 6 is shown.

[0064] As in Fig. As shown in Figure 5, the coupling device 102 comprises a first section 104 which is coupled to the housing 86, a second section 106 which can be coupled to the derailleur 24, and a connecting section 108 which connects the first section 104 and the second section 106.

[0065] The first section 104 extends in the direction in which the crankshaft 82 (see Fig. 2) extends.

[0066] The connecting section 108 extends away from the crankshaft 82.

[0067] The second section 106 includes a curved side surface 106A. The second section 106 includes a coupling mechanism 106B, which is used to detachably couple the derailleur 110. The coupling mechanism 106B is an internal thread.

[0068] As in Fig. As shown in Figure 6, a base element 112 of the derailleur 110 has an elongated, rectangular shape. A motor (not shown) is integrated into the base 112 to operate the linkage mechanism 114. A first bolt 116 is coupled to the side surface of the base element 112. One end of a spacer 118 is held between a side surface of the base element 112 and the first bolt 116. The other end of the spacer 118 includes a hole through which a second bolt 120 is inserted. Furthermore, the other end of the spacer 118 is shaped to fit the side surface 106A of the second section 106. The second bolt 120 is inserted through the hole in the spacer 118 and coupled to the linkage mechanism 106B to removably couple the derailleur 110 to the linkage device 102. The drive unit 80 of the second embodiment has, in addition to the advantages (1) to (7) of the first embodiment, the following advantage.

[0069] (8) The side surface 106A of the second section 106 is curved. This makes it possible to couple the front derailleur 110 to the drive unit 80 using a spacer 118, which is intended for coupling to a tubular frame. Thus, the conventional spacer 118 can be used to couple the front derailleur 110 to the drive unit 80. This increases convenience compared to using a dedicated spacer or the like to couple the front derailleur 110 to the drive unit 80. Third embodiment

[0070] The bicycle 10 of the present embodiment comprises a drive unit 80, which includes a coupling device 130, which is in Fig. 7 is shown, and includes a 140 front derailleur, which is in Fig. 8 is shown.

[0071] As in Fig. As shown in Figure 7, the coupling device 130 comprises a first section 96 which is coupled to the housing 86, a second section 98 which can be coupled to the derailleur 24, and a connecting section 100 which connects the first section 96 and the second section 98.

[0072] The distal section 98B comprises a coupling mechanism 130A, which is connected to a connecting link shaft 62 and a connecting link shaft 64 of the derailleur 140, which is in Fig. 8 is shown, coupled. The coupling mechanism 130A has four projections that lead to the front pinions 30 (see Fig. 2) project towards. Each projection includes a hole 130B extending parallel to a plane orthogonal to the crankshaft 82.

[0073] As in Fig. As shown in Figure 8, the derailleur 140 comprises a linking mechanism 44 and a movable element 46. The linking shaft 62 and the linking shaft 66 are inserted into holes 130B of the coupling mechanism 130A. This rotatably couples the inner link 56 and the outer link 58 to the coupling device 130.

[0074] In addition to the advantages (1) to (7) of the first embodiment, the drive unit 80 of the third embodiment has the following advantage.

[0075] (9) The connecting link shafts 62 and 66 of the derailleur 140 are coupled to the coupling device 130. That is, the coupling device 130 functions as the base element of the derailleur 140. This allows for a reduction in the number of components of the derailleur 140. The coupling device 130 also functions as the base element of the derailleur 140. Thus, the size of the derailleur 140 can be reduced. Modified examples

[0076] Specific embodiments of the present drive unit are not limited to the examples of the embodiments described above. The present drive unit can be implemented in various forms that differ from the embodiments described above. Modified examples of the embodiments described above are described below.

[0077] As in Fig. As shown in Figure 9, the first section 96 can include a first adjustment section 150. The first adjustment section 150 is an elongated slot extending in the direction of the crankshaft 82. A fastening element 92 is inserted through the elongated slot of the first adjustment section 150 and coupled to the housing 86. In this case, the positional relationship between the fastening element 92 and the first adjustment section 150 is adjusted to align the position of the coupling device 94 relative to the housing 86 in the direction of the crankshaft 82. This allows more types of derailleur 24 to be coupled to the coupling device 94. The positioning effort is also low in this case compared to coupling the derailleur 24 to the frame 12.

[0078] The first adjustment section 150 can be an elongated hole that is elongated in the direction that is orthogonal to the direction in which the crankshaft 82 extends.

[0079] The first adjustment section 150 can include a plurality of holes.

[0080] As in Fig. As shown in Figure 10, the second section 98 can include a second adjustment section 160. The second adjustment section 160 is a plurality of coupling mechanisms 98C arranged in the direction in which the coupling device 94 extends. By modifying the coupling mechanism 98C, which is fastened with the bolt 52, the position of the derailleur 24 can be adjusted to a position close to the crankshaft 82 and to a position far from the crankshaft 82. This makes it possible to couple more types of derailleur 24 to the coupling device 94. The effort required for positioning is also low in this case compared to coupling the derailleur 24 to the frame 12.

[0081] The coupling mechanisms 98C of the second adjustment section 160 can be formed by an elongated hole.

[0082] The coupling mechanism 130A of the third embodiment can be a groove formed in the second section 98. In this case, the connecting link shafts 62 and 66 are rotatably mounted on the grooves.

[0083] The coupling devices 94, 102, and 130 can be formed integrally with the housing 86. The coupling devices 94, 102, and 130 can be welded and integrated with the housing 86. Alternatively, as shown in Fig. As shown in Figure 11, the coupling devices 94, 102, and 130 may be cast or forged to be formed integrally with the housing 86. Furthermore, the housing may be formed by a plurality of elements, some of which are formed integrally with the coupling devices 94, 102, or 130. In this case, the first sections 96 and 104 may be omitted, and the connecting section 100 may be modified to protrude directly from the housing 86.

[0084] The coupling device 94 can be an internal thread formed in the wall 86A of the housing 86. In this case, the shape of the housing 86 can be modified.

[0085] The drive unit 80 may lack the crankshaft 82. In this case, a crankshaft, which is a separate part, is coupled to the drive unit 80.

[0086] The drive unit 80 can include the derailleur 24, 110 or 140. In other words, the drive unit includes the derailleur 24, 110 or 140, which is coupled to the motor 90, the housing 86 and the coupling device 94, 102 or 130.

Claims

[1] Bicycle drive unit (80), comprising: a motor (90) which outputs a power assist corresponding to a human-applied driving force exerted on a crankshaft (82); and a housing (86) on which a coupling device (94, 102, 130) is arranged, wherein a derailleur (24, 110, 140) is coupled to the coupling device (94, 102, 130). [2] Bicycle drive unit (80) according to claim 1, wherein the coupling device (94, 102, 130) is formed separately from the housing (86). [3] Bicycle drive unit (80) according to one of claims 1 to 2, wherein the coupling device (94, 102, 130) is removably coupled to the housing (86). [4] Bicycle drive unit (80) according to one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the coupling device (94, 102, 130) is coupled to the housing (86) by a fastening element (92). [5] Bicycle drive unit (80) according to one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the coupling device (94, 102, 130) comprises a first adjustment section (150) configured to adjust a position of the coupling device (94, 102, 130) relative to the housing (86). [6] Bicycle drive unit (80) according to claim 5, wherein the first adjustment section (150) allows the adjustment of the position of the coupling device (94, 102, 130) in at least one direction in which the crankshaft (82) runs. [7] Bicycle drive unit (80) according to claim 5 or 6, wherein the first adjustment section (150) comprises an elongated hole or a plurality of holes. [8] Bicycle drive unit (80) according to one of claims 1 or 5 to 7, wherein the coupling device (94, 102, 130) is formed integrally with at least one section of the housing (86). [9] Bicycle drive unit (80) according to one of claims 1 to 8, wherein the coupling device (94, 102, 130) comprises a coupling mechanism (98A, 130A) to which the derailleur (24, 110, 140) is removably coupled. [10] Bicycle drive unit (80) according to claim 9, wherein the coupling mechanism (98A, 130A) comprises a second adjustment section (160) configured to adjust a coupling position of the derailleur (24, 110, 140) relative to the coupling device (94, 102, 130). [11] Bicycle drive unit (80) according to claim 10, wherein the second adjustment section (160) enables the position of the derailleur (24, 110, 140) to be adjusted in at least one direction towards the crankshaft (82) and one direction away from the crankshaft (82). [12] Bicycle drive unit (80) according to claim 10 or 11, wherein the second adjustment section (160) comprises an elongated hole or a plurality of holes. [13] Bicycle drive unit (80) according to one of claims 1 to 12, wherein a connecting link shaft (62, 64, 66, 68) of a connecting link mechanism contained in the derailleur (24, 110, 140) can be coupled to the coupling device (94, 102, 130). [14] Bicycle drive unit (80) according to claim 13, wherein the connecting link mechanism comprises an outer connecting link (58) and an inner connecting link (56), and the coupling device (94, 102, 130) comprises a hole or groove that receives the connecting link shaft (62, 64, 66, 68) to which the outer connecting link (58) and the inner connecting link (56) are coupled. [15] Bicycle drive unit (80) according to one of claims 1 to 14, wherein the housing comprises an output section (84) to which a plurality of front sprockets (30) can be coupled. [16] Bicycle drive unit (80) according to claim 15, wherein the output section (84) protrudes from a wall (86A) of the housing (86) which is located in the direction in which the crankshaft (82) extends, and the coupling device (94, 102, 130) is located adjacent to one wall (86A). [17] Bicycle drive unit (80) according to claim 15 or 16, wherein the output section (84) and the crankshaft (82) are coaxial. [18] Bicycle drive unit (80) according to one of claims 1 to 17, wherein the coupling device (94, 102, 130) comprises a first section (96) coupled to the housing (86), a second section (98) to which the derailleur (24, 110, 140) can be coupled, and a connecting section (100) connecting the first section (96) and the second section (98); the connecting section (100) comprises a first side surface (100A) and a second side surface (100B), which is a surface on one of the sides opposite the first side surface (100A); the first section (96) is formed on the same side as the first side surface (100A); and the second section (98) is formed on the same side as the second side surface (100B). [19] Bicycle drive unit (80) according to one of claims 1 to 18, which further comprises the crankshaft (82) which is arranged on the housing (86). [20] Bicycle drive unit (80) according to one of claims 1 to 19, which further comprises the derailleur (24, 110, 140) to which the coupling device (94, 102, 130) is coupled. [21] Bicycle drive unit (80), comprising: a motor (90) which outputs a power assist corresponding to a human-applied driving force exerted on a crankshaft (82); and a housing (86) on which the engine (90) and the crankshaft (82) are arranged, and two plates (46a) which are attached to the housing (86), wherein the two plates (46a) form a slot for guiding a chain.

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