Man power drive vehicle pedal

Abstract

To provide a pedal that can generate electric power and prevents users from feeling strain due to the generation of electric power.SOLUTION: The pedal comprises a pedal body having a first step into which a driving force is input, and a first electric power generator which includes a first coil and a first magnetostriction member, and generates first electric power in the first coil by causing the first magnetostriction member to deform in response to the input of the driving force into the first step.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 2

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a pedal for a human-powered vehicle. [Background technology]

[0002] Bicycle pedals equipped with generators have been known in the past (see, for example, Patent Documents 1 and 2). [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] JP 2019-137377 A [Patent Document 2] JP 2008-221880 A Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] However, conventional bicycle pedals have the problem that the user is likely to feel the strain caused by power generation.

[0005] In consideration of the above-mentioned problems, one of the objects of the present invention is to provide a pedal for a human-powered vehicle that is capable of generating electricity while preventing the user from feeling the strain associated with power generation. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] (1) One aspect of the present invention that solves the above-mentioned problems is a pedal for a human-powered vehicle, comprising: a pedal body having a first step portion to which a driving force is input; and a first power generating unit that includes a first coil and a first magnetostrictive member, and generates a first electric power in the first coil by deforming the first magnetostrictive member in response to the input of the driving force to the first step portion.

[0007] According to the above configuration, the first magnetostrictive member can be deformed in response to the input of driving force by the user to the first tread portion. The deformation of the first magnetostrictive member generates an inverse magnetostrictive effect, and a first electric power can be generated in the first coil of the first power generating unit. Power generation using the first magnetostrictive member allows power generation in the pedal, and has the effect that the user does not feel the load associated with power generation. The electric power generated in the first power generating unit can be used to power electrical devices such as a power meter, a cycle computer, a gear shifter, and an operating device for the gear shifter.

[0008] (2) One aspect of the present invention that solves the above-mentioned problems is the pedal described in (1), wherein the first power generating unit may further have a first movable unit that moves relative to the first foot portion and deforms the first magnetostrictive member.

[0009] According to the above configuration, the driving force of the user acting on the first step is transmitted to the first movable part, which moves the first movable part, thereby deforming the first magnetostrictive member and generating a first electric power in the first coil of the first power generating unit.

[0010] (3) One aspect of the present invention that solves the above-mentioned problems is the pedal described in (1), wherein the first power generating unit may have a first frame to which the first magnetostrictive member is attached, and a first yoke unit that supports the first frame in a swingable manner and includes a magnetic material.

[0011] According to the above-mentioned configuration, the inverse magnetostriction effect caused by the deformation of the first magnetostrictive member can be obtained more effectively, and therefore the first electric power can be generated more effectively in the first coil of the first power generating unit.

[0012] (4) One aspect of the present invention that solves the above-mentioned problems is the pedal described in (1), wherein the pedal body further has a pedal shaft that is configured to be connected to the human-powered vehicle, the pedal shaft extending in a longitudinal direction, and the first magnetostrictive member extending along the longitudinal direction.

[0013] According to the above configuration, it is possible to realize a pedal having a structure in which the pedal shaft and the first magnetostrictive member are parallel to each other.

[0014] (5) One aspect of the present invention that solves the above-mentioned problems is the pedal described in (1), wherein the pedal body further has a pedal shaft that is configured to be connected to the human-powered vehicle, the pedal shaft extending in a longitudinal direction, and the first magnetostrictive member extending non-parallel to the longitudinal direction.

[0015] According to the above configuration, it is possible to realize a pedal having a structure in which the pedal shaft and the first magnetostrictive member are non-parallel to each other.

[0016] (6) One aspect of the present invention that solves the above-mentioned problems is a pedal described in any one of (1) to (5), wherein the first power generating unit may further have a first rectifier circuit that rectifies a first current of the first power.

[0017] According to the above configuration, the first current of the first power generated in the first coil can be rectified in the first rectifier circuit.

[0018] (7) One aspect of the present invention that solves the above-mentioned problem is the pedal described in (1), which may further include a power storage unit that stores the first electric power generated by the first power generation unit.

[0019] According to the above configuration, the first power generated in the first coil can be stored in the power storage section.

[0020] (8) One aspect of the present invention that solves the above-mentioned problems is the pedal described in (1), wherein the pedal body may further have a second tread portion at a position different from the first tread portion, to which the driving force is input.

[0021] According to the above configuration, the driving force of the user can be input to the second step.

[0022] (9) One aspect of the present invention that solves the above-mentioned problems is the pedal described in (8), which may further include a second power generating unit that includes a second coil and a second magnetostrictive member, and generates a second electric power in the second coil by deforming the second magnetostrictive member in response to the input of the driving force to the second foot portion.

[0023] According to the above configuration, the second magnetostrictive member can be deformed in response to the input of the driving force of the user to the second tread portion. The deformation of the second magnetostrictive member generates an inverse magnetostrictive effect, and a second electric power can be generated in the second coil of the second power generating unit. Power generation using the second magnetostrictive member allows power generation in the pedal, and has the effect that the user does not feel the load associated with power generation. The electric power generated in the second power generating unit can be used to power electrical devices such as a power meter, a cycle computer, a gear shifter, and an operating device for the gear shifter.

[0024] (10) One aspect of the present invention that solves the above-mentioned problem is the pedal described in (9), wherein the second power generating unit may further have a second movable unit that moves relative to the second footrest and deforms the second magnetostrictive member.

[0025] According to the above configuration, the driving force of the user acting on the second step is transmitted to the second movable part, which moves, causing the second movable part to deform the second magnetostrictive member and generate second electric power in the second coil of the second power generating part.

[0026] (11) One aspect of the present invention that solves the above-mentioned problems is the pedal described in (9), wherein the second power generating unit may have a second frame to which the second magnetostrictive member is attached and a second yoke unit that supports the second frame in a swingable manner and contains a magnetic material.

[0027] According to the above-mentioned configuration, the inverse magnetostriction effect caused by the deformation of the second magnetostrictive member can be obtained more effectively, and therefore the second electric power can be generated more effectively in the second coil of the second power generating unit.

[0028] (12) One aspect of the present invention that solves the above-mentioned problems is the pedal described in (9), wherein the pedal body further has a pedal shaft that is configured to be connected to the human-powered vehicle, the pedal shaft extending in a longitudinal direction, and the second magnetostrictive member extending along the longitudinal direction.

[0029] According to the above configuration, it is possible to realize a pedal having a structure in which the pedal shaft and the second magnetostrictive member are parallel to each other.

[0030] (13) One aspect of the present invention that solves the above-mentioned problems is the pedal described in (9), wherein the pedal body further has a pedal shaft that is arranged so as to be connectable to the human-powered vehicle, the pedal shaft extending in a longitudinal direction, and the second magnetostrictive member extending non-parallel to the longitudinal direction.

[0031] According to the above configuration, it is possible to realize a pedal having a structure in which the pedal shaft and the second magnetostrictive member are non-parallel to each other.

[0032] (14) One aspect of the present invention that solves the above-mentioned problem is the pedal described in (9), wherein the second power generation unit may further have a second rectifier circuit that rectifies a second current of the second power.

[0033] According to the above configuration, the second current of the second power generated in the second coil can be rectified in the second rectifier circuit.

[0034] (15) One aspect of the present invention that solves the above-mentioned problems is the pedal described in (1), further comprising an engagement member provided on the pedal body so as to be movable between an engagement position where the pedal body engages with the cleat and a release position where the engagement between the pedal body and the cleat is released, and the first magnetostrictive member may be deformed in conjunction with the movement of the engagement member.

[0035] According to the above configuration, when the pedal body and the cleat are engaged, and when the pedal body and the cleat are released from their engaged state, the engaging member moves between an engaged position and a released position. The first magnetostrictive member can be deformed in conjunction with the movement of the engaging member. The deformation of the first magnetostrictive member generates an inverse magnetostrictive effect, and a first electric power can be generated in the first coil of the first power generating unit.

[0036] (16) One aspect of the present invention that solves the above-mentioned problems is the pedal described in (15), which may further include a biasing portion that biases the engagement member from the release position toward the engagement position.

[0037] According to the above configuration, the action of the biasing force of the biasing portion can promote disengagement between the pedal body and the cleat. The first magnetostrictive member can be deformed in conjunction with the movement of the engaging member accompanying the release of the engagement. The generation of the inverse magnetostrictive effect accompanying the deformation of the first magnetostrictive member is promoted, and a larger first electric power can be generated in the first coil of the first power generating portion.

[0038] (17) One aspect of the present invention that solves the above-mentioned problems is a pedal for a human-powered vehicle, comprising: a pedal body having a first step to which a driving force is input, and a second step to which the driving force is input, the second step being located at a position different from the first step; a first power generating unit including a first coil, a first magnetostrictive member, and a first rectifier circuit, the first magnetostrictive member deforming in response to the input of the driving force to the first step to generate a first electric power that causes a first current to flow in the first coil, and rectifying the first current by the first rectifier circuit; a second power generating unit including a second coil, a second magnetostrictive member, and a second rectifier circuit, the first magnetostrictive member deforming in response to the input of the driving force to the second step to generate a second electric power that causes a second current to flow in the second coil, and rectifying the second current by the second rectifier circuit; and a storage unit that stores at least one of the first electric power and the second electric power.

[0039] According to the above configuration, the first magnetostrictive member can be deformed in response to the input of the driving force of the user to the first step. The deformation of the first magnetostrictive member generates an inverse magnetostrictive effect, and a first electric power can be generated in which a first current flows through the first coil of the first power generating unit. The first rectifier circuit can rectify the first current. The second magnetostrictive member can be deformed in response to the input of the driving force of the user to the second step. The deformation of the second magnetostrictive member generates an inverse magnetostrictive effect, and a second electric power can be generated in which a second current flows through the second coil of the second power generating unit. The second rectifier circuit can rectify the second current. Furthermore, at least one of the first electric power and the second electric power can be stored in the power storage unit. In power generation using the first magnetostrictive member and the second magnetostrictive member, power can be generated in the pedal, and the user can hardly feel the load associated with power generation. The electric power generated in the first power generating unit or the second power generating unit can be used to power electrical devices such as a power meter, a cycle computer, a gear shifter, and an operating device for the gear shifter.

[0040] (18) One aspect of the present invention that solves the above-mentioned problem is the pedal described in (17), in which the first magnetostrictive member extends in a longitudinal direction, and the second magnetostrictive member extends along the longitudinal direction.

[0041] According to the above configuration, it is possible to realize a pedal having a structure in which the first magnetostrictive member and the second magnetostrictive member are parallel to each other. Effect of the Invention

[0042] According to the present invention, it is possible to obtain the effect that power generation is possible while the user is unlikely to feel the load associated with power generation. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0043] [Figure 1] 1 is a side view showing a human-powered vehicle equipped with pedals according to a first embodiment of the present invention. [Diagram 2] 1 is a perspective view showing a pedal according to a first embodiment of the present invention. FIG. [Diagram 3]2 is a configuration diagram showing the configuration of a first power generating unit provided in the pedal according to the first embodiment of the present invention. FIG. [Figure 4] 1 is a perspective view showing a configuration of a first power generating unit provided in a pedal according to a first embodiment of the present invention. FIG. [Diagram 5] FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing a configuration of a pedal according to a first modified example of the first embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 6] FIG. 11 is a perspective view showing a configuration of a pedal according to a second modified example of the first embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 7] FIG. 11 is a perspective view showing a configuration of a pedal according to a second modified example of the first embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 8] FIG. 11 is a functional block diagram showing a configuration of a pedal according to a second embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 9] FIG. 11 is a functional block diagram showing a configuration of a pedal according to a first modified example of the second embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 10] FIG. 13 is a functional block diagram showing a configuration of a pedal according to Modification 2 of the second embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 11] FIG. 11 is a perspective view showing the configuration of a pedal according to a third embodiment of the present invention, illustrating a state in which the pedal is attached to a crank arm. [Figure 12] FIG. 11 is a bottom view showing a shoe for a human-powered vehicle according to a third embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 13] FIG. 11 is a plan view showing a configuration of a pedal according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 14] FIG. 11 is a plan view showing the configuration of a cleat that engages with a pedal according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 15] FIG. 13 is a plan view showing a configuration of a pedal according to a fifth embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 16] FIG. 13 is a bottom view showing a shoe for a human-powered vehicle according to a fifth embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 17] FIG. 13 is a cross-sectional view partially showing the configuration of a pedal according to a sixth embodiment of the present invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0044] A pedal for a human-powered vehicle according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. In the description of the embodiments, the same reference numerals are used for components having the same or similar functions. The duplicated description of those components may be omitted. The drawings are schematic or conceptual, and the relationship between the thickness and width of each part, the size ratio between parts, etc. are not necessarily the same as the actual ones.

[0045] In the description of the embodiments, ordinal numbers such as "first," "second," and "third" may be used. These ordinal numbers do not indicate the number of components described with the ordinal numbers. Ordinal numbers may be used to indicate that each of a plurality of components is a separate component. In describing the pedal, the terms "fore-aft direction FRD," "longitudinal direction LD," and "thickness direction TD" are used as directional terms. The fore-aft direction FRD corresponds to the fore-aft direction along the traveling direction of the human-powered vehicle. In other words, the fore-aft direction FRD corresponds to the fore-aft direction of the pedal. The longitudinal direction LD is a direction perpendicular to the fore-aft direction FRD. In other words, the longitudinal direction LD is the direction in which the pedal shaft extends. The thickness direction TD corresponds to the thickness direction of the pedal.

[0046] With respect to the front-rear direction FRD, the direction from the third extension portion to the second extension portion is referred to as the +FRD direction, and the direction from the second extension portion to the third extension portion is referred to as the -FRD direction. In other words, the -FRD direction is the opposite direction to the +FRD direction. With respect to the longitudinal direction LD, the direction from the pedal engagement portion to the first extension portion is referred to as the +LD direction, and the direction from the first extension portion to the pedal engagement portion is referred to as the -LD direction. In other words, the -LD direction is the opposite direction to the +LD direction. With respect to the thickness direction TD, the input direction of the driving force generated when the user applies force downward to the pedal is called the -TD direction. When the pedal is viewed in the -TD direction, it is sometimes called the "planar view of the pedal." The +TD direction is the opposite direction to the -TD direction. The terms "fore-aft direction FRD," "longitudinal direction LD," and "thickness direction TD" are terms used to explain the relative positions of the multiple components that make up the human-powered vehicle and the pedals, or the shape and structure of each of the multiple components, and do not define the posture of each of the human-powered vehicle and the pedals.

[0047] In the description of the first power generating unit, the terms "first direction D1," "second direction D2," and "third direction D3" are used as directional terms. The first direction D1 is the direction in which the first magnetostrictive member oscillates. The second direction D2 is a direction perpendicular to the first direction D1. The third direction D3 is a direction perpendicular to the first direction D1 and the second direction D2. The first direction D1 may be parallel to the thickness direction TD or inclined to the thickness direction TD. The second direction D2 may be parallel to the longitudinal direction LD or inclined to the longitudinal direction LD. The third direction D3 may be parallel to the front-rear direction FRD or inclined to the front-rear direction FRD. The terms "first direction D1", "second direction D2", and "third direction D3" are terms used to explain the relative positions of the multiple members constituting the first power generation unit and the second power generation unit, or the shapes and structures of the multiple members, and do not define the attitudes of the first power generation unit and the second power generation unit.

[0048] The term "connected" indicates the positional relationship between two components. This positional relationship does not only mean that the two components are directly connected, but also means that another component is interposed between the two components. The same interpretation applies to the terms "provided," "disposed," and "opposed."

[0049] First Embodiment <Human-powered vehicle B> 1, the human-powered vehicle B includes a vehicle body frame F, a rear wheel RW, a front wheel FW, and a drive train DT. The vehicle body frame F is supported by the rear wheel RW and the front wheel FW. The human-powered vehicle B further includes pedals PD.

[0050] The drivetrain DT is, for example, a chain drive type drivetrain. The drivetrain DT includes a crank C, a front sprocket FS, a rear sprocket RS, and a chain CN. The crank C includes a crankshaft CA1 and a pair of crank arms CA2. The crankshaft CA1 is rotatably supported by a front frame FB. The crank arms CA2 are provided at both ends of the crankshaft CA1. The front sprocket FS is provided on the crank C. The front sprocket FS is configured to rotate integrally with the crank C and the crankshaft CA1.

[0051] The pedal PD is rotatably connected to the tip of the crank arm CA2. The driving force of a user riding on the human-powered vehicle B is transmitted to the pedal PD. The rotational force of the pedal PD is transmitted to the rear wheel RW via the pair of crank arms CA2, the crank C, the front sprocket FS, the chain CN, and the rear sprocket RS. This causes the human-powered vehicle B to travel.

[0052] <Pedal PD> As shown in Figures 2 and 3, the pedal PD according to the first embodiment is a so-called flat pedal or a clipless pedal. The pedal PD includes a pedal body 10, a first power generation unit 12, and a power storage unit 38. The pedal body 10 has a first step portion 14. Driving force from a user riding on a human-powered vehicle B is input to the first step portion 14. The pedal body 10 further includes a pedal shaft 16.

[0053] <Pedal body 10> The pedal body 10 is made of a known metal material, such as an aluminum alloy. The pedal body 10 has a first pedal surface PF and a second pedal surface PS. The pedal body 10 has a bearing 18 that rotatably supports the pedal shaft 16 . The pedal body 10 has a first extension portion 20A, a second extension portion 20B, a third extension portion 20C, a base portion 20D, four connecting portions 20E, and a plurality of protrusions 22. The pedal body 10 has a plurality of openings 24. Providing the plurality of openings 24 in the pedal body 10 contributes to reducing the weight of the pedal PD.

[0054] The first extending portion 20A extends generally along the front-rear direction FRD. A curved portion that protrudes in the +LD direction is formed at the center of the first extending portion 20A in the front-rear direction FRD. The second extension portion 20B is a portion extending along the longitudinal direction LD. The second extension portion 20B is connected to an end of the first extension portion 20A in the +FRD direction. In other words, the second extension portion 20B is located at an end of the pedal body 10 in the +FRD direction. The third extension portion 20C is a portion extending along the longitudinal direction LD. The third extension portion 20C is connected to an end of the first extension portion 20A in the -FRD direction. In other words, the third extension portion 20C is located at an end of the pedal body 10 in the -FRD direction. A part of the third extension portion 20C is parallel to the second extension portion 20B. In a plan view of the pedal PD, the first extension portion 20A, the second extension portion 20B, and the third extension portion 20C form a substantially U-shape.

[0055] The first extension portion 20A and the second extension portion 20B have a storage portion 20F that stores the first power generation unit 12. The storage portion 20F stores not only the first power generation unit 12 but also the power storage unit 38. In other words, the storage portion 20F is, for example, a portion formed inside the pedal body 10. The storage portion 20F may be a sealed space. Also, at least a portion of the storage portion 20F may be exposed to the outside of the pedal body 10. The position of the storage portion 20F is set according to the position where the first power generation unit 12 is disposed in the pedal body 10. The storage portion 20F may be formed in the third extension portion 20C or the base portion 20D.

[0056] The base portion 20D is a portion extending along the longitudinal direction LD. The base portion 20D is located at the center of the pedal body 10 in both the front-rear direction FRD and the longitudinal direction LD. In other words, the base portion 20D is surrounded by the first extension portion 20A, the second extension portion 20B, and the third extension portion 20C. The base portion 20D is connected to the first extension portion 20A, the second extension portion 20B, and the third extension portion 20C via four connecting portions 20E. The base portion 20D has a bearing 18 that rotatably supports the pedal shaft 16. The pedal shaft 16 is provided on the pedal body 10 so as to be connectable to the human-powered vehicle B. The pedal shaft 16 extends in the longitudinal direction LD. The pedal shaft 16 has a pedal engagement portion 16A that is engaged with the crank arm CA2.

[0057] <Protrusion 22, first step 14> A plurality of protrusions 22 are provided on the first pedal surface PF. Specifically, the protrusions 22 are provided on each of the base portion 20D, the first extension portion 20A, the second extension portion 20B, and the third extension portion 20C. The protrusions 22 protrude in the +TD direction from the surface of the pedal body 10. Two protrusions 22 are provided on the base portion 20D. Two protrusions 22 are provided on the first extension portion 20A. Three protrusions 22 are provided on the second extension portion 20B. Two protrusions 22 are provided on the third extension portion 20C. The positions at which the protrusions 22 are arranged are not limited to the example shown in FIG. 2. In the following description, the protrusion 22 and the first step portion 14 provided on the first pedal surface PF will be described. Description of the protrusion and step portion provided on the second pedal surface PS will be omitted.

[0058] Of the three protrusions 22 provided on the second extending portion 20B, the protrusion 22 located in the center in the longitudinal direction LD is the first step 14. The first step 14 is configured to move in the thickness direction TD. When the shoe of a user riding on the human-powered vehicle B comes into contact with the pedal body 10, or when the user steps on the pedal body 10 in the -TD direction, the driving force of the user is input to the first step portion 14. In other words, when the first step portion 14 is pressed when the driving force of the user is input to the first step portion 14, the first step portion 14 is configured to move in the -TD direction toward the inside of the second extension portion 20B.

[0059] The first step 14 may include an elastic member such as a spring. Specifically, when a driving force is input to the first step 14, the elastic member elastically deforms as the first step 14 moves in the -TD direction. On the other hand, when the input of the driving force to the first step 14 is released, the elastic member returns the first step 14 to its original position due to the action of its restoring force. Here, the elastic member is a known elastic member such as a coil spring or a leaf spring. The structure of the elastic member is not limited as long as it has a structure that generates elastic deformation and restoring force.

[0060] Of the multiple protrusions 22, the other protrusions 22 except for the first step portion 14 are fixed to the surface of the pedal body 10 and do not move into the pedal body 10. In other words, the other protrusions function as anti-slip between the shoe and the pedal body 10 when they come into contact with the bottom surface of the user's shoe.

[0061] In this embodiment, a case will be described in which there is one first step 14, but the number of first step 14 may be two or more. In this embodiment, the first step 14 is disposed on the second extension portion 20B, but the first step 14 may be disposed on at least one of the base portion 20D, the first extension portion 20A, and the third extension portion 20C.

[0062] <First power generation section 12> The first power generating section 12 is housed in the housing section 20F. The first power generating section 12 is an inverse magnetostrictive type power generating device. The first power generating section 12 includes a first coil 26 and a first magnetostrictive member 28. The first power generating section 12 is configured so that the first magnetostrictive member 28 is deformed in response to input of a driving force to the first step 14, thereby causing the first coil 26 to generate a first electric power. The first power generating section 12 further includes a first movable section 30 . The first movable section 30 of the first power generating section 12 is configured to move relative to the first step section 14 and deform the first magnetostrictive member 28.

[0063] <First movable part 30> 3, the first movable part 30 is disposed inside the first extension part 20A. The first movable part 30 extends along the extension direction of the first extension part 20A. In other words, the first magnetostrictive member 28 extends non-parallel to the longitudinal direction LD.

[0064] The first movable portion 30 has a distal arm portion 30A, a central arm portion 30B, and a proximal arm portion 30C. The distal arm portion 30A is a portion that is pressed by the first step portion 14 when a driving force is input to the first step portion 14. As the distal arm portion 30A moves, the base end arm portion 30C deforms the first magnetostrictive member 28 so as to press or pull up the first magnetostrictive member 28. In other words, the base end arm portion 30C is a portion that causes the first magnetostrictive member 28 to swing. The central arm portion 30B is a portion located between the distal arm portion 30A and the proximal arm portion 30C.

[0065] The first movable part 30 may have a structure that uses the principle of leverage, for example. In this case, the part where the first step 14 contacts the distal arm part 30A becomes the point of force. The part where the base end arm part 30C contacts the first magnetostrictive member 28 becomes the point of action. The central arm part 30B is supported by a fulcrum. The first movable part 30 may have an elastic member. Specifically, when a driving force is input to the first step 14, the elastic member of the first movable part 30 elastically deforms as the first step 14 moves in the -TD direction. On the other hand, when the input of the driving force to the first step 14 is released, the elastic member of the first movable part 30 returns the first step 14 to its original position due to the action of the restoring force of the elastic member. Here, the elastic member is a known elastic member such as a coil spring or a leaf spring. The structure of the elastic member is not limited as long as it has a structure that generates elastic deformation and restoring force.

[0066] <Specific configuration of first power generating section 12> Next, a specific configuration of the first power generating section 12 will be described with reference to FIG. In the following, a case will be described in which the first magnetostrictive member 28 is aligned with the first yoke portion 32Y in the second direction D2 intersecting the first direction D1. The first direction D1 corresponds to the swing direction in which the first magnetostrictive member 28 swings. Note that the first magnetostrictive member 28 may be aligned with the first yoke portion 32Y in the first direction D1. The first power generating section 12 includes a first coil 26, a first magnetostrictive member 28, a first yoke section 32Y, and a first frame 32F. The first power generating section 12 further includes a magnetic flux generating member . The first power generating section 12 further includes a first rectifier circuit .

[0067] <First coil 26> The first coil 26 is wound around both the first frame 32F and the first magnetostrictive member 28. The first coil 26 may be wound only around the first magnetostrictive member 28. The first coil 26 may be wound around at least one of the first yoke portion 32Y, the first frame 32F, and the first magnetostrictive member 28. The first coil 26 has output wiring 26A, 26B. The output wiring 26A, 26B are wirings drawn out from the first coil 26. The power generated in the first coil 26 is supplied to the first rectifier circuit 36 ​​through the output wiring 26A, 26B.

[0068] <First magnetostrictive member 28> The first magnetostrictive member 28 has a plate shape extending in the third direction D3. The plate thickness direction of the first magnetostrictive member 28 is the first direction D1. When viewed from the first direction D1, the first magnetostrictive member 28 has a substantially rectangular shape. The first magnetostrictive member 28 is attached to the first frame 32F. When viewed from the second direction D2, the first magnetostrictive member 28 overlaps with the first yoke portion 32Y. The first magnetostrictive member 28 is made of a magnetostrictive material. The first magnetostrictive member 28 is made of, for example, an Fe-Ga alloy. The magnetic permeability of the first magnetostrictive member 28 changes due to mechanical strain. Furthermore, the magnetization direction of the first magnetostrictive member 28 changes due to mechanical strain.

[0069] <First yoke part 32Y> The first yoke portion 32Y supports the first frame 32F so that the first frame 32F can swing. When viewed from the first direction D1, the first yoke part 32Y has a substantially L-shape. The first yoke part 32Y has a structure in which a plurality of plate-shaped yoke plates 32P are stacked in the first direction D1. Each of the plurality of yoke plates 32P has a first portion 32A and a second portion 32B connected to the first portion 32A. Each of the plurality of yoke plates 32P is at least partially formed of a magnetic material. In this embodiment, the first yoke part 32Y is formed of a magnetic material. In this embodiment, the entire first yoke part 32Y is formed of a magnetic material. The material of each of the plurality of yoke plates 32P is not particularly limited, and may be formed of soft magnetic steel, for example. Each of the plurality of yoke plates 32P may be formed of SS400, which is a type of soft magnetic steel, for example. The first yoke part 32Y may include both a magnetic material and a non-magnetic material.

[0070] In each of the multiple yoke plates 32P, the first portion 32A has a generally rectangular parallelepiped shape extending in the second direction D2. The second portion 32B has a generally rectangular parallelepiped shape extending in the third direction D3. The second portion 32B faces the first magnetostrictive member 28 and the first coil 26 at an interval in the second direction D2. The second portion 32B is disposed next to the first magnetostrictive member 28 in the second direction D2.

[0071] In each of the multiple yoke plates 32P, the first portion 32A is formed integrally with the second portion 32B. The first portion 32A and the second portion 32B form an integral single member. In the example shown in Fig. 4, first yoke portion 32Y has a configuration in which multiple yoke plates 32P are stacked. In other words, each of the multiple yoke plates 32P is separable from the other. The structure of first yoke portion 32Y is not limited to the structure shown in Fig. 4. First yoke portion 32Y may be formed of an integral member.

[0072] <1st frame 32F> The first magnetostrictive member 28 is attached to the first frame 32F. The first magnetostrictive member 28 is a separate member from the first frame 32F. The first magnetostrictive member 28 may be attached to the first frame 32F via an adhesive. The first magnetostrictive member 28 may be attached to the first frame 32F by welding or the like. The first frame 32F has a plate shape extending in a direction perpendicular to the first direction D1. In the first direction D1, the first frame 32F is fixed to the first yoke part 32Y. The first frame 32F is formed so as to include a nonmagnetic material. In other words, the first frame 32F is at least partially formed of a nonmagnetic material. In this embodiment, the first frame 32F is formed of a nonmagnetic material. In this embodiment, the entire first frame 32F is formed of a nonmagnetic material. For example, the first frame 32F is formed of stainless steel. Note that the first frame 32F may include a magnetic material. In this case, it is sufficient that the first frame 32F has a nonmagnetic property as a whole.

[0073] <Magnetic flux forming member 34> The magnetic flux forming member 34 is fixed to the second portion 32B. The magnetic flux forming member 34 is arranged in line with the first magnetostrictive member 28 and the second portion 32B in the second direction D2. The magnetic flux forming member 34 is arranged between the first yoke portion 32Y and the first magnetostrictive member 28 in the second direction D2. The magnetic flux forming member 34 faces the first magnetostrictive member 28 with a gap in between in the second direction D2. The magnetic flux forming member 34 has a pair of magnetic poles. The magnetic flux forming member 34 is, for example, a permanent magnet. An N pole is formed on one surface of the magnetic flux forming member 34 facing the third direction D3. An S pole is formed on the other surface of the magnetic flux forming member 34 facing the third direction D3. The magnetic flux forming member 34 forms a magnetic flux passing through the first magnetostrictive member 28. As a result, a closed magnetic circuit is formed that passes through the magnetic flux generating member 34, the first magnetostrictive member 28, and the first yoke portion 32Y.

[0074] <1st rectifier circuit 36> The first rectifier circuit 36 ​​is configured to rectify a first current of a first power generated by the first power generation section 12. The first rectifier circuit 36 ​​is connected to the output wiring 26A, 26B drawn from the first coil 26. The first rectifier circuit 36 ​​rectifies the current generated in the first coil 26. The first rectifier circuit 36 ​​is equipped with electronic elements such as a capacitor (not shown). The first rectifier circuit 36 ​​includes an AC / DC converter capable of converting AC current into DC current. The AC current flowing from the first coil 26 into the first rectifier circuit 36 ​​is rectified into DC current by the first rectifier circuit 36.

[0075] <Electricity storage unit 38> The power storage unit 38 is connected to the first rectifier circuit 36 ​​. The power storage unit 38 is configured to store the first power generated by the first power generation unit 12. The power storage unit 38 is also configured to store the direct current obtained by the first rectifier circuit 36. In this embodiment, the power storage unit 38 is a secondary battery. Note that the power storage unit 38 may be provided with a transformer unit such as a DC / DC converter.

[0076] The first rectifier circuit 36 ​​and the power storage unit 38 may be configured as one circuit. In other words, the first power generation unit 12 includes one circuit unit. This circuit unit has the first rectifier circuit 36 ​​and the power storage unit 38. At least one of the first rectifier circuit 36 ​​and the power storage unit 38 may have a lighting circuit including a light-emitting element. The light-emitting element is, for example, an LED (Light-Emitting Diode), an organic or inorganic electroluminescence, or the like.

[0077] <Action and effect> When a user riding on the human-powered vehicle B steps on the pedal PD in the -TD direction with his / her shoe, the shoe moves in the -TD direction of the first step 14. As the first step 14 moves, the first movable part 30 deforms the first magnetostrictive member 28. Specifically, as the first step 14 moves, the distal arm 30A moves in the -TD direction. As the distal arm 30A moves, the central arm 30B and the base arm 30C are displaced. Since the base arm 30C is in contact with the first magnetostrictive member 28, the first magnetostrictive member 28 deforms and swings as the base arm 30C is displaced. Therefore, the first magnetostrictive member 28 can be deformed according to the input of the driving force by the user to the first step 14.

[0078] Here, since the first magnetostrictive member 28 contains a magnetostrictive material, when the first magnetostrictive member 28 swings in the first direction D1, the first magnetostrictive member 28 is mechanically distorted. When the first magnetostrictive member 28 is mechanically distorted, an inverse magnetostrictive effect occurs, and the magnetic permeability of the first magnetostrictive member 28 varies. This causes the magnetic flux passing through the first magnetostrictive member 28 to vary. When the first magnetostrictive member 28 swings in the first direction D1, the magnetic flux passing through the closed magnetic circuit, i.e., the magnetic flux passing through the internal space of the first coil 26, varies. Due to the variation in the magnetic flux passing through the inside of the first coil 26, an induced current is generated in the first coil 26. This allows the first coil 26 to generate a first electric power. That is, the first power generating unit 12 can generate electric power by swinging the first magnetostrictive member 28 in the first direction D1. In the power generation using the first magnetostrictive member 28, the user can generate electric power when rotating the pedal PD, and the user is unlikely to feel a load associated with the power generation. The electric power generated by the first power generating unit 12 can be used for electrical devices such as a power meter, a cycle computer, a gear shifter, and an operating device for the gear shifter.

[0079] Furthermore, since the first power generating section 12 has the first rectifier circuit 36, the first current of the first power generated in the first coil 26 can be rectified. Furthermore, since the first power generating unit 12 has the power storage unit 38, the first power generated in the first coil 26 can be stored.

[0080] <Modification 1 of the First Embodiment> In FIG. 5, the same members as those in the first embodiment described above are denoted by the same reference numerals, and their description will be omitted or simplified. The pedal PD according to the present modified example 1 differs from the above-described first embodiment in terms of the structure of the pedal body.

[0081] As shown in FIG. 5, the pedal PD according to the present first modification has a pedal body 10A. The pedal body 10A has a first extension portion 20A, a second extension portion 20B, a third extension portion 20C, a fourth extension portion 20G, a base portion 20D, and a pedal shaft 16. The first extending portion 20A extends along the front-rear direction FRD. Each of the second extension portion 20B and the third extension portion 20C extends along the longitudinal direction LD similarly to the first embodiment, and is connected to an end portion of the first extension portion 20A. The fourth extension portion 20G extends along the front-rear direction FRD. An end of the fourth extension portion 20G in the +FRD direction is connected to the second extension portion 20B. An end of the fourth extension portion 20G in the -FRD direction is connected to the third extension portion 20C. The base portion 20D is provided between the first extension portion 20A and the fourth extension portion 20G.

[0082] A housing portion 20F is formed in the first extension portion 20A and the second extension portion 20B. The housing portion 20F houses the first power generation unit 12. The first magnetostrictive member 28 of the first power generation unit 12 extends along the front-rear direction FRD. That is, the first magnetostrictive member 28 extends non-parallel to the longitudinal direction LD. A pedal shaft 16 is provided on the pedal body 10A so as to be connectable to a human-powered vehicle B. The pedal shaft 16 extends in the longitudinal direction LD.

[0083] The pedal PD according to the present modified example 1 having such a configuration also provides the same or similar effects as those of the first embodiment described above.

[0084] <Modification 2 of the First Embodiment> In FIG. 6, the same members as those in the first modified example of the first embodiment described above are given the same reference numerals, and the description thereof will be omitted or simplified. The pedal PD according to the present modified example 2 differs from the modified example 1 of the first embodiment described above in terms of the arrangement of the first power generating section 12.

[0085] 6, a housing portion 20F is formed in the first extension portion 20A, the second extension portion 20B, and the base portion 20D. The housing portion 20F houses the first power generation unit 12. The first magnetostrictive member 28 of the first power generation unit 12 extends along the longitudinal direction LD. A pedal shaft 16 is provided on the pedal body 10B so as to be connectable to a human-powered vehicle B. The pedal shaft 16 extends in the longitudinal direction LD.

[0086] The pedal PD according to the second modified example having such a configuration also provides the same or similar effects as those of the first embodiment described above.

[0087] <Modification 3 of the First Embodiment> In FIG. 7, the same members as those in the first embodiment described above are denoted by the same reference numerals, and their description will be omitted or simplified. The pedal PD according to the third modified example differs from the above-described first embodiment in that the pedal PD has a cleat retaining mechanism.

[0088] As shown in FIG. 7, the pedal PD according to the present third modification has a pedal body 10C. The pedal body 10C constitutes a clipless pedal. The pedal body 10C has a first extension portion 20A, a second extension portion 20B, a third extension portion 20C, a fourth extension portion 20G, a base portion 20D, the pedal shaft 16, and a cleat retaining mechanism 20H. The first extension portion 20A extends along the front-rear direction FRD. The first extension portion 20A has a curved shape. Each of the second extension portion 20B and the third extension portion 20C extends along the longitudinal direction LD similarly to the first embodiment, and is connected to an end portion of the first extension portion 20A. The fourth extension portion 20G extends along the front-rear direction FRD. The fourth extension portion 20G has a curved shape. The first pedal surface PF of the pedal body 10C is provided with a plurality of protrusions 22 and a first step portion 14. The second pedal surface PS of the pedal body 10C is provided with a cleat retaining mechanism 20H.

[0089] The second extension portion 20B and the fourth extension portion 20G have a housing portion 20F. The housing portion 20F houses the first power generation unit 12. The first magnetostrictive member 28 of the first power generation unit 12 extends along the front-rear direction FRD. That is, the first magnetostrictive member 28 extends non-parallel to the longitudinal direction LD. A pedal shaft 16 is provided on the pedal body 10C so as to be connectable to a human-powered vehicle B. The pedal shaft 16 extends in the longitudinal direction LD.

[0090] The pedal PD according to the present modified example 3 having such a configuration also provides the same or similar effects as those of the above-mentioned embodiment 1. Furthermore, the pedal PD according to the present modified example 3 can generate power in a clipless pedal by utilizing the inverse magnetostriction effect.

[0091] <Second embodiment> Next, a pedal according to a second embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. In FIG. 8, the same members as those in the first embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals, and their description will be omitted or simplified.

[0092] <Pedal body 10D> The pedal body 10D has a first pedal surface PF and a second pedal surface PS. The first pedal surface PF is provided with a plurality of protrusions 22 and a first step 14. On the first pedal surface PF, each of the plurality of protrusions 22 and the first step 14 protrudes in the +TD direction. The first step 14 is configured to move in the thickness direction TD. Specifically, the first step 14 is configured to move toward the inside of the pedal body 10D in the -TD direction.

[0093] The second pedal surface PS is provided with a plurality of protrusions 22 and a second step portion 40. On the second pedal surface PS, each of the plurality of protrusions 22 and the second step portion 40 protrudes in the -TD direction. The second step portion 40 is configured to move in the thickness direction TD. Specifically, the second step portion 40 is configured to move toward the inside of the pedal body 10D in the +TD direction. In other words, the pedal body 10D further has the second step portion 40, to which a driving force is input, at a position different from the first step portion 14.

[0094] As in the first embodiment, the housing section 20F of the pedal body 10D houses the first power generating section 12, the first rectifier circuit 36, and the power storage section 38. Furthermore, the housing section 20F of the pedal body 10D houses the second power generating section 42. The first power generating unit 12 includes a first coil 26, a first magnetostrictive member 28, and a first rectifier circuit 36. The first power generating unit 12 generates a first electric power by causing a first current to flow through the first coil 26 as a result of the first magnetostrictive member 28 deforming in response to an input of a driving force to the first step 14. The first power generating unit 12 rectifies the first current using the first rectifier circuit 36.

[0095] <Second power generation section 42> The second power generating unit 42 includes a second coil 44 and a second magnetostrictive member 46. The second power generating unit 42 is configured to cause the second coil 44 to generate electric power by the second magnetostrictive member 46 deforming in response to input of a driving force to the second tread portion 40. The second power generating section 42 further includes a second movable section 48 that moves relative to the second step section 40 to deform the second magnetostrictive member 46 . The second power generating section 42 has a second frame 50 and a second yoke section 52. The second frame 50 is provided with a second magnetostrictive member 46. The second yoke section 52 supports the second frame 50 so that it can swing. The second yoke section 52 includes a magnetic material.

[0096] In describing the second power generating section 42 in the second embodiment, the terms “first step 14,” “first coil 26,” “output wiring 26A,” “output wiring 26B,” “first magnetostrictive member 28,” “first movable part 30,” “first frame 32F,” and “first yoke part 32Y” used in describing the first power generating section 12 in the first embodiment can be replaced with the terms “second step 40,” “second coil 44,” “output wiring 44A,” “output wiring 44B,” “second magnetostrictive member 46,” “second movable part 48,” “second frame 50,” and “second yoke part 52,” so that the description of the first power generating section 12 can be applied to the second power generating section 42.

[0097] <Second movable part 48> In describing the second movable part 48 in the second embodiment, the terms "first step 14" and "-TD direction" used in describing the first movable part 30 in the first embodiment can be replaced with the terms "second step 40" and "+TD direction" so that the description of the first movable part 30 can be applied to the second movable part 48.

[0098] <First rectifier circuit 36 ​​of pedal body 10D> As in the first embodiment, the first rectifier circuit 36 ​​is configured to rectify a first current of a first power generated by the first power generation unit 12. Furthermore, the first rectifier circuit 36 ​​is connected to output wiring 44A and output wiring 44B of the second coil 44. The first rectifier circuit 36 ​​is configured to rectify a second current of a second power generated by the second power generation unit 42.

[0099] The first rectifier circuit 36 ​​of the second embodiment is capable of rectifying the first current and the second current by synchronizing the phase of the first power generated by the first power generation unit 12 and the phase of the second power generated by the second power generation unit 42. Specifically, each of the first power and the second power is an AC power. The frequency of the AC power depends on the frequency at which the magnetostrictive material vibrates. For this reason, when the frequencies of the powers generated by the first power generating unit 12 and the second power generating unit 42 are superimposed without being synchronized, a power loss occurs due to a phase shift between the AC waveforms of the first power and the second power. Therefore, the first rectifier circuit 36 ​​rectifies the first current and the second current while synchronizing the phases of the first power and the second power.

[0100] <Storage unit 38 of pedal body 10D> The power storage unit 38 is connected to the first rectifier circuit 36 ​​. The power storage unit 38 is configured to store the first power generated by the first power generation unit 12 and the second power generated by the second power generation unit 42. The power storage unit 38 is also configured to store the direct current obtained by the first rectifier circuit 36. The power storage unit 38 is further connected to a wiring 54. The wiring 54 is drawn out to the outside of the pedal body 10D through the pedal shaft 16. The wiring 54 outputs the power stored in the power storage unit 38 to the human-powered vehicle B.

[0101] <Pedal shaft 16> The pedal body 10D further has a pedal shaft 16. The pedal shaft 16 is provided on the pedal body 10D so as to be connectable to a human-powered vehicle B. The pedal shaft 16 extends in a longitudinal direction LD. The second magnetostrictive member 46 extends along the longitudinal direction LD. Alternatively, the second magnetostrictive member 46 may extend non-parallel to the longitudinal direction LD.

[0102] <Action and effect> Since the pedal body 10D has the second step portion 40, the driving force of the user can be input to the second step portion 40. The second magnetostrictive member 46 can be deformed in response to the input of the driving force by the user to the second step portion 40. The deformation of the second magnetostrictive member 46 causes an inverse magnetostrictive effect, and a second electric power can be generated in the second coil 44 of the second power generating unit 42. The electric power generated in the second power generating unit 42 can be used to power electric devices such as a power meter, a cycle computer, a gear shifter, and an operating device for the gear shifter. Therefore, according to the second embodiment described above, in addition to the effects obtained by the first embodiment, it is possible to generate electricity on both sides of the pedal body 10D. In other words, electricity can be generated by inputting a driving force to the first pedal surface PF and the second pedal surface PS.

[0103] <Modification 1 of the second embodiment> In FIG. 9, the same members as those in the second embodiment described above are denoted by the same reference numerals, and their description will be omitted or simplified. The pedal PD according to the present modified example 2 differs from the above-described second embodiment in that the pedal body includes two rectifier circuits.

[0104] As shown in FIG. 9, the pedal PD according to the present first modification has a pedal body 10E. In the pedal body 10E, the second power generating section 42 further includes a second rectifier circuit 56.

[0105] <Second rectifier circuit 56> The second rectifier circuit 56 is configured to rectify a second current of a second power. The second rectifier circuit 56 is connected to the output wiring 44A and the output wiring 44B drawn from the second coil 44. The second rectifier circuit 56 rectifies the current generated in the second coil 44. As with the first rectifier circuit 36, the second rectifier circuit 56 is equipped with electronic elements such as a capacitor (not shown). The second rectifier circuit 56 includes an AC / DC converter capable of converting AC current into DC current. The AC current flowing from the second coil 44 into the second rectifier circuit 56 is rectified into DC current by the second rectifier circuit 56.

[0106] <Storage unit 38 of pedal body 10E> The power storage unit 38 is connected to the first rectifier circuit 36 ​​and the second rectifier circuit 56 . The power storage unit 38 is configured to store at least one of the first power and the second power. In this modification, the power storage unit 38 is configured to store the first power generated by the first power generation unit 12 and the second power generated by the second power generation unit 42. The power storage unit 38 is also configured to store the DC current obtained by the first rectifier circuit 36 ​​and the DC current obtained by the second rectifier circuit 56.

[0107] The first rectifier circuit 36, the second rectifier circuit 56, and the power storage unit 38 may be configured as one circuit. In other words, the pedal body 10E has one circuit unit. This circuit unit has the first rectifier circuit 36, the second rectifier circuit 56, and the power storage unit 38. At least one of the first rectifier circuit 36, the second rectifier circuit 56, and the power storage unit 38 may have a lighting circuit.

[0108] The pedal PD according to this modified example 1 having such a configuration also provides the same or similar effects as those of the above-described second embodiment. Furthermore, according to this modified example 1, the second rectifier circuit 56 can rectify the second current of the second power generated in the second coil 44. Furthermore, a DC current can be generated in each of the first rectifier circuit 36 ​​and the second rectifier circuit 56. In other words, a current can be generated without power loss caused by a phase difference between the AC power of the first power and the AC power of the second power.

[0109] <Modification 2 of the second embodiment> In FIG. 10, the same members as those in the first modified example of the second embodiment described above are denoted by the same reference numerals, and their description will be omitted or simplified. The pedal PD according to the present modified example 2 differs from the modified example 1 of the second embodiment described above in that the pedal body includes two power storage units.

[0110] As shown in FIG. 10, the pedal PD according to the present modified example 2 has a pedal body 10F. In the pedal body 10F, the first power generating unit 12 includes a first power storage unit 38, and the second power generating unit 42 includes a second power storage unit 60. The first power storage unit 38 is the same as the power storage unit 38 described above, and therefore a description of the first power storage unit 38 will be omitted.

[0111] <Second power storage unit 60> The second power storage unit 60 is connected to the second rectifier circuit 56 . The second power storage unit 60 is configured to store the second electric power generated by the second power generation unit 42. The second power storage unit 60 is also configured to store the direct current obtained by the second rectifier circuit 56. In this embodiment, the second power storage unit 60 is a secondary battery, similar to the first power storage unit 38. The second power storage unit 60 may be provided with a transformer unit such as a DC / DC converter. The second power storage unit 60 is connected to a wiring 54. The wiring 54 is drawn to the outside of the pedal body 10D through the pedal shaft 16. The wiring 54 outputs the electric power stored in the second power storage unit 60 to the human-powered vehicle B.

[0112] The first rectifier circuit 36, the second rectifier circuit 56, the first power storage unit 38, and the second power storage unit 60 may be configured as one circuit. In other words, the pedal body 10F has one circuit unit. This circuit unit has the first rectifier circuit 36, the second rectifier circuit 56, the first power storage unit 38, and the second power storage unit 60. At least one of the first rectifier circuit 36, the second rectifier circuit 56, the first power storage unit 38, and the second power storage unit 60 may have a lighting circuit.

[0113] The pedal PD according to this modified example 2 having such a configuration also provides the same or similar effects as those of the modified example 1 of the second embodiment described above. Furthermore, according to this modified example 2, the first power storage unit 38 can store the first electric power generated by the first power generation unit 12. Furthermore, the second power storage unit 60 can store the second electric power generated by the second power generation unit 42.

[0114] <Third embodiment> Next, a pedal and a human-powered vehicle according to a third embodiment will be described with reference to Figs. 11 and 12, the same members as those in the above-described embodiment and the above-described modified example are given the same reference numerals, and the description thereof will be omitted or simplified. The pedal PD according to the third embodiment differs from the above-described embodiments in that power is generated by a cleat retaining mechanism 20H.

[0115] <Pedal body 10G> The pedal body 10G has a first power generating section 12 and a second power generating section . The pedal body 10G includes a cleat retaining mechanism 20H. In this embodiment, the cleat retaining mechanisms 20H are provided on both the first pedal surface PF and the second pedal surface PS. In this embodiment, the cleat retaining mechanism 20H provided on the first pedal surface PF will be described, and the description of the cleat retaining mechanism 20H provided on the second pedal surface PS will be simplified. The cleat retaining mechanism 20H has an engagement member 62, a biasing portion 64, and an adjustment mechanism 66. As a modified example, the cleat retaining mechanism 20H may be provided on one of the first pedal surface PF and the second pedal surface PS of the pedal body 10G.

[0116] <Engagement Member 62, Urging Portion 64, and Adjustment Mechanism 66> The engagement member 62 is provided on the pedal body 10G so as to be movable between an engagement position P1 and a release position P2. Here, the engagement position P1 is a position where the pedal body 10G and the cleat 68C are engaged with each other. The release position P2 is a position where the engagement between the pedal body 10G and the cleat 68C is released. The biasing portion 64 is configured to bias the engaging member 62 from the release position P2 toward the engaging position P1. The adjustment mechanism 66 is configured to adjust the elastic restoring force of the biasing portion 64. By adjusting the adjustment mechanism 66, it is possible to adjust how easily the cleat 68C comes off the engagement member 62.

[0117] <Base part 20D> The base portion 20D has a housing portion 20F. The housing portion 20F houses the first power generation unit 12 and the second power generation unit 42. The first magnetostrictive member 28 of the first power generation unit 12 is configured to be displaced by the movement of the engagement member 62. In other words, the pedal body 10G is configured to deform the first magnetostrictive member 28 in conjunction with the movement of the engagement member 62. As described above, the first power generating unit 12 includes the first rectifier circuit 36 ​​and the power storage unit 38. The power storage unit 38 is connected to the wiring 54. The wiring 54 extends toward the inside of the crank arm CA2 via the pedal shaft 16. The wiring 54 is connected to electrical devices mounted on the human-powered vehicle B, such as a power meter, a cycle computer, a gear shifter, and an operating device for the gear shifter.

[0118] The cleat retaining mechanism 20H provided on the second pedal surface PS also has an engagement member 62, a biasing portion 64, and an adjustment mechanism 66. In this configuration, the second magnetostrictive member 46 of the second power generating unit 42 is configured to be displaced by movement of the engagement member 62. In other words, the pedal body 10G is configured to deform the second magnetostrictive member 46 in conjunction with the movement of the engagement member 62. Regarding the positional relationship between the first magnetostrictive member 28 and the second magnetostrictive member 46, the first magnetostrictive member 28 extends in the longitudinal direction LD, and the second magnetostrictive member 46 extends in the longitudinal direction LD.

[0119] <Shoes for human-powered vehicles 68> As shown in Fig. 12, the shoe 68 for a human-powered vehicle is worn on the foot of a user who uses the human-powered vehicle B. The shoe 68 for a human-powered vehicle has at least a sole 68S, a cleat 68C, and a fastening member 68F. The cleat 68C is fixed to the sole 68S by the fastening member 68F. When a user wearing shoe 68 for a human-powered vehicle steps on pedal body 10G of pedal PD, cleat 68C is configured to engage with engagement member 62. In addition, when cleat 68C is engaged with engagement member 62, the engagement state between cleat 68C and engagement member 62 can be released by twisting the heel of the user relative to the pedal body.

[0120] <Action and effect> When the pedal body 10G and the cleat 68C are engaged, the engagement member 62 moves from the release position P2 toward the engagement position P1. When the pedal body 10G and the cleat 68C are released from the engagement state, the engagement member 62 moves from the engagement position P1 toward the release position P2. This allows the first magnetostrictive member 28 to deform in conjunction with the movement of the engagement member 62. The deformation of the first magnetostrictive member 28 causes an inverse magnetostrictive effect, and the first electric power can be generated in the first coil 26 of the first power generating unit 12. Similarly, in the second power generating unit 42, the second magnetostrictive member 46 can be deformed in conjunction with the movement of the engaging member 62. The deformation of the second magnetostrictive member 46 causes an inverse magnetostrictive effect, and a second electric power can be generated in the second coil 44 of the second power generating unit 42.

[0121] Furthermore, the first magnetostrictive member 28 can be deformed in conjunction with the movement of the engaging member 62 accompanying the release of the engagement between the pedal body 10G and the cleat 68C. The occurrence of the inverse magnetostrictive effect accompanying the deformation of the first magnetostrictive member 28 is promoted, and a larger first electric power can be generated in the first coil 26 of the first power generating unit 12. A similar effect also occurs in the second power generating unit 42, enabling a larger second electric power to be generated.

[0122] <Modification of the third embodiment> In addition to the configuration of the pedal body 10G described above, the pedal body 10G may have a leaf spring configured to be pressed by the cleat 68C of the shoe 68. In other words, the first power generating unit has a leaf spring. The leaf spring is provided, for example, on at least one of the first pedal surface PF and the second pedal surface PS. The leaf spring may be provided, for example, on the cleat holding mechanism 20H. The leaf spring is configured to deform the first magnetostrictive member described above. The material constituting the leaf spring is not particularly limited, and the leaf spring may be made of, for example, fiber-reinforced plastic such as carbon fiber.

[0123] With this configuration, when the pedal body 10G and the cleat 68C engage, the leaf spring is pressed against the cleat 68C, causing the magnetostrictive member to deform, and electricity can be generated. Also, when the pedal body 10G and the cleat 68C are disengaged, the leaf spring is released from its pressed state by the action of its restoring force. This causes the magnetostrictive member to deform, and electricity can be generated.

[0124] <Fourth embodiment> Next, a pedal and a human-powered vehicle according to a fourth embodiment will be described with reference to Figs. In FIG. 13, the same members as those in the above-described embodiment and the above-described modified example are given the same reference numerals, and the description thereof will be omitted or simplified. The fourth embodiment differs from the third embodiment in that the pedal body and the cleat are made of resin.

[0125] <Pedal body 10H> The pedal body 10H includes a cleat holding mechanism 20H, a resin support portion 20I, and a first power generating portion 12. In this embodiment, the cleat retaining mechanism 20H is provided only on the first pedal surface PF. The cleat retaining mechanism 20H has a resin engagement member 70, a biasing portion 64, and an adjustment mechanism 66.

[0126] <Resin engaging member 70> The resin engaging member 70 is provided on the pedal body 10H so as to be movable between an engagement position P1 and a release position P2. The biasing portion 64 is configured to bias the resin engaging member 70 from the release position P2 toward the engagement position P1. The resin engaging member 70 is an example of an engaging member.

[0127] <Resin supporting portion 20I, base portion 20D> The resin support portion 20I is a portion extending from the base portion 20D toward the +FRD direction. The resin support portion 20I has a cleat insertion opening 20J and a cleat engagement portion 20L. The cleat insertion opening 20J is a portion into which a resin cleat is inserted. The cleat engagement portion 20L is a portion that engages with the resin cleat when the resin cleat is inserted into the cleat insertion opening 20J. The resin support portion 20I and the base portion 20D are formed of resin. The resin support portion 20I and the base portion 20D have a housing portion 20F. The first movable portion 30 is housed in the housing portion 20F of the resin support portion 20I. The first power generation portion 12 is housed in the housing portion 20F of the base portion 20D. The first magnetostrictive member 28 of the first power generation portion 12 is configured to be displaced by the movement of the resin engagement member 70. Furthermore, the first magnetostrictive member 28 of the first power generating unit 12 is configured to be displaced by the movement of the first movable part 30. That is, the pedal body 10H is configured to deform the first magnetostrictive member 28 in conjunction with the movement of the resin engaging member 70 and the first movable part 30.

[0128] As described above, the first power generating section 12 includes the first rectifier circuit 36 ​​and the power storage section 38. The power storage section 38 is connected to the wiring 54.

[0129] <Shoes 68 and Resin Cleats 68D> 14, a shoe 68 according to this embodiment has at least a sole 68S, a resin cleat 68D, and a fastening member 68F. The resin cleat 68D is fixed to the sole 68S by the fastening member 68F. The resin cleat 68D has a front engagement projection 68M and a rear engagement projection 68R. The front engagement projection 68M is a portion of the resin cleat 68D that is located on the +FRD direction side. The resin cleat 68D is configured to engage with the cleat engagement portion 20L when the resin cleat 68D is inserted into the cleat insertion opening 20J. The rear engagement projection 68R is a portion of the resin cleat 68D that is located on the -FRD direction side. The rear engagement projection 68R is configured to engage with the resin engagement member 70 when the resin cleat 68D is engaged with the cleat engagement portion 20L.

[0130] <Action and effect> First, the user puts on the shoe 68 having the resin cleat 68D fixed to the sole 68S by the fastening member 68F. When engaging the pedal body 10H with the resin cleat 68D, the user first inserts the front engagement projection 68M of the resin cleat 68D fixed to the sole 68S into the cleat insertion opening 20J and hooks the front engagement projection 68M into the cleat engagement portion 20L. In this state, the user presses the rear engagement projection 68R against the resin engagement member 70. This moves the resin engagement member 70 from the release position P2 toward the engagement position P1. Furthermore, when releasing the engagement between the pedal body 10H and the resin cleat 68D, the user twists the heel relative to the pedal body 10H, which causes the resin engagement member 70 to move from the engagement position P1 toward the release position P2.

[0131] Furthermore, when the resin cleat 68D is engaged with the pedal body 10H, the force of the user is applied to the resin support portion 20I in the -TD direction, and the resin support portion 20I is deformed. The first movable portion 30 moves in accordance with the deformation of the resin support portion 20I. This allows the first magnetostrictive member 28 to deform in conjunction with the movement of the resin engaging member 70 and the movement of the first movable part 30. Therefore, an inverse magnetostrictive effect occurs in association with the deformation of the first magnetostrictive member 28, and a first electric power can be generated in the first coil 26 of the first power generating part 12.

[0132] Furthermore, when the resin cleat 68D is released from the pedal body 10H, the first magnetostrictive member 28 can be deformed in conjunction with the movement of the resin engaging member 70 accompanying the release of the engagement between the pedal body 10H and the cleat. The generation of the inverse magnetostrictive effect accompanying the deformation of the first magnetostrictive member 28 is promoted, and a larger first electric power can be generated in the first coil 26 of the first power generating unit 12.

[0133] <Fifth embodiment> Next, a pedal and a human-powered vehicle according to a fifth embodiment will be described with reference to Figs. 15 and 16, the same members as those in the above-described embodiment and the above-described modified example are given the same reference numerals, and the description thereof will be omitted or simplified. The pedal PD according to the fifth embodiment differs from the above-described embodiments in that electric power generated by a shoe for a human-powered vehicle is input to the pedal PD.

[0134] <Pedal body 10I> The pedal body 10I has a wiring 54, a base portion 20D, and a power input portion 72. The base portion 20D has a housing portion 20F. The housing portion 20F has a connection circuit 20K that electrically connects the wiring 54 and the power input portion 72.

[0135] The power input section 72 has a first input terminal 70A, a second input terminal 70B, a third input terminal 72A, and a fourth input terminal 72B. The input terminals 70A, 70B, 72A, and 72B are connected to a connection circuit 20K within the base section 20D.

[0136] <Shoes for human-powered vehicles 68> 16, the shoe 68 for a human-powered vehicle is worn on the foot of a user who uses the human-powered vehicle B. The shoe 68 for a human-powered vehicle has at least a sole 68S and a power output unit 74.

[0137] The power output section 74 has a first output terminal 76A, a second output terminal 76B, a third output terminal 78A, a fourth output terminal 78B, and a generator 80. The output terminals 76A, 76B, 78A, and 78B are electrically connected to the generator 80. The generator 80 is, for example, a magnetostrictive power generating device that utilizes the inverse magnetostrictive effect, similar to the above-described first power generating unit 12. The generator 80 may have a rectifier circuit and a power storage unit similar to the above-described first rectifier circuit 36 ​​and power storage unit 38.

[0138] <Action and effect> When a user is wearing shoes 68 for a human-powered vehicle and places the shoes 68 on the pedal body 10I, the first input terminal 70A is electrically connected to the first output terminal 76A, the second input terminal 70B is electrically connected to the second output terminal 76B, the third input terminal 72A is electrically connected to the third output terminal 78A, and the fourth input terminal 72B is electrically connected to the fourth output terminal 78B. In this state, the electric power of the generator 80 is supplied to the wiring 54 via the electric power output unit 74, the electric power input unit 72, and the connection circuit 20K. Therefore, the electric power of the generator 80 can be supplied to the electric devices connected to the human-powered vehicle B via the wiring 54. Such electric devices are, for example, a power meter, a cycle computer, a gear shift, and an operating device for the gear shift.

[0139] <Modification 1 of the Fifth Embodiment> The power output unit 74 and the power input unit 72 may be connected with the pedal body 10I and the shoe 68 fixed by the cleat retaining mechanism 20H. This makes it possible to stabilize the connection state between the output terminals 76A, 76B, 78A, 78B and the input terminals 70A, 70B, 72A, 72B. Therefore, power can be stably supplied from the generator 80 to the wiring 54.

[0140] <Modification 2 of the Fifth Embodiment> In addition to the above-mentioned configuration, the pedal body 10I may include at least one of the first power generating unit 12 and the second power generating unit 42. This allows not only the power generated in the shoe 68 but also the power generated in at least one of the first power generating unit 12 and the second power generating unit 42 to be supplied to the wiring 54.

[0141] Sixth embodiment Next, a pedal and a human-powered vehicle according to a sixth embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. In FIG. 17, the same members as those in the above-described embodiment and the above-described modified example are given the same reference numerals, and the description thereof will be omitted or simplified. The pedal PD according to the sixth embodiment differs from the above-described embodiments in that power is generated by rotation of the pedal PD around the pedal shaft 16. In FIG. 17, a crank arm CA2 that rotatably supports the pedal shaft 16 and is rotatable around a crank shaft CA1 is shown by a dotted line. As shown in FIG. 17, the pedal PD has a pedal body 10J and an eccentric cam 82.

[0142] <Pedal body 10J> The pedal body 10J has a first pedal portion 84F and a second pedal portion 84S. The first pedal section 84F has a housing section 20F, a first power generating section 12, and a first movable section 30. In the first pedal section 84F, the housing section 20F houses the first power generating section 12 and a part of the first movable section 30. Furthermore, the first pedal section 84F has a first inner wall 86F. The first movable section 30 protrudes from the first inner wall 86F toward the pedal shaft 16. The first movable section 30 is a section that comes into contact with the eccentric cam 82 when the pedal body 10J rotates around the pedal shaft 16. The first movable section 30 is configured to move in association with the contact with the eccentric cam 82 and to deform the first magnetostrictive member 28 of the first power generating section 12.

[0143] The second pedal section 84S has a housing section 20F, a second power generating section 42, and a second movable section 48. In the second pedal section 84S, the housing section 20F houses the second power generating section 42 and a part of the second movable section 48. Furthermore, the second pedal section 84S has a second inner wall 86S. The second movable section 48 protrudes from the second inner wall 86S toward the pedal shaft 16. The second movable section 48 is a portion that comes into contact with the eccentric cam 82 when the pedal body 10J rotates around the pedal shaft 16. The second movable section 48 is configured to move in association with the contact with the eccentric cam 82 and to deform the second magnetostrictive member 46 of the second power generating section 42.

[0144] <Eccentric cam 82> The eccentric cam 82 is integral with the crank arm CA2. The eccentric cam 82 is configured to rotate relatively to the pedal body 10J. The eccentric cam 82 is disposed between the first pedal portion 84F and the second pedal portion 84S in the front-rear direction FRD. In other words, the eccentric cam 82 faces each of the first inner wall 86F and the second inner wall 86S. The eccentric cam 82 has a cam fixing portion 88, a cam non-contact portion 90, and a cam rotation contact portion 92. The cam fixing portion 88 is disposed around the pedal shaft 16. The cam fixing portion 88 is supported by the pedal shaft 16. The cam non-contact portion 90 is a portion that does not contact either the first movable portion 30 or the second movable portion 48 even when the pedal body 10J rotates around the pedal shaft 16. The cam rotation contact portion 92 is a portion that continuously contacts either the first movable portion 30 or the second movable portion 48 as the pedal body 10J rotates around the pedal shaft 16.

[0145] <Action and effect> When a user riding on the human-powered vehicle B rotates the pedal PD with his / her shoe, the pedal body 10J rotates around the pedal shaft 16. With the rotation of the pedal body 10J, the eccentric cam 82 rotates in the direction indicated by the symbol R1. When the eccentric cam 82 is rotating, the cam rotation contact portion 92 comes into contact with the first movable portion 30, and the cam rotation contact portion 92 presses the first movable portion 30, and power is generated in the first power generating unit 12. Similarly, when the eccentric cam 82 is rotating, the cam rotation contact portion 92 comes into contact with the second movable portion 48, and the cam rotation contact portion 92 presses the second movable portion 48, and power is generated in the second power generating unit 42.

[0146] Furthermore, because the cam non-contact portion 90 does not contact either the first movable portion 30 or the second movable portion 48, the first movable portion 30 and the second movable portion 48 pressed by the cam rotation contact portion 92 return to their original positions. In this manner, the eccentric cam 82 is continuously brought into and out of contact with the first movable portion 30, and the eccentric cam 82 is continuously brought into and out of contact with the second movable portion 48, so that power generation in each of the first power generating unit 12 and the second power generating unit 42 can be continuously performed. In the above embodiment, the number of each of the cam non-contact portion 90 and the cam rotation contact portion 92 is one. The eccentric cam 82 may have a plurality of cam non-contact portions 90 and a plurality of cam rotation contact portions 92. The shape of the eccentric cam 82 is not limited to the shape shown in Fig. 17. As long as it is possible to continuously press each of the first movable part 30 and the second movable part 48 and to release the pressed state, the shape of the eccentric cam 82 is appropriately selected. [Explanation of symbols]

[0147] 10, 10A, 10B, 10C, 10D, 10E, 10F, 10G, 10H, 10I, 10J pedal body, 12 first power generating section, 14 first stepping section, 16 pedal shaft, 16A pedal engagement section, 18 bearing, 20A first extension section, 20B second extension section, 20C third extension section, 20D base section, 20E connecting section, 20F storage section, 20G fourth extension section, 20H cleat holding mechanism, 20I resin support section, 20J cleat insertion port, 20K connection circuit, 20L cleat engagement section, 22 protrusion section, 24 opening, 26 first coil, 26A, 26B output wiring, 28 first magnetostrictive member, 30 first movable section, 30A tip arm section, 30B central arm section, 30C Base end arm portion, 32A first portion, 32B second portion, 32F first frame, 32Y first yoke portion, 34 magnetic flux forming member, 36 first rectifier circuit, 38 first power storage portion (power storage portion), 40 second step portion, 42 second power generating portion, 44 second coil, 44A, 44B output wiring, 46 second magnetostrictive member, 48 second movable portion, 50 second frame, 52 second yoke portion, 54 wiring, 56 second rectifier circuit, 60 second power storage portion, 62 engagement member, 64 biasing portion, 66 adjustment mechanism, 68 shoe, 68C cleat, 68F fastening member, 68M front engagement protrusion, 68R rear engagement protrusion, 68S sole, 70 resin engagement member, 70A first input terminal (input terminal), 70B second input terminal (input terminal), 72 power input portion, 72A third input terminal (input terminal), 72B fourth input terminal (input terminal), 74 power output section, 76A first output terminal (output terminal), 76B second output terminal (output terminal), 78A third output terminal (output terminal), 78B fourth output terminal (output terminal), 80 generator, 82 eccentric cam, 84F first pedal section, 84S second pedal section, 86F first inner wall, 86S second inner wall, 88 cam fixing section, 90 cam non-contact section, 92 cam rotating contact section, B human-powered vehicle, C crank, CA1 crankshaft, CA2 crank arm, CN chain, DT drive train, F vehicle frame, FB front frame, FS front sprocket, FW front wheel, P1 engagement position, P2 release position, PD pedal, PF first pedal surface, PS second pedal surface, RS rear sprocket, RW rear wheel

Claims

1. A pedal for a human-powered vehicle, a pedal body having a first step portion to which a driving force is input; a first power generating unit including a first coil and a first magnetostrictive member, the first magnetostrictive member being deformed in response to input of the driving force to the first step portion, thereby generating a first electric power in the first coil; A pedal equipped with

2. The first power generating unit further includes a first movable portion that moves relative to the first step portion to deform the first magnetostrictive member. A pedal as claimed in claim 1.

3. The first power generation unit is The magnetostrictive magnet according to the present invention has a first frame to which the first magnetostrictive member is attached, and a first yoke portion that supports the first frame so as to be capable of swinging and that includes a magnetic material. A pedal as claimed in claim 1.

4. The pedal body further includes a pedal shaft that is provided so as to be connectable to the human-powered vehicle; The pedal shaft extends in a longitudinal direction, and the first magnetostrictive member extends along the longitudinal direction. A pedal as claimed in claim 1.

5. The pedal body further includes a pedal shaft that is provided so as to be connectable to the human-powered vehicle; The pedal shaft extends in a longitudinal direction, and the first magnetostrictive member extends non-parallel to the longitudinal direction. A pedal as claimed in claim 1.

6. The first power generation unit further includes a first rectifier circuit that rectifies a first current of the first power. A pedal according to any one of claims 1 to 5.

7. The power generating device further includes a power storage unit that stores the first power generated by the first power generating unit. A pedal as claimed in claim 1.

8. The pedal body further includes a second step portion, to which the driving force is input, at a position different from the first step portion. A pedal as claimed in claim 1.

9. a second power generating unit including a second coil and a second magnetostrictive member, the second coil generating a second electric power by the second magnetostrictive member being deformed in response to the input of the driving force to the second step portion, A pedal as claimed in claim 8.

10. The second power generating unit further includes a second movable unit that moves relative to the second step portion to deform the second magnetostrictive member. A pedal as claimed in claim 9.

11. The second power generation unit is a second frame to which the second magnetostrictive member is attached and a second yoke portion that supports the second frame so as to be able to swing and that includes a magnetic material; A pedal as claimed in claim 9.

12. The pedal body further includes a pedal shaft that is provided so as to be connectable to the human-powered vehicle; The pedal shaft extends in a longitudinal direction, The second magnetostrictive member extends along the longitudinal direction. A pedal as claimed in claim 9.

13. The pedal body further includes a pedal shaft that is provided so as to be connectable to the human-powered vehicle; The pedal shaft extends in a longitudinal direction, and the second magnetostrictive member extends non-parallel to the longitudinal direction. A pedal as claimed in claim 9.

14. The second power generation unit further includes a second rectifier circuit that rectifies a second current of the second power. A pedal as claimed in claim 9.

15. The pedal body further includes an engagement member that is provided on the pedal body and is movable between an engagement position where the pedal body and the cleat are engaged and a release position where the engagement between the pedal body and the cleat is released, The first magnetostrictive member is deformed in association with the movement of the engaging member. A pedal as claimed in claim 1.

16. The engaging member may further include a biasing portion that biases the engaging member from the release position toward the engaging position. A pedal as claimed in claim 15.

17. A pedal for a human-powered vehicle, a pedal body having a first step portion to which a driving force is input and a second step portion disposed at a position different from the first step portion and to which the driving force is input; a first power generating unit including a first coil, a first magnetostrictive member, and a first rectifier circuit, the first magnetostrictive member deforming in response to the input of the driving force to the first step portion to generate a first electric power in which a first current flows through the first coil, and the first electric power is rectified by the first rectifier circuit that rectifies the first current; a second power generating unit including a second coil, a second magnetostrictive member, and a second rectifier circuit, the first magnetostrictive member deforming in response to the input of the driving force to the second step portion to generate a second electric power in which a second current flows through the second coil, and the second current is rectified by the second rectifier circuit; a power storage unit configured to store at least one of the first power and the second power; A pedal equipped with

18. The first magnetostrictive member extends in a longitudinal direction, The second magnetostrictive member extends along the longitudinal direction.

18. A pedal as claimed in claim 17.

Images