Transmission for human-powered vehicle and component for human-powered vehicle

Abstract

To provide a transmission for a human-powered vehicle which can perform gear change preferably, and to provide a component for a human-powered vehicle.SOLUTION: A transmission for a human-powered vehicle includes a first gear change part and a second gear change part. The first gear change part is configured to select a ratio of a rotation speed of a first output rotating body to a rotation speed of a first input rotating body from a plurality of first speed ratios. The second gear change part is configured to select a ratio of a rotation speed of a second output rotating body to a rotation speed of a second input rotating body from a plurality of second speed ratios. The first speed ratios are 1 or more, and the second speed ratios are 1 or smaller. The first gear change part has a first gear change pitch and the second gear change part has a second gear change pitch. The first gear change pitch is a ratio of a second predetermined speed ratio to a first predetermined speed ratio. The second gear change pitch is a ratio of a fourth predetermined speed ratio to a third predetermined speed ratio. The first gear change pitch is smaller than the second gear change pitch.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 7

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a transmission for a human-powered vehicle and components for a human-powered vehicle.

Background Art

[0002] For example, Patent Document 1 discloses components including a transmission.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] One object of the present disclosure is to provide a transmission for a human-powered vehicle and components for a human-powered vehicle that can be suitably shifted.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0005] A transmission according to a first aspect of the present disclosure is a transmission for a human-powered vehicle that can be changed to a plurality of different gear ratios, and includes a first transmission unit to which a driving force is input from an input rotating body to which a human driving force is input, and a second transmission unit to which a driving force is input from the first transmission unit. The first transmission unit includes a first input rotating body and a first output rotating body, and the ratio of the rotational speed of the first output rotating body to the rotational speed of the first input rotating body is configured to be selectable from a plurality of first gear ratios. The second transmission unit includes a second input rotating body and a second output rotating body, and the ratio of the rotational speed of the second output rotating body to the rotational speed of the second input rotating body is configured to be selectable from a plurality of second gear ratios. All of the plurality of first gear ratios are 1 or more, and all of the plurality of second gear ratios are 1 or less. The first transmission unit has a first transmission pitch, and the second transmission unit has a second transmission pitch. The plurality of first gear ratios include a first predetermined gear ratio and a second predetermined gear ratio that is greater than the first predetermined gear ratio. The first transmission pitch is the ratio of the second predetermined gear ratio to the first predetermined gear ratio. The plurality of second gear ratios include a third predetermined gear ratio and a fourth predetermined gear ratio that is greater than the third predetermined gear ratio. The second transmission pitch is the ratio of the fourth predetermined gear ratio to the third predetermined gear ratio. The first transmission pitch is smaller than the second transmission pitch. According to the transmission of the first aspect, since the first transmission pitch is smaller than the second transmission pitch, the acceleration torque or deceleration torque due to inertia when the first gear ratio is switched between the first predetermined gear ratio and the second predetermined gear ratio can be reduced. Therefore, when the first gear ratio is switched between the first predetermined gear ratio and the second predetermined gear ratio, the rider is less likely to feel discomfort, and the transmission can be shifted preferably.

[0006] In a transmission of a second aspect according to the first aspect of the present disclosure, the first transmission pitch is greater than 1.0 and equal to or less than 1.3. According to the transmission of the second aspect, the first transmission pitch can be set to a suitable value.

[0007] In a transmission of a third aspect according to the first or second aspect of the present disclosure, the second transmission pitch is equal to or greater than 1.8 and equal to or less than 2.1. According to the transmission of the third aspect, the second shift pitch can be set to a suitable value.

[0008] In the transmission of the fourth aspect according to any one of the first to third aspects of the present disclosure, the difference between the maximum value and the minimum value of the first shift pitch is 0.01 or more and 0.02 or less. According to the transmission of the fourth aspect, when the transmission ratio is changed by sequentially changing the first transmission ratio, the first shift pitch is always within the range of 0.01 or more and 0.02 or less, so that the rider is less likely to feel discomfort.

[0009] In the transmission of the fifth aspect according to any one of the first to fourth aspects of the present disclosure, the difference between the maximum value and the minimum value of the second shift pitch is 0.06 or more and 0.07 or less. According to the transmission of the fifth aspect, when the transmission ratio is changed by sequentially changing the second transmission ratio, the second shift pitch is always within the range of 0.06 or more and 0.07 or less, so that the rider is less likely to feel discomfort.

[0010] In the transmission of the sixth aspect according to any one of the first to fifth aspects of the present disclosure, the number of the plurality of first transmission ratios is larger than the number of the plurality of second transmission ratios. According to the transmission of the sixth aspect, the first transmission part can perform more stages of speed change than the second transmission part.

[0011] In the transmission of the seventh aspect according to any one of the first to sixth aspects of the present disclosure, each of the plurality of different transmission ratios is determined by a combination of one selected from the plurality of first transmission ratios and one selected from the plurality of second transmission ratios. According to the transmission of the seventh aspect, a multi-stage transmission ratio can be preferably realized by the combination of the first transmission part and the second transmission part.

[0012] In a transmission according to an eighth aspect that follows any one of the first to seventh aspects of the present disclosure, the first transmission unit has a plurality of first planetary gear mechanisms, and each of the plurality of first gear ratios corresponds to each of the plurality of first planetary gear mechanisms. According to the transmission of the eighth aspect, the first transmission unit can suitably realize a plurality of first gear ratios by the plurality of first planetary gear mechanisms.

[0013] In a transmission according to a ninth aspect that follows any one of the first to eighth aspects of the present disclosure, the second transmission unit has a plurality of second planetary gear mechanisms, and each of the plurality of second gear ratios corresponds to each of the plurality of second planetary gear mechanisms. According to the transmission of the ninth aspect, the second transmission unit can suitably realize a plurality of second gear ratios by the plurality of second planetary gear mechanisms.

[0014] In a transmission according to a tenth aspect that follows any one of the first to ninth aspects of the present disclosure, the first transmission unit has a first planetary gear unit, the first planetary gear unit includes a first planetary gear, a first carrier that supports the first planetary gear, a first sun gear that meshes with the first planetary gear, and a first ring gear that meshes with the first planetary gear. By controlling the rotational state of one of the first sun gear, the first carrier, and the first ring gear, one of the plurality of first gear ratios is selected. The second transmission unit has a second planetary gear unit, the second planetary gear unit includes a second planetary gear, a second carrier that supports the second planetary gear, a second sun gear that meshes with the second planetary gear, and a second ring gear that meshes with the second planetary gear. By controlling the rotational state of one of the second sun gear, the second carrier, and the second ring gear, one of the plurality of second gear ratios is selected. According to the transmission of the 10th aspect, by controlling the rotational state of one of the first sun gear, the first carrier, and the first ring gear, the first speed change section can suitably select one of a plurality of first speed ratios. According to the transmission of the 10th aspect, by controlling the rotational state of one of the second sun gear, the second carrier, and the second ring gear, the second speed change section can suitably select one of a plurality of second speed ratios.

[0015] In the transmission of the 11th aspect according to the 10th aspect of the present disclosure, the first speed change section further includes a third planetary gear unit, and the third planetary gear unit includes a third planetary gear, a third carrier that supports the third planetary gear, a third sun gear that meshes with the third planetary gear, and a third ring gear that meshes with the third planetary gear. By controlling the rotational state of one of the third sun gear, the third carrier, and the third ring gear, one of the plurality of first speed ratios is selected. According to the transmission of the 11th aspect, by controlling the rotational state of one of the third sun gear, the third carrier, and the third ring gear, the first speed change section can suitably select one of a plurality of first speed ratios.

[0016] In the transmission of the 12th aspect according to the 11th aspect of the present disclosure, a part of the first carrier is integrally formed with a part of the third carrier. According to the transmission of the 12th aspect, since a part of the first carrier is integrally formed with a part of the second carrier, the number of parts can be reduced.

[0017] In a transmission according to a thirteenth aspect among the first to twelfth aspects of the present disclosure, the second speed change section further includes a fourth planetary gear unit, and the fourth planetary gear unit includes a fourth planetary gear, a fourth carrier that supports the fourth planetary gear, a fourth sun gear that meshes with the fourth planetary gear, and a fourth ring gear that meshes with the fourth planetary gear. By controlling the rotational state of one of the fourth sun gear, the fourth carrier, and the fourth ring gear, one of the plurality of second speed ratios is selected. The second speed change section further includes a fifth planetary gear unit, and the fifth planetary gear unit includes a fifth planetary gear, a fifth carrier that supports the fifth planetary gear, a fifth sun gear that meshes with the fifth planetary gear, and a fifth ring gear that meshes with the fifth planetary gear. By controlling the rotational state of one of the fifth sun gear, the fifth carrier, and the fifth ring gear, one of the plurality of second speed ratios is selected. According to the transmission of the thirteenth aspect, by controlling the rotational state of one of the fourth sun gear, the fourth carrier, and the fourth ring gear, the second speed change section can preferably select one of the plurality of second speed ratios.

[0018] In a transmission according to a fourteenth aspect among the first to thirteenth aspects of the present disclosure, the transmission further includes a power transmission section that connects the input rotating body and the first speed change section, and the power transmission section is configured to change the ratio of the rotational speed of the first input rotating body to the rotational speed of the input rotating body to a predetermined ratio. According to the transmission of the fourteenth aspect, the power transmission section can change the torque of the input rotating body to a suitable torque and transmit it to the transmission.

[0019] In a transmission according to a fifteenth aspect that follows the fourteenth aspect of the present disclosure, the power transmission section includes at least one power transmission planetary gear unit. According to the transmission of the fifteenth aspect, the power transmission section can change the torque of the input rotating body to a suitable torque by at least one power transmission planetary gear unit and transmit it to the transmission.

[0020] In a transmission according to a 16th aspect of any one of the 1st to 15th aspects of the present disclosure, the transmission further includes a shaft member disposed at a distance from the input rotating body, and the 1st transmission unit and the 2nd transmission unit are disposed on the shaft member. According to the transmission of the 16th aspect, the shaft member can dispose the 1st transmission unit and the 2nd transmission unit at a distance from the input rotating body.

[0021] In a transmission according to a 17th aspect of any one of the 1st to 16th aspects of the present disclosure, the transmission further includes a housing attachable to a frame of the human-powered vehicle, and in a state where the housing is attached to the frame, a driving force output from the 2nd output rotating body is configured to be transmitted to a driving wheel of the human-powered vehicle via a transmission member. According to the transmission of the 17th aspect, the housing can protect the transmission.

[0022] In a transmission according to an 18th aspect of any one of the 1st to 17th aspects of the present disclosure, the transmission further includes the input rotating body, and the input rotating body includes a crankshaft. According to the transmission of the 18th aspect, a human-powered driving force input to the crankshaft can be suitably shifted.

[0023] A component according to a 19th aspect of the present disclosure is a component for a human-powered vehicle, and includes the transmission according to any one of the 1st to 18th aspects and a drive motor configured to apply a propulsive force to the human-powered vehicle. According to the component of the 19th aspect, the transmission can suitably shift the rotational speed of the input rotating body, and the drive motor can apply a propulsive force to the human-powered vehicle.

Advantages of the Invention

[0024] The transmission for a human-powered vehicle and the component for a human-powered vehicle according to the present disclosure can be suitably shifted.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0025]

Figure 1

Figure 2

Figure 3

Figure 4

Figure 5

Figure 6

Figure 7

Figure 8

Figure 9

Figure 10

Figure 11

Figure 12

Figure 13

Figure 14

Figure 15

Figure 16

Figure 17

Figure 18

Figure 19

Figure 20

Figure 21

Figure 22

Figure 23

Figure 24

Embodiments for Carrying Out the Invention

[0026] <First Embodiment> With reference to FIGS. 1 to 19, the transmission 24 for a human-powered vehicle and the component 20 for a human-powered vehicle of the first embodiment will be described.

[0027] A human-powered vehicle is a vehicle that has at least one wheel and can be driven by at least human driving force. Human-powered vehicles include various types of bicycles such as, for example, mountain bikes, road bikes, city bikes, cargo bikes, hand bikes, and recumbents. The number of wheels a human-powered vehicle has is not limited. Human-powered vehicles also include, for example, vehicles with one wheel and vehicles with two or more wheels. A human-powered vehicle is not limited to a vehicle that can be driven only by human driving force. Human-powered vehicles include E-bikes that utilize the driving force of an electric motor in addition to human driving force. E-bikes include electric assist bicycles whose propulsion is assisted by an electric motor. Hereinafter, in each embodiment, the human-powered vehicle will be described as a bicycle.

[0028] A human-powered vehicle includes, for example, a vehicle body and wheels. The vehicle body includes, for example, a frame. The wheels are provided, for example, on the frame. The wheels include a front wheel and a rear wheel. The human-powered vehicle includes a crankshaft 10 that is rotatable with respect to the frame. Crank arms 12 are provided at each end of the crankshaft 10 in the axial direction A1. Pedals are connected to each of the crank arms 12. The crankshaft 10 receives human driving force from the crank arms 12 and the pedals.

[0029] Component 20 is provided, for example, in the transmission path of the human driving force from the crankshaft 10 to the drive wheels of the human-powered vehicle. The drive wheels include, for example, at least one of the front wheel and the rear wheel. The drive wheels include, for example, the rear wheel. Component 20 is arranged around the input rotation center axis C1 of the crankshaft 10. Component 20 may be provided on the axle of the drive wheel.

[0030] As shown in FIGS. 1 to 4, the component 20 for a human-powered vehicle includes, for example, a shaft member 22, a transmission 24, a control unit 26, and a drive unit 30. The control unit 26 controls the transmission 24 so as to change the gear ratio step by step, for example. The drive unit 30 is for driving the control unit 26, for example.

[0031] Component 20 includes, for example, an input rotating body 32. An input driving force is input to the input rotating body 32, for example. The input rotating body 32 constitutes, for example, part of a transmission path for the input driving force. The input rotating body 32 has, for example, an input rotation central axis C1. The input rotating body 32 includes, for example, a crankshaft 10.

[0032] Component 20 includes, for example, an output rotating shaft 34. The output rotating shaft 34 extends substantially parallel to the input rotating body 32, for example. In this specification, the description “substantially parallel” means, for example, the case where it is completely parallel or the case where, although not completely parallel, it can be regarded as completely parallel. The case where it can be regarded as completely parallel is, for example, the case where the function of Component 20 is not significantly affected by not being parallel.

[0033] The output rotating shaft 34 is arranged at a distance from the crankshaft 10, for example, and outputs the driving force input from the transmission 24. The output rotating shaft 34 is provided, for example, in the transmission path for the input driving force. In the transmission path for the input driving force, a transmission 24 and a power transmission unit 42 are provided between the input rotating body 32 and the output rotating shaft 34.

[0034] The output rotating shaft 34 is configured to output the driving force to the driving wheels, for example. The driving force of the output rotating shaft 34 is transmitted to the driving wheels via a transmission member 14, for example. The driving wheels include, for example, the rear wheels. The driving wheels may include the front wheels.

[0035] As shown in FIGS. 1 and 7, Component 20 includes, for example, an output rotating body 36. The output rotating body 36 includes at least one of a sprocket, a pulley, and a bevel gear, for example. The transmission member 14 includes at least one of a chain, a belt, and a shaft, for example. The output rotating shaft 34 transmits the driving force to the rear wheels via a sprocket and a chain, for example.

[0036] The output rotating body 36 is attached to the output rotating shaft 34, for example. The output rotating shaft 34 includes, for example, an output rotating body attachment portion 34A. The output rotating body attachment portion 34A includes, for example, a sprocket attachment portion. The output rotating body 36 is attached to the output rotating body attachment portion 34A so as to rotate integrally with the output rotating shaft 34, for example. The output rotating body 36 outputs the driving force input from the transmission 24 to the output rotating body 36 via the output rotating shaft 34, for example. The output rotating body 36 is arranged coaxially with the output rotating shaft 34, for example. The rotation direction of the output rotating body 36 is substantially the same as the rotation direction of the input rotating body 32, for example.

[0037] The output rotating body 36 is connected to the wheel via the transmission member 14, for example. The output rotating shaft 34 is configured to transmit the driving force to the rear wheel via the output rotating body 36 and the transmission member 14, for example.

[0038] As shown in FIG. 7, the crankshaft 10 has a larger diameter than the output rotating shaft 34, for example. The diameter R1 of the crankshaft 10 is, for example, the diameter of the portion to which the crank arm 12 shown in FIG. 1 is attached. The diameter R2 of the output rotating shaft 34 is, for example, the diameter of the output rotating body attachment portion 34A. The diameter R1 may be the minimum diameter of the crankshaft 10. The diameter R2 may be the minimum diameter of the output rotating shaft 34. For example, since the output rotating shaft 34 has a smaller diameter than the crankshaft 10, it is difficult for the output rotating body 36 to interfere with the crankshaft 10 outside the housing 38.

[0039] In the transmission path of the human driving force, a first one-way clutch may be provided between the input rotating body 32 and the output rotating body 36. The first one-way clutch includes at least one of a roller clutch, a claw clutch, and a sprag clutch. The first one-way clutch is provided, for example, in at least one of the transmission 24 and the power transmission unit 42. When the input rotating body 32 rotates forward, the first one-way clutch rotates the output rotating body 36 forward, for example. When the input rotating body 32 rotates backward, the first one-way clutch suppresses the backward rotation of the output rotating body 36, for example. The forward rotation direction of the input rotating body 32 corresponds to, for example, the rotation direction of the input rotating body 32 when the human-powered vehicle moves forward. The forward rotation direction of the output rotating body 36 corresponds to, for example, the rotation direction of the output rotating body 36 when the human-powered vehicle moves forward.

[0040] In the transmission path of the human driving force, a second one-way clutch is provided, for example, between the output rotating body 36 and the rear wheel. The second one-way clutch includes at least one of a roller clutch, a claw clutch, and a sprag clutch. When the output rotating body 36 rotates forward, the second one-way clutch rotates the driving wheel forward, for example. When the output rotating body 36 rotates backward, the second one-way clutch suppresses the backward rotation of the driving wheel, for example. The forward rotation direction of the driving wheel corresponds to, for example, the rotation direction of the driving wheel when the human-powered vehicle moves forward.

[0041] As shown in FIGS. 1 to 4 and FIG. 7, the component 20 further includes a housing 38 that can be attached to the frame of the human-powered vehicle, for example. The housing 38 has, for example, at least one frame attachment portion 38A. The frame attachment portion 38A is attached to the frame of the human-powered vehicle by, for example, bolts or the like. The housing 38 includes a plurality of frame attachment portions 38A. Each of the plurality of frame attachment portions 38A is arranged at intervals around the input rotation central axis C1, for example. The plurality of frame attachment portions 38A are arranged at intervals of 90 degrees or more from each other around the input rotation central axis C1.

[0042] At least a part of the power transmission member included in the component 20 is housed in the internal space 38B of the housing 38. The power transmission member is, for example, a component that constitutes a transmission path of the human power driving force. At least a part of the power transmission member is formed of, for example, a metal material. At least a part of the power transmission member may be formed of a resin material. The power transmission member includes, for example, at least one of the transmission 24, the shaft member 22, the power transmission part 42, the input rotating body 32, the output rotating shaft 34, and the output rotating body 36.

[0043] The shaft member 22 extends substantially parallel to the input rotating body 32, for example. The shaft member 22 is arranged at a distance from the input rotating body 32, for example. The shaft member 22 is arranged coaxially with the output rotating shaft 34, for example.

[0044] The shaft member 22 is arranged at a distance from the crankshaft 10, for example. The shaft member 22 extends parallel to the crankshaft 10, for example. The shaft member 22 and the output rotating shaft 34 extend parallel to the crankshaft 10, for example. The end of the shaft member 22 on the output rotating shaft 34 side is inserted into the output rotating shaft 34, for example.

[0045] The output rotating shaft 34 has a larger diameter than the shaft member 22, for example. The diameter R3 of the shaft member 22 is the diameter of the portion of the shaft member 22 that is inserted into the output rotating shaft 34, for example. The diameter R3 may be the minimum diameter of the shaft member 22, for example. The shaft member 22 has a rotation center axis C2, for example.

[0046] As shown in FIGS. 7 and 8, the component 20 further includes, for example, a crankshaft support portion 40 and a power transmission portion 42. The crankshaft support portion 40 supports the crankshaft 10 to which the human power driving force is input, for example. The crankshaft support portion 40 supports the crankshaft 10 so that the crankshaft 10 can rotate with respect to the housing 38 about the input rotation center axis C1, for example. The crankshaft support portion 40 is provided in the housing 38, for example. The crankshaft support portion 40 supports the crankshaft 10 via a bearing, for example.

[0047] The power transmission unit 42 is configured to change, for example, the ratio of the rotational speed of the transmission input rotating body 24A of the transmission 24 to the rotational speed of the crankshaft 10 to a predetermined ratio. The power transmission unit 42 is provided, for example, in the power transmission path of the human power driving force. The power transmission unit 42 constitutes, for example, a part of the power transmission path of the human power driving force. The power transmission unit 42 is connected to the input rotating body 32, for example. The power transmission unit 42 receives the human power driving force via the input rotating body 32, for example. The power transmission unit 42 connects the crankshaft 10 and the transmission 24, for example. The power transmission unit 42 is configured to transmit the human power driving force input to the input rotating body 32 to the transmission 24, for example.

[0048] The power transmission unit 42 includes, for example, at least one power transmission planetary gear unit 44. The at least one power transmission planetary gear unit 44 is rotatably arranged around the rotation center axis C2 of the shaft member 22, for example. The at least one power transmission planetary gear unit 44, the transmission 24, and the output rotating body 36 are arranged in the axial direction A1 of the shaft member 22 in the order of the at least one power transmission planetary gear unit 44, the transmission 24, and the output rotating body 36, for example.

[0049] The power transmission planetary gear unit 44 includes, for example, a power transmission planetary gear 44A, a power transmission sun gear 44B, and a power transmission ring gear 44C. The power transmission planetary gear unit 44 includes a plurality of power transmission planetary gears 44A. The power transmission planetary gear unit 44 may include a plurality of power transmission sun gears 44B and may include a plurality of power transmission ring gears 44C.

[0050] The power transmission planetary gear 44A is arranged between the power transmission sun gear 44B and the power transmission ring gear 44C in the radial direction with respect to the rotation center axis C2 of the shaft member 22, for example. The power transmission sun gear 44B meshes with the power transmission planetary gear 44A, for example. The power transmission ring gear 44C meshes with the power transmission planetary gear 44A, for example.

[0051] At least one power transmission planetary gear unit 44 includes, for example, a power transmission carrier 44D. The power transmission carrier 44D has, for example, power transmission carrier pins 44E. The power transmission carrier 44D supports, for example, a power transmission planetary gear 44A by means of the power transmission carrier pins 44E. The power transmission carrier pins 44E have, for example, a first power transmission pin end 44F which is one end in the axial direction A1 and a second power transmission pin end 44G which is the other end. The power transmission carrier 44D is supported by the housing 38, for example, such that rotation thereof with respect to the housing 38 is restricted. By restricting the rotation of the power transmission carrier 44D with respect to the housing 38, the revolution of the power transmission planetary gear 44A around the power transmission sun gear 44B is restricted.

[0052] The power transmission carrier 44D has, for example, a first power transmission carrier part 44H and a second power transmission carrier part 44K. The first power transmission pin end 44F is arranged, for example, in the first power transmission carrier part 44H. The second power transmission pin end 44G is arranged, for example, in the second power transmission carrier part 44K. The power transmission planetary gear 44A is arranged, for example, between the first power transmission carrier part 44H and the second power transmission carrier part 44K in the axial direction A1.

[0053] The power transmission unit 42 further includes, for example, a power transmission unit 46 different from at least one power transmission planetary gear unit 44. The power transmission unit 46 is configured, for example, to transmit the manual driving force input to the input rotating body 32 to at least one power transmission planetary gear unit 44.

[0054] The power transmission unit 46 includes, for example, a first power transmission gear 46A and a second power transmission gear 46B. The first power transmission gear 46A is arranged, for example, coaxially with the input rotating body 32. The first power transmission gear 46A rotates integrally with the input rotating body 32, for example. The first power transmission gear 46A includes, for example, a spur gear.

[0055] The second power transmission gear 46B meshes with, for example, the first power transmission gear 46A. The second power transmission gear 46B is arranged coaxially with, for example, the shaft member 22. The second power transmission gear 46B includes, for example, a spur gear. The second power transmission gear 46B rotates, for example, in a direction opposite to that of the input rotating body 32.

[0056] The pitch circle diameter of the first power transmission gear 46A is, for example, larger than that of the second power transmission gear 46B. The pitch circle diameter of the first power transmission gear 46A may be, for example, smaller than that of the second power transmission gear 46B. At least one power transmission planetary gear unit 44 is arranged, for example, in the axial direction A1 between the second power transmission gear 46B and the transmission 24. The first power transmission gear 46A and the second power transmission gear 46B may each include a helical gear.

[0057] Instead of or in addition to the first power transmission gear 46A and the second power transmission gear 46B, the power transmission unit 46 may include a plurality of sprockets and a chain engaging with each of the plurality of sprockets. Instead of or in addition to the first power transmission gear 46A and the second power transmission gear 46B, the power transmission unit 46 may include a plurality of pulleys and a belt engaging with each of the plurality of pulleys.

[0058] At least one power transmission planetary gear unit 44 includes, for example, a power transmission input portion 44M. The second power transmission gear 46B is provided, for example, on the outer peripheral portion of the power transmission input portion 44M. The rotational force output from the power transmission unit 46 is input to the power transmission input portion 44M. The power transmission input portion 44M may be integrally formed so as to be one member with the second power transmission gear 46B. When the power transmission input portion 44M is integrally formed with the second power transmission gear 46B, the assembly process is simplified.

[0059] The power transmission input part 44M includes, for example, a power transmission ring gear 44C. The power transmission ring gear 44C is provided, for example, on the inner peripheral part of the power transmission input part 44M. The power transmission ring gear 44C is provided, for example, in the axial direction A1 at a part of the power transmission input part 44M different from the second power transmission gear 46B. The pitch circle diameter of the power transmission ring gear 44C is, for example, larger than the pitch circle diameter of the second power transmission gear 46B. The pitch circle diameter of the power transmission ring gear 44C may be, for example, smaller than the pitch circle diameter of the second power transmission gear 46B.

[0060] At least one power transmission planetary gear unit 44 includes, for example, a power transmission output part 44N. The power transmission output part 44N includes, for example, a power transmission sun gear 44B. The power transmission output part 44N is configured to rotate in a direction opposite to that of the power transmission input part 44M. The rotational force input to the power transmission ring gear 44C is output from the power transmission sun gear 44B as a rotational force in the opposite direction, for example, by restricting the rotation of the power transmission carrier 44D with respect to the housing 38.

[0061] The power transmission input part 44M rotates integrally with, for example, the second power transmission gear 46B. Since the second power transmission gear 46B rotates in a direction opposite to that of the input rotating body 32, the power transmission input part 44M rotates in a direction opposite to that of the input rotating body 32. Therefore, the rotational direction of the power transmission output part 44N around the rotation center axis C2 of the shaft member 22 is the same as the rotational direction of the input rotating body 32 around the input rotation center axis C1.

[0062] The power transmission part 42 changes, for example, the rotational speed of the crankshaft 10 in two or more stages, and changes the ratio of the rotational speed of the transmission input rotating body 24A of the transmission 24 with respect to the rotational speed of the crankshaft 10 to a predetermined ratio. The predetermined ratio is, for example, larger than 1. The predetermined ratio is, for example, 3 or more and 20 or less. The predetermined ratio is, for example, 4 or more and 15 or less. The predetermined ratio is, for example, 5 or more and 10 or less. The predetermined ratio is, for example, 6 or more and 7 or less. The predetermined ratio is, for example, 6.155. The predetermined ratio may be smaller than 1.

[0063] The power transmission unit 46 changes, for example, the ratio of the power transmission input part 44M to the rotational speed of the crankshaft 10 to a first ratio. At least one power transmission planetary gear unit 44 changes, for example, the ratio of the transmission input rotating body 24A to the power transmission input part 44M to a second transmission ratio. The predetermined ratio is, for example, a value obtained by multiplying the first ratio and the second ratio. The first ratio is, for example, greater than 1 and equal to or less than 3. The first ratio is, for example, equal to or greater than 1.5 and equal to or less than 2.5. The first ratio is, for example, 2.130. The second ratio is, for example, equal to or greater than 2 and equal to or less than 4. The second ratio is, for example, equal to or greater than 2.5 and equal to or less than 3. The second ratio is, for example, 2.889.

[0064] As shown in FIG. 8, the component 20 further includes, for example, a torque sensor 48. The torque sensor 48 detects information regarding the input driving force, for example. The torque sensor 48 includes a strain sensor, a magnetostrictive sensor, a pressure sensor, or the like. The torque sensor 48 is provided, for example, on the power transmission carrier 44D. The torque sensor 48 may be provided on a member other than the power transmission carrier 44D in the power transmission unit 46, may be provided on the crankshaft 10, may be provided in the transmission 24, or may be provided on the output rotating shaft 34.

[0065] As shown in FIGS. 7 to 9, the transmission 24 is provided, for example, in the transmission path of the input driving force. The transmission 24 is connected to the power transmission part 42, for example. The input driving force input to the input rotating body 32 is input to the transmission 24 via the power transmission part 42. The transmission 24 is provided on the shaft member 22, for example. The transmission 24 is arranged to rotate around the rotation center axis C2 of the shaft member 22, for example. In a state where the housing 38 is attached to the frame, the driving force output from the transmission 24 is configured to be transmitted to the driving wheels of the input driven vehicle via the transmission member 14.

[0066] The transmission 24 for a human - powered vehicle can be changed to, for example, a plurality of different gear ratios. The transmission 24 is configured to select, for example, one of the plurality of gear ratios. The gear ratio is, for example, the ratio of the rotational speed of the output rotating shaft 34 to the rotational speed of the input rotating body 32. At least one of the plurality of gear ratios may be greater than 1, may be less than 1, or may be 1.

[0067] The transmission 24 has, for example, at least one shifting unit 50. The shifting unit 50 has, for example, at least one shift planetary gear mechanism 52. The shifting unit 50 may include a transmission mechanism other than the planetary gear mechanism as long as it can change the gear ratio.

[0068] The shift planetary gear mechanism 52 includes, for example, a shift planetary gear 52A. The shift planetary gear 52A is, for example, one of the plurality of shift planetary gears 52A. The shift planetary gear mechanism 52 includes, for example, a shift carrier 52B. The shift carrier 52B supports, for example, the plurality of shift planetary gears 52A. The shift planetary gear mechanism 52 includes, for example, a shift sun gear 52C. The shift sun gear 52C meshes with, for example, the plurality of shift planetary gears 52A. The shift planetary gear mechanism 52 includes, for example, a shift ring gear 52D. The shift ring gear 52D meshes with, for example, the plurality of shift planetary gears 52A. For example, by controlling the rotational state of one of the shift sun gear 52C, the shift carrier 52B, and the shift ring gear 52D, one of the plurality of different gear ratios is selected.

[0069] As shown in FIGS. 5, 6, 12, and 13, the control unit 26 includes, for example, at least one camshaft 56 and has at least one rotation control unit 54 that controls at least one speed change unit 50. The rotation control unit 54 has, for example, a cam portion 58 and a control member 60. The cam portion 58 is provided on the camshaft 56, for example. The control member 60 is provided for each speed change ring gear 52D, for example, and operates between the cam portion 58 and the speed change ring gear 52D. For example, the rotation state of the speed change ring gear 52D is controlled by the control member 60, whereby one of a plurality of different speed ratios is selected.

[0070] The drive unit 30 has a drive shaft 62 that drives at least one camshaft 56, for example. The drive shaft 62 is connected to at least one camshaft 56, for example. At least one camshaft 56 interlocks with the drive shaft 62, for example.

[0071] The drive unit 30 includes a speed change motor 28A that drives the drive shaft 62. The drive unit 28 includes the speed change motor 28A, for example. The speed change motor 28A is connected to the drive shaft 62 via a speed reducer, for example. The drive shaft 62 is rotated by the speed change motor 28A, for example.

[0072] As shown in FIG. 12, the drive unit 30 includes a control device 30A, for example. The control device 30A is provided on one or more circuit boards, for example. The control device 30A is configured to control the speed change motor 28A, for example. The control device 30A includes an arithmetic processing unit that executes a predetermined control program, for example. The arithmetic processing unit includes a CPU (Central Processing Unit) or an MPU (Micro Processing Unit), for example. The arithmetic processing unit may be provided at a plurality of mutually separated locations. The control device 30A may include one or more microcomputers.

[0073] The control device 30A includes, for example, a transmission motor storage unit. Various control programs and information used for various control processes are stored in the transmission motor storage unit. The transmission motor storage unit includes at least one of, for example, a non-volatile memory and a volatile memory. The non-volatile memory includes at least one of, for example, a ROM (Read-Only Memory), an EPROM (Erasable Programmable Read-Only Memory), an EEPROM (Electrically Erasable Programmable Read-Only Memory), and a flash memory. The volatile memory includes, for example, a RAM (Random Access Memory).

[0074] The control device 30A is configured to control the transmission motor 28A, for example, according to a transmission signal from a transmission operating device. The control device 30A may be connected to the transmission operating device via a wireless communication device or may be connected via an electric cable. Instead of or in addition to the transmission signal from the transmission operating device, the control device 30A may control the transmission motor 28A to change the transmission ratio according to a signal from a sensor mounted on the human-powered vehicle. The signal from the sensor mounted on the human-powered vehicle relates to, for example, the running state and running environment of the human-powered vehicle.

[0075] The drive unit 30 includes, for example, a drive unit housing 30B. At least a part of, for example, the transmission motor 28A, a speed reducer of the transmission motor 28A, a control board of the transmission motor 28A, and the drive shaft 62 is arranged in the drive unit housing 30B.

[0076] As shown in FIGS. 5 and 7, for example, at least a part of the drive unit 30 is arranged such that at least a part of the drive unit 30 overlaps at least a part of the power transmission unit 42 when viewed from the direction B1 orthogonal to the crankshaft 10 and the shaft member 22 shown in FIG. 7. Among the drive unit 30, a part of the drive unit housing 30B, a part of the speed reducer of the transmission motor 28A, a part of the control board of the transmission motor 28A, and a part of the transmission motor 28A overlap at least a part of the power transmission unit 42 when viewed from the direction B1, for example. Among the power transmission unit 42, a part of at least one power transmission planetary gear unit 44 and a part of the power transmission unit 46 overlap at least a part of the drive unit 30 when viewed from the direction B1, for example.

[0077] As shown in FIGS. 6 and 7, for example, at least a part of the drive unit 30 is arranged such that at least a part of the drive unit 30 overlaps at least a part of the transmission 24 when viewed from the axial direction A1 of the shaft member 22 shown in FIG. 7. The dashed line in FIG. 6 is, for example, the projection plane of the transmission 24. For example, among the drive unit 30, a part of the drive unit housing 30B, a part of the speed reducer of the transmission motor 28A, and a part of the control board of the transmission motor 28A overlap at least a part of the transmission 24 when viewed from the axial direction A1. For example, among the transmission 24, a part of at least one rotation control unit 54 overlaps at least a part of the drive unit 30 when viewed from the axial direction A1.

[0078] As shown in FIGS. 1 and 7, the component 20 further includes a power supply unit 64 configured to supply power to the drive unit 30, for example. The power supply unit 64 is arranged around the crankshaft 10, for example. The power supply unit 64 is arranged around the crankshaft 10 so as to surround at least a part of the crankshaft 10, for example. The power supply unit 64 may be arranged on a part of the outer peripheral surface of the crankshaft 10, for example.

[0079] The power supply unit 64 extends, for example, along the crankshaft 10. The power supply unit 64 is disposed, for example, between the transmission 24 and the crankshaft 10. A first distance from the power supply unit 64 to the crankshaft 10 is shorter than a second distance from the transmission 24 to the crankshaft 10. The power supply unit 64 may be disposed, for example, between the transmission 24 and the crankshaft support portion 40.

[0080] The power supply unit 64 includes, for example, at least one of a battery and a capacitor. The battery may be a primary battery or a secondary battery. The power supply unit 64 may include a generator. The generator generates electricity, for example, by the rotational force of the crankshaft 10. The power supply unit 64 may include only one of a battery, a capacitor, and a generator, or may include at least one of a battery and a capacitor and a generator. When the power supply unit 64 includes a battery and a generator, the battery includes a secondary battery.

[0081] As shown in FIGS. 1 and 7, the transmission 24 further includes, for example, a housing attachable to the frame of a human-powered vehicle. The housing of the transmission 24 is, for example, the housing 38. The transmission 24 may include a housing different from the housing 38.

[0082] The transmission 24 further includes, for example, a shaft member. The shaft member of the transmission 24 is, for example, the shaft member 22. The component 20 includes, for example, the transmission 24. In addition to the transmission 24, the component 20 may include a configuration other than the transmission 24.

[0083] As shown in FIGS. 8 to 11, the transmission 24 includes, for example, a first speed change portion 66 to which a driving force is input from an input rotating body 32 to which a human driving force is input, and a second speed change portion 68 to which a driving force is input from the first speed change portion 66. The transmission 24 further includes, for example, the input rotating body 32. At least one speed change portion 50 includes, for example, the first speed change portion 66 and the second speed change portion 68.

[0084] The first speed change unit 66 and the second speed change unit 68 are arranged on the shaft member 22, for example. The transmission 24 further includes a power transmission unit 42 that connects the input rotating body 32 and the first speed change unit 66, for example. The power transmission unit 42 is configured to change the ratio of the rotational speed of the first input rotating body 66A to the rotational speed of the input rotating body 32 to a predetermined ratio, for example. The speed change input rotating body 24A includes the first input rotating body 66A, for example.

[0085] The first speed change unit 66 includes a first input rotating body 66A and a first output rotating body 66B, for example. The first speed change unit 66 is configured such that the ratio of the rotational speed of the first output rotating body 66B to the rotational speed of the first input rotating body 66A can be selected from a plurality of first speed ratios, for example. The first output rotating body 66B includes the shaft member 22, for example.

[0086] The second speed change unit 68 includes a second input rotating body 68A and a second output rotating body 68B. The second speed change unit 68 is configured such that the ratio of the rotational speed of the second output rotating body 68B to the rotational speed of the second input rotating body 68A can be selected from a plurality of second speed ratios. In a state where the housing 38 is attached to the frame, the driving force output from the second output rotating body 68B is configured to be transmitted to the drive wheels of the human-powered vehicle via the transmission member 14, for example. The second input rotating body 68A includes the shaft member 22, for example. The second output rotating body 68B includes the output rotating shaft 34, for example.

[0087] The first input rotating body 66A is transmitted with a rotational force from the power transmission output unit 44N, for example. The first input rotating body 66A is connected to the power transmission output unit 44N, for example. The power transmission output unit 44N includes a first connection portion 70A, for example. The first connection portion 70A includes a gear or a spline, for example. The first input rotating body 66A includes a second connection portion 70B that is connected to the first connection portion 70A. The second connection portion 70B includes a gear or a spline, for example.

[0088] The transmission 24 can change the transmission ratio, for example, between the minimum transmission ratio and the maximum transmission ratio. The minimum transmission ratio is, for example, a transmission ratio corresponding to deceleration. The maximum transmission ratio is, for example, a transmission ratio corresponding to acceleration. The minimum transmission ratio is, for example, greater than 0 and less than 1. The maximum transmission ratio is, for example, greater than 1 and less than or equal to 10. The smaller the minimum transmission ratio, the greater the deceleration when the transmission ratio is the minimum transmission ratio. The larger the maximum transmission ratio, the greater the acceleration when the transmission ratio is the maximum transmission ratio.

[0089] Each of the plurality of different transmission ratios is determined, for example, by a combination of one selected from the plurality of first transmission ratios and one selected from the plurality of second transmission ratios. The number of the plurality of first transmission ratios is, for example, greater than the number of the plurality of second transmission ratios.

[0090] The first transmission section 66 has, for example, a plurality of first planetary gear mechanisms 72. Each of the plurality of first transmission ratios corresponds to, for example, each of the plurality of first planetary gear mechanisms 72.

[0091] The first transmission section 66 has, for example, a first planetary gear unit 74. The transmission planetary gear mechanism 52 includes, for example, the first planetary gear unit 74. The first planetary gear unit 74 includes, for example, a first planetary gear 76, a first sun gear 78 meshing with the first planetary gear 76, and a first ring gear 80 meshing with the first planetary gear 76.

[0092] The transmission planetary gear 52A includes, for example, the first planetary gear 76. The first planetary gear 76 is, for example, one of the plurality of first planetary gears 76. Each of the plurality of first planetary gears 76 is arranged, for example, at intervals around the rotation central axis C2 of the shaft member 22. The number of the plurality of first planetary gears 76 is, for example, 2 or more and 8 or less. The number of the plurality of first planetary gears 76 is, for example, 4.

[0093] The first planetary gear 76 includes, for example, a first speed-changing planetary gear 76A and a second speed-changing planetary gear 76B having a pitch circle diameter larger than that of the first speed-changing planetary gear 76A. The first speed-changing planetary gear 76A and the second speed-changing planetary gear 76B are, for example, integrally formed. The first speed-changing planetary gear 76A and the second speed-changing planetary gear 76B may be formed separately and configured to rotate integrally.

[0094] The speed-changing sun gear 52C includes, for example, a first sun gear 78. The first sun gear 78 may be one of a plurality of first sun gears 78. The first sun gear 78 includes, for example, a first speed-changing sun gear 78A. The first speed-changing sun gear 78A meshes with, for example, the second speed-changing planetary gear 76B. The rotation central axis of the first speed-changing sun gear 78A is substantially equal to the rotation central axis C2 of the shaft member 22.

[0095] The speed-changing ring gear 52D includes, for example, a first ring gear 80. The first ring gear 80 is, for example, one of a plurality of first ring gears 80. Each of the plurality of first ring gears 80 is rotatable, for example, independently of each other. The plurality of first ring gears 80 includes, for example, a first speed-changing ring gear 80A and a second speed-changing ring gear 80B. The first speed-changing ring gear 80A meshes with, for example, the first speed-changing planetary gear 76A. The second speed-changing ring gear 80B meshes with, for example, the second speed-changing planetary gear 76B.

[0096] The first planetary gear unit 74 includes, for example, a first carrier 82 that supports the first planetary gear 76. The speed-changing carrier 52B includes, for example, the first carrier 82. The first carrier 82 has, for example, a first carrier portion 84 and a second carrier portion 86. The first carrier portion 84 is integrally formed with the first input rotating body 66A.

[0097] The first carrier 82 has, for example, a first carrier pin 82A. The first carrier pin 82A rotatably supports, for example, the first planetary gear 76. The first carrier pin 82A is disposed, for example, in the axial direction A1 between the first carrier portion 84 and the second carrier portion 86. The first carrier pin 82A may rotatably support the first planetary gear 76 via a bearing.

[0098] The first carrier pin 82A has, for example, a first pin end 82B at one end and a second pin end 82C at the other end in the axial direction A1. The first pin end 82B is supported by, for example, the first carrier portion 84. The second pin end 82C is supported by, for example, the second carrier portion 86.

[0099] The first carrier pin 82A may have the first pin end 82B fixed to the first carrier portion 84 and the second pin end 82C fixed to the second carrier portion 86. The first carrier pin 82A may have the first pin end 82B rotatably supported by the first carrier portion 84 and the second pin end 82C rotatably supported by the second carrier portion 86. When the first pin end 82B is rotatably supported by the first carrier portion 84 and the second pin end 82C is rotatably supported by the second carrier portion 86, the first planetary gear 76 may be non-rotatably supported by the first carrier pin 82A.

[0100] The second speed change portion 68 has, for example, a plurality of second planetary gear mechanisms 88. Each of the plurality of second speed ratios corresponds to, for example, each of the plurality of second planetary gear mechanisms 88.

[0101] The second speed change portion 68 has, for example, a second planetary gear unit 90. The speed change planetary gear mechanism 52 includes, for example, the second planetary gear unit 90. The second planetary gear unit 90 includes, for example, a second planetary gear 92, a second sun gear 94 meshing with the second planetary gear 92, and a second ring gear 96 meshing with the second planetary gear 92.

[0102] The transmission planetary gear 52A includes, for example, a second planetary gear 92. The second planetary gear 92 is, for example, one of a plurality of second planetary gears 92. Each of the plurality of second planetary gears 92 is, for example, arranged at intervals around the rotation center axis C2 of the shaft member 22. The number of the plurality of second planetary gears 92 is, for example, 2 or more and 8 or less. The number of the plurality of second planetary gears 92 is, for example, 4.

[0103] The second planetary gear 92 includes, for example, a third transmission planetary gear 92A and a fourth transmission planetary gear 92B having a pitch circle diameter smaller than that of the third transmission planetary gear 92A. The third transmission planetary gear 92A and the fourth transmission planetary gear 92B are, for example, integrally formed. The third transmission planetary gear 92A and the fourth transmission planetary gear 92B may be formed separately and configured to rotate integrally.

[0104] The transmission sun gear 52C includes, for example, a second sun gear 94. The second sun gear 94 may be one of a plurality of second sun gears 94. The second sun gear 94 includes, for example, a second transmission sun gear 94A. The second transmission sun gear 94A meshes with, for example, the fourth transmission planetary gear 92B. The rotation center axis of the second transmission sun gear 94A is substantially equal to the rotation center axis C2 of the shaft member 22.

[0105] The transmission ring gear 52D includes, for example, a second ring gear 96. The second ring gear 96 includes, for example, a third transmission ring gear 96A. The third transmission ring gear 96A meshes with, for example, the third transmission planetary gear 92A. The second ring gear 96 may be one of a plurality of second ring gears 96. In this case, each of the plurality of second ring gears 96 is, for example, rotatable independently of each other.

[0106] The second planetary gear unit 90 includes, for example, a second carrier 98 that supports the second planetary gear 92. The transmission carrier 52B includes, for example, the second carrier 98. The second carrier 98 has, for example, a third carrier portion 100 and a fourth carrier portion 102.

[0107] The second carrier 98 has, for example, a second carrier pin 98A. The second carrier pin 98A rotatably supports, for example, the second planetary gear 92. The second carrier pin 98A is disposed, for example, in the axial direction A1 between the third carrier portion 100 and the fourth carrier portion 102. The second carrier pin 98A may rotatably support the second planetary gear 92 via a bearing.

[0108] The second carrier pin 98A has, for example, a third pin end 98B which is one end and a fourth pin end 98C which is the other end in the axial direction A1. The third pin end 98B is supported by, for example, the third carrier portion 100. The fourth pin end 98C is supported by, for example, the fourth carrier portion 102.

[0109] The second carrier pin 98A may have the third pin end 98B fixed to the third carrier portion 100 and the fourth pin end 98C fixed to the fourth carrier portion 102. The second carrier pin 98A may have the third pin end 98B rotatably supported by the third carrier portion 100 and the fourth pin end 98C rotatably supported by the fourth carrier portion 102. When the third pin end 98B is rotatably supported by the third carrier portion 100 and the fourth pin end 98C is rotatably supported by the fourth carrier portion 102, the second planetary gear 92 may be non-rotatably supported by the second carrier pin 98A.

[0110] The first speed change section 66 further has, for example, a third planetary gear unit 104. The speed change planetary gear mechanism 52 includes, for example, the third planetary gear unit 104. The third planetary gear unit 104 includes, for example, a third planetary gear 106, a third sun gear 108 meshing with the third planetary gear 106, and a third ring gear 110 meshing with the third planetary gear 106.

[0111] The speed-changing planetary gear 52A includes, for example, the third planetary gear 106. The third planetary gear 106 is, for example, one of a plurality of third planetary gears 106. Each of the plurality of third planetary gears 106 is, for example, arranged at intervals around the rotation center axis C2 of the shaft member 22. The number of the plurality of third planetary gears 106 is, for example, 2 or more and 8 or less. The number of the plurality of third planetary gears 106 is, for example, 4.

[0112] The third planetary gear 106 includes, for example, a fifth speed-changing planetary gear 106A and a sixth speed-changing planetary gear 106B having a pitch circle diameter larger than that of the fifth speed-changing planetary gear 106A. The fifth speed-changing planetary gear 106A and the sixth speed-changing planetary gear 106B are, for example, integrally formed. The fifth speed-changing planetary gear 106A and the sixth speed-changing planetary gear 106B may be formed separately and configured to rotate integrally.

[0113] The speed-changing sun gear 52C includes, for example, the third sun gear 108. The third sun gear 108 may be one of a plurality of third sun gears 108. The third sun gear 108 includes, for example, a third speed-changing sun gear 108A. The third speed-changing sun gear 108A meshes with, for example, the fifth speed-changing planetary gear 106A. The rotation center axis of the third speed-changing sun gear 108A is substantially equal to the rotation center axis C2 of the shaft member 22.

[0114] The first sun gear 78 and the third sun gear 108 are, for example, integrally formed. The first speed-changing sun gear 78A and the third speed-changing sun gear 108A are, for example, integrally formed. The first sun gear 78 and the third sun gear 108 may be formed separately and configured to rotate integrally. The pitch circle diameter of the first speed-changing sun gear 78A is, for example, smaller than the pitch circle diameter of the third speed-changing sun gear 108A.

[0115] The first sun gear 78 and the third sun gear 108 are formed separately from, for example, the shaft member 22 and configured to rotate integrally with the shaft member 22. The first transmission sun gear 78A and the third transmission sun gear 108A are formed, for example, on the outer peripheral portion of the first cylindrical member 112A. On the inner peripheral portion of the first cylindrical member 112A, for example, a first engaging portion 112B is formed. The first engaging portion 112B includes, for example, a spline or serration. The first engaging portion 112B engages with, for example, the first shaft member engaging portion 22A of the shaft member 22. The first shaft member engaging portion 22A includes, for example, a spline or serration. The first shaft member engaging portion 22A is formed integrally with the shaft member 22, for example. The first transmission sun gear 78A and the third transmission sun gear 108A may be formed integrally with the shaft member 22.

[0116] The transmission ring gear 52D includes, for example, the third ring gear 110. The third ring gear 110 is, for example, one of a plurality of third ring gears 110. Each of the plurality of third ring gears 110 is rotatable independently of each other, for example. The plurality of third ring gears 110 includes, for example, a fourth transmission ring gear 110A and a fifth transmission ring gear 110B. The fourth transmission ring gear 110A meshes with, for example, the fifth transmission planetary gear 106A. The fifth transmission ring gear 110B meshes with, for example, the sixth transmission planetary gear 106B.

[0117] The third planetary gear unit 104 includes, for example, a third carrier 114 that supports the third planetary gear 106. The transmission carrier 52B includes, for example, the third carrier 114. The third carrier 114 has, for example, a first carrier portion 84 and a second carrier portion 86.

[0118] The third carrier 114 has, for example, a third carrier pin 114A. The third carrier pin 114A rotatably supports the third planetary gear 106, for example. The third carrier pin 114A is disposed between the first carrier portion 84 and the second carrier portion 86 in the axial direction A1, for example. The third carrier pin 114A may rotatably support the third planetary gear 106 via a bearing.

[0119] The third carrier pin 114A has, for example, at one end, a fifth pin end 114B and, at the other end, a sixth pin end 114C in the axial direction A1. The fifth pin end 114B is supported by, for example, the first carrier portion 84. The sixth pin end 114C is supported by, for example, the second carrier portion 86.

[0120] For the third carrier pin 114A, the fifth pin end 114B may be fixed to the first carrier portion 84 and the sixth pin end 114C may be fixed to the second carrier portion 86. For the third carrier pin 114A, the fifth pin end 114B may be rotatably supported by the first carrier portion 84 and the sixth pin end 114C may be rotatably supported by the second carrier portion 86. When the fifth pin end 114B is rotatably supported by the first carrier portion 84 and the sixth pin end 114C is rotatably supported by the second carrier portion 86, the third planetary gear 106 may be non-rotatably supported by the third carrier pin 114A.

[0121] A part of the first carrier 82 is formed integrally with, for example, a part of the third carrier 114. The first carrier portion 84 is, for example, a part of the first carrier 82 and also a part of the third carrier 114. The second carrier portion 86 is, for example, a part of the first carrier 82 and also a part of the third carrier 114.

[0122] The third carrier pin 114A is formed as a separate member from, for example, the first carrier pin 82A and is arranged at an interval from the first carrier pin 82A. The first carrier pin 82A is, for example, one of a plurality of first carrier pins 82A corresponding to a plurality of first planetary gears 76. The third carrier pin 114A is, for example, one of a plurality of third carrier pins 114A corresponding to a plurality of third planetary gears 106. The plurality of first carrier pins 82A and the plurality of third carrier pins 114A are arranged alternately at equal intervals around the rotation central axis C2 of the shaft member 22.

[0123] The second transmission portion 68 further includes, for example, a fourth planetary gear unit 116. The variable speed planetary gear mechanism 52 includes, for example, the fourth planetary gear unit 116. The fourth planetary gear unit 116 includes, for example, a fourth planetary gear 118, a fourth sun gear 120 meshing with the fourth planetary gear 118, and a fourth ring gear 122 meshing with the fourth planetary gear 118.

[0124] The variable-speed planetary gears 52A include, for example, a fourth planetary gear 118. The fourth planetary gear 118 is, for example, one of the multiple fourth planetary gears 118. The multiple fourth planetary gears 118 are, for example, arranged at intervals around the rotational center axis C2 of the shaft member 22. The number of the multiple fourth planetary gears 118 is, for example, two or more and eight or less. The number of the multiple fourth planetary gears 118 is, for example, four. The multiple fourth planetary gears 118 include, for example, a seventh variable-speed planetary gear 118A.

[0125] The variable speed sun gear 52C includes, for example, a fourth sun gear 120. The fourth sun gear 120 may be one of a plurality of fourth sun gears 120. The fourth sun gear 120 includes, for example, a fourth sun gear 120A. The fourth sun gear 120A meshes with, for example, the seventh planetary gear 118A. The rotational center axis of the fourth sun gear 120A is substantially equal to the rotational center axis C2 of the shaft member 22.

[0126] The second sun gear 94 and the fourth sun gear 120 are, for example, formed integrally. The second transmission sun gear 94A and the fourth transmission sun gear 120A are, for example, formed integrally. The second sun gear 94 and the fourth sun gear 120 may be formed separately and configured to rotate integrally. The second transmission sun gear 94A and the fourth transmission sun gear 120A may be formed separately and configured to rotate integrally.

[0127] The second sun gear 94 and the fourth sun gear 120 are formed separately from the shaft member 22, for example, and rotate integrally with the shaft member 22. The second shift sun gear 94A and the fourth shift sun gear 120A are formed on the outer peripheral portion of the second cylindrical member 112C, for example. On the inner peripheral portion of the second cylindrical member 112C, a second engaging portion 112D is formed, for example. The second engaging portion 112D includes, for example, a spline or serration. The second engaging portion 112D engages with the second shaft member engaging portion 22B of the shaft member 22, for example. The second shaft member engaging portion 22B includes, for example, a spline or serration. The second shaft member engaging portion 22B is formed integrally with the shaft member 22, for example. The second sun gear 94 and the fourth sun gear 120 may be formed integrally with the shaft member 22, for example.

[0128] The shift ring gear 52D includes, for example, a fourth ring gear 122. The fourth ring gear 122 includes, for example, a sixth shift ring gear 122A. The sixth shift ring gear 122A meshes with the seventh shift planetary gear 118A, for example. The fourth ring gear 122 may be one of a plurality of fourth ring gears 122. In this case, each of the plurality of fourth ring gears 122 is rotatable independently of each other, for example.

[0129] The fourth planetary gear unit 116 includes, for example, a fourth carrier 124 that supports the fourth planetary gear 118. The shift carrier 52B includes, for example, the fourth carrier 124. The fourth carrier 124 has, for example, a third carrier portion 100 and a fourth carrier portion 102.

[0130] The fourth carrier 124 has, for example, a fourth carrier pin 124A. The fourth carrier pin 124A rotatably supports the fourth planetary gear 118, for example. The fourth carrier pin 124A is disposed between the third carrier portion 100 and the fourth carrier portion 102 in the axial direction A1, for example. The fourth carrier pin 124A may rotatably support the fourth planetary gear 118 via a bearing.

[0131] The fourth carrier pin 124A has, for example, at one end, a seventh pin end 124B and, at the other end, an eighth pin end 124C in the axial direction A1. The seventh pin end 124B is supported by, for example, the third carrier portion 100. The eighth pin end 124C is supported by, for example, the fourth carrier portion 102.

[0132] For the fourth carrier pin 124A, the seventh pin end 124B may be fixed to the third carrier portion 100 and the eighth pin end 124C may be fixed to the fourth carrier portion 102. For the fourth carrier pin 124A, the seventh pin end 124B may be rotatably supported by the third carrier portion 100 and the eighth pin end 124C may be rotatably supported by the fourth carrier portion 102. When the seventh pin end 124B is rotatably supported by the third carrier portion 100 and the eighth pin end 124C is rotatably supported by the fourth carrier portion 102, the fourth planetary gear 118 may be non-rotatably supported by the fourth carrier pin 124A.

[0133] The fourth carrier 124 is, for example, the same carrier as the second carrier 98. The fourth carrier pin 124A is, for example, the same carrier pin as the second carrier pin 98A. The second planetary gear 92 and the fourth planetary gear 118 are arranged side by side in the axial direction A1, for example. The fourth carrier 124 may be a carrier different from the second carrier 98, for example. The fourth carrier pin 124A may be a carrier pin different from the second carrier pin 98A, for example.

[0134] The second speed change portion 68 further has, for example, a fifth planetary gear unit 126. The speed change planetary gear mechanism 52 includes, for example, a fourth planetary gear unit 116. The fifth planetary gear unit 126 includes, for example, a fifth planetary gear 128, a fifth carrier 130 that supports the fifth planetary gear 128, a fifth sun gear 132 that meshes with the fifth planetary gear 128, and a fifth ring gear 134 that meshes with the fifth planetary gear 128.

[0135] The transmission planetary gear 52A includes, for example, the fifth planetary gear 128. The fifth planetary gear 128 is, for example, one of a plurality of fifth planetary gears 128. Each of the plurality of fifth planetary gears 128 is, for example, arranged at intervals around the rotation central axis C2 of the shaft member 22. The number of the plurality of fifth planetary gears 128 is, for example, 2 or more and 8 or less. The number of the plurality of fifth planetary gears 128 is, for example, 4.

[0136] The fifth planetary gear 128 includes, for example, an eighth transmission planetary gear 128A and a ninth transmission planetary gear 128B having a pitch circle diameter larger than that of the eighth transmission planetary gear 128A. The eighth transmission planetary gear 128A and the ninth transmission planetary gear 128B are, for example, integrally formed. The eighth transmission planetary gear 128A and the ninth transmission planetary gear 128B may be formed separately and configured to rotate integrally.

[0137] The transmission sun gear 52C includes, for example, the fifth sun gear 132. The fifth sun gear 132 may be one of a plurality of fifth sun gears 132. The fifth sun gear 132 includes, for example, a fifth transmission sun gear 132A. The fifth transmission sun gear 132A meshes with, for example, the ninth transmission planetary gear 128B. The rotation central axis of the fifth transmission sun gear 132A is substantially equal to the rotation central axis C2 of the shaft member 22.

[0138] The fifth sun gear 132 is, for example, integrally formed with the shaft member 22. The fifth sun gear 132 may be formed separately from the shaft member 22 and connected to rotate integrally with the shaft member 22 by splines or serrations.

[0139] The first sun gear 78, the second sun gear 94, the third sun gear 108, the fourth sun gear 120, and the fifth sun gear 132 are, for example, configured to rotate integrally in a first direction around the rotation central axis C2 of the shaft member 22. The first sun gear 78, the second sun gear 94, the third sun gear 108, the fourth sun gear 120, and the fifth sun gear 132 may be configured to rotate integrally in a second direction opposite to the first direction around the rotation central axis C2 of the shaft member 22.

[0140] The pitch circle diameter of the first-speed sun gear 78A is, for example, larger than the pitch circle diameter of the fifth-speed sun gear 132A. The pitch circle diameter of the first-speed sun gear 78A is, for example, smaller than the respective pitch circle diameters of the second-speed sun gear 94A, the third-speed sun gear 108A, and the fourth-speed sun gear 120A.

[0141] The pitch circle diameter of the second-speed sun gear 94A is, for example, larger than the respective pitch circle diameters of the first-speed sun gear 78A and the fifth-speed sun gear 132A. The pitch circle diameter of the second-speed sun gear 94A is, for example, smaller than the respective pitch circle diameters of the third-speed sun gear 108A and the fourth-speed sun gear 120A.

[0142] The pitch circle diameter of the third-speed sun gear 108A is, for example, larger than the respective pitch circle diameters of the first-speed sun gear 78A, the second-speed sun gear 94A, the fourth-speed sun gear 120A, and the fifth-speed sun gear 132A.

[0143] The pitch circle diameter of the fourth-speed sun gear 120A is, for example, larger than the respective pitch circle diameters of the first-speed sun gear 78A, the second-speed sun gear 94A, and the fifth-speed sun gear 132A. The pitch circle diameter of the fourth-speed sun gear 120A is, for example, smaller than the third-speed sun gear 108A.

[0144] The fifth-speed sun gear 132A is, for example, smaller than the respective pitch circle diameters of the first-speed sun gear 78A, the second-speed sun gear 94A, the third-speed sun gear 108A, and the fourth-speed sun gear 120A.

[0145] The shift ring gear 52D includes, for example, the fifth ring gear 134. The fifth ring gear 134 includes, for example, the seventh-speed ring gear 134A. The seventh-speed ring gear 134A meshes with, for example, the eighth-speed planetary gear 128A. The fifth ring gear 134 may be one of a plurality of fifth ring gears 134. In this case, each of the plurality of fifth ring gears 134 is, for example, rotatable independently of each other.

[0146] The transmission carrier 52B includes, for example, a fifth carrier 130. A part of the fifth carrier 130 is integrally formed with, for example, a part of the second carrier 98. A part of the fifth carrier 130 is integrally formed with, for example, a part of the fourth carrier 124.

[0147] The fifth carrier 130 has, for example, a fifth carrier pin 130A. The fifth carrier pin 130A rotatably supports, for example, a fifth planet gear 128. The fifth carrier 130 includes, for example, a third carrier portion 100, a fourth carrier portion 102, and a fifth carrier portion 136. The fifth carrier pin 130A is supported by, for example, the third carrier portion 100, the fourth carrier portion 102, and the fifth carrier portion 136.

[0148] The fifth carrier pin 130A has, for example, a ninth pin end portion 130B at one end and a tenth pin end portion 130C at the other end in the axial direction A1. The ninth pin end portion 130B is supported by, for example, the third carrier portion 100. The tenth pin end portion 130C is supported by, for example, the fifth carrier portion 136. The fourth carrier portion 102 is disposed, for example, between the third carrier portion 100 and the fifth carrier portion 136. The fourth carrier portion 102 supports, for example, a portion of the fifth carrier pin 130A between the third carrier portion 100 and the fifth carrier portion 136.

[0149] For the fifth carrier pin 130A, for example, the ninth pin end portion 130B may be fixed to the third carrier portion 100 and the tenth pin end portion 130C may be fixed to the fifth carrier portion 136. For the fifth carrier pin 130A, for example, the ninth pin end portion 130B may be rotatably supported by the third carrier portion 100 and the tenth pin end portion 130C may be rotatably supported by the fifth carrier portion 136. When the ninth pin end portion 130B is rotatably supported by the third carrier portion 100 and the tenth pin end portion 130C is rotatably supported by the fifth carrier portion 136, the fifth planet gear 128 may be non-rotatably supported by the fifth carrier pin 130A.

[0150] The fifth carrier pin 130A is formed as a separate member from, for example, the second carrier pin 98A and the fourth carrier pin 124A, and is arranged at a distance from the second carrier pin 98A and the fourth carrier pin 124A. The second carrier pin 98A is, for example, one of a plurality of second carrier pins 98A corresponding to a plurality of second planetary gears 92. The fourth carrier pin 124A is, for example, one of a plurality of fourth carrier pins 124A corresponding to a plurality of fourth planetary gears 118. The fifth carrier pin 130A is, for example, one of a plurality of fifth carrier pins 130A corresponding to a plurality of fifth planetary gears 128. The plurality of second carrier pins 98A and the plurality of fifth carrier pins 130A are arranged alternately at equal intervals around the rotation center axis C2 of the shaft member 22, for example. The plurality of fourth carrier pins 124A and the plurality of fifth carrier pins 130A are arranged alternately at equal intervals around the rotation center axis C2 of the shaft member 22, for example.

[0151] In the first planetary gear unit 74, for example, one of the rotation states of the first sun gear 78, the first carrier 82, and the first ring gear 80 is controlled, whereby one of a plurality of first gear ratios is selected. In the third planetary gear unit 104, for example, one of the rotation states of the third sun gear 108, the third carrier 114, and the third ring gear 110 is controlled, whereby one of a plurality of first gear ratios is selected.

[0152] In the second planetary gear unit 90, for example, one of the rotation states of the second sun gear 94, the second carrier 98, and the second ring gear 96 is controlled, whereby one of a plurality of second gear ratios is selected. In the fourth planetary gear unit 116, for example, one of the rotation states of the fourth sun gear 120, the fourth carrier 124, and the fourth ring gear 122 is controlled, whereby one of a plurality of second gear ratios is selected. In the fifth planetary gear unit 126, for example, one of the rotation states of the fifth sun gear 132, the fifth carrier 130, and the fifth ring gear 134 is controlled, whereby one of a plurality of second gear ratios is selected.

[0153] For example, one of the first speed change units 66 selects one of a plurality of first speed ratios by controlling the rotational state of one of the first ring gear 80 and the third ring gear 110. For example, one of the second speed change units 68 selects one of a plurality of second speed ratios by controlling the rotational state of one of the second ring gear 96, the fourth ring gear 122, and the fifth ring gear 134. For example, one of the transmission 24 selects one of a plurality of second speed ratios by controlling the rotational state of one of the first ring gear 80, the second ring gear 96, the third ring gear 110, the fourth ring gear 122, and the fifth ring gear 134.

[0154] For example, the transmission 24 has a plurality of transmission paths. The plurality of transmission paths form part of the transmission path of the input driving force. The driving force input from the power transmission output portion 44N to the transmission input rotating body 24A is output to the output rotating body 36 via any one of the plurality of transmission paths. The plurality of transmission paths include a first transmission path, a second transmission path, a third transmission path, a fourth transmission path, a fifth transmission path, a sixth transmission path, a seventh transmission path, an eighth transmission path, a ninth transmission path, a tenth transmission path, an eleventh transmission path, and a twelfth transmission path.

[0155] The first transmission path is, for example, a transmission path in which the driving force input to the transmission input rotating body 24A is output to the output rotating body 36 via the third carrier 114, the sixth speed change planetary gear 106B, the third speed change sun gear 108A, the shaft member 22, the fifth speed change sun gear 132A, the ninth speed change planetary gear 128B, and the fifth carrier portion 136.

[0156] The second transmission path is, for example, a transmission path in which the driving force input to the transmission input rotating body 24A is output to the output rotating body 36 via the third carrier 114, the fifth speed change planetary gear 106A, the third speed change sun gear 108A, the shaft member 22, the fifth speed change sun gear 132A, the ninth speed change planetary gear 128B, and the fifth carrier portion 136.

[0157] The third transmission path is, for example, a transmission path in which the driving force input to the transmission input rotating body 24A is output to the output rotating body 36 via the first carrier 82, the second transmission planetary gear 76B, the first transmission sun gear 78A, the shaft member 22, the fifth transmission sun gear 132A, the ninth transmission planetary gear 128B, and the fifth carrier portion 136.

[0158] The fourth transmission path is, for example, a transmission path in which the driving force input to the transmission input rotating body 24A is output to the output rotating body 36 via the first carrier 82, the first transmission planetary gear 76A, the second transmission planetary gear 76B, the first transmission sun gear 78A, the shaft member 22, the fifth transmission sun gear 132A, the ninth transmission planetary gear 128B, and the fifth carrier portion 136.

[0159] The fifth transmission path is, for example, a transmission path in which the driving force input to the transmission input rotating body 24A is output to the output rotating body 36 via the third carrier 114, the sixth transmission planetary gear 106B, the third transmission sun gear 108A, the shaft member 22, the fourth transmission sun gear 120A, the seventh transmission planetary gear 118A, the fourth carrier portion 102, and the fifth carrier portion 136.

[0160] The sixth transmission path is, for example, a transmission path in which the driving force input to the transmission input rotating body 24A is output to the output rotating body 36 via the third carrier 114, the fifth transmission planetary gear 106A, the third transmission sun gear 108A, the shaft member 22, the fourth transmission sun gear 120A, the seventh transmission planetary gear 118A, the fourth carrier portion 102, and the fifth carrier portion 136.

[0161] The seventh transmission path is, for example, a transmission path in which the driving force input to the transmission input rotating body 24A is output to the output rotating body 36 via the first carrier 82, the second transmission planetary gear 76B, the first transmission sun gear 78A, the shaft member 22, the fourth transmission sun gear 120A, the seventh transmission planetary gear 118A, the fourth carrier portion 102, and the fifth carrier portion 136.

[0162] The eighth transmission path is, for example, a transmission path in which the driving force input to the transmission input rotor 24A is output to the output rotor 36 via the first carrier 82, the first transmission planetary gear 76A, the second transmission planetary gear 76B, the first transmission sun gear 78A, the shaft member 22, the fourth transmission sun gear 120A, the seventh transmission planetary gear 118A, the fourth carrier portion 102, and the fifth carrier portion 136.

[0163] The ninth transmission path is, for example, a transmission path through which the driving force input to the transmission input rotor 24A is output to the output rotor shaft 34 via the third carrier 114, the sixth transmission planetary gear 106B, the third transmission sun gear 108A, the shaft member 22, the second transmission sun gear 94A, the fourth transmission planetary gear 92B, the fourth carrier portion 102, and the fifth carrier portion 136.

[0164] The tenth transmission path is, for example, a transmission path through which the driving force input to the transmission input rotor 24A is output to the output rotor 34 via the third carrier 114, the fifth transmission planetary gear 106A, the third transmission sun gear 108A, the shaft member 22, the second transmission sun gear 94A, the fourth transmission planetary gear 92B, the fourth carrier portion 102, and the fifth carrier portion 136.

[0165] The eleventh transmission path is, for example, a transmission path through which the driving force input to the transmission input rotor 24A is output to the output rotor shaft 34 via the first carrier 82, the second transmission planetary gear 76B, the first transmission sun gear 78A, the shaft member 22, the second transmission sun gear 94A, the fourth transmission planetary gear 92B, the fourth carrier portion 102, and the fifth carrier portion 136.

[0166] The twelfth transmission path is, for example, a transmission path through which the driving force input to the transmission input rotor 24A is output to the output rotor 34 via the first carrier 82, the first transmission planetary gear 76A, the second transmission planetary gear 76B, the first transmission sun gear 78A, the shaft member 22, the second transmission sun gear 94A, the fourth transmission planetary gear 92B, the fourth carrier portion 102, and the fifth carrier portion 136.

[0167] The first to twelfth transmission paths are selected, for example, according to the rotational states of a plurality of transmission ring gears 52D. The rotational states of the plurality of transmission ring gears 52D are switched, for example, between an allowable state and a restricted state. In the restricted state, the rotation of the plurality of transmission ring gears 52D relative to the housing 38 is restricted. In the allowable state, the rotation of the plurality of transmission ring gears 52D relative to the housing 38 is allowed. In the restricted state, only the rotation in one direction out of the first direction and the second direction around the rotation center axis C2 of the shaft member 22 that should be blocked for the transmission of the input driving force by the transmission 24 needs to be restricted, and the rotation in the other direction may not be restricted.

[0168] Table 1 shows the rotational states of the transmission ring gears 52D included in the first speed change section 66 and the rotational states of the transmission ring gears 52D included in the second speed change section 68 in each transmission path. The transmission ring gears 52D included in the first speed change section 66 include, for example, a first transmission ring gear 80A, a second transmission ring gear 80B, a fourth transmission ring gear 110A, and a fifth transmission ring gear 110B. The transmission ring gears 52D included in the second speed change section 68 include, for example, a third transmission ring gear 96A, a sixth transmission ring gear 122A, and a seventh transmission ring gear 134A. In Table 1, when the rotational states of the first transmission ring gear 80A, the second transmission ring gear 80B, the third transmission ring gear 96A, the fourth transmission ring gear 110A, the fifth transmission ring gear 110B, the sixth transmission ring gear 122A, and the seventh transmission ring gear 134A are in the restricted state, they are indicated by "〇". In Table 1, when the rotational states of the first transmission ring gear 80A, the second transmission ring gear 80B, the third transmission ring gear 96A, the fourth transmission ring gear 110A, the fifth transmission ring gear 110B, the sixth transmission ring gear 122A, and the seventh transmission ring gear 134A are in the allowable state, they are indicated by "×".

[0169]

Table 1

[0170] As shown in Table 1, when the first transmission path is selected from a plurality of transmission paths, the rotational states of the first transmission ring gear 80A, the second transmission ring gear 80B, the third transmission ring gear 96A, the fourth transmission ring gear 110A, and the sixth transmission ring gear 122A are in an allowable state. When the first transmission path is selected from a plurality of transmission paths, the rotational states of the fifth transmission ring gear 110B and the seventh transmission ring gear 134A are in a restricted state.

[0171] When the second transmission path is selected from a plurality of transmission paths, the rotational states of the first transmission ring gear 80A, the second transmission ring gear 80B, the fifth transmission ring gear 110B, the third transmission ring gear 96A, and the sixth transmission ring gear 122A are in an allowable state. When the second transmission path is selected from a plurality of transmission paths, the rotational states of the fourth transmission ring gear 110A and the seventh transmission ring gear 134A are in a restricted state.

[0172] When the third transmission path is selected from a plurality of transmission paths, the rotational states of the first transmission ring gear 80A, the third transmission ring gear 96A, the fourth transmission ring gear 110A, the fifth transmission ring gear 110B, and the sixth transmission ring gear 122A are in an allowable state. When the third transmission path is selected from a plurality of transmission paths, the rotational states of the second transmission ring gear 80B and the seventh transmission ring gear 134A are in a restricted state.

[0173] When the fourth transmission path is selected from a plurality of transmission paths, the rotational states of the second transmission ring gear 80B, the third transmission ring gear 96A, the fourth transmission ring gear 110A, the fifth transmission ring gear 110B, and the sixth transmission ring gear 122A are in an allowable state. When the fourth transmission path is selected from a plurality of transmission paths, the rotational states of the first transmission ring gear 80A and the seventh transmission ring gear 134A are in a restricted state.

[0174] When the fifth transmission path is selected from the plurality of transmission paths, the rotation states of the first-speed ring gear 80A, the second-speed ring gear 80B, the third-speed ring gear 96A, the fourth-speed ring gear 110A, and the seventh-speed ring gear 134A are allowed. When the fifth transmission path is selected from the plurality of transmission paths, the rotation states of the fifth-speed ring gear 110B and the sixth-speed ring gear 122A are restricted.

[0175] When the sixth transmission path is selected from the plurality of transmission paths, the rotation states of the first-speed ring gear 80A, the second-speed ring gear 80B, the fifth-speed ring gear 110B, the third-speed ring gear 96A, and the seventh-speed ring gear 134A are allowed. When the sixth transmission path is selected from the plurality of transmission paths, the rotation states of the fourth-speed ring gear 110A and the sixth-speed ring gear 122A are restricted.

[0176] When the seventh transmission path is selected from the multiple transmission paths, the rotation states of the first-speed ring gear 80A, the third-speed ring gear 96A, the fourth-speed ring gear 110A, the fifth-speed ring gear 110B, and the seventh-speed ring gear 134A are allowed. When the seventh transmission path is selected from the multiple transmission paths, the rotation states of the second-speed ring gear 80B and the sixth-speed ring gear 122A are restricted.

[0177] When the eighth transmission path is selected from the multiple transmission paths, the rotation states of the second-speed ring gear 80B, the third-speed ring gear 96A, the fourth-speed ring gear 110A, the fifth-speed ring gear 110B, and the seventh-speed ring gear 134A are allowed. When the eighth transmission path is selected from the multiple transmission paths, the rotation states of the first-speed ring gear 80A and the sixth-speed ring gear 122A are restricted.

[0178] When the ninth transmission path is selected from the plurality of transmission paths, the rotational states of the first transmission ring gear 80A, the second transmission ring gear 80B, the fourth transmission ring gear 110A, the sixth transmission ring gear 122A, and the seventh transmission ring gear 134A are in an acceptable state. When the ninth transmission path is selected from the plurality of transmission paths, the rotational states of the third transmission ring gear 96A and the fifth transmission ring gear 110B are in a restricted state.

[0179] When the tenth transmission path is selected from the plurality of transmission paths, the rotational states of the first transmission ring gear 80A, the second transmission ring gear 80B, the fifth transmission ring gear 110B, the sixth transmission ring gear 122A, and the seventh transmission ring gear 134A are in an acceptable state. When the tenth transmission path is selected from the plurality of transmission paths, the rotational states of the third transmission ring gear 96A and the fourth transmission ring gear 110A are in a restricted state.

[0180] When the eleventh transmission path is selected from the plurality of transmission paths, the rotational states of the first transmission ring gear 80A, the fourth transmission ring gear 110A, the fifth transmission ring gear 110B, the sixth transmission ring gear 122A, and the seventh transmission ring gear 134A are in an acceptable state. When the eleventh transmission path is selected from the plurality of transmission paths, the rotational states of the second transmission ring gear 80B and the third transmission ring gear 96A are in a restricted state.

[0181] When the twelfth transmission path is selected from the plurality of transmission paths, the rotational states of the second transmission ring gear 80B, the fourth transmission ring gear 110A, the fifth transmission ring gear 110B, the sixth transmission ring gear 122A, and the seventh transmission ring gear 134A are in an acceptable state. When the twelfth transmission path is selected from the plurality of transmission paths, the rotational states of the first transmission ring gear 80A and the third transmission ring gear 96A are in a restricted state.

[0182] As shown in FIGS. 12 to 17, the restricted state and the allowable state of the shift ring gear 52D are selected by the rotation control unit 54. The shift ring gear 52D has, for example, at least one engaged portion 52E. The at least one engaged portion 52E is provided, for example, on the outer peripheral portion of the shift ring gear 52D. The at least one engaged portion 52E includes, for example, a plurality of engaged portions 52E. The plurality of engaged portions 52E are arranged at intervals on the outer peripheral portions of the plurality of shift ring gears 52D around the rotation center axis C2 of the shaft member 22. The engaged portion 52E includes, for example, a concave portion or a convex portion.

[0183] The control member 60 includes, for example, a contact portion 60A that contacts the cam portion 58 and an engagement portion 60B that engages with the engaged portion 52E. The contact portion 60A and the engagement portion 60B are integrally formed. The engagement portion 60B includes, for example, a convex portion or a concave portion.

[0184] The rotation control unit 54 restricts the rotation of the shift ring gear 52D, for example, by the engagement of the engagement portion 60B of the control member 60 with the engaged portion 52E of the shift ring gear 52D. In this case, the shift ring gear 52D is in the restricted state. The rotation control unit 54 allows the rotation state of the shift ring gear 52D, for example, by the release of the engagement between the engagement portion 60B of the control member 60 and the engaged portion 52E of the shift ring gear 52D. In this case, the shift ring gear 52D is in the allowable state.

[0185] The engagement state between the engagement portion 60B and the engaged portion 52E changes, for example, in conjunction with the contact state between the cam portion 58 and the contact portion 60A. The rotation control unit 54 switches the rotation state of the shift ring gear 52D, for example, between the allowable state and the restricted state, thereby switching from one of the plurality of transmission paths to another one of the plurality of transmission paths.

[0186] The transmission 24 includes, for example, a first rotation control unit 138, a second rotation control unit 140, and an interlocking mechanism 142. At least one rotation control unit 54 includes, for example, the first rotation control unit 138 and the second rotation control unit 140.

[0187] The first rotation control unit 138 includes, for example, a first camshaft 138A and controls the first transmission unit 66. The at least one camshaft 56 includes, for example, the first camshaft 138A. The first rotation control unit 138 is configured, for example, to select one of a plurality of first gear ratios of the first transmission unit 66 in accordance with the rotation of the first camshaft 138A. The first rotation control unit 138 is configured, for example, to select one of a plurality of first gear ratios of the first transmission unit 66 by controlling the rotational state of the first ring gear 80 in accordance with the rotation of the first camshaft 138A.

[0188] The first rotation control unit 138 includes, for example, a first cam portion 144 that is provided on the first cam shaft 138A so as to rotate integrally with the first cam shaft 138A, and a first control member 146 that operates between the first cam portion 144 and the first ring gear 80. The cam portion 58 includes, for example, the first cam portion 144. The control member 60 includes, for example, the first control member 146.

[0189] The first cam portion 144 and the first control member 146 are provided, for example, for each of the multiple first ring gears 80. The first rotation control portion 138 includes, for example, a first shift cam portion 144A and a first shift control member 146A corresponding to the first shift ring gear 80A. The first rotation control portion 138 includes, for example, a second shift cam portion 144B and a second shift control member 146B corresponding to the second shift ring gear 80B.

[0190] The first rotation control unit 138, for example, restricts the rotation of the first ring gear 80 by engaging the first control member 146 with the first ring gear 80. The first rotation control unit 138, for example, restricts the rotation of the first change gear ring gear 80A by engaging the engaging portion 60B of the first transmission control member 146A with the engaged portion 52E of the first change gear ring gear 80A. The first rotation control unit 138, for example, restricts the rotation of the second change gear ring gear 80B by engaging the engaging portion 60B of the second transmission control member 146B with the engaged portion 52E of the second change gear ring gear 80B.

[0191] The first cam portion 144 has, for example, a first cam surface 144C and a second cam surface 144D. The first cam surface 144C is, for example, a surface that is lower in height than the second cam surface 144D in the radial direction of the first cam shaft 138A.

[0192] The first rotation control unit 138 restricts the rotation of the first ring gear 80 when, for example, the first control member 146 contacts the first cam surface 144C. The first rotation control unit 138 restricts the rotation of the first shift ring gear 80A when, for example, the contact portion 60A of the first shift control member 146A contacts the first cam surface 144C of the first shift cam portion 144A. The first rotation control unit 138 restricts the rotation of the second shift ring gear 80B when, for example, the contact portion 60A of the second shift control member 146B contacts the first cam surface 144C of the second shift cam portion 144B.

[0193] The first rotation control unit 138 allows the rotation of the first ring gear 80 when, for example, the first control member 146 contacts the second cam surface 144D. The first rotation control unit 138 allows the rotation of the first shift ring gear 80A when, for example, the contact portion 60A of the first shift control member 146A contacts the second cam surface 144D of the first shift cam portion 144A. The first rotation control unit 138 allows the rotation of the second shift ring gear 80B when, for example, the contact portion 60A of the second shift control member 146B contacts the second cam surface 144D of the second shift cam portion 144B.

[0194] The second rotation control unit 140 includes, for example, a second cam shaft 140A arranged coaxially with the first cam shaft 138A and controls the second speed change unit 68. At least one cam shaft 56 includes, for example, the second cam shaft 140A. The second rotation control unit 140 is configured to select one of a plurality of second speed ratios of the second speed change unit 68 in accordance with the rotation of the second cam shaft 140A. The second rotation control unit 140 is configured to select one of a plurality of second speed ratios of the second speed change unit 68 by controlling the rotation state of the second ring gear 96 in accordance with the rotation of the second cam shaft 140A.

[0195] The second rotation control unit 140 includes, for example, a second cam portion 148 provided on the second camshaft 140A so as to rotate integrally with the second camshaft 140A, and a second control member 150 that operates between the second cam portion 148 and the second ring gear 96. The cam portion 58 includes, for example, the second cam portion 148. The control member 60 includes, for example, the second control member 150.

[0196] The second cam portion 148 and the second control member 150 are provided, for example, for each of the plurality of second ring gears 96. The second rotation control unit 140 includes, for example, a third speed change cam portion 148A and a third speed change control member 150A corresponding to the third speed change ring gear 96A.

[0197] The second rotation control unit 140 restricts the rotation of the second ring gear 96, for example, when the second control member 150 engages with the second ring gear 96. The second rotation control unit 140 restricts the rotation of the third speed change ring gear 96A, for example, when the engaging portion 60B of the third speed change control member 150A engages with the engaged portion 52E of the third speed change ring gear 96A.

[0198] The second cam portion 148 has, for example, a third cam surface 148B and a fourth cam surface 148C. The third cam surface 148B is a surface that is lower in height than the fourth cam surface 148C in the radial direction of the second camshaft 140A, for example.

[0199] The second rotation control unit 140 restricts the rotation of the second ring gear 96, for example, when the second control member 150 contacts the third cam surface 148B. The second rotation control unit 140 restricts the rotation of the third speed change ring gear 96A, for example, when the contact portion 60A of the third speed change control member 150A contacts the third cam surface 148B of the third speed change cam portion 148A.

[0200] The second rotation control unit 140 permits the rotation of the second ring gear 96, for example, when the second control member 150 contacts the fourth cam surface 148C. The second rotation control unit 140 permits the rotation of the third speed change ring gear 96A, for example, when the contact portion 60A of the third speed change control member 150A contacts the fourth cam surface 148C of the third speed change cam portion 148A.

[0201] The first rotation control unit 138 is configured to select one of a plurality of first gear ratios, for example, by controlling the rotation state of the third ring gear 110 in accordance with the rotation of the first camshaft 138A. The first rotation control unit 138 includes, for example, a third cam portion 152 provided on the first camshaft 138A so as to rotate integrally with the first camshaft 138A, and a third control member 154 that operates between the third cam portion 152 and the third ring gear 110. The cam portion 58 includes, for example, the third cam portion 152. The control member 60 includes, for example, the third control member 154.

[0202] The third cam portion 152 and the third control member 154 are provided, for example, for each of the plurality of third ring gears 110. The first rotation control unit 138 includes, for example, a fourth speed change cam portion 152A and a fourth speed change control member 154A corresponding to the fourth speed change ring gear 110A. The first rotation control unit 138 includes, for example, a fifth speed change cam portion 152B and a fifth speed change control member 154B corresponding to the fifth speed change ring gear 110B.

[0203] The first rotation control unit 138 restricts the rotation of the third ring gear 110, for example, by engaging the third control member 154 with the third ring gear 110. The first rotation control unit 138 restricts the rotation of the fourth speed change ring gear 110A, for example, by engaging the engaging portion 60B of the fourth speed change control member 154A with the engaged portion 52E of the fourth speed change ring gear 110A. The first rotation control unit 138 restricts the rotation of the fifth speed change ring gear 110B, for example, by engaging the engaging portion 60B of the fifth speed change control member 154B with the engaged portion 52E of the fifth speed change ring gear 110B.

[0204] The third cam portion 152 has, for example, a fifth cam surface 152C and a sixth cam surface 152D. The fifth cam surface 152C is a surface that is lower in height than the sixth cam surface 152D in the radial direction of the first camshaft 138A.

[0205] For example, when the third control member 154 contacts the fifth cam surface 152C, the first rotation control unit 138 restricts the rotation of the third ring gear 110. For example, when the contact portion 60A of the fourth speed change control member 154A contacts the fifth cam surface 152C of the fourth speed change cam portion 152A, the first rotation control unit 138 restricts the rotation of the fourth speed change ring gear 110A. For example, when the contact portion 60A of the fifth speed change control member 154B contacts the fifth cam surface 152C of the fifth speed change cam portion 152B, the first rotation control unit 138 restricts the rotation of the fifth speed change ring gear 110B.

[0206] For example, when the third control member 154 contacts the sixth cam surface 152D, the first rotation control unit 138 allows the rotation of the third ring gear 110. For example, when the contact portion 60A of the fourth speed change control member 154A contacts the sixth cam surface 152D of the fourth speed change cam portion 152A, the first rotation control unit 138 allows the rotation of the fourth speed change ring gear 110A. For example, when the contact portion 60A of the fifth speed change control member 154B contacts the sixth cam surface 152D of the fifth speed change cam portion 152B, the first rotation control unit 138 allows the rotation of the fifth speed change ring gear 110B.

[0207] The second rotation control unit 140 is configured to select one of a plurality of second speed ratios, for example, by controlling the rotation state of the fourth ring gear 122 according to the rotation of the second camshaft 140A. The second rotation control unit 140 includes, for example, a fourth cam portion 156 provided on the second camshaft 140A so as to rotate integrally with the second camshaft 140A, and a fourth control member 158 that operates between the fourth cam portion 156 and the fourth ring gear 122. The cam portion 58 includes, for example, the fourth cam portion 156. The control member 60 includes, for example, the fourth control member 158.

[0208] The fourth cam portion 156 and the fourth control member 158 are provided, for example, for each of the plurality of fourth ring gears 122. The second rotation control unit 140 includes, for example, a sixth speed change cam portion 156A and a sixth speed change control member 158A corresponding to the sixth speed change ring gear 122A.

[0209] The second rotation control unit 140 restricts the rotation of the fourth ring gear 122, for example, by engaging the fourth control member 158 with the fourth ring gear 122. The second rotation control unit 140 restricts the rotation of the sixth transmission ring gear 122A, for example, by engaging the engaging portion 60B of the sixth transmission control member 158A with the engaged portion 52E of the sixth transmission ring gear 122A.

[0210] The fourth cam portion 156 has, for example, a seventh cam surface 156B and an eighth cam surface 156C. The seventh cam surface 156B is a surface that is lower in height than the eighth cam surface 156C in the radial direction of the second cam shaft 140A, for example.

[0211] The second rotation control unit 140 restricts the rotation of the fourth ring gear 122 when, for example, the fourth control member 158 contacts the seventh cam surface 156B. The second rotation control unit 140 restricts the rotation of the sixth transmission ring gear 122A when, for example, the contact portion 60A of the sixth transmission control member 158A contacts the seventh cam surface 156B of the sixth transmission cam portion 156A.

[0212] The second rotation control unit 140 permits the rotation of the fourth ring gear 122 when, for example, the fourth control member 158 contacts the eighth cam surface 156C. The second rotation control unit 140 permits the rotation of the sixth transmission ring gear 122A when, for example, the contact portion 60A of the sixth transmission control member 158A contacts the eighth cam surface 156C of the sixth transmission cam portion 156A.

[0213] The second rotation control unit 140 is configured to select one of a plurality of second gear ratios, for example, by controlling the rotation state of the fifth ring gear 134 in accordance with the rotation of the second cam shaft 140A. The second rotation control unit 140 includes, for example, a fifth cam portion 160 provided on the second cam shaft 140A so as to rotate integrally with the second cam shaft 140A, and a fifth control member 162 that operates between the fifth cam portion 160 and the fifth ring gear 134. The cam portion 58 includes, for example, the fifth cam portion 160. The control member 60 includes, for example, the fifth control member 162.

[0214] The fifth cam portion 160 and the fifth control member 162 are provided, for example, for each of the plurality of fifth ring gears 134. The second rotation control unit 140 includes, for example, a seventh speed change cam portion 160A and a seventh speed change control member 162A corresponding to the seventh speed change ring gear 134A.

[0215] The second rotation control unit 140 restricts the fifth ring gear 134, for example, when the fifth control member 162 engages with the fifth ring gear 134. The second rotation control unit 140 restricts the rotation of the seventh speed change ring gear 134A, for example, when the engaging portion 60B of the seventh speed change control member 162A engages with the engaged portion 52E of the seventh speed change ring gear 134A.

[0216] The fifth cam portion 160 has, for example, a ninth cam surface 160B and a tenth cam surface 160C. The ninth cam surface 160B is a surface that is lower in height than the tenth cam surface 160C in the radial direction of the second cam shaft 140A, for example.

[0217] The second rotation control unit 140 restricts the rotation of the fifth ring gear 134, for example, when the fifth control member 162 contacts the ninth cam surface 160B. The second rotation control unit 140 restricts the rotation of the seventh speed change ring gear 134A, for example, when the contact portion 60A of the seventh speed change control member 162A contacts the ninth cam surface 160B of the seventh speed change cam portion 160A.

[0218] The second rotation control unit 140 permits the rotation of the fifth ring gear 134, for example, when the fifth control member 162 contacts the tenth cam surface 160C. The second rotation control unit 140 permits the rotation of the seventh speed change ring gear 134A, for example, when the contact portion 60A of the seventh speed change control member 162A contacts the tenth cam surface 160C of the seventh speed change cam portion 160A.

[0219] As shown in FIGS. 12, 13, and 18, the transmission 24 further includes a drive unit 28 including, for example, a drive shaft 62 that rotates the first cam shaft 138A and the second cam shaft 140A via an interlocking mechanism 142, and a transmission motor 28A that rotates the drive shaft 62. The interlocking mechanism 142 interlocks, for example, the first cam shaft 138A and the second cam shaft 140A. The drive shaft 62 extends, for example, parallel to the first cam shaft 138A and the second cam shaft 140A.

[0220] The interlocking mechanism 142 includes, for example, a first rotation transmission unit 164. The first cam shaft 138A is connected, for example, via the first rotation transmission unit 164 so as to rotate integrally with the drive shaft 62. The first rotation transmission unit 164 includes, for example, spur gears. The first rotation transmission unit 164 includes, for example, a first spur gear 164A and a second spur gear 164B. The pitch circle diameters of the first spur gear 164A and the second spur gear 164B are substantially equal. The first spur gear 164A is provided on the drive shaft 62 so as to rotate integrally with the drive shaft 62, for example. The second spur gear 164B is provided on the first cam shaft 138A so as to rotate integrally with the first cam shaft 138A, for example.

[0221] The interlocking mechanism 142 includes a second rotation transmission unit 168 having, for example, a first interlocking gear 168A and a second interlocking gear 168B that meshes with the first interlocking gear 168A. The first interlocking gear 168A is provided on the drive shaft 62 so as to rotate integrally with the drive shaft 62, for example. The second interlocking gear 168B is provided on the second cam shaft 140A so as to rotate integrally with the second cam shaft 140A, for example.

[0222] The second rotation transmission unit 168 switches, for example, the engagement state between the first interlocking gear 168A and the second interlocking gear 168B according to the rotation angle of the drive shaft 62. One of the first interlocking gear 168A and the second interlocking gear 168B is, for example, a partial gear in which teeth are formed only on a part of the circumference. The other of the first interlocking gear 168A and the second interlocking gear 168B engages, for example, only with the teeth of the partial gear among the first interlocking gear 168A and the second interlocking gear 168B. When the non-tooth portion of the partial gear, which is one of the first interlocking gear 168A and the second interlocking gear 168B, faces the other of the first interlocking gear 168A and the second interlocking gear 168B, one of the first interlocking gear 168A and the second interlocking gear 168B rotates relative to the other of the first interlocking gear 168A and the second interlocking gear 168B, for example.

[0223] The second rotation transmission unit 168 is configured to transmit the rotational torque of the drive shaft 62 to the second cam shaft 140A when the rotation angle of the drive shaft 62 is within a predetermined range, and not to transmit the rotational torque of the drive shaft 62 to the second cam shaft 140A when the rotation angle of the drive shaft 62 is outside the predetermined range. When the rotation angle of the drive shaft 62 is within the predetermined range, for example, the teeth of one of the first interlocking gear 168A and the second interlocking gear 168B engage with the other of the first interlocking gear 168A and the second interlocking gear 168B. When the rotation angle of the drive shaft 62 is outside the predetermined range, for example, the non-tooth portion of the partial gear, which is one of the first interlocking gear 168A and the second interlocking gear 168B, corresponds to the other of the first interlocking gear 168A and the second interlocking gear 168B.

[0224] The interlocking mechanism 142 is configured to interlock the first cam shaft 138A and the second cam shaft 140A so that the rotations of the first ring gear 80 and the second ring gear 96 are restricted regardless of the rotation phase of the drive shaft 62, for example. The interlocking mechanism 142 is configured to interlock the first cam shaft 138A and the second cam shaft 140A so that the rotation of any one of the first ring gear 80, the second ring gear 96, the third ring gear 110, the fourth ring gear 122, and the fifth ring gear 134 is restricted regardless of the rotation phase of the drive shaft 62, for example.

[0225] The interlocking mechanism 142 includes, for example, a control shaft 60C. The control member 60 is rotatably supported, for example, about the rotation axis of the control shaft 60C. The interlocking mechanism 142 includes, for example, a biasing member 60D. The biasing member 60D biases the control member 60 about the rotation axis of the control shaft 60C so that the control member 60 contacts the cam portion 58. The biasing member 60D includes, for example, a torsion coil spring. The biasing member 60D may include, for example, a coil spring.

[0226] The interlocking mechanism 142 includes, for example, a first cam shaft 138A, a second cam shaft 140A, and a first control shaft 142A different from the drive shaft 62. The control shaft 60C includes, for example, the first control shaft 142A. The first control member 146 is provided, for example, on the first control shaft 142A. The third control member 154 is provided, for example, on the first control shaft 142A. The first control member 146 and the third control member 154 are arranged side by side on the first control shaft 142A in the axial direction A1.

[0227] The interlocking mechanism 142 includes, for example, a second control shaft 142B different from the first cam shaft 138A, the second cam shaft 140A, and the drive shaft 62. The control shaft 60C includes, for example, the second control shaft 142B. The second control member 150 is provided, for example, on the second control shaft 142B. The fourth control member 158 is provided, for example, on the second control shaft 142B. The fifth control member 162 is provided, for example, on the second control shaft 142B. The second control member 150, the fourth control member 158, and the fifth control member 162 are arranged side by side on the second control shaft 142B in the axial direction A1.

[0228] For example, the first control shaft 142A is spaced apart from the second control shaft 142B. For example, the first control shaft 142A extends parallel to the second control shaft 142B. For example, the first control member 146 and the third control member 154 extend from the first control shaft 142A toward the second control shaft 142B. For example, the second control member 150, the fourth control member 158, and the fifth control member 162 extend from the second control shaft 142B toward the first control shaft 142A. The first control member 146 and the third control member 154 extend in the opposite direction to the extension direction of the second control member 150, the fourth control member 158, and the fifth control member 162.

[0229] The drive unit 28 switches the rotation state of the transmission ring gear 52D between a restricted state and an allowed state and selects one of the multiple transmission paths, for example, by rotating the drive shaft 62. For example, the drive unit 28 switches the rotation state of the transmission ring gear 52D between a restricted state and an allowed state and selects one of the first to twelfth transmission paths while the drive shaft 62 makes three rotations.

[0230] 19 shows how the rotational states of the first, second, fourth, fifth, and m-th transmission ring gears change according to the rotation angle of the drive shaft 62. n is, for example, a positive integer. m is, for example, a positive integer. The n-th and m-th transmission ring gears correspond to either the third, sixth, and seventh transmission ring gears 96A, 122A, and 134A, respectively, depending on the rotation angle of the drive shaft 62. For example, when n is 7, m is 6. For example, when n is 6, m is 3. For example, when n is 3, m is 7.

[0231] In the following, the rotation angle of the drive shaft 62 in the first rotation is expressed as 0 to 360 degrees, the rotation angle in the second rotation as 360 to 720 degrees, and the rotation angle in the third rotation as 720 to 1080 degrees. 0 to 360 degrees in FIG. 19 corresponds to, for example, 360 to 720 degrees and 720 to 1080 degrees.

[0232] In the example shown in FIG. 19, the first interlocking gear 168A is a partial gear. In FIG. 19, when the rotation angle of the drive shaft 62 is 0 degrees, the partial gear of the first interlocking gear 168A is in a state where the engagement between the first interlocking gear 168A and the second interlocking gear 168B is released as shown in FIG. 18. The drive shaft 62 rotates, for example, in a direction away from the second interlocking gear 168B as the rotation angle of the drive shaft 62 increases. The partial gear of the first interlocking gear 168A engages with the second interlocking gear 168B, for example, when the rotation angle of the drive shaft 62 is 277 degrees or more and 360 degrees or less. The partial gear of the first interlocking gear 168A engages with the second interlocking gear 168B, for example, when the rotation angle of the drive shaft 62 is 637 degrees or more and 720 degrees or less.

[0233] When the rotation angle of the drive shaft 62 is 0 degrees or more and 360 degrees or less, the nth shift ring gear corresponds to the seventh shift ring gear 134A, and the mth shift ring gear corresponds to the sixth shift ring gear 122A. When the rotation angle of the drive shaft 62 is 0 degrees or more and 290 degrees or less, the rotation state of the sixth shift ring gear 122A is an allowable state, and the rotation state of the seventh shift ring gear 134A is a restricted state. When the rotation angle of the drive shaft 62 is 0 degrees or more and 360 degrees or less, the rotation state of the third shift ring gear 96A maintains the allowable state.

[0234] When the rotation angle of the drive shaft 62 is the first rotation angle, the rotation state of the fifth shift ring gear 110B is a restricted state, and the rotation states of the first shift ring gear 80A, the second shift ring gear 80B, and the fourth shift ring gear 110A are allowable states. Therefore, when the rotation angle of the drive shaft 62 is the first rotation angle, the first transmission path is selected from a plurality of transmission paths. The first rotation angle is, for example, 0 degrees or more and 12 degrees or less.

[0235] When the rotation angle of the drive shaft 62 is the second rotation angle, the rotation state of the fourth transmission ring gear 110A is a restricted state, and the rotation states of the first transmission ring gear 80A, the second transmission ring gear 80B, and the fifth transmission ring gear 110B are allowable states. Therefore, when the rotation angle of the drive shaft 62 is the second rotation angle, the second transmission path is selected from the plurality of transmission paths. The second rotation angle is, for example, 82 degrees or more and 93 degrees or less.

[0236] When the rotation angle of the drive shaft 62 is the third rotation angle, the rotation state of the second transmission ring gear 80B is a restricted state, and the rotation states of the first transmission ring gear 80A, the fourth transmission ring gear 110A, and the fifth transmission ring gear 110B are allowable states. Therefore, when the rotation angle of the drive shaft 62 is the third rotation angle, the third transmission path is selected from the plurality of transmission paths. The third rotation angle is, for example, 163 degrees or more and 174 degrees or less.

[0237] When the rotation angle of the drive shaft 62 is the fourth rotation angle, the rotation state of the first transmission ring gear 80A is a restricted state, and the rotation states of the second transmission ring gear 80B, the fourth transmission ring gear 110A, and the fifth transmission ring gear 110B are allowable states. Therefore, when the rotation angle of the drive shaft 62 is the fourth rotation angle, the fourth transmission path is selected from the plurality of transmission paths. The fourth rotation angle is, for example, 244 degrees or more and 255 degrees or less.

[0238] When the rotation angle of the drive shaft 62 is 360 degrees or more and 720 degrees or less, the nth transmission ring gear corresponds to the sixth transmission ring gear 122A, and the mth transmission ring gear corresponds to the third transmission ring gear 96A. When the rotation angle of the drive shaft 62 is 360 degrees or more and 650 degrees or less, the rotation state of the third transmission ring gear 96A is an allowable state, and the rotation state of the sixth transmission ring gear 122A is a restricted state. When the rotation angle of the drive shaft 62 is 360 degrees or more and 720 degrees or less, the rotation state of the seventh transmission ring gear 134A maintains the allowable state.

[0239] When the rotation angle of the drive shaft 62 is the fifth rotation angle, the rotation state of the fifth speed change ring gear 110B is a regulated state, and the rotation states of the first speed change ring gear 80A, the second speed change ring gear 80B, and the fourth speed change ring gear 110A are allowable states. Therefore, when the rotation angle of the drive shaft 62 is the fifth rotation angle, the fifth transmission path is selected from the plurality of transmission paths. The fifth rotation angle is, for example, 360 degrees or more and 372 degrees or less.

[0240] When the rotation angle of the drive shaft 62 is the sixth rotation angle, the rotation state of the fourth speed change ring gear 110A is a regulated state, and the rotation states of the first speed change ring gear 80A, the second speed change ring gear 80B, and the fifth speed change ring gear 110B are allowable states. Therefore, when the rotation angle of the drive shaft 62 is the sixth rotation angle, the sixth transmission path is selected from the plurality of transmission paths. The sixth rotation angle is, for example, 442 degrees or more and 453 degrees or less.

[0241] When the rotation angle of the drive shaft 62 is the seventh rotation angle, the rotation state of the second speed change ring gear 80B is a regulated state, and the rotation states of the first speed change ring gear 80A, the fourth speed change ring gear 110A, and the fifth speed change ring gear 110B are allowable states. Therefore, when the rotation angle of the drive shaft 62 is the seventh rotation angle, the seventh transmission path is selected from the plurality of transmission paths. The seventh rotation angle is, for example, 523 degrees or more and 534 degrees or less.

[0242] When the rotation angle of the drive shaft 62 is the eighth rotation angle, the rotation state of the first speed change ring gear 80A is a regulated state, and the rotation states of the second speed change ring gear 80B, the fourth speed change ring gear 110A, and the fifth speed change ring gear 110B are allowable states. Therefore, when the rotation angle of the drive shaft 62 is the eighth rotation angle, the eighth transmission path is selected from the plurality of transmission paths. The eighth rotation angle is, for example, 604 degrees or more and 615 degrees or less.

[0243] When the rotation angle of the drive shaft 62 is 720 degrees or more and 1080 degrees or less, the nth transmission ring gear corresponds to the third transmission ring gear 96A, and the mth transmission ring gear corresponds to the seventh transmission ring gear 134A. When the rotation angle of the drive shaft 62 is 720 degrees or more and 1010 degrees or less, the rotation state of the seventh transmission ring gear 134A is an allowable state, and the rotation state of the third transmission ring gear 96A is a restricted state. When the rotation angle of the drive shaft 62 is 720 degrees or more and 1080 degrees or less, the rotation state of the sixth transmission ring gear 122A remains in an allowable state.

[0244] When the rotation angle of the drive shaft 62 is at the ninth rotation angle, the rotation state of the fifth transmission ring gear 110B is a restricted state, and the rotation states of the first transmission ring gear 80A, the second transmission ring gear 80B, and the fourth transmission ring gear 110A are allowable states. Therefore, when the rotation angle of the drive shaft 62 is at the ninth rotation angle, the ninth transmission path is selected from a plurality of transmission paths. The ninth rotation angle is, for example, 720 degrees or more and 732 degrees or less.

[0245] When the rotation angle of the drive shaft 62 is at the tenth rotation angle, the rotation state of the fourth transmission ring gear 110A is a restricted state, and the rotation states of the first transmission ring gear 80A, the second transmission ring gear 80B, and the fifth transmission ring gear 110B are allowable states. Therefore, when the rotation angle of the drive shaft 62 is at the tenth rotation angle, the tenth transmission path is selected from a plurality of transmission paths. The tenth rotation angle is, for example, 802 degrees or more and 813 degrees or less.

[0246] When the rotation angle of the drive shaft 62 is at the eleventh rotation angle, the rotation state of the second transmission ring gear 80B is a restricted state, and the rotation states of the first transmission ring gear 80A, the fourth transmission ring gear 110A, and the fifth transmission ring gear 110B are allowable states. Therefore, when the rotation angle of the drive shaft 62 is at the eleventh rotation angle, the eleventh transmission path is selected from a plurality of transmission paths. The eleventh rotation angle is, for example, 883 degrees or more and 894 degrees or less.

[0247] When the rotation angle of the drive shaft 62 is the 12th rotation angle, the rotation state of the first speed change ring gear 80A is a regulated state, and the rotation states of the second speed change ring gear 80B, the fourth speed change ring gear 110A, and the fifth speed change ring gear 110B are allowable states. Therefore, when the rotation angle of the drive shaft 62 is the 12th rotation angle, the 12th transmission path is selected from the plurality of transmission paths. The 12th rotation angle is, for example, 964 degrees or more and 975 degrees or less.

[0248] The plurality of first speed ratios include, for example, a first predetermined speed ratio and a second predetermined speed ratio that is larger than the first predetermined speed ratio. The first speed change section 66 has, for example, a first speed change pitch. The first speed change pitch is, for example, the ratio of the second predetermined speed ratio to the first predetermined speed ratio. When the plurality of first speed ratios include two first speed ratios, the first speed change section 66 has, for example, one first speed change pitch. When the plurality of first speed ratios include three or more first speed ratios, the first speed change section 66 has, for example, a plurality of first speed change pitches.

[0249] The plurality of first speed ratios are all, for example, 1 or more. The plurality of first speed ratios may all be less than 1. The plurality of first speed ratios are, for example, 1 or more and 10 or less. The plurality of first speed ratios are, for example, 2 or more and 6 or less. The first speed change pitch is, for example, greater than 1.0 and 1.3 or less. The difference between the maximum value and the minimum value of the first speed change pitch is, for example, 0.01 or more and 0.02 or less. The difference between the maximum value and the minimum value of the first speed change pitch may be, for example, 0.011 or more and 0.012 or less.

[0250] The plurality of second speed ratios include, for example, a third predetermined speed ratio and a fourth predetermined speed ratio that is larger than the third predetermined speed ratio. The second speed change section 68 has, for example, a second speed change pitch. The second speed change pitch is, for example, the ratio of the fourth predetermined speed ratio to the third predetermined speed ratio. When the plurality of second speed ratios include two second speed ratios, the second speed change section 68 has, for example, one first speed change pitch. When the plurality of second speed ratios include three or more second speed ratios, the second speed change section 68 has, for example, a plurality of second speed change pitches.

[0251] The plurality of second speed ratios are, for example, all 1 or less. The plurality of second speed ratios may all be greater than 1, for example. The plurality of second speed ratios are greater than 0 and 1 or less, for example. The plurality of second speed ratios are 0.1 or more and 0.6 or less, for example. The second speed pitch is 1.8 or more and 2.1 or less, for example. The difference between the maximum value and the minimum value of the second speed pitch is 0.06 or more and 0.07 or less, for example. The difference between the maximum value and the minimum value of the second speed pitch may be 0.014 or more and 0.015 or less, for example.

[0252] The first speed pitch is smaller than the second speed pitch, for example. When the first speed change section 66 includes a plurality of first speed pitches and the second speed change section 68 includes a plurality of second speed pitches, for example, all of the plurality of first speed pitches are smaller than all of the plurality of second speed pitches. When the first speed change section 66 includes a plurality of first speed pitches and the second speed change section 68 includes a plurality of second speed pitches, at least one of the plurality of first speed pitches may be smaller than at least one of the plurality of second speed pitches.

[0253] When the first speed change section 66 includes a plurality of first speed pitches and the second speed change section 68 includes one second speed pitch, at least one of the plurality of first speed pitches may be smaller than the second speed pitch. When the first speed change section 66 includes a plurality of first speed pitches and the second speed change section 68 includes one second speed pitch, all of the plurality of first speed pitches may be smaller than the second speed pitch. When the first speed change section 66 includes one first speed pitch and the second speed change section 68 includes a plurality of second speed pitches, the first speed pitch may be smaller than at least one of the plurality of second speed pitches. When the first speed change section 66 includes one first speed pitch and the second speed change section 68 includes a plurality of second speed pitches, all of the plurality of first speed pitches may be smaller than all of the plurality of second speed pitches.

[0254] In this embodiment, the plurality of first gear ratios includes four first gear ratios, and the plurality of second gear ratios includes three second gear ratios. Table 2 shows the first gear ratios and the first gear pitches in this embodiment. Table 3 shows the second gear ratios and the second gear pitches in this embodiment. In Table 2, the difference between the maximum value and the minimum value of the first gear pitch is, for example, 0.013. In Table 3, the difference between the maximum value and the minimum value of the second gear pitch is, for example, 0.066.

[0255]

Table 2

[0256]

Table 3

[0257] <Second Embodiment> With reference to FIGS. 20 to 23, the component 20 and the transmission 24 of the second embodiment will be described. For the components 20 and the transmission 24 of the second embodiment that are common to the components 20 and the transmission 24 of the first embodiment, the same reference numerals as those in the first embodiment are given, and redundant descriptions are omitted.

[0258] The component 20 for a human-powered vehicle of the second embodiment includes, for example, a transmission 24 and a drive motor 170. The component 20 for a human-powered vehicle includes, for example, a crankshaft support portion 40, a power transmission portion 42, and an output rotating shaft 34.

[0259] The drive motor 170 is configured to apply a driving force to, for example, a human-powered vehicle. The drive motor 170 is, for example, an assist motor. The drive motor 170 has, for example, a drive motor rotating shaft 170A. The drive motor rotating shaft 170A extends, for example, parallel to the crankshaft 10, the shaft member 22, and the output rotating shaft 34. The drive motor rotating shaft 170A is arranged, for example, at an interval from the shaft member 22 and the output rotating shaft 34. The drive motor rotating shaft 170A may be arranged coaxially with the crankshaft 10.

[0260] As shown in FIG. 23, the drive motor 170 is arranged so as to overlap at least a part of the transmission 24 when viewed from the direction B1 orthogonal to the crankshaft 10 and the shaft member 22.

[0261] As shown in FIG. 22, the component 20 further includes, for example, a resultant force portion 172. The drive motor 170 is configured to transmit the motor driving force, which is the driving force output from the drive motor 170, to the resultant force portion 172 provided between the power transmission portion 42 and the transmission 24 in the transmission path of the human driving force. The motor driving force is combined with the human driving force in the resultant force portion 172, for example.

[0262] The resultant force portion 172 includes, for example, at least one of a power transmission input portion 44M and a first input rotating body 66A. When the resultant force portion 172 includes the power transmission input portion 44M, the power transmission input portion 44M is configured such that the rotational torque of the drive motor 170 is input, for example. The motor driving force is combined with the human driving force in the power transmission input portion 44M, for example. When the resultant force portion 172 includes the first input rotating body 66A, the first input rotating body 66A is configured such that the rotational torque of the drive motor 170 is input, for example. The motor driving force is combined with the human driving force in the first input rotating body 66A, for example.

[0263] Component 20 further includes, for example, a drive motor reducer 170B. For example, motor driving force is input from a drive motor 170 to the drive motor reducer 170B. The drive motor reducer 170B outputs, for example, the motor driving force input from the drive motor 170 to a resultant force portion 172. The drive motor reducer 170B connects, for example, a drive motor rotating shaft 170A and the resultant force portion 172.

[0264] The drive motor reducer 170B includes, for example, at least one of a gear, a pulley, and an endless annular member. The drive motor reducer 170B includes, for example, a plurality of gears that mesh with each other. The endless annular member includes, for example, at least one of a chain and a belt. When the drive motor reducer 170B includes a gear and an endless annular member, the endless annular member includes, for example, a chain. When the drive motor reducer 170B includes a pulley and an endless annular member, the endless annular member includes, for example, a belt. The drive motor reducer 170B may include an epicyclic gear mechanism.

[0265] Component 20 is, for example, a drive unit. The crankshaft 10, the transmission 24, the power transmission portion 42, and the drive motor 170 are provided, for example, in a housing 38.

[0266] Component 20 further includes, for example, a third one-way clutch. The third one-way clutch is provided, for example, between the drive motor 170 and the resultant force portion 172 in the transmission path of the motor driving force. The third one-way clutch transmits, for example, the rotational force of the drive motor 170 to the resultant force portion 172 and regulates the transmission of the rotational force of the resultant force portion 172 by the manual driving force to the drive motor 170. The third one-way clutch includes, for example, at least one of a roller clutch, a claw clutch, and a sprag clutch.

[0267] The drive unit includes, for example, a drive motor control device configured to control the drive motor 170. The drive motor control device is accommodated in, for example, the housing 38. The drive motor control device includes, for example, an arithmetic processing unit that executes a predetermined control program. The arithmetic processing unit includes, for example, a CPU or an MPU. The arithmetic processing units may be provided at a plurality of mutually separated locations. The second control unit may include one or more microcomputers. The second control unit further includes, for example, an inverter circuit. The inverter circuit is electrically connected to the arithmetic processing unit and the drive motor 170. The drive motor control device may include an arithmetic processing unit common to the control device 30A.

[0268] The drive motor control device includes, for example, a second storage unit. Various control programs and information used for various control processes are stored in the second storage unit. The storage unit includes, for example, at least one of a non-volatile memory and a volatile memory. The non-volatile memory includes, for example, at least one of a ROM, an EPROM, an EEPROM, and a flash memory. The volatile memory includes, for example, a RAM. The second storage unit may include a memory common to the first storage unit.

[0269] <Modified Example> The description of each embodiment is an exemplification of forms that components for a human-powered vehicle and a transmission for a human-powered vehicle according to the present disclosure can take, and is not intended to limit those forms. Components for a human-powered vehicle and a transmission for a human-powered vehicle according to the present disclosure can take, for example, modified examples of each of the following embodiments and forms in which at least two non-contradictory modified examples are combined. In the following modified examples, parts common to the forms of each embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals as those in each embodiment, and the description thereof is omitted.

[0270] · As shown in FIG. 24, the transmission 24 may be configured such that its gear ratio is changed by pulling the cable 174. In this modification example, the transmission 24 may not include the shift motor 28A. In this modification example, the human-powered vehicle includes, for example, a cable operating device 176 that rotates the drive shaft 62. In this modification example, the drive unit 28 includes, for example, a cable attachment portion 178. The cable attachment portion 178 is connected to the cable operating device 176 via the cable 174, for example. The cable attachment portion 178 is attached to the drive shaft 62, for example. The cable operating device 176 is provided on the handlebar of the human-powered vehicle, for example. When the rider operates the cable operating device 176, the pulling force of the cable 174 changes. The rotation angle of the drive shaft 62 changes according to the pulling force of the cable 174. The pulling force of the cable 174 is maintained by a cable positioning mechanism, for example. The cable positioning mechanism is provided on the cable operating device 176 or the cable attachment portion 178, for example. The cable positioning mechanism includes a ratchet, for example.

[0271] · At least one of the minimum gear ratio and the maximum gear ratio of the transmission 24 can be changed as appropriate. The minimum gear ratio of the transmission 24 may be greater than 1. The maximum gear ratio of the transmission 24 may be 1 or less.

[0272] · The transmission 24 may omit the first transmission portion 66 or may omit the second transmission portion 68. The transmission 24 may include three or more transmission portions 50.

[0273] · Instead of or in addition to the transmission portion 50, the transmission 24 may include a transmission portion having a transmission mechanism different from the planetary gear mechanism. The transmission 24 may include, for example, a transmission portion having a manual transmission including a clutch, or may include a transmission portion having a continuously variable transmission.

[0274] · Component 20 may be provided on the axle of the wheel of a human - powered vehicle. In this modification example, component 20 is provided, for example, on the wheel axle of a driving wheel. The driving wheel includes, for example, the rear wheel. The shaft member 22 includes, for example, a hub shaft. The input rotating body 32 is not provided, for example, on the housing 38. The output rotating body 36 includes, for example, a hub shell. The output rotating shaft 34 is formed integrally with the output rotating body 36, for example. The hub shell is formed integrally with the housing 38, for example. The hub shell may be formed separately from the housing 38 and configured to rotate integrally. Component 20 is provided, for example, on the rear hub of the rear wheel.

[0275] · The drive motor reducer 170B may be omitted. When the drive motor reducer 170B is omitted, for example, the motor driving force of the drive motor 170 is directly input to the power transmission input portion 44M or the first input rotating body 66A.

[0276] · The transmission 24 for a human-powered vehicle that can be changed to a plurality of different gear ratios includes a first transmission section 66 to which a driving force is input from an input rotating body 32 to which a human driving force is input, and a second transmission section 68 to which a driving force is input from the first transmission section 66. The first transmission section 66 includes a first input rotating body 66A and a first output rotating body 66B. The ratio of the rotational speed of the first output rotating body 66B to the rotational speed of the first input rotating body 66A is configured to be selectable from a plurality of first gear ratios. The second transmission section 68 includes a second input rotating body 68A and a second output rotating body 68B. The ratio of the rotational speed of the second output rotating body 68B to the rotational speed of the second input rotating body 68A is configured to be selectable from a plurality of second gear ratios. All of the plurality of first gear ratios are 1 or more, and all of the plurality of second gear ratios are 1 or less. The first transmission section 66 has a first transmission pitch, and the second transmission section 68 has a second transmission pitch. The plurality of first gear ratios include a first predetermined gear ratio and a second predetermined gear ratio that is larger than the first predetermined gear ratio. The first transmission pitch is the ratio of the second predetermined gear ratio to the first predetermined gear ratio. The plurality of second gear ratios include a third predetermined gear ratio and a fourth predetermined gear ratio that is larger than the third predetermined gear ratio. The second transmission pitch is the ratio of the fourth predetermined gear ratio to the third predetermined gear ratio. If the first transmission pitch is smaller than the second transmission pitch, the other configurations may be omitted.

[0277] · The transmission 24 for a human-powered vehicle that can be changed to a plurality of different gear ratios includes a first transmission section 66 having a first planetary gear unit 74, a second transmission section 68 having a second planetary gear unit 90, a first camshaft 138A, and a first rotation control section 138 that controls the first transmission section 66. The second transmission section 68 includes a second camshaft 140A that is arranged coaxially with the first camshaft 138A, and a second rotation control section 140 that controls the second transmission section 68, and an interlocking mechanism 142 that interlocks the first camshaft 138A and the second camshaft 140A. The first rotation control section 138 is configured to select one of the plurality of first gear ratios of the first transmission section 66 in accordance with the rotation of the first camshaft 138A. If the second rotation control section 140 is configured to select one of the plurality of second gear ratios of the second transmission section 68 in accordance with the rotation of the second camshaft 140A, the other configurations may be omitted.

[0278] · The component 20 for a human - powered vehicle includes a shaft member 22, a transmission 24 provided on the shaft member 22 and capable of being changed to a plurality of different gear ratios, a control unit 26 for controlling the transmission 24 so as to change the gear ratio step - by - step, and a drive unit 30 including a drive part 28 for driving the control unit 26. The drive unit 30 may omit the configurations other than those described above as long as at least a part of the drive unit 30 is arranged so as to overlap at least a part of the transmission 24 and at least a part of the shaft member 22 when viewed from the axial direction A1 of the shaft member 22.

[0279] · The component 20 for a human - powered vehicle includes a crankshaft support part 40 that supports a crankshaft 10 to which a human - driving force is input, a shaft member 22 extending parallel to the crankshaft 10, a transmission 24 provided on the shaft member 22 and capable of being changed to a plurality of different gear ratios, a control unit 26 for controlling the transmission 24 so as to change the gear ratio step - by - step, a drive unit 30 including a drive part for driving the control unit 26, and a power transmission part 42 that connects the crankshaft 10 and the transmission 24. The power transmission part 42 is configured to change the ratio of the rotational speed of a transmission input rotating body 24A of the transmission 24 to the rotational speed of the crankshaft 10 to a predetermined ratio. The drive unit 30 may omit the configurations other than those described above as long as at least a part of the drive unit 30 is arranged so as to overlap at least a part of the power transmission part 42 and at least a part of the crankshaft 10 and the shaft member 22 when viewed from the direction B1 orthogonal to the crankshaft 10 and the shaft member 22.

[0280] · The component 20 for a human - powered vehicle includes a crankshaft support portion 40 that supports a crankshaft 10 to which a human - driving force is input, a transmission 24 that can be changed to a plurality of different gear ratios, a power transmission portion 42 that connects the crankshaft 10 and the transmission 24, an output rotating shaft 34 that is arranged at an interval from the crankshaft 10 and outputs a driving force input from the transmission 24, and a drive motor 170 configured to apply a propulsive force to the human - powered vehicle. The power transmission portion 42 is configured to change the ratio of the rotational speed of the transmission input rotating body 24A of the transmission 24 to the rotational speed of the crankshaft 10 to a predetermined ratio. The drive motor 170 is configured to transmit a motor driving force, which is the driving force output from the drive motor 170, to a resultant force portion 172 provided between the power transmission portion 42 and the transmission 24 in the transmission path of the human - driving force. If so, the configurations other than the above may be omitted.

[0281] · In the second embodiment, the predetermined ratio may be 1 or less. The drive motor 170 of the second embodiment adds a motor driving force to a resultant force portion 172 to which a driving force before being shifted by the transmission 24 is input. Therefore, the motor control device can drive the drive motor 170 without considering the change in the gear ratio by the transmission 24. Thus, also in this modification example, the drive motor 170 can suitably apply a propulsive force to the human - powered vehicle.

[0282] As used herein, the expression "at least one" means "one or more" of the desired options. As an example, when the number of options is 2, the expression "at least one" as used herein means "only one option" or "both of the two options". As another example, when the number of options is 3 or more, the expression "at least one" as used herein means "only one option" or "any combination of two or more options".

[0283] Ordinal numbers such as "first", "second", and "third" used herein are merely used to distinguish a plurality of members having the same name and do not have a special meaning.

Explanation of Reference Numerals

[0284] 10…Crankshaft, 14…Transmission member, 20…Component, 22…Shaft member, 24…Transmission, 32…Input rotating body, 38…Housing, 42…Power transmission section, 44…Power transmission planetary gear unit, 66…First speed change section, 66A…First input rotating body, 66B…First output rotating body, 68…Second speed change section, 68A…Second input rotating body, 68B…Second output rotating body, 72…First planetary gear mechanism, 74…First planetary gear unit, 76…First planetary gear, 78…First sun gear, 80…First ring gear, 82…First carrier, 88…Second planetary gear mechanism, 90…Second planetary gear unit, 92…Second planetary gear, 94…Second sun gear, 96…Second ring gear, 98…Second carrier, 104…Third planetary gear unit, 106…Third planetary gear, 108…Third sun gear, 110…Third ring gear, 114…Third carrier, 116…Fourth planetary gear unit, 118…Fourth planetary gear, 120…Fourth sun gear, 122…Fourth ring gear, 124…Fourth carrier, 126…Fifth planetary gear unit, 128…Fifth planetary gear, 130…Fifth carrier, 132…Fifth sun gear, 134…Fifth ring gear, 170…Drive motor.

Claims

1. A transmission for a human-powered vehicle that can be changed to a plurality of different gear ratios, comprising: a first transmission section into which driving force is input from an input rotating body to which human driving force is input; a second transmission section into which driving force is input from the first transmission section; The first transmission section includes a first input rotating body and a first output rotating body, and the ratio of the rotational speed of the first output rotating body to the rotational speed of the first input rotating body is configured to be selectable from a plurality of first gear ratios; The second transmission section includes a second input rotating body and a second output rotating body, and the ratio of the rotational speed of the second output rotating body to the rotational speed of the second input rotating body is configured to be selectable from a plurality of second gear ratios; All of the plurality of first gear ratios are 1 or more; All of the plurality of second gear ratios are 1 or less; The first transmission section has a first transmission pitch; The second transmission section has a second transmission pitch; The plurality of first gear ratios include a first predetermined gear ratio and a second predetermined gear ratio that is greater than the first predetermined gear ratio; The first transmission pitch is the ratio of the second predetermined gear ratio to the first predetermined gear ratio; The plurality of second gear ratios include a third predetermined gear ratio and a fourth predetermined gear ratio that is greater than the third predetermined gear ratio; The second transmission pitch is the ratio of the fourth predetermined gear ratio to the third predetermined gear ratio; The transmission, wherein the first transmission pitch is smaller than the second transmission pitch.

2. The transmission according to claim 1, wherein the first transmission pitch is greater than 1.0 and equal to or less than 1.

3.

3. The transmission according to claim 1, wherein the second transmission pitch is equal to or greater than 1.8 and equal to or less than 2.

1.

4. The transmission according to claim 1, wherein the difference between the maximum value and the minimum value of the first transmission pitch is equal to or greater than 0.01 and equal to or less than 0.

02.

5. The transmission according to claim 1, wherein the difference between the maximum value and the minimum value of the second transmission pitch is equal to or greater than 0.06 and equal to or less than 0.

07.

6. The transmission according to claim 1, wherein the number of the plurality of first gear ratios is greater than the number of the plurality of second gear ratios.

7. The transmission according to claim 1, wherein each of the plurality of different gear ratios is determined by a combination of one selected from the plurality of first gear ratios and one selected from the plurality of second gear ratios.

8. The first transmission section has a plurality of first planetary gear mechanisms. Each of the plurality of first gear ratios corresponds to each of the plurality of first planetary gear mechanisms. The transmission according to claim 1.

9. The second transmission part has a plurality of second planetary gear mechanisms. Each of the plurality of second gear ratios corresponds to each of the plurality of second planetary gear mechanisms. The transmission according to claim 1.

10. The first transmission part has a first planetary gear unit. The first planetary gear unit has a first planetary gear, a first carrier that supports the first planetary gear, a first sun gear that meshes with the first planetary gear, and a first ring gear that meshes with the first planetary gear. By controlling the rotational state of one of the first sun gear, the first carrier, and the first ring gear, one of the plurality of first gear ratios is selected. The second transmission part has a second planetary gear unit. The second planetary gear unit has a second planetary gear, a second carrier that supports the second planetary gear, a second sun gear that meshes with the second planetary gear, and a second ring gear that meshes with the second planetary gear. By controlling the rotational state of one of the second sun gear, the second carrier, and the second ring gear, one of the plurality of second gear ratios is selected. The transmission according to claim 1.

11. The first transmission part further has a third planetary gear unit. The third planetary gear unit has a third planetary gear, a third carrier that supports the third planetary gear, a third sun gear that meshes with the third planetary gear, and a third ring gear that meshes with the third planetary gear. By controlling the rotational state of one of the third sun gear, the third carrier, and the third ring gear, one of the plurality of first gear ratios is selected. The transmission according to claim 10.

12. A part of the first carrier is integrally formed with a part of the third carrier. The transmission according to claim 11.

13. The second transmission part further has a fourth planetary gear unit. The fourth planetary gear unit has a fourth planetary gear, a fourth carrier that supports the fourth planetary gear, a fourth sun gear that meshes with the fourth planetary gear, and a fourth ring gear that meshes with the fourth planetary gear. By controlling the rotational state of one of the fourth sun gear, the fourth carrier, and the fourth ring gear, one of the plurality of second gear ratios is selected. The second speed change section further includes a fifth planetary gear unit. The fifth planetary gear unit includes: a fifth planetary gear; a fifth carrier that supports the fifth planetary gear; a fifth sun gear that meshes with the fifth planetary gear; a fifth ring gear that meshes with the fifth planetary gear, and by controlling the rotational state of one of the fifth sun gear, the fifth carrier, and the fifth ring gear, one of the plurality of second gear ratios is selected. The transmission according to claim 1.

14. The transmission further includes a power transmission section that connects the input rotating body and the first speed change section, and the power transmission section is configured to change the ratio of the rotational speed of the first input rotating body to the rotational speed of the input rotating body to a predetermined ratio. The transmission according to claim 1.

15. The power transmission section includes at least one power transmission planetary gear unit. The transmission according to claim 14.

16. The transmission further includes a shaft member disposed at a distance from the input rotating body, and the first speed change section and the second speed change section are disposed on the shaft member. The transmission according to claim 1.

17. The transmission further includes a housing that can be attached to the frame of the human-powered vehicle, and in a state where the housing is attached to the frame, the driving force output from the second output rotating body is configured to be transmitted to the driving wheels of the human-powered vehicle via a transmission member. The transmission according to claim 1.

18. The transmission further includes the input rotating body, and the input rotating body includes a crankshaft. The transmission according to claim 1.

19. A component for a human-powered vehicle, comprising: the transmission according to any one of claims 1 to 18; and a drive motor configured to apply a driving force to the human-powered vehicle.

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