Detection device for human powered vehicle and drive unit for human powered vehicle

Abstract

To provide a detection device for a human powered vehicle which can preferably acquire information on rotational force, and to provide a drive unit for a human powered vehicle.SOLUTION: A detection device is for a human powered vehicle and includes: an input body to which a rotational force is input; an output body which may change its position relative to the input body; a transmission body configured to transmit the rotational force from the input body to the output body; a detection part configured to detect a relative position of the output body relative to the input body when the transmission body transmits the rotational force from the input body to the output body; and an information output part configured to output information on the rotational force input to the input body based on the relative position.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 5

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a detection device for a human-powered vehicle and a drive unit for a human-powered vehicle. [Background technology]

[0002] Patent Document 1 discloses a detection device for a human-powered vehicle that detects rotational force using a strain gauge. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2018-138915 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] An object of the present disclosure is to provide a detection device for a human-powered vehicle and a drive unit for a human-powered vehicle that can suitably acquire information about rotational force. [Means for solving the problem]

[0005] A detection device according to a first aspect of the present disclosure is a detection device for a human-powered vehicle, and includes an input body to which a rotational force is input, an output body whose position relative to the input body is changeable, a transmission body configured to transmit the rotational force from the input body to the output body, a detection unit configured to detect the relative position of the output body with respect to the input body when the transmission body transmits the rotational force from the input body to the output body, and an information output unit configured to output information related to the rotational force input to the input body based on the relative position. According to the detection device of the first aspect, information about the rotational force can be suitably obtained based on the detection result of the relative position of the output body with respect to the input body.

[0006] In the detection device of the second aspect according to the first aspect of the present disclosure, the input body has a first rotational center axis, the output body has a second rotational center axis, and the first rotational center axis is concentric with the second rotational center axis. According to the detection device of the second aspect, in a detection device including an input body and an output body whose central rotation axes are concentric, information about rotational force can be suitably obtained.

[0007] In the detection device of the third aspect according to the second aspect of the present disclosure, the relative position includes a relative rotation angle which is a difference between the rotation angle of the output body and the rotation angle of the input body, and the detection unit includes a relative rotation angle detection unit configured to detect the relative rotation angle. According to the detection device of the third aspect, information relating to the rotational force can be suitably obtained based on the relative rotation angle detected by the relative rotation angle detection section.

[0008] In the detection device of the fourth aspect according to the third aspect of the present disclosure, the information output unit is configured to output the information based on a detection signal corresponding to the relative rotation angle detected by the relative rotation angle detection unit. According to the detection device of the fourth aspect, the information output section can output information about the rotational force based on the relative rotation angle.

[0009] In a detection device of a fifth aspect according to the fourth aspect of the present disclosure, the detection device further includes a support portion that supports the input body and the output body, wherein the relative rotation angle detection portion includes a first angle detector configured to detect a rotation angle of the input body relative to the support portion, and a second angle detector configured to detect a rotation angle of the output body relative to the support portion, and the information output portion is configured to detect the relative rotation angle according to a first output of the first angle detector and a second output of the second angle detector, and to output the information based on the detected relative rotation angle. According to the detection device of the fifth aspect, the relative rotation angle can be detected from the rotation angle of the input body relative to the support part and the rotation angle of the output body relative to the support part, so that the relative rotation angle detection part can be configured favorably.

[0010] In the detection device of a sixth aspect according to the fifth aspect of the present disclosure, at least one of the first angle detector and the second angle detector includes a rotation angle sensor. According to the detection device of the sixth aspect, the rotation angle sensor can suitably detect at least one of the rotation angle of the input body relative to the support part and the rotation angle of the output body relative to the support part.

[0011] In the detection device of a seventh aspect according to the fifth aspect of the present disclosure, at least one of the first angle detector and the second angle detector includes an angular velocity sensor. According to the detection device of the seventh aspect, the angular velocity sensor can suitably detect at least one of the rotation angle of the input body relative to the support part and the rotation angle of the output body relative to the support part.

[0012] In a detection device of an eighth aspect according to any one of the fourth to seventh aspects of the present disclosure, the information output unit is configured to output the information based on a change in the relative rotation angle within a predetermined range when a rotational force is transmitted from the input body to the output body, and the predetermined range is equal to or greater than 1 degree and equal to or less than 15 degrees. According to the detection device of the eighth aspect, information relating to the rotational force can be suitably obtained based on the relative rotation angle within a predetermined range.

[0013] In a detection device of a ninth aspect according to the third or fourth aspect of the present disclosure, the detection unit includes a detection target provided on one of the input body and the output body, and a predetermined sensor provided on the other of the input body and the output body, which outputs a signal according to a positional relationship with the detection target. According to the detection device of the ninth aspect, the relative position can be detected by one predetermined sensor.

[0014] In a detection device of a tenth aspect according to any one of the second to ninth aspects of the present disclosure, one of the input body and the output body includes an inner ring, the other of the input body and the output body includes an outer ring, and the transmission body includes an engaging member provided between the inner ring and the outer ring. According to the detection device of the tenth aspect, the detection device including the inner ring, the outer ring, and the engaging member can suitably acquire information about the rotational force.

[0015] In the detection device of an eleventh aspect according to the tenth aspect of the present disclosure, the engagement member includes a rolling element. According to the detection device of the eleventh aspect, in a detection device including a rolling element, information relating to rotational force can be suitably obtained.

[0016] In the detection device of a twelfth aspect according to the tenth or eleventh aspect of the present disclosure, at least one of the inner ring and the outer ring is provided with a recess in which the engagement member is disposed. According to the detection device of the twelfth aspect, since a recess is provided in at least one of the inner ring and the outer ring, the engaging member can be suitably provided between the inner ring and the outer ring.

[0017] In a detection device of a thirteenth aspect according to any one of the first to twelfth aspects of the present disclosure, when the input body rotates in a first rotation direction, the rotational force is transmitted from the input body to the output body, and when the input body rotates in a second rotation direction opposite to the first rotation direction, the rotation of the output body relative to the input body is allowed. According to the detection device of the thirteenth aspect, a one-way clutch disposed on the rotational force transmission path in the human-powered vehicle can be utilized as part of the detection device.

[0018] In the detection device of a fourteenth aspect according to the thirteenth aspect of the present disclosure, the first rotation direction corresponds to a direction in which the human-powered vehicle is driven, and the detection unit is configured to detect the relative position when the input body rotates in the first rotation direction. According to the detection device of the fourteenth aspect, the detection section detects the relative position when the input object rotates in the first rotation direction, so that information relating to the rotational force that drives the human-powered vehicle can be obtained.

[0019] In a detection device of a fifteenth aspect according to any one of the first to twelfth aspects of the present disclosure, the detection device is configured such that when the input body rotates in a first rotation direction, the rotational force is transmitted from the input body to the output body, and when the input body rotates in a second rotation direction opposite to the first rotation direction, the rotational force is transmitted from the input body to the output body. According to the detection device of the fifteenth aspect, information about the rotational force can be suitably obtained even in a configuration in which the rotational force is transmitted when the input body rotates relative to the output body in either the first rotational direction or the second rotational direction.

[0020] In the detection device of the sixteenth aspect according to any one of the first to fifteenth aspects of the present disclosure, the input body includes a crankshaft of the human-powered vehicle. According to the detection device of the sixteenth aspect, since the input body includes the crankshaft, information regarding the rotational force input to the crankshaft can be obtained.

[0021] In the detection device of a seventeenth aspect according to any one of the first to sixteenth aspects of the present disclosure, the output body is configured to transmit a rotational force of a motor that assists the propulsion of the human-powered vehicle. According to the detection device of the seventeenth aspect, in a detection device in which the rotational force of a motor is transmitted to an output body, information about the rotational force can be suitably obtained.

[0022] A drive unit according to an 18th aspect of the present disclosure is a drive unit for a human-powered vehicle, and includes a detection device according to any one of the 1st to 17th aspects and a motor that assists in the propulsion of the human-powered vehicle, the motor being configured to transmit its rotational force to one of the input body and the output body. According to the drive unit of the eighteenth aspect, in a drive unit in which the torque of a motor is transmitted to one of the input body and the output body, information relating to the torque can be suitably acquired.

[0023] The drive unit of the nineteenth aspect according to the eighteenth aspect of the present disclosure further comprises a control unit configured to control the motor based on the information. According to the drive unit of the nineteenth aspect, the motor can be suitably controlled based on information about the rotational force. [Effects of the Invention]

[0024] The detection device for a human-powered vehicle and the drive unit for a human-powered vehicle of the present disclosure can suitably acquire information related to rotational force. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0025] [Figure 1] 1 is a side view of a human-powered vehicle including a drive unit for a human-powered vehicle according to a first embodiment. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view of a drive unit for the human-powered vehicle of FIG. 1. [Figure 3] FIG. 3 is an enlarged cross-sectional view of a part of FIG. 2. [Figure 4] FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing the electrical configuration of a drive unit for the human-powered vehicle of FIG. 1. [Figure 5] 4 is a schematic diagram showing the input body, output body, transmission body, and their surroundings when the input body of FIG. 3 rotates in a first rotation direction relative to the output body. FIG. [Figure 6] 4 is a schematic diagram showing the input body, output body, transmission body, and their surroundings when the output body of FIG. 3 rotates in a first rotation direction relative to the input body. FIG. [Figure 7] 10 is a graph showing the relationship between a rotational force input to an input body and a rotation angle of an output body relative to the input body. [Figure 8] 10 is a schematic diagram showing the input body, output body, transmission body, and their surroundings when the input body of the second embodiment rotates in a first rotation direction relative to the output body. FIG. [Figure 9] 10 is a schematic diagram showing the input body, output body, transmission body, and their surroundings when the output body of the second embodiment rotates in a first rotation direction relative to the input body. FIG. [Figure 10]FIG. 10 is a block diagram showing the electrical configuration of a drive unit for a human-powered vehicle according to a modified example. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0026] First Embodiment A drive unit 40 for a human-powered vehicle and a detection device 70 for a human-powered vehicle according to a first embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. 1 to 7. FIG.

[0027] The human-powered vehicle 10 is a vehicle that has at least one wheel and can be propelled at least by human driving force. The human-powered vehicle 10 includes various types of bicycles, such as mountain bikes, road bikes, city bikes, cargo bikes, hand bikes, and recumbent bikes. There is no limit to the number of wheels the human-powered vehicle 10 has. The human-powered vehicle 10 also includes, for example, one-wheeled vehicles and vehicles with two or more wheels. The human-powered vehicle 10 is not limited to vehicles that can be propelled solely by human driving force. The human-powered vehicle 10 also includes e-bikes that use not only human driving force but also the driving force of an electric motor for propulsion. E-bikes include electrically assisted bicycles whose propulsion is assisted by an electric motor. In the following embodiments, the human-powered vehicle 10 will be described as a bicycle.

[0028] 1, the human-powered vehicle 10 includes, for example, a crank 12, at least one wheel 14, and a body 16. The at least one wheel 14 includes, for example, a front wheel 14F and a rear wheel 14R. The body 16 includes a frame 18. For example, a saddle 18A is attached to the frame 18.

[0029] The crank 12 includes, for example, a crankshaft 12A and a pair of crank arms 12B. The crankshaft 12A is rotatable with respect to, for example, the frame 18. The crank arms 12B are provided at, for example, the axial ends of the crankshaft 12A, respectively. Pedals 20 are connected to the crank arms 12B, for example.

[0030] A front fork 22 is connected to the frame 18. A front wheel 14F is attached to the front fork 22. A handlebar 24 is connected to the front fork 22 via a stem 26. A rear wheel 14R is supported by the frame 18.

[0031] The crank 12 is connected to the rear wheel 14R by a drive mechanism 28. The rear wheel 14R is driven by the rotation of the crankshaft 12A. At least one of the front wheel 14F and the rear wheel 14R may be connected to the crank 12 by the drive mechanism 28.

[0032] The drive mechanism 28 includes, for example, at least one first rotating body 30 coupled to the crankshaft 12A. The at least one first rotating body 30 includes, for example, a front sprocket. The at least one first rotating body 30 may include a pulley or a bevel gear.

[0033] The drive mechanism 28 includes, for example, at least one second rotating body 32 and a transmission member 34. The transmission member 34 is configured to transmit the rotational force of the at least one first rotating body 30 to the at least one second rotating body 32. The transmission member 34 includes, for example, a chain. The chain is wound around, for example, a front sprocket and a rear sprocket. The transmission member 34 may include a belt or a shaft. The at least one second rotating body 32 includes, for example, a rear sprocket. The at least one second rotating body 32 may include a pulley or a bevel gear. The at least one second rotating body 32 is coupled to, for example, the rear wheel 14R. The rear wheel 14R is configured to rotate in conjunction with the rotation of the at least one second rotating body 32. The drive mechanism 28 includes, for example, a predetermined one-way clutch provided between the first rotating body 30 and the rear wheel 14R. The predetermined one-way clutch is provided, for example, between the second rotor 32 and the rear wheel 14R.

[0034] The human-powered vehicle 10 further includes, for example, a battery 36. The battery 36 includes, for example, one or more battery elements. The battery element includes, for example, a secondary battery. The battery 36 is provided, for example, on the frame 18. The battery 36 supplies power to, for example, a drive unit 40 for the human-powered vehicle. The battery 36 may be provided in the drive unit 40.

[0035] As shown in FIG. 4, the drive unit 40 includes, for example, a detection device 70 and a motor 50. As shown in FIG. 2, the drive unit 40 for a human-powered vehicle is provided around, for example, a crankshaft 12A. The drive unit 40 further includes, for example, a housing 44. The housing 44 forms an accommodation space 44S. The drive unit 40 is provided with the crankshaft 12A. The drive unit 40 may include the crankshaft 12A. The crankshaft 12A is supported by the housing 44.

[0036] The drive unit 40 includes, for example, a shaft member 42 extending along the rotational axis CA of the crankshaft 12A. The shaft member 42 is connected to, for example, the crankshaft 12A. The shaft member 42 is, for example, a hollow shaft. The crankshaft 12A is disposed inside the shaft member 42. The shaft member 42 includes, for example, a first end 42A in a direction along the rotational axis CA and a second end 42B opposite the first end 42A in the direction along the rotational axis CA. The shaft member 42 includes, for example, a crankshaft connecting portion 42C connected to the crankshaft 12A. The crankshaft connecting portion 42C is provided on, for example, the first end 42A. The crankshaft connecting portion 42C engages with the outer surface of the crankshaft 12A by, for example, splines or serrations. The shaft member 42 is connected to the crankshaft 12A via, for example, a crankshaft connecting portion 42C so as to rotate integrally with the crankshaft 12A.

[0037] As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2 , the drive unit 40 includes, for example, an output section 46 and a transmission section 48 that transmits the rotational force of the shaft member 42 to the output section 46. For example, a rotational force generated by a manual drive force and a rotational force of a motor 50 are transmitted to the output section 46. The first rotating body 30 is attached to the output section 46. The output section 46 transmits the rotational force to the first rotating body 30. The first rotating body 30 engages with the outer surface of the output section 46 by, for example, a spline or serration. The shaft member 42 is connected to the output section 46 via, for example, the transmission section 48. The transmission section 48 is provided, for example, at the second end 42B of the shaft member 42. The output section 46 is, for example, a hollow shaft. The crankshaft 12A is disposed inside the output section 46, for example. The rotational center axis of the shaft member 42 and the rotational center axis of the output section 46 are concentric with, for example, the rotational center axis CA. In this specification, "concentric" allows for slight misalignment that occurs due to, for example, manufacturing, driving, and deterioration over time.

[0038] The crankshaft 12A is rotatably supported by, for example, a first crankshaft bearing 40A and a second crankshaft bearing 40B. The first crankshaft bearing 40A is provided, for example, between the housing 44 and the crankshaft 12A. The first crankshaft bearing 40A rotatably supports, for example, one end of the crankshaft 12A relative to the housing 44. The first crankshaft bearing 40A is, for example, a ball bearing or a roller bearing. The first crankshaft bearing 40A may be a plain bearing. The second crankshaft bearing 40B is provided, for example, between the output section 46 and the crankshaft 12A. The second crankshaft bearing 40B rotatably supports the other end of the crankshaft 12A relative to the output section 46. The second crankshaft bearing 40B is, for example, a plain bearing. The second crankshaft bearing 40B may be a ball bearing or a roller bearing.

[0039] The output portion 46 is rotatably supported by, for example, an output portion bearing 40C. The output portion bearing 40C is provided, for example, between the housing 44 and the output portion 46. The output portion bearing 40C rotatably supports, for example, the output portion 46 with respect to the housing 44. The output portion bearing 40C is, for example, a ball bearing or a roller bearing. The output portion bearing 40C may also be a plain bearing.

[0040] The drive unit 40 further includes, for example, a crankshaft support portion 40D. The crankshaft support portion 40D is disposed at a portion of the shaft member 42 different from the crankshaft connection portion 42C in the direction along the rotation center axis CA. The crankshaft support portion 40D is formed, for example, in a cylindrical shape. The crankshaft support portion 40D is disposed between the outer surface of the crankshaft 12A and the inner surface of the shaft member 42.

[0041] The motor 50 assists in propulsion of the human-powered vehicle 10. The motor 50 is supported, for example, by the housing 44. At least a portion of the motor 50 is disposed, for example, in the accommodation space 44S. The motor 50 includes, for example, an inner rotor type motor. The motor 50 includes a stator 50A and a rotor 50B.

[0042] The drive unit 40 includes, for example, a reducer 52. The reducer 52 is connected, for example, to the motor 50 and the output unit 46. The rotational force of the motor 50 is transmitted to the output unit 46 via the reducer 52. The reducer 52 is configured, for example, to reduce the rotational force of the motor 50 and transmit it to the output unit 46. The reducer 52 includes, for example, a plurality of gears. The reducer 52 may include a planetary gear mechanism, or may include a pulley or a sprocket.

[0043] A motor one-way clutch 54 may be provided in the transmission path of the rotational force of the motor 50 from the motor 50 to the output unit 46. The motor one-way clutch 54 is provided, for example, in the reducer 52. The motor one-way clutch 54 transmits the rotational force of the motor 50 to the output unit 46, for example, when the motor 50 rotates in a direction corresponding to the forward movement of the human-powered vehicle 10. The motor one-way clutch 54 is configured, for example, to allow relative rotation between the output unit 46 and the motor 50 when the output unit 46 rotates in a direction corresponding to the forward movement of the human-powered vehicle 10.

[0044] The drive unit 40 includes, for example, a power transmission mechanism 56 that transmits the rotational force of the shaft member 42 to the output unit 46. The transmission unit 48 constitutes, for example, a part of the power transmission mechanism 56. The power transmission mechanism 56 of this embodiment is configured as, for example, a one-way clutch.

[0045] As shown in FIG. 3 , the power transmission mechanism 56 includes, for example, an inner ring 58 provided on the shaft member 42, an outer ring 60 that rotates integrally with the output portion 46, and an engagement member 62 provided between the inner ring 58 and the outer ring 60. The outer ring 60 is provided, for example, on the inner surface of the output portion 46. The outer ring 60 is formed, for example, integrally with the output portion 46. The outer ring 60 may be formed separately from the output portion 46. The inner ring 58 is provided, for example, on the outer surface of the shaft member 42. The inner ring 58 is formed, for example, integrally with the shaft member 42. The inner ring 58 may be formed separately from the shaft member 42. The engagement member 62 includes, for example, rolling elements 62A. The rolling elements 62A are, for example, rollers or balls. The engagement member 62 includes, for example, two or more rolling elements 62A.

[0046] 1 and 2, the drive unit 40 further includes, for example, a control unit 64. The control unit 64 is provided, for example, on a circuit board 64A disposed in the accommodation space 44S. The control unit 64 controls the motor 50. The control unit 64 controls the motor 50, for example, by controlling a drive circuit. The drive circuit includes, for example, an inverter circuit that controls the supply of power from the battery 36 to the motor 50.

[0047] 2 and 4, the control unit 64 includes, for example, a processing unit that executes programs for carrying out various controls. The processing unit includes, for example, a central processing unit (CPU) or a micro processing unit (MPU). The control unit 64 may include one or more microcomputers. The control unit 64 may include multiple processing units that are arranged at multiple locations.

[0048] The drive unit 40 further includes, for example, a storage unit 66. The storage unit 66 is provided, for example, on the circuit board 64A. The storage unit 66 stores, for example, programs for executing various controls and information used in the control processes. The storage unit 66 includes, for example, at least one of a nonvolatile memory and a volatile memory. The nonvolatile memory includes, for example, at least one of a ROM (Read-Only Memory), an EPROM (Erasable Programmable Read-Only Memory), an EEPROM (Electrically Erasable Programmable Read-Only Memory), and a flash memory. The volatile memory includes, for example, a RAM (Random Access Memory).

[0049] The detection device 70 is configured, for example, to detect information related to rotational force. The information related to rotational force is, for example, information related to the rotational force input to the crank 12. The detection device 70 is configured, for example, to output the detected information related to rotational force to the control unit 64. The control unit 64 is configured, for example, to control the motor 50 based on the information related to the rotational force. The control unit 64 is configured, for example, to calculate the manual driving force based on the information related to the rotational force. The control unit 64 is configured, for example, to control the motor 50 based on the manual driving force. The control unit 64 is configured, for example, to control the motor 50 so that the ratio of the driving force of the motor 50 to the manual driving force becomes a predetermined ratio.

[0050] As shown in FIG. 3, the detection device 70 includes an input body 72, an output body 74, a transmission body 76, a detection unit 78, and an information output unit 80. A rotational force is input to the input body 72. The position of the output body 74 is variable relative to the input body 72. The transmission body 76 is configured to transmit the rotational force from the input body 72 to the output body 74. The input body 72 has, for example, a first rotational axis CA1. The output body 74 has, for example, a second rotational axis CA2. The first rotational axis CA1 is concentric with the second rotational axis CA2. The first rotational axis CA1 and the second rotational axis CA2 are each concentric with, for example, the rotational axis CA.

[0051] 5 , one of the input body 72 and the output body 74 includes, for example, the inner ring 58. The other of the input body 72 and the output body 74 includes, for example, the outer ring 60. The transmission body 76 includes an engagement member 62. In this embodiment, the input body 72 includes the inner ring 58, and the output body 74 includes the outer ring 60. Alternatively, the input body 72 may include the outer ring 60, and the output body 74 may include the inner ring 58.

[0052] As shown in Fig. 3, the motor 50 is configured to transmit the rotational force of the motor 50 to one of the input body 72 and the output body 74. In this embodiment, the output body 74 is configured to transmit the rotational force of the motor 50. The rotational force of the motor 50 is transmitted to the outer ring 60, which is the output body 74, via the reducer 52. The rotational force of the motor 50 is transmitted from the outer ring 60, which is the output body 74, to the output section 46.

[0053] As shown in FIG. 5 , a recess 82 is provided in at least one of the inner ring 58 and the outer ring 60. The engagement member 62 is disposed in the recess 82. The recess 82 is provided, for example, on the inner surface of the outer ring 60. The recess 82 includes, for example, a groove extending along the rotation axis CA. The recess 82 includes a bottom surface 84 located at the bottom of the recess 82, a drive surface 86 engageable with the engagement member 62, and a non-drive surface 88 not engageable with the engagement member 62. The bottom surface 84 is configured not to come into contact with the engagement member 62. The drive surface 86 drives the output body 74 by engaging with the engagement member 62. The drive surface 86 and the non-drive surface 88 face the outer surface of the inner ring 58 in the radial direction of the rotation axis CA. The drive surface 86 is configured to have a more gradual radial slope than the non-drive surface 88.

[0054] In the circumferential direction of the rotation center axis CA, the drive surface 86 is continuous with an end of the bottom surface 84 in a first rotation direction R1. The first rotation direction R1 corresponds to, for example, the direction in which the human-powered vehicle 10 drives. In the circumferential direction of the rotation center axis CA, the non-drive surface 88 is continuous with an end of the bottom surface 84 in a second rotation direction R2. The second rotation direction R2 is the opposite direction to the first rotation direction R1.

[0055] The engaging member 62 is provided, for example, on the outer surface of the inner ring 58. The power transmission mechanism 56 has, for example, a support member 70A that supports the engaging member 62 on the outer surface of the inner ring 58, and a biasing member 70B that is provided between the support member 70A and the engaging member 62. The support member 70A supports the inner ring 58, for example, so that the engaging member 62 does not shift from the inner ring 58 in the axial direction of the rotation center axis CA. The support member 70A includes, for example, a retainer. The biasing member 70B biases the engaging member 62 in, for example, the first rotation direction R1. The biasing member 70B includes, for example, a spring. The support member 70A and the biasing member 70B may be omitted.

[0056] The detection device 70 is configured, for example, so that when the input body 72 rotates in the first rotation direction R1, a rotational force is transmitted from the input body 72 to the output body 74. When the input body 72 rotates in the second rotation direction R2, the detection device 70 is configured, for example, so that rotation of the output body 74 relative to the input body 72 is permitted.

[0057] The power transmission mechanism 56 is configured to be able to switch the power transmission state between the input body 72 and the output body 74 between an engaged state in which the engaging member 62 engages with the inner ring 58 and the outer ring 60, and a disengaged state in which the engaging member 62 does not engage with the inner ring 58 and the outer ring 60.

[0058] 5 , when the input body 72 rotates in the first rotational direction R1 relative to the output body 74, the inner ring 58 rotates in the first rotational direction R1 relative to the outer ring 60. When the inner ring 58 rotates in the first rotational direction R1 relative to the outer ring 60, the engagement member 62 comes into contact with the drive surface 86. The engagement member 62 comes into contact with the drive surface 86, thereby engaging with the inner ring 58 and the outer ring 60. When the input body 72 rotates in the first rotational direction R1 relative to the output body 74, the engagement member 62 engages with the inner ring 58 and the outer ring 60, thereby transmitting a rotational force in the first rotational direction R1 from the input body 72 to the output body 74.

[0059] As shown in FIG. 6 , when the output body 74 rotates in the first rotational direction R1 relative to the input body 72, the outer ring 60 rotates in the first rotational direction R1 relative to the inner ring 58. The rotation of the output body 74 in the first rotational direction R1 relative to the input body 72 includes, for example, a case where the rotational speed of the output body 74 in the first rotational direction R1 is faster than the rotational speed of the input body 72 in the first rotational direction R1 due to the rotational force of the motor 50. The rotation of the output body 74 in the first rotational direction R1 relative to the input body 72 includes, for example, a case where the input body 72 rotates in the second rotational direction R2 due to the reverse rotation of the crank 12. When the outer ring 60 rotates in the first rotational direction R1 relative to the inner ring 58, the engaging member 62 is positioned closer to the non-drive surface 88 than the drive surface 86. The biasing member 70B biases the engaging member 62 in the first rotational direction R1 so that the engaging member 62 does not contact the non-drive surface 88. Therefore, when the output body 74 rotates in the first rotational direction R1 relative to the input body 72, the engagement member 62 is maintained between the non-drive surface 88 and the drive surface 86. When the output body 74 rotates in the first rotational direction R1 relative to the input body 72, the engagement member 62 rotates freely inside the recess 82. When the output body 74 rotates in the first rotational direction R1 relative to the input body 72, the engagement member 62 does not engage with the inner ring 58 and the outer ring 60, and therefore rotation of the output body 74 relative to the input body 72 is permitted.

[0060] 3 , the detection device 70 further includes, for example, a support portion 90. The support portion 90 supports the input body 72 and the output body 74. The support portion 90 includes, for example, the housing 44 of the drive unit 40. The support portion 90 may include the frame 18 of the human-powered vehicle 10.

[0061] 3 and 4 is configured to detect a relative position. The relative position is the position of the output body 74 with respect to the input body 72 when the transmission body 76 transmits a rotational force from the input body 72 to the output body 74. The detection unit 78 is configured to detect the relative position when the input body 72 rotates in the first rotation direction R1, for example.

[0062] The relative position is, for example, the position of the outer ring 60, which is the output body 74, relative to the inner ring 58, which is the input body 72, from the time when the power transmission mechanism 56 is switched from a disengaged state to an engaged state. The detection unit 78 is configured to detect the relative position from the time when the power transmission mechanism 56 is switched from a disengaged state to an engaged state. The time when the power transmission mechanism 56 is switched from a disengaged state to an engaged state is, for example, the time when the power transmission mechanism 56 is switched from a state in which the input body 72 rotates in a second rotational direction R2 relative to the output body 74 to a state in which the input body 72 rotates in a first rotational direction R1 relative to the output body 74. The time when the power transmission mechanism 56 is switched from a state in which the input body 72 and the output body 74 are stopped from rotating to a state in which the input body 72 rotates in the first rotational direction R1 relative to the output body 74. The control unit 64 determines the time when the power transmission mechanism 56 is switched from the disengaged state to the engaged state, for example, in accordance with the rotational state of at least one of the input body 72 and the output body 74. The detection device 70 may include a contact detection unit that detects contact between the engagement member 62 and the drive surface 86. The control unit 64 may use the time when the engagement member 62 and the drive surface 86 come into contact as the time when the power transmission mechanism 56 is switched from the disengaged state to the engaged state.

[0063] The relative position includes, for example, a relative rotation angle. The relative rotation angle is the difference between the rotation angle of the output body 74 and the rotation angle of the input body 72. The rotation angle of the input body 72 includes, for example, the rotation angle of the input body 72 relative to the support part 90. The rotation angle of the output body 74 includes, for example, the rotation angle of the output body 74 relative to the support part 90. The rotation angle of the input body 72 and the rotation angle of the output body 74 may be rotation angles relative to a reference other than the support part 90.

[0064] The detection unit 78 includes, for example, a relative rotation angle detection unit 92. The relative rotation angle detection unit 92 is configured to detect a relative rotation angle. The relative rotation angle detection unit 92 includes, for example, a first angle detector 92A and a second angle detector 92B. The first angle detector 92A is configured to detect the rotation angle of the input body 72 with respect to the support unit 90. The second angle detector 92B is configured to detect the rotation angle of the output body 74 with respect to the support unit 90.

[0065] At least one of the first angle detector 92A and the second angle detector 92B includes, for example, a rotation angle sensor 94. In this embodiment, both the first angle detector 92A and the second angle detector 92B include the rotation angle sensor 94.

[0066] 3, the rotation angle sensor 94 includes a detection target 94A and a predetermined sensor 94B. The detection target 94A of the first angle detector 92A is provided on one of the input body 72 and the support part 90. The predetermined sensor 94B of the first angle detector 92A is provided on the other of the input body 72 and the support part 90. The detection target 94A of the second angle detector 92B is provided on one of the output body 74 and the support part 90. The predetermined sensor 94B of the second angle detector 92B is provided on the other of the output body 74 and the support part 90.

[0067] The detection target 94A includes, for example, a magnet. The predetermined sensor 94B detects the magnetic field of the magnet of the detection target 94A. The predetermined sensor 94B outputs a signal according to its positional relationship with the detection target 94A to the information output unit 80. The detection target 94A is, for example, an annular magnet with multiple magnetic poles arranged alternately in the circumferential direction. One of the first angle detector 92A and the second angle detector 92B may transmit a signal to the other of the first angle detector 92A and the second angle detector 92B. After the other of the first angle detector 92A and the second angle detector 92B calculates the relative rotation angle, the calculated relative rotation angle may be output to the information output unit 80.

[0068] The information output unit 80 is configured to output information related to the rotational force input to the input body 72 based on the relative position. The information output unit 80 includes, for example, a processing unit that executes programs for performing various controls. The processing unit includes, for example, a CPU or an MPU. The information output unit 80 may include one or more microcomputers. The information output unit 80 may include multiple processing units that are arranged at multiple locations. The information output unit 80 may be included in the control unit 64. The information output unit 80 may be provided in the detection unit 78.

[0069] The information output unit 80 may be provided on the circuit board 64A. The information output unit 80 may be configured to be able to communicate with the first angle detector 92A and the second angle detector 92B, for example, by wire or wirelessly.

[0070] The information output unit 80 is configured to output information related to the rotational force based on a detection signal corresponding to the relative rotation angle detected by the relative rotation angle detection unit 92. The information output unit 80 is communicably connected to the control unit 64, for example, by wire or wirelessly. The information output unit 80 is configured to output information to the control unit 64, for example.

[0071] The information output unit 80 detects the relative rotation angle, for example, in accordance with the first output of the first angle detector 92A and the second output of the second angle detector 92B. The information output unit 80 is configured to output information about the rotational force based on the detected relative rotation angle, for example. The information output unit 80 detects the relative rotation angle from, for example, the rotation angle of the input body 72 relative to the support unit 90 detected by the first angle detector 92A and the rotation angle of the output body 74 relative to the support unit 90 detected by the second angle detector 92B. The information output unit 80 detects, for example, the difference between the rotation angle of the input body 72 relative to the support unit 90 detected by the first angle detector 92A and the rotation angle of the output body 74 relative to the support unit 90 detected by the second angle detector 92B as the relative rotation angle.

[0072] The information output unit 80 is configured to output information based on, for example, a change in the relative rotation angle within a predetermined range when a rotational force is transmitted from the input body 72 to the output body 74. The predetermined range is, for example, 1 degree or more and 15 degrees or less. The angle from the drive surface 86 to the non-drive surface 88 in the circumferential direction is greater than the predetermined range. The angle from the drive surface 86 to the non-drive surface 88 in the circumferential direction is, for example, greater than 15 degrees and less than 18 degrees. The angle from the drive surface 86 to the non-drive surface 88 in the circumferential direction may be 15 degrees or less or 18 degrees or more, as long as the engaging member 62 can move circumferentially within the recess 82. The predetermined range is set depending on at least one of the characteristics of the power transmission mechanism 56 and the detection accuracy of the detection unit 78.

[0073] FIG. 7 shows the measurement results of the rotation angle of the crankshaft 12A relative to the output unit 46 when a rotational force in the first rotational direction R1 is applied to the crankshaft 12A with the output unit 46 fixed. In this measurement, the inventors increased the rotational force applied to the crankshaft 12A in the first rotational direction R1 from a start point SP and then decreased the rotational force, repeating this process twice. At the start point SP, the engaging member 62 is in contact with the drive surface 86. The inventors measured the rotation angle of the crankshaft 12A relative to the output unit 46 during the measurement period.

[0074] 7, when the engaging member 62 is in contact with the drive surface 86, the greater the driving force input to the input body 72, the more the input body 72 rotates in the first rotational direction R1 relative to the output body 74. When the driving force input to the input body 72 decreases, the input body 72 rotates in the second rotational direction R2 relative to the output body 74. When the driving force input to the input body 72 increases again, the input body 72 rotates in the first rotational direction R1 relative to the output body 74. The amount of rotation of the input body 72 in the first rotational direction R1 relative to the output body 74 measured in this measurement is smaller than the range in which the engaging member 62 can move inside the recess 82. The inventor discovered a new finding that even when the power transmission mechanism 56 is in a state in which the inner ring 58 rotates in a first rotational direction R1 and rotational force is transmitted from the inner ring 58 to the outer ring 60 in an engaged state, the inner ring 58 rotates in the first rotational direction R1 relative to the outer ring 60, and the rotational angle of the inner ring 58 relative to the outer ring 60 in the engaged state changes depending on the rotational force input to the input body 72.

[0075] Based on the relative position, the detection device 70 can detect the rotational force input to the input body 72. Therefore, the detection device 70 can detect the rotational force input to the input body 72 without using a torque sensor or the like.

[0076] Second Embodiment A drive unit 40 for a human-powered vehicle and a detection device 70 for a human-powered vehicle of the second embodiment will be described with reference to Figures 1, 3, 8, and 9. In the drive unit 40 for a human-powered vehicle and the detection device 70 for a human-powered vehicle of the second embodiment, the configuration of the power transmission mechanism 56 is different from the configuration of the power transmission mechanism 56 of the first embodiment. Components similar to those in the detection device 70 for a human-powered vehicle and the drive unit 40 for a human-powered vehicle of the first embodiment are assigned the same reference numerals as in the first embodiment, and redundant explanations will be omitted.

[0077] The detection device 70 of this embodiment is configured so that when the input body 72 rotates in the first rotational direction R1, a rotational force is transmitted from the input body 72 to the output body 74. The detection device 70 is configured so that when the input body 72 rotates in the second rotational direction R2, a rotational force is transmitted from the input body 72 to the output body 74, for example. The human-powered vehicle 10 to which the power transmission mechanism 56 of this embodiment is applied is provided with a coaster brake, for example, on the hub of the rear wheel 14R. The drive mechanism 28 of this embodiment is not provided with a predetermined one-way clutch, for example, between the first rotor 30 and the rear wheel 14R. In this embodiment, the rotational force in the second rotational direction R2 input to the crankshaft 12A, which is the input body 72, is transmitted to the rear wheel 14R, allowing the coaster brake to operate properly.

[0078] In this embodiment, the power transmission mechanism 56 is configured to transmit the rotational force of the input body 72 in both the first rotation direction R1 and the second rotation direction R2 to the output body 74. The power transmission mechanism 56 of this embodiment does not have a non-drive surface 88. Instead of the drive surface 86 and the non-drive surface 88, the power transmission mechanism 56 of this embodiment has a first drive surface 86A and a second drive surface 86B.

[0079] 8, the recess 82 of this embodiment includes a bottom surface 84, a first drive surface 86A engageable with the engaging member 62, and a second drive surface 86B engageable with the engaging member 62. The first drive surface 86A engages with the engaging member 62 to drive the output body 74 in a first rotational direction R1. The second drive surface 86B engages with the engaging member 62 to drive the output body 74 in a second rotational direction R2. The first drive surface 86A and the second drive surface 86B face the outer surface of the inner ring 58 in the radial direction of the rotation center axis CA. The second drive surface 86B may be formed symmetrically to the first drive surface 86A with respect to a line passing through the rotation center axis CA and the center points of the first drive surface 86A and the second drive surface 86B in the circumferential direction.

[0080] In the circumferential direction of the rotation center axis CA, the first drive surface 86A is continuous with an end of the bottom surface 84 in the first rotation direction R1. In the circumferential direction of the rotation center axis CA, the second drive surface 86B is continuous with an end of the bottom surface 84 in the second rotation direction R2. In this embodiment, the biasing members 70B are disposed on both sides of the engaging member 62 in the circumferential direction. When the engaging member 62 moves from one of the first drive surface 86A and the second drive surface 86B to the other, the two biasing members 70B bias the engaging member 62 so that the engaging member 62 does not adhere to one of the first drive surface 86A and the second drive surface 86B.

[0081] 8 , when the input body 72 rotates in the first rotational direction R1 relative to the output body 74, similarly to the first embodiment, the engaging member 62 comes into contact with the first drive surface 86A, thereby engaging with the inner ring 58 and the outer ring 60. When the input body 72 rotates in the first rotational direction R1 relative to the output body 74, the engaging member 62 engages with the inner ring 58 and the outer ring 60, thereby transmitting a rotational force in the first rotational direction R1 from the input body 72 to the output body 74.

[0082] 9, when the input body 72 rotates in the second rotational direction R2 relative to the output body 74, the engagement member 62 comes into contact with the second drive surface 86B, thereby engaging the inner ring 58 and the outer ring 60. When the input body 72 rotates in the second rotational direction R2 relative to the output body 74, the engagement member 62 engages with the inner ring 58 and the outer ring 60, thereby transmitting a rotational force in the second rotational direction R2 from the input body 72 to the output body 74. When the rotational force in the second rotational direction R2 is transmitted from the input body 72 to the output body 74, for example, a coaster brake is activated.

[0083] <Example of change> The descriptions of each embodiment are intended to exemplify possible forms of a drive unit for a human-powered vehicle and a detection device for a human-powered vehicle according to the present disclosure, and are not intended to limit the forms. A drive unit for a human-powered vehicle and a detection device for a human-powered vehicle according to the present disclosure may take the form of, for example, modified examples of the embodiments shown below, or a combination of at least two mutually consistent modified examples. In the following modified examples, parts that are common to the embodiments are assigned the same reference numerals as in the embodiments, and their description will be omitted.

[0084] The drive unit 40 may be omitted from the human-powered vehicle 10. In this modified example, for example, the detection device 70 is provided on the bottom bracket of the frame 18. The support portion 90 in this modified example may include, for example, the housing of the bottom bracket or the frame 18.

[0085] The information output unit 80 may output information related to rotational force to an electric component other than the drive unit 40. The electric component other than the drive unit 40 may include, for example, at least one of an electric brake device, an electric gear shift device, an electric seat post, an electric suspension, and a cycle computer.

[0086] The first rotational center axis CA1 may be spaced apart from the second rotational center axis CA2. In this modified example, the output body 74 may include a member located closer to the rear wheel 14R than the output unit 46 in the transmission path of the human-powered driving force. The output body 74 includes, for example, the second rotating body 32. The output body 74 may be a pulley of a transmission configured to change the gear ratio of the rotational speed of the second rotating body 32 relative to the rotational speed of the crank 12. The relative rotational angle of the second rotating body 32 with respect to the crankshaft 12A changes in response to the rotational force input to the crankshaft 12A due to factors such as clearances between the members between the crankshaft 12A and the second rotating body 32. The relative rotational angle of the pulley with respect to the rotational angle of the crankshaft 12A changes in response to the rotational force input to the crankshaft 12A due to factors such as clearances between the members between the crankshaft 12A and the pulley. Therefore, in this modified example as well, the detection device 70 can suitably detect the rotational force input to the input body 72.

[0087] The relative position may include values ​​other than the relative rotation angle. For example, the input body 72 includes the crankshaft 12A, and the output body 74 includes the transmission member 34. When the input body 72 includes the crankshaft 12A, and the output body 74 includes the transmission member 34, the detection device 70 detects, for example, the position of the output body 74 relative to the crankshaft 12A or the support portion 90 as the relative position. The relative position of the transmission member 34 relative to the crankshaft 12A changes depending on the rotational force input to the crankshaft 12A, due to at least one of the clearance of the members between the crankshaft 12A and the transmission member 34 and the tension of the transmission member 34. Therefore, even in this modified example, the detection device 70 can preferably detect the rotational force input to the input body 72.

[0088] At least one of the first angle detector 92A and the second angle detector 92B may include an angular velocity sensor. The first angle detector 92A shown in FIG. 10 includes a first angular velocity sensor 96A. The second angle detector 92B shown in FIG. 10 includes a second angular velocity sensor 96B. The first angular velocity sensor 96A detects, for example, the angular velocity of the input body 72 about the first rotational axis CA1. The second angular velocity sensor 96B detects, for example, the angular velocity of the output body 74 about the second rotational axis CA2. The information output unit 80 calculates the rotation angle of the input body 72 from the angular velocity of the input body 72. The information output unit 80 calculates the rotation angle of the output body 74 from the angular velocity of the output body 74.

[0089] At least one of the first angle detector 92A and the second angle detector 92B may include a variable capacitor or a potentiometer.

[0090] The type of sensor included in the second angle detector 92B may be different from the type of sensor included in the first angle detector 92A. For example, the first angle detector 92A may include one of the rotation angle sensor 94, angular velocity sensor, variable capacitor, and potentiometer, and the second angle detector 92B may include one of the rotation angle sensor 94, angular velocity sensor, variable capacitor, and potentiometer that is different from the first angle detector 92A.

[0091] The detection unit 78 may include a detection target 94A and a predetermined sensor 94B. In this modified example, the detection target 94A is provided, for example, on one of the input body 72 and the output body 74, and the predetermined sensor 94B is provided, for example, on the other of the input body 72 and the output body 74. The predetermined sensor 94B outputs, for example, a signal corresponding to the positional relationship with the detection target 94A. In this modified example, the predetermined sensor 94B outputs, for example, a signal corresponding to the relative rotation angle. In this modified example, the predetermined sensor 94B may be configured to output the signal corresponding to the positional relationship to the control unit 64 wirelessly, or may be configured to output the signal to the control unit 64 via a slip ring or the like.

[0092] The engaging member 62 may include a pawl member instead of the rolling element 62A. The pawl member is provided, for example, on one of the outer surface of the inner ring 58 and the inner surface of the outer ring 60. For example, when the inner ring 58 rotates in at least one of the first rotational direction R1 and the second rotational direction R2, the pawl member engages with the other of the outer surface of the inner ring 58 and the inner surface of the outer ring 60.

[0093] The input body 72 may include the crankshaft 12A of the human-powered vehicle 10. In this modified example, for example, the shaft member 42 is omitted from the drive unit 40. The inner ring 58 may be formed separately from the crankshaft 12A and attached to the crankshaft 12A by press-fitting or the like, or may be formed integrally with the crankshaft 12A.

[0094] In the second embodiment, the detection unit 78 may be configured to detect the relative position when the input body 72 rotates in the second rotation direction R2.

[0095] The phrase "at least one" as used herein means "one or more" of the desired options. As an example, the phrase "at least one" as used herein means "only one option" or "both of two options" when the number of options is two. As another example, the phrase "at least one" as used herein means "only one option" or "any combination of two or more options" when the number of options is three or more. [Explanation of symbols]

[0096] 10...human-powered vehicle, 12A...crankshaft, 40...drive unit, 50...motor, 58...inner ring, 60...outer ring, 62...engaging member, 62A...rolling body, 64...control unit, 70...detection device, 72...input body, 74...output body, 76...transmission body, 78...detection unit, 80...information output unit, 82...recess, 90...support part, 92...relative rotation angle detection unit, 92A...first angle detector, 92B...second angle detector, 94...rotation angle sensor, 94A...detection object, 94B...predetermined sensor.

Claims

1. A detection device for a human-powered vehicle, an input body to which a rotational force is input; an output body whose position is variable relative to the input body; a transmission body configured to transmit the rotational force from the input body to the output body; a detection unit configured to detect a relative position of the output body with respect to the input body when the transmission body transmits the rotational force from the input body to the output body; an information output unit configured to output information related to the rotational force input to the input body based on the relative position.

2. the input body has a first rotation center axis, the output body has a second rotation center axis, The detection device according to claim 1 , wherein the first central axis of rotation is concentric with the second central axis of rotation.

3. the relative position includes a relative rotation angle that is a difference between a rotation angle of the input body and a rotation angle of the output body, The detection device according to claim 2 , wherein the detection unit includes a relative rotation angle detection unit configured to detect the relative rotation angle.

4. The detection device according to claim 3 , wherein the information output unit is configured to output the information based on a detection signal corresponding to the relative rotation angle detected by the relative rotation angle detection unit.

5. a support portion that supports the input body and the output body, the relative rotation angle detection unit includes a first angle detector configured to detect a rotation angle of the input body relative to the support unit, and a second angle detector configured to detect a rotation angle of the output body relative to the support unit, 5. The detection device according to claim 4, wherein the information output unit is configured to detect the relative rotation angle in accordance with a first output of the first angle detector and a second output of the second angle detector, and to output the information based on the detected relative rotation angle.

6. The detection device of claim 5 , wherein at least one of the first angle detector and the second angle detector includes a rotation angle sensor.

7. The detection device of claim 5 , wherein at least one of the first angle detector and the second angle detector includes an angular velocity sensor.

8. the information output unit is configured to output the information based on a change in the relative rotation angle within a predetermined range when a rotational force is transmitted from the input body to the output body, The detection device according to claim 4 , wherein the predetermined range is equal to or greater than 1 degree and equal to or less than 15 degrees.

9. 4. The detection device according to claim 3, wherein the detection unit includes a detection target provided on one of the input body and the output body, and a predetermined sensor provided on the other of the input body and the output body, which outputs a signal according to a positional relationship with the detection target.

10. one of the input body and the output body includes an inner ring; the other of the input body and the output body includes an outer ring, The detection device according to claim 2 , wherein the transmission body includes an engagement member provided between the inner ring and the outer ring.

11. The detection device of claim 10 , wherein the engagement member includes a rolling element.

12. The detection device according to claim 10 , wherein at least one of the inner ring and the outer ring is provided with a recess in which the engagement member is disposed.

13. When the input body rotates in a first rotation direction, the rotational force is transmitted from the input body to the output body, The detection device according to claim 1 , wherein the output body is allowed to rotate relative to the input body when the input body rotates in a second rotation direction opposite to the first rotation direction.

14. the first rotation direction corresponds to a direction in which the human-powered vehicle is driven; The detection device according to claim 13 , wherein the detection unit is configured to detect the relative position when the input body rotates in the first rotation direction.

15. When the input body rotates in a first rotation direction, the rotational force is transmitted from the input body to the output body, The detection device according to claim 1 , wherein the rotational force is transmitted from the input body to the output body when the input body rotates in a second rotational direction opposite to the first rotational direction.

16. The detection device according to claim 1 , wherein the input body includes a crankshaft of the human-powered vehicle.

17. The detection device according to claim 1 , wherein the output body is configured to transmit a rotational force of a motor that assists the propulsion of the human-powered vehicle.

18. A drive unit for a human-powered vehicle, A detection device according to any one of claims 1 to 16; a motor that assists in propulsion of the human-powered vehicle; The motor is configured to transmit a rotational force of the motor to one of the input body and the output body.

19. The drive unit of claim 18 , further comprising a controller configured to control the motor based on the information.

Images