Component for human-driven vehicle

Abstract

To provide a component for a human-driven vehicle that can be used appropriately in a human-driven vehicle.SOLUTION: A component for a human-driven vehicle comprises a housing having an internal space formed therein and a first seal member. In the housing, a through-hole leading to the internal space and an external space of the housing is formed. The first seal member is provided on the housing to cover the through-hole, which has a first portion made adhere to the housing and a second portion not made to adhere to the housing, around the through-hole.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present disclosure relates to components for human-powered vehicles. [Background technology]

[0002] For example, the human-powered vehicle disclosed in Patent Document 1 includes components for a human-powered vehicle. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2008-17539 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] One object of the present disclosure is to provide a component for a human-powered vehicle that can be suitably used in a human-powered vehicle. [Means for solving the problem]

[0005] A component according to a first aspect of the present disclosure is a component for a human-powered vehicle, and includes a first gear, a second gear that meshes with the first gear, and a backlash reduction mechanism that reduces backlash between the first gear and the second gear. According to the component of the first aspect, the backlash reduction mechanism reduces the backlash between the first gear and the second gear, thereby suppressing noise generation, making it suitable for use in human-powered vehicles.

[0006] In the component of the second aspect according to the first aspect of the present disclosure, the first gear is provided on a first shaft member having a central axis of rotation, the first gear including a first external gear portion arranged coaxially with the first shaft member and meshing with the second gear, and a second external gear portion arranged coaxially with the first shaft member and meshing with the second gear, the first external gear portion having a first tooth phase with respect to the central axis of rotation, and the second external gear portion having a second tooth phase with respect to the central axis of rotation, and the backlash reduction mechanism is configured to control at least one of the first external gear portion and the second external gear portion so that the first tooth phase is different from the second tooth phase. According to the component on the second side, by varying the phases of the first external gear portion and the second external gear portion that mesh with the second gear, the size of the gap between the second gear and the first external gear portion and the second external gear portion can be adjusted, thereby reducing backlash.

[0007] In the component of the third aspect according to the second aspect of the present disclosure, the backlash reduction mechanism includes a first biasing member that biases at least one of the first external gear portion and the second external gear portion to rotate around the central axis of rotation. According to the component of the third aspect, the first biasing member biases at least one of the first external gear portion and the second external gear portion to rotate around the central axis of rotation, thereby suitably adjusting the gap between the second gear and the first external gear portion and the second external gear portion.

[0008] In a component of a fourth aspect according to the third aspect of the present disclosure, the first external gear portion has a first wall surface portion facing the second external gear portion in a direction parallel to the central axis of rotation, the second external gear portion has a second wall surface portion facing the first external gear portion in the direction parallel to the central axis of rotation, and the first biasing member is provided between the first wall surface portion and the second wall surface portion and biases the second external gear portion against the first external gear portion. According to the component of the fourth aspect, a first biasing member is provided between the first wall surface portion and the second wall surface portion, and by biasing the second external gear portion against the first external gear portion, the gap between the second gear and the first external gear portion and the second external gear portion is suitably adjusted.

[0009] In the component of the fifth aspect according to the second aspect of the present disclosure, the backlash reduction mechanism includes a first biasing member, the first gear and the second gear are helical gears, and the first biasing member is provided between the first external gear portion and the second external gear portion in a direction parallel to the central axis of rotation, and biases at least one of the first external gear portion and the second external gear portion in a direction in which the first external gear portion and the second external gear portion move away from each other in the axial direction of the first shaft member. According to the component of the fifth aspect, the first biasing member biases at least one of the first external gear portion and the second external gear portion in a direction in which the first external gear portion and the second external gear portion move away from each other, thereby suitably adjusting the gap between the second gear and the first external gear portion and the second external gear portion.

[0010] In the component of the sixth aspect according to the fifth aspect of the present disclosure, the diameter of the first external gear portion is substantially equal to the diameter of the second external gear portion, and the number of teeth of the first external gear portion is different from the number of teeth of the second external gear portion. According to the component of the sixth aspect, by making the number of teeth of the first external gear portion different from the number of teeth of the second external gear portion, the gap between the second gear and the first external gear portion and the second external gear portion can be suitably adjusted.

[0011] In the component of the seventh aspect according to any one of the third to sixth aspects of the present disclosure, the first biasing member includes an elastic member. According to the component of the seventh aspect, at least one of the first external gear portion and the second external gear portion can be suitably biased by the elastic member.

[0012] In the component of the eighth aspect according to the seventh aspect of the present disclosure, the elastic member includes at least one of a coil spring, a spring washer, and an O-ring. According to the component of the eighth aspect, at least one of the first external gear portion and the second external gear portion can be suitably biased by at least one of a coil spring, a spring washer, and an O-ring.

[0013] In the component of the ninth aspect according to the first aspect of the present disclosure, the first gear is provided and further includes a first shaft member having a central axis of rotation, and the backlash reduction mechanism includes a support portion that supports the first shaft member movably in a first direction perpendicular to the central axis of rotation, and a second biasing member that biases the first shaft member so that the first gear approaches the second gear. According to the component of the ninth aspect, the second biasing member can bring the first gear closer to the second gear, thereby reducing backlash.

[0014] The component of the tenth aspect according to the ninth aspect of the present disclosure further includes at least one bearing that rotatably supports the first shaft member, and the support portion movably supports the bearing. According to the component of the tenth aspect, the support portion can move the first shaft member via at least one bearing.

[0015] In the component of the eleventh aspect according to the ninth or tenth aspect of the present disclosure, the second biasing member includes a coil spring. According to the component of the eleventh aspect, the coil spring can suitably bring the first gear closer to the second gear.

[0016] In the component of a twelfth aspect according to any one of the second to fourth, ninth, tenth, and eleventh aspects of the present disclosure, the first gear and the second gear are helical gears. According to the component of the twelfth aspect, the backlash of the first gear and the second gear, which are helical gears, can be suitably reduced.

[0017] A component of a thirteenth aspect according to any one of the first to twelfth aspects of the present disclosure further includes a housing forming an internal space and a first sealing member, wherein the housing has a through hole connecting the internal space to an external space of the housing, and the first sealing member is provided on the housing so as to cover the through hole, and has a first portion bonded to the housing and a second portion not bonded to the housing around the through hole. According to the component of the thirteenth aspect, the sealing member has a first portion that is bonded to the housing and a second portion that is not bonded, so the through hole is not blocked, thereby suppressing the movement of foreign matter between the internal space and the external space and allowing air to circulate through the second portion.

[0018] A component according to a fourteenth aspect of the present disclosure is a component for a human-powered vehicle, comprising: a housing forming an interior space; and a first sealing member; the housing having a through hole formed therein connecting the interior space to an exterior space of the housing; the first sealing member being provided on the housing so as to cover the through hole; and having a first portion bonded to the housing around the through hole and a second portion not bonded thereto. According to the component of the fourteenth aspect, the sealing member has a first portion that is bonded to the housing and a second portion that is not bonded, so the through hole is not blocked, thereby suppressing the movement of foreign matter between the internal space and the external space and allowing air to circulate through the second portion.

[0019] In the component of the fifteenth aspect according to the thirteenth or fourteenth aspect of the present disclosure, the first seal member is formed in a sheet shape. According to the component of the fifteenth aspect, the first seal member is formed in a sheet shape, and therefore can be easily adhered to the housing.

[0020] In the component of a sixteenth aspect according to any one of the thirteenth to fifteenth aspects of the present disclosure, the first seal member is configured to be able to suppress the flow of gas and liquid. According to the component of the sixteenth aspect, the first seal member can suppress the flow of gas and liquid, and therefore can suppress the intrusion of gas and liquid from the external space into the internal space.

[0021] In the component of aspect 17 according to any one of aspects 13 to 16 of the present disclosure, the first seal member is provided on an outer peripheral surface of the housing that faces an external space. According to the component of the seventeenth aspect, the first seal member is provided on the outer peripheral surface of the housing facing the external space, and therefore gas and liquid can be prevented from entering the through hole and the internal space from the external space. Therefore, even when the outside of the housing is washed with high-pressure water, for example, water is less likely to enter the through hole.

[0022] In a component of an 18th aspect according to the 17th aspect of the present disclosure, a second seal member is further provided, the second seal member being configured to allow the flow of gas and to suppress the flow of liquid, the second seal member being provided on an inner surface facing the internal space of the housing so as to cover the through hole, and being adhered to the housing around the through hole. According to the component of the eighteenth aspect, the first seal member is provided on the outer peripheral surface of the housing facing the external space, and therefore the first seal member can prevent foreign matter from entering the through hole from the external space. According to the component of the eighteenth aspect, the second seal member is provided on the inner peripheral surface of the housing facing the internal space, and therefore the second seal member allows gas to flow between the internal space and the through hole and can prevent the movement of foreign matter. According to the component of the eighteenth aspect, the second portion of the first seal member and the second seal member allow air to flow between the external space and the internal space, and therefore the difference between the internal pressure of the internal space and atmospheric pressure can be reduced.

[0023] The component of a 19th aspect according to any one of the first to 13th aspects of the present disclosure further includes a reduction mechanism including the first gear and the second gear, a motor configured to transmit rotational force to the reduction mechanism and impart propulsive force to the human-powered vehicle, and a control unit configured to drive the motor in accordance with the human-powered driving force input to the human-powered vehicle. According to the component of the nineteenth aspect, backlash in the reduction mechanism can be reduced.

[0024] The component of aspect 20 according to any one of aspects 14 to 18 of the present disclosure further comprises a motor provided in the housing and configured to provide propulsive force to the human-powered vehicle, and a control unit configured to drive the motor in response to human-powered driving force input to the human-powered vehicle. According to the component of the twentieth aspect, backlash in a component equipped with a motor can be reduced. [Effects of the Invention]

[0025] The components of the present disclosure can be suitably used in human-powered vehicles. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0026] [Figure 1] FIG. 2 is a first side view of the component for the human-powered vehicle of the first embodiment. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a second side view of the component for the human-powered vehicle of the first embodiment. [Figure 3] FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view taken along line D3-D3 in FIG. [Figure 4] FIG. 2 is a plan view showing the first gear, the first external gear portion, the second external gear portion, the first shaft member, the second gear, the snap ring, the backlash reduction mechanism, and the second one-way clutch of the first embodiment. [Figure 5] 5 is a perspective view showing the first gear, the first external gear portion, the second external gear portion, the first shaft member, the snap ring, and the backlash reduction mechanism of FIG. 4. FIG. [Figure 6]5 is an exploded perspective view showing the first gear, the first external gear portion, the second external gear portion, the first shaft member, the first biasing member, the snap ring, and the backlash reduction mechanism of FIG. 4. FIG. [Figure 7] FIG. 7 is an exploded oblique view of the first gear in FIG. 6, showing the first gear, the first external gear portion, the second external gear portion, the first shaft member, the first biasing member, the snap ring, and the backlash reduction mechanism, as viewed from the direction from the first external gear portion toward the second external gear portion. [Figure 8] 5 is a perspective view showing the first gear, the first external gear portion, the second external gear portion, the first shaft member, the first biasing member, the snap ring, and the backlash reduction mechanism of FIG. 4. FIG. [Figure 9] 5 is a schematic diagram showing how the first external gear portion and the second external gear portion of the first gear in FIG. 4 mesh with the second gear. FIG. [Figure 10] 2 is a perspective view showing a through hole, a second seal member, and the surrounding area of ​​the first housing of the component for the human-powered vehicle of FIG. 1, as viewed from the internal space side. FIG. [Figure 11] 3 is a schematic diagram showing a first seal member, a second seal member, a housing, and a through hole. FIG. [Figure 12] 12 is a schematic diagram showing a method for bonding the first seal member of FIG. 11 to the outer peripheral surface of the housing. FIG. [Figure 13] FIG. 10 is a plan view showing the first gear, first external gear portion, second external gear portion, first shaft member, first biasing member, snap ring, and backlash reduction mechanism of components for a human-powered vehicle according to a second embodiment. [Figure 14] FIG. 11 is a plan view showing the first gear, first external gear portion, second external gear portion, first shaft member, first biasing member, snap ring, and backlash reduction mechanism of components for a human-powered vehicle according to a third embodiment. [Figure 15] FIG. 15 is a front view showing the second external gear portion of FIG. 14. [Figure 16] FIG. 15 is a front view showing the first external gear portion of FIG. [Figure 17] FIG. 10 is a plan view showing the first gear, the second gear, the first shaft member, the bearing, the third bearing, the fourth bearing, the second biasing member, the support portion, and the backlash reduction mechanism of the fourth embodiment. [Figure 18] 10A and 10B are schematic diagrams showing a first modified example of a second seal member and a through hole. [Figure 19] 10A and 10B are schematic diagrams showing a second modified example of a method for bonding the first seal member to the outer peripheral surface of the housing. [Figure 20] FIG. 10 is a schematic diagram showing a third modified example of a method for bonding the first seal member to the outer peripheral surface of the housing. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0027] First Embodiment A component 10 for a human-powered vehicle will be described with reference to FIGS. 1 to 12. A human-powered vehicle is a vehicle that has at least one wheel and can be propelled at least by human power. Human-powered vehicles include various types of bicycles, such as mountain bikes, road bikes, city bikes, cargo bikes, hand bikes, and recumbents. There is no limit to the number of wheels a human-powered vehicle has. Human-powered vehicles also include, for example, one-wheeled vehicles and vehicles with two or more wheels. Human-powered vehicles are not limited to vehicles that can be propelled solely by human power. Human-powered vehicles include e-bikes that use not only human power 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 will be described as an electrically assisted bicycle.

[0028] The human-powered vehicle includes at least one wheel and a vehicle body. The at least one wheel includes a rear wheel and a front wheel. The vehicle body includes a frame. The human-powered vehicle further includes a component 10 for the human-powered vehicle. For example, the component 10 includes a drive unit 12. When the component 10 includes the drive unit 12, the component 10 is configured to be attachable to the frame. Hereinafter, the component 10 will be referred to as a drive unit.

[0029] For example, the human-powered vehicle further includes a battery that supplies power to the component 10. The battery includes one or more battery elements. The battery element includes a rechargeable battery. The battery is configured to supply power to the component 10. The battery is communicatively connected to the component 10 via an electric cable or a wireless communication device. The battery can communicate with the control unit 24, for example, via power line communication (PLC), a controller area network (CAN), or a universal asynchronous receiver / transmitter (UART).

[0030] The component 10 includes a first gear 14, a second gear 16 that meshes with the first gear 14, and a backlash reduction mechanism 18. The backlash reduction mechanism 18 reduces backlash between the first gear 14 and the second gear 16. The component 10 further includes, for example, a speed reduction mechanism 20 that includes the first gear 14 and the second gear 16, a motor 22, and a control unit 24.

[0031] The motor 22 is configured to transmit rotational force to the reduction mechanism 20 and to provide propulsive force to the human-powered vehicle. The motor 22 is provided in the housing 26 and is configured to provide propulsive force to the human-powered vehicle. The motor 22 is configured to transmit rotational force to the reduction mechanism 20. The motor 22 includes one or more electric motors. For example, the electric motors are brushless motors.

[0032] The motor 22 includes a rotor 22A and a stator 22B. The rotor 22A has an output shaft 22C of the motor 22. The stator 22B has a coil electrically connected to an inverter circuit. For example, the input rotating shaft 28 and the output shaft 22C of the motor 22 are arranged substantially parallel to each other. The rotor 22A includes a rotor core that rotates integrally with the output shaft 22C and a plurality of magnets held by the rotor core. The stator 22B is attached to the housing 26. For example, the motor 22 is a radial gap type motor. For example, the motor 22 is an inner rotor type motor. The motor 22 may be an outer rotor type motor. The motor 22 may be an axial gap type motor.

[0033] The control unit 24 is configured to drive the motor 22 in response to the human-powered driving force input to the human-powered vehicle. The control unit 24 includes an arithmetic processing unit that executes a predetermined control program. The arithmetic processing unit included in the control unit 24 includes, for example, a central processing unit (CPU) or a micro processing unit (MPU). The arithmetic processing units included in the control unit 24 may be provided in multiple locations that are separate from each other. The control unit 24 may include one or more microcomputers. Preferably, the control unit 24 further includes a storage unit. The storage unit stores the predetermined control program and information used in the control process. The storage unit includes, for example, a non-volatile memory and a volatile memory. The non-volatile memory includes, for example, at least one of a read-only memory (ROM), an erasable programmable read-only memory (EPROM), an electrically erasable programmable read-only memory (EEPROM), and a flash memory. The volatile memory includes, for example, a random access memory (RAM).

[0034] For example, the component 10 further includes an input rotation shaft 28 and an output rotation shaft 30. The output rotation shaft 30 has a first rotation central axis C1 and is configured to transmit the rotational force of the input rotation shaft 28. The motor 22 is configured to transmit driving force to the output rotation shaft 30. For example, the component 10 further includes a power transmission member 32. The power transmission member 32 is configured to transmit the rotational force input to the input rotation shaft 28 to the output rotation shaft 30. The power transmission member 32 is connected to both the input rotation shaft 28 and the output rotation shaft 30. The power transmission member 32 may be directly or indirectly connected to the input rotation shaft 28. For example, the power transmission member 32 has a substantially cylindrical shape. The power transmission member 32 is arranged to surround the outer periphery of the input rotation shaft 28 around the axis of the input rotation shaft 28.

[0035] In this embodiment, a first end 32A of the power transmission member 32 is directly connected to the outer periphery of the input rotary shaft 28 in the axial direction of the input rotary shaft 28. For example, the first end 32A of the power transmission member 32 and the outer periphery of the input rotary shaft 28 are formed with splines that mesh with each other. For example, the power transmission member 32 has a second end 32B located opposite the first end 32A in the axial direction of the input rotary shaft 28, and the second end 32B is connected to the output rotary shaft 30 via a first one-way clutch 34. The first one-way clutch 34 is configured to suppress transmission of rotational force input to the input rotary shaft 28 to the output rotary shaft 30 when the input rotary shaft 28 rotates in a first direction B1 about a first central axis of rotation C1.

[0036] The housing 26 rotatably supports the input rotary shaft 28. The input rotary shaft 28 is rotatably supported in the housing 26 by a first bearing 36. The first bearing 36 may be a ball bearing, a roller bearing, or a plain bearing. A first rotational axis C1 of the output rotary shaft 30 is coincident with the rotational axis of the input rotary shaft 28. The output rotary shaft 30 is provided on the outer periphery of the input rotary shaft 28 about the first rotational axis C1. The output rotary shaft 30 is provided on the housing 26 by a second bearing 38 so as to be rotatable relative to the housing 26. The output rotary shaft 30 has a substantially cylindrical shape. The second bearing 38 may be a ball bearing, a roller bearing, or a plain bearing. A coupling portion to which a sprocket is coupled is provided on the outer periphery of a first axial end 30A of the output rotary shaft 30. The coupling portion has one or more splines extending along the axial direction of the input rotary shaft 28.

[0037] The housing 26 includes a first housing 40, a second housing 42, and a cover member 44. The first housing 40 and the second housing 42 are attached to each other, for example, with bolts. The housing 26 defines an internal space A. The internal space A is formed by the first housing 40 and the second housing 42. A portion of the input rotating shaft 28, a portion of the output rotating shaft 30, a first one-way clutch 34, a power transmission member 32, the motor 22, the reduction mechanism 20, the control unit 24, etc. are arranged in the internal space A of the housing 26.

[0038] The outer periphery of the stator 22B of the motor 22 is provided on the side wall of a recess 40A formed in the first housing 40. A cover member 44 is provided on the first housing 40 and, together with the first housing 40, forms a motor arrangement space. The cover member 44 is attached to the first housing 40 with bolts, for example. The cover member 44 is arranged to cover the opening of the recess 40A. The cover member 44 includes a through hole 44A into which the output shaft 22C of the motor 22 is inserted. The cover member 44 also includes a through hole into which a terminal or a cable for connecting the coil of the motor 22 to the inverter circuit is inserted.

[0039] For example, the reduction mechanism 20 includes at least two gears. For example, the reduction mechanism 20 reduces the rotational speed of the output shaft 22C of the motor 22 in one or more stages. In this embodiment, the reduction mechanism 20 reduces the rotational speed of the output shaft 22C of the motor 22 in three stages. The reduction mechanism 20 may include multiple gears or may include a pulley. In this embodiment, the reduction mechanism 20 includes multiple gears.

[0040] For example, the component 10 further includes a first shaft member 46 having a rotational center axis C and provided with a first gear 14. For example, the speed reduction mechanism 20 includes a first reduction portion 48, a second reduction portion 50, and a third reduction portion 52. The rotational force of the output shaft 22C of the motor 22 is transmitted to the third reduction portion 52, the second reduction portion 50, the first reduction portion 48, and the output rotation shaft 30 in this order.

[0041] The first reduction portion 48 includes a first gear 14 and a second gear 16. The housing 26 rotatably supports the first shaft member 46. The first shaft member 46 is supported on the housing 26 by a third bearing 54A and a fourth bearing 54B so as to be rotatable relative to the housing 26. The third bearing 54A is provided at a first end 46A of the first shaft member 46. The fourth bearing 54B is provided at a second end 46B of the first shaft member 46. The third bearing 54A may be a ball bearing, a roller bearing, or a plain bearing. The fourth bearing 54B may be a ball bearing, a roller bearing, or a plain bearing.

[0042] For example, the first gear 14 and the second gear 16 are helical gears. The first gear 14 and the second gear 16 may be spur gears. The first gear 14 is provided at a first end 46A of the first shaft member 46. The first gear 14 rotates integrally with the first shaft member 46. The first gear 14 and the first shaft member 46 are formed of, for example, metal. The rotation center axis C of the first shaft member 46 is different from the first rotation center axis C1. The rotation center axis C is substantially parallel to the first rotation center axis C1. For example, the first shaft member 46 is disposed in the internal space A so as to be substantially parallel to the output shaft 22C of the motor 22.

[0043] The second gear 16 is provided at a second end 30B of the output rotation shaft 30, which is opposite to the first end 30A in the axial direction. For example, the second gear 16 rotates integrally with the output rotation shaft 30. For example, the second gear 16 is formed integrally with the output rotation shaft 30 as a single member. The second gear 16 and the output rotation shaft 30 are formed from, for example, metal. The second gear 16 and the output rotation shaft 30 may be formed separately, and the second gear 16 may be attached to the output rotation shaft 30 so as to be unable to rotate relative to it. The first gear 14 and the second gear 16 mesh with each other.

[0044] The component 10 further includes a second shaft member 60. The second shaft member 60 includes a first end 60A and a second end 60B. The second shaft member 60 has a second central rotation axis C2. The second central rotation axis C2 is different from the central rotation axis C and the first central rotation axis C1. The second central rotation axis C2 is substantially parallel to the central rotation axis C and the first central rotation axis C1. The second shaft member 60 is supported on the housing 26 by a fifth bearing 62A and a sixth bearing 62B so as to be rotatable relative to the housing 26. The fifth bearing 62A is provided at the first end 60A of the second shaft member 60. The sixth bearing 62B is provided at the second end 60B of the second shaft member 60. The fifth bearing 62A may be a ball bearing, a roller bearing, or a plain bearing. The sixth bearing 62B may be a ball bearing, a roller bearing, or a plain bearing.

[0045] The second reduction portion 50 includes a third gear 50A and a fourth gear 50B. The third gear 50A is provided on the second end portion 60B of the second shaft member 60. The third gear 50A is provided on the second shaft member 60 so as to rotate integrally with the second shaft member 60. The fourth gear 50B is provided on the second end portion 46B of the first shaft member 46.

[0046] For example, the component 10 includes a second one-way clutch 56. The second one-way clutch 56 is configured to suppress transmission of rotational force input to the input rotary shaft 28 to the motor 22 when the input rotary shaft 28 rotates in a first direction B1 about the first rotation center axis C1. The first direction B1 is opposite to a second direction B2 that corresponds to the rotation direction of the input rotary shaft 28 when the input rotary shaft 28 is rotated to move the human-powered vehicle forward. For example, the second one-way clutch 56 includes a roller clutch. For example, the second one-way clutch 56 is provided between an inner peripheral portion of the fourth gear 50B and an outer peripheral portion of the first shaft member 46. The second one-way clutch 56 may include a pawl clutch or a sprag clutch.

[0047] The third reduction gear portion 52 includes a fifth gear 58 and an output gear 22D. The fifth gear 58 is provided on a first end 60A of a second shaft member 60. The fifth gear 58 is provided on the second shaft member 60 so as to rotate integrally with the second shaft member 60.

[0048] The output gear 22D is provided on the outer periphery of the output shaft 22C of the motor 22. The output shaft 22C of the motor 22 has a third rotational center axis C3. The third rotational center axis C3 is different from the rotational center axis C, the first rotational center axis C1, and the second rotational center axis C2. For example, the third rotational center axis C3 is substantially parallel to the rotational center axis C, the first rotational center axis C1, and the second rotational center axis C2. The output shaft 22C of the motor 22 is supported by a seventh bearing 64 in a rotatable manner relative to the housing 26. The seventh bearing 64 is provided between the first housing 40 and the cover member 44. The seventh bearing 64 may be a ball bearing, a roller bearing, or a plain bearing.

[0049] For example, the first gear 14 includes a first external gear portion 68 and a second external gear portion 70. The first external gear portion 68 is disposed coaxially with the first shaft member 46 and meshes with the second gear 16. The second external gear portion 70 is disposed coaxially with the first shaft member 46 and meshes with the second gear 16. The first external gear portion 68 has a first tooth phase P1 with respect to the central axis of rotation C. The second external gear portion 70 has a second tooth phase P2 with respect to the central axis of rotation C. The backlash reduction mechanism 18 is configured to control at least one of the first external gear portion 68 and the second external gear portion 70 so that the first tooth phase P1 is different from the second tooth phase P2.

[0050] The first gear 14 is formed separately from the first shaft member 46 and attached to the first shaft member 46. For example, at least a portion of the first gear 14 may be formed integrally with the first shaft member 46 as a single member. For example, the first external gear portion 68 is formed separately from the first shaft member 46 and attached to the first shaft member 46 so as to be rotatable integrally with the first shaft member 46. The first external gear portion 68 may be formed integrally with the first shaft member 46 as a single member. The second external gear portion 70 is formed separately from the first shaft member 46 and attached to the first shaft member 46 so as to be rotatable relative to the first shaft member 46. When the second external gear portion 70 is attached to the first shaft member 46, a snap ring 72 restricts movement of the second external gear portion 70 in a direction F in which the second external gear portion 70 comes off the first shaft member 46.

[0051] For example, the backlash reduction mechanism 18 includes a first biasing member 74. The first biasing member 74 biases at least one of the first external gear portion 68 and the second external gear portion 70 to rotate about the rotational axis C. For example, the first biasing member 74 biases the second external gear portion 70 to rotate about the rotational axis C relative to the first external gear portion 68.

[0052] For example, the first external gear portion 68 has a first wall surface portion 76. The first wall surface portion 76 faces the second external gear portion 70 in a direction parallel to the central axis of rotation C. The second external gear portion 70 has a second wall surface portion 78. The second wall surface portion 78 faces the first external gear portion 68 in a direction parallel to the central axis of rotation C.

[0053] The first biasing member 74 is provided between the first wall surface portion 76 and the second wall surface portion 78, and biases the second external gear portion 70 against the first external gear portion 68. The first biasing member 74 includes an elastic member. The first biasing member 74 is, for example, a coil spring. For example, the first wall surface portion 76 has a plurality of first recesses 76A. The first biasing member 74 is disposed in each of the plurality of first recesses 76A. The second wall surface portion 78 has a plurality of second recesses 78A. The plurality of second recesses 78A are provided in portions of the first wall surface portion 76 corresponding to the plurality of first recesses 76A.

[0054] As shown in FIG. 8 , the first external gear portion 68 includes first teeth 68A. The second external gear portion 70 includes second teeth 70A. The number of teeth of the first teeth 68A is equal to the number of teeth of the second teeth 70A. The outer diameter of the first external gear portion 68 is equal to the outer diameter of the second external gear portion 70. For example, the axial dimension of the first external gear portion 68 is larger than the dimension of the second external gear portion 70. For example, the first gear 14 is mounted on the first shaft member 46 in a state in which a phase difference is generated between the first teeth 68A and the second teeth 70A. The first biasing member 74 biases the second external gear portion 70 around the rotational axis C in a direction that reduces the phase difference.

[0055] 9, the third tooth 16A of the second gear 16 is sandwiched between the first tooth 68A and the second tooth 70A. The first biasing member 74 biases the second external gear portion 70 around the central rotation axis C so that the third tooth 16A of the second gear 16, which is sandwiched between the first tooth 68A and the second tooth 70A, comes into contact with the first tooth 68A and the second tooth 70A.

[0056] As shown in FIGS. 10 to 12 , the component 10 further includes a first seal member 80. A through hole 82 that communicates with an internal space A of the housing 26 and an external space B of the housing 26 is formed in the housing 26. The first seal member 80 is provided in the housing 26 to cover the through hole 82. For example, the through hole 82 is provided in the first housing 40. The through hole 82 may be provided in the second housing 42. For example, the through hole 82 is provided in the outer periphery of the first housing 40. The through hole 82 extends in a direction parallel to the first central axis of rotation C1. The through hole 82 may extend in a direction intersecting the first central axis of rotation C1. A plurality of through holes 82 may be formed in the housing 26.

[0057] For example, the first seal member 80 is configured to be able to suppress the flow of gas and liquid. The first seal member 80 is made of, for example, resin. The first seal member 80 may also be made of, for example, metal.

[0058] For example, the first seal member 80 is provided on the outer peripheral surface 26A of the housing 26 that faces the external space B. Around the through-hole 82, the first seal member 80 has a first portion 84 that is adhered to the housing 26 and a second portion 86 that is not adhered to the housing 26. The first portion 84 of the first seal member 80 is adhered to the housing 26 with, for example, double-sided tape or an adhesive. For example, the first seal member 80 has a plurality of first portions 84 and a plurality of second portions 86. Around the through-hole 82, the first portions 84 and the second portions 86 are arranged alternately.

[0059] For example, the area of ​​the second portion 86 is larger than the area of ​​the first portion 84. The second portion 86 is continuous with a portion of the first seal member 80 that corresponds to the opening of the through-hole 82. The second portion 86 is continuous with a portion of the first seal member 80 that corresponds to the outer periphery. The through-hole 82 allows communication between the internal space A and the external space B of the housing 26 via the portion between the second portion 86 and the outer periphery 26A of the housing 26. Preferably, the first seal member 80 is attached to the housing 26 such that a gap between the second portion 86 and the housing 26 is small so that gas can flow between the second portion 86 and the housing 26 and foreign matter cannot enter between the second portion 86 and the housing 26.

[0060] For example, the first seal member 80 is formed in a sheet shape. For example, the first seal member 80 is formed in a polygonal shape. For example, the first seal member 80 is formed in a rectangular shape. When the first seal member 80 is provided in the housing 26 so as to cover the through-hole 82, the first portion 84 is provided at the four corners of the first seal member 80. When the first portion 84 is provided at the four corners of the first seal member 80, the second portion 86 is a portion other than the portion where the first portion 84 is provided. The first seal member 80 may be formed in any shape depending on the opening shape of the through-hole 82.

[0061] For example, the component 10 further includes a second seal member 88. The second seal member 88 is configured to allow the flow of gas and inhibit the flow of liquid. The second seal member 88 is formed of, for example, a film made of PET (Polyethylene Terephthalate) or nylon. The second seal member 88 may be formed of, for example, a nonwoven fabric made of PET or nylon. For example, the second seal member 88 is formed in a sheet shape. For example, the second seal member 88 is formed in a circular shape. For example, the second seal member 88 is formed in a polygonal shape. For example, the second seal member 88 is formed in a rectangular shape.

[0062] For example, the second seal member 88 is provided on the inner circumferential surface 26B of the housing 26 that faces the internal space A so as to cover the through hole 82. The second seal member 88 is adhered to the housing 26 around the through hole 82. The second seal member 88 is adhered to the housing 26 around the through hole 82 with double-sided tape or adhesive. For example, the second seal member 88 is adhered around the through hole 82 so as to surround the entire periphery of the through hole 82.

[0063] Preferably, the first seal member 80 is configured to be able to suppress the flow of gas more than the second seal member 88. The first seal member 80 may be configured to block the flow of gas, or may be configured to allow a slight flow of gas.

[0064] Second Embodiment A component 10 of the second embodiment will be described with reference to Fig. 13. The component 10 of the second embodiment is similar to the component 10 of the first embodiment except that it includes a backlash reduction mechanism 18A instead of the backlash reduction mechanism 18. Therefore, the same reference numerals as in the first embodiment are used for the configurations common to the first embodiment, and redundant description will be omitted.

[0065] In the second embodiment, the backlash reduction mechanism 18A includes a first biasing member 90. In the second embodiment, the first gear 14 and the second gear 16 are helical gears. The first biasing member 90 is provided between the first external gear portion 68 and the second external gear portion 70 in a direction parallel to the central axis of rotation C. The first biasing member 90 biases at least one of the first external gear portion 68 and the second external gear portion 70 in a direction D in the axial direction of the first shaft member 46, in which the first external gear portion 68 and the second external gear portion 70 move away from each other.

[0066] For example, the first biasing member 90 biases the second external gear portion 70 in the axial direction of the first shaft member 46 so that the second external gear portion 70 moves away from the first external gear portion 68. In the second embodiment, the second external gear portion 70 is attached to the first shaft member 46 so as to be axially movable relative to the first shaft member 46. In the second embodiment, the second external gear portion 70 may be attached to the first shaft member 46 so as to be non-rotatable relative to the first shaft member 46. The first biasing member 90 includes an elastic member. The first biasing member 90 is, for example, a coil spring.

[0067] In the second embodiment, because the first gear 14 and the second gear 16 are helical gears, a load in the axial direction of the first shaft member 46 is converted into a load in the rotational direction of the first shaft member 46. When the first biasing member 90 biases at least one of the first external gear portion 68 and the second external gear portion 70 in direction D in the axial direction of the first shaft member 46, the first external gear portion 68 applies a load in the rotational direction of the first shaft member 46 to the second gear 16. The load in the rotational direction of the first shaft member 46 applied to the second gear 16 can suppress backlash between the first gear 14 and the second gear 16.

[0068] The first biasing member 90 may be disposed between the first shaft member 46 and the first external gear portion 68 in the axial direction of the first shaft member 46, or may be disposed between the first shaft member 46 and the second external gear portion 70 in the axial direction of the first shaft member 46. When the first biasing member 90 is disposed between the first shaft member 46 and the first external gear portion 68 in the axial direction of the first shaft member 46, the first shaft member 46 and the first external gear portion 68 are formed as separate bodies, and the first external gear portion 68 is attached to the first shaft member 46 so as to be axially movable relative to the first shaft member 46.

[0069] Third Embodiment A component 10 of the third embodiment will be described with reference to Figures 14 to 16. The component 10 of the third embodiment is similar to the component 10 of the second embodiment except that it includes a backlash reduction mechanism 18B instead of the backlash reduction mechanism 18A. Therefore, the same reference numerals as in the first and second embodiments are used for the components common to the first and second embodiments, and redundant description will be omitted.

[0070] In the third embodiment, the backlash reduction mechanism 18B is defined by the diameters and numbers of teeth of the first external gear portion 68 and the second external gear portion 70. The diameter of the first external gear portion 68 is substantially equal to the diameter of the second external gear portion 70, and the number of teeth of the first external gear portion 68 is different from the number of teeth of the second external gear portion 70. For example, the number of teeth of the first external gear portion 68 is one more than the number of teeth of the second external gear portion 70. The number of teeth of the first external gear portion 68 is, for example, 30. The number of teeth of the second external gear portion 70 is, for example, 31. The first biasing member 90 is provided between the first external gear portion 68 and the second external gear portion 70 in a direction parallel to the central axis of rotation C.

[0071] The backlash reduction mechanism 18B includes a first biasing member 90. The first biasing member 90 includes an elastic member. For example, the elastic member includes at least one of a coil spring, a spring washer, and an O-ring.

[0072] In the third embodiment, the first external gear portion 68 and the second external gear portion 70 have different numbers of teeth, and therefore have different peripheral speeds. At least one of the first external gear portion 68 and the second external gear portion 70 is biased by a first biasing member 90. The first biasing member 90 biases the first external gear portion 68 and the second external gear portion 70, which have different peripheral speeds. Therefore, friction occurs between the first external gear portion 68 and the first biasing member 90, and between the first biasing member 90 and the second external gear portion 70, respectively, and backlash between the first gear 14 and the second gear 16 is suppressed.

[0073] <Fourth embodiment> A component 10 of the fourth embodiment will be described with reference to Fig. 17. The component 10 of the fourth embodiment is similar to the component 10 of the first embodiment except that it includes a backlash reduction mechanism 18C instead of the backlash reduction mechanism 18. Therefore, the same reference numerals as in the first embodiment are used for the configurations common to the first embodiment, and redundant description will be omitted.

[0074] In the fourth embodiment, the backlash reduction mechanism 18C includes a support portion 92 and a second biasing member 94. The support portion 92 supports the first shaft member 46 movably in a first direction D1 perpendicular to the central axis of rotation C. For example, the support portion 92 is provided on the housing 26. The support portion 92 may be provided separately from the housing 26 and attached to the housing 26. In the fourth embodiment, the first gear 14 does not have to have the second external gear portion 70.

[0075] The second biasing member 94 biases the first shaft member 46 so that the first gear 14 approaches the second gear 16. For example, the second biasing member 94 includes a coil spring. The second biasing member 94 may also be made of rubber.

[0076] The backlash reduction mechanism 18C further includes at least one bearing 96 that rotatably supports the first shaft member 46. The support portion 92 movably supports the bearing 96. For example, the at least one bearing 96 is the third bearing 54A or the fourth bearing 54B. The support portion 92 includes, for example, a recess 98 in which the bearing 96 and the second biasing member 94 are disposed. The dimension of the recess 98 in the first direction D1 is larger than the dimension of the bearing 96 in the first direction D1. The second biasing member 94 is provided in the recess 98 so as to contact the end face of the bearing 96 on the opposite side to the first direction D1.

[0077] In the fourth embodiment, the first shaft member 46 is urged in the first direction D1 by a second urging member 94 provided on the support portion 92. By urging the first shaft member 46 in the first direction D1, the first gear 14 approaches the second gear 16. The backlash reduction mechanism 18 reduces the center-to-center distance between the first gear 14 and the second gear 16 by the urging force of the second urging member 94, thereby suppressing backlash.

[0078] <Modification> The descriptions of each embodiment are intended to exemplify possible forms of components for a human-powered vehicle according to the present disclosure and are not intended to limit the forms. Components for a human-powered vehicle according to the present disclosure may take the form of, for example, a modified version of each of the embodiments shown below, or a combination of at least two mutually consistent modified versions. In the following modified versions, parts that are common to the embodiments are given the same reference numerals as in the embodiments, and their description will be omitted.

[0079] The first seal member 80 may be omitted from the component 10. When the first seal member 80 is omitted from the component 10, the component 10 may be configured such that the through-hole 82 is less susceptible to fluid penetration, as shown in FIG. 18 . For example, the through-hole 82 is formed in an L-shape. Preferably, the through-hole 82 is bent at the outer circumferential surface 26A so as to open downward from the human-powered vehicle.

[0080] The first portions 84 of the first seal member 80 may be provided on two opposing sides instead of on the four corners of the first seal member 80. For example, as shown in Fig. 19, the first portions 84 are provided on each of the opposing sides of the first seal member 80, and the second portions 86 are provided on a portion other than the opposing sides on which the first portions 84 are provided.

[0081] The first portions 84 of the first seal member 80 may be provided on one side instead of the four corners of the first seal member 80. For example, as shown in Fig. 20, the first portions 84 are provided on each of the three sides of the first seal member 80, and the second portions 86 are provided on one side other than the three sides on which the first portions 84 are provided.

[0082] The component 10 does not have to have the second one-way clutch 56.

[0083] The second one-way clutch 56 may be provided between the first gear 14 and the first shaft member 46, between the third gear 50A and the second shaft member 60, between the fifth gear 58 and the second shaft member 60, or between the output gear 22D and the output shaft 22C.

[0084] The backlash reduction mechanisms 18, 18A, 18B, and 18C may be provided in a portion other than the first reduction gear portion 48. For example, the backlash reduction mechanisms 18, 18A, 18B, and 18C may be provided in at least one of the second reduction gear portion 50 and the third reduction gear portion 52, instead of or in addition to the first reduction gear portion 48. When the backlash reduction mechanisms 18, 18A, 18B, and 18C are provided in the second reduction gear portion 50, one of the third gear 50A and the fourth gear 50B corresponds to the first gear 14, and the other of the third gear 50A and the fourth gear 50B corresponds to the second gear 16. When the backlash reduction mechanisms 18, 18A, 18B, and 18C are provided in the third reduction portion 52, one of the fifth gear 58 and the output gear 22D corresponds to the first gear 14, and the other of the fifth gear 58 and the output gear 22D corresponds to the second gear 16.

[0085] The second gear 16 may have a first external gear portion 68 and a second external gear portion 70. When the second gear 16 has the first external gear portion 68 and the second external gear portion 70, the second gear 16 corresponds to the first gear 14, the first gear 14 corresponds to the second gear 16, and the output rotation shaft 30 corresponds to the first shaft member 46.

[0086] The component 10 may not include at least one of the first seal member 80 and the second seal member 88.

[0087] The component 10 does not necessarily include the motor 22. When the component 10 does not include the motor 22, for example, the backlash reduction mechanisms 18, 18A, 18B, and 18C may be applied to the component 10 that includes a transmission.

[0088] The component 10 may not include the backlash reduction mechanisms 18, 18A, 18B, and 18C as long as it includes the first seal member 80. If the component 10 includes the first seal member 80 but does not include the backlash reduction mechanisms 18, 18A, 18B, and 18C, the component 10 may not include the speed reduction mechanism 20. If the component 10 includes the first seal member 80 but does not include the backlash reduction mechanisms 18, 18A, 18B, and 18C and the speed reduction mechanism 20, the component 10 may only include the first seal member 80 and the housing 26 in which the through hole 82 is formed. When the component 10 does not include the backlash reduction mechanism 18, 18A, 18B, 18C and the speed reduction mechanism 20, but includes a first sealing member 80 and a housing 26 in which a through hole 82 is formed, the component 10 may be configured to further include a motor 22 provided in the housing 26 and configured to provide a propulsive force to the human-powered vehicle, and a control unit 24 configured to drive the motor 22 in accordance with the human-powered driving force input to the human-powered vehicle.

[0089] If the component 10 includes the first seal member 80, the component 10 does not need to include the motor 22. When the component 10 includes the first seal member 80 but does not include the motor 22, for example, the first seal member 80 and the second seal member 88 may be applied to a through-hole provided in the component 10 that includes a display. When the component 10 includes the first seal member 80 but does not include the motor 22, and the first seal member 80 and the second seal member 88 are applied to a through-hole provided in the component 10 that includes a display, for example, the through-hole is provided in the housing of the display.

[0090] The first gear 14 may be configured by a general scissors gear.

[0091] 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]

[0092] 10...component, 14...first gear, 16...second gear, 18, 18A, 18B, 18C...backlash reduction mechanism, 20...reduction mechanism, 22...motor, 24...control unit, 26...housing, 26A...outer peripheral surface, 26B...inner peripheral surface, 46...first shaft member, 68...first external gear portion, 70...second external gear portion, 74...first urging member, 76...first wall surface portion, 78...second wall surface portion, 80...first seal member, 82...through hole, 84...first portion, 86...second portion, 88...second seal member, 90...first urging member, 92...support portion, 94...second urging member, 96...bearing.

Claims

1. A component for a human-powered vehicle, a housing that forms an interior space; a first seal member; The housing has a through hole formed therein that connects the internal space to an external space of the housing, The first seal member is a through hole provided in the housing to cover the through hole; The component has a first portion that is bonded to the housing around the through hole and a second portion that is not bonded to the housing.

2. The component of claim 1 , wherein the first seal member is formed in a sheet shape.

3. The component according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the first seal member is configured to be capable of restricting the flow of gas and liquid.

4. The component according to claim 1 , wherein the first seal member is provided on an outer peripheral surface of the housing that faces an external space.

5. Further comprising a second seal member; the second seal member is configured to allow gas to pass through and to inhibit liquid from passing through; The component according to claim 4 , wherein the second seal member is provided on an inner circumferential surface facing the internal space of the housing so as to cover the through hole, and is bonded to the housing around the through hole.

6. a motor mounted in the housing and configured to provide a propulsive force to the human-powered vehicle; The component according to claim 1 , further comprising: a control unit configured to drive the motor in response to a human-powered driving force input to the human-powered vehicle.

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