Drive unit for human-powered vehicle and spindle unit for human-powered vehicle

Abstract

To provide a drive unit for a man-power drive vehicle capable of improving convenience, and a spindle unit for the man-power drive vehicle.SOLUTION: A drive unit for a man-power drive vehicle comprises: a housing including at least one connection part to be connected to a frame, a first side wall part in which a first open hole is formed, and a second side wall part in which a second open hole is formed and which is arranged at an interval from the first side wall part; a motor provided in the housing and outputting drive force; and a support mechanism for rotatably supporting a spindle unit in an arrangement state where the spindle unit including an input rotary shaft, and an output rotary shaft that is arranged coaxially with the input rotary shaft and coupled to the input rotary shaft, is arranged so as to project to the outside of the housing through the first open hole and the second open hole respectively. The support mechanism is provided in the housing, and the spindle unit can be attached thereto and detached therefrom via at least one of the first open hole and the second open hole.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 5

Description

[Technical field]

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

[0002] For example, a drive unit for a human-powered vehicle disclosed in Patent Document 1 includes a housing and a spindle unit. A part of the spindle unit is configured to be exposed from the housing. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Patent No. 4416620 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] An object of the present disclosure is to provide a drive unit for a human-powered vehicle and a spindle unit for a human-powered vehicle that can improve convenience. [Means for solving the problem]

[0005] A drive unit according to a first aspect of the present disclosure is a drive unit for a human-powered vehicle, comprising: a housing including at least one connecting portion configured to connect to a frame of the human-powered vehicle, a first side wall portion having a first through hole formed therein, and a second side wall portion having a second through hole formed therein and spaced apart from the first side wall portion; a motor provided in the housing and configured to output a driving force; and a spindle unit for the human-powered vehicle including an input rotating shaft and an output rotating shaft arranged coaxially with the input rotating shaft and connected to the input rotating shaft, the spindle unit being arranged to protrude outside the housing from each of the first through hole and the second through hole; and a support mechanism configured to rotatably support the spindle unit in an arrangement state in which the spindle unit protrudes outside the housing from each of the first through hole and the second through hole, the support mechanism being provided in the housing and configured to allow the spindle unit to be attached and detached via at least one of the first through hole and the second through hole. According to the drive unit of the first aspect, the spindle unit can be attached to and detached from the support mechanism via at least one of the first through hole and the second through hole without disassembling the housing, improving the convenience of the drive unit. According to the drive unit of the first aspect, for example, the spindle unit can be attached to the drive unit after the drive unit is connected to the frame, improving the degree of freedom in designing the frame of the human-powered vehicle. According to the drive unit of the first aspect, the spindle unit can be easily replaced.

[0006] In a drive unit of a second aspect according to the first aspect of the present disclosure, the support mechanism includes a first bearing provided on the first side wall portion and having a first inner circumferential surface formed to contact an outer circumferential surface of the input rotating shaft in the arranged state, and a second bearing provided on the second side wall portion and having a second inner circumferential surface formed to contact an outer circumferential surface of the output rotating shaft in the arranged state. According to the drive unit of the second aspect, the spindle unit is suitably supported by the first bearing and the second bearing included in the support mechanism.

[0007] In a drive unit of a third aspect according to the second aspect of the present disclosure, a first minimum inner diameter of the first inner surface is greater than or equal to a first maximum outer diameter of a first portion of the spindle unit in the arranged state that is positioned upstream of the first bearing in a direction from the first bearing to the second bearing, and a second minimum inner diameter of the second inner surface is greater than or equal to the first minimum inner diameter of the first inner surface and is greater than or equal to a second maximum outer diameter of a second portion of the spindle unit in the arranged state that is positioned between the first bearing and the second bearing. According to the drive unit of the third aspect, the spindle unit can be attached to the drive unit by inserting a first part of the spindle unit into the second bearing from outside the housing, and then moving the spindle unit in a direction from the second bearing toward the first bearing to insert the first part of the spindle unit into the first bearing.

[0008] In the drive unit of a fourth aspect according to the third aspect of the present disclosure, the first minimum inner diameter of the first inner circumferential surface is less than the second maximum outer diameter of the second portion of the spindle unit. According to the drive unit of the fourth aspect, the first bearing and the second portion of the spindle unit come into contact with each other, thereby suppressing movement of the spindle unit in the direction from the second bearing to the first bearing.

[0009] In the drive unit of a fifth aspect according to any one of the first to fourth aspects of the present disclosure, the drive unit further includes a transmission mechanism provided in the housing and configured to transmit the driving force of the motor to the output rotation shaft in the arranged state. According to the drive unit of the fifth aspect, the driving force of the motor can be suitably transmitted to the output rotation shaft by the transmission mechanism.

[0010] In the drive unit of a sixth aspect in accordance with the fifth aspect of the present disclosure, the transmission mechanism includes a reducer and at least a part of a one-way clutch, and the one-way clutch is configured to suppress transmission of a rotational force input to the input rotating shaft to the motor when the input rotating shaft rotates in a first direction around the rotational axis of the input rotating shaft in the arranged state. According to the drive unit of the sixth aspect, when the input rotating shaft is rotated in a first direction around the rotation axis of the input rotating shaft, the one-way clutch suppresses the transmission of the driving force input to the input rotating shaft to the motor, thereby reducing the load on the rider when the motor is stopped.

[0011] In a drive unit of a seventh aspect according to the sixth aspect of the present disclosure, the reducer includes a first gear, the first gear being formed in an annular shape and having an inner peripheral portion and an outer peripheral portion having a plurality of teeth formed thereon, and at least a portion of the one-way clutch is disposed between the inner peripheral portion of the first gear and the output rotating shaft in the disposed state. According to the drive unit of the seventh aspect, the one-way clutch is disposed near the output rotary shaft, so that the load on the rider when the motor is stopped can be further reduced.

[0012] In a drive unit of an eighth aspect according to the seventh aspect of the present disclosure, at least a portion of the one-way clutch includes a plurality of rollers arranged on an inner circumference of the first gear and a carrier supporting the plurality of rollers, and in the arranged state, the plurality of rollers are configured to contact an outer circumference surface of the output rotating shaft. According to the drive unit of the eighth aspect, the outer periphery of the output rotating shaft forms the inner ring of the one-way clutch, so that the number of parts can be reduced.

[0013] The drive unit of a ninth aspect according to any one of the first to eighth aspects of the present disclosure further comprises the spindle unit. According to the drive unit of the ninth aspect, the drive unit includes a spindle unit that is detachable from the drive unit, thereby improving convenience.

[0014] In a drive unit of a tenth aspect according to the third or fourth aspect of the present disclosure, the drive unit further comprises the spindle unit and a cylindrical member arranged to surround the first part of the spindle unit, the first part of the spindle unit including a first crank arm connecting portion configured to connect a crank arm, the cylindrical member being disposed between the crank arm connected to the first crank arm connecting portion and the first bearing, and a third maximum outer diameter of the cylindrical member being larger than a first maximum inner diameter of the first inner circumferential surface. According to the drive unit of the tenth aspect, when the crank arm is attached to the first crank arm connection portion, movement of the cylindrical member in the axial direction of the input rotating shaft is suppressed by the crank arm and the first bearing, and movement of the spindle unit in the direction from the first bearing to the second bearing is suppressed.

[0015] In the drive unit of an eleventh aspect according to any one of the sixth to eighth aspects of the present disclosure, the output rotating shaft is connected to the input rotating shaft so as not to rotate relative to the input rotating shaft about the rotation axis of the input rotating shaft, and Episode It includes a first end and a second end in the rotation axis direction, the first end is connected to the input rotating shaft, and the second end includes a rotating body connection portion configured to connect a rotating body, and is configured to protrude from the second through hole to the outside of the housing in the arranged state. According to the drive unit of the eleventh aspect, the input rotating shaft and the output rotating shaft can be rotated integrally. According to the drive unit of the eleventh aspect, in the arranged state, the second end of the output rotating shaft including the rotating body connecting portion protrudes from the second through hole to the outside of the housing, so that the rotating body can be easily connected to the rotating body connecting portion.

[0016] In a drive unit of a twelfth side according to any one of the first to eleventh sides of the present disclosure, the at least one connecting portion includes a first connecting portion provided on the first side wall portion and a second connecting portion provided on the second side wall portion, and in the positioned state, at least one of the first connecting portion and the second connecting portion is positioned to surround the spindle unit around the rotational axis of the spindle unit. According to the drive unit of the twelfth aspect, the drive unit can be suitably connected to the frame of the human-powered vehicle by the first connecting portion and the second connecting portion.

[0017] In a drive unit of a thirteenth aspect according to the twelfth aspect of the present disclosure, the first connecting portion includes a first female thread portion that defines at least a portion of the first through hole, and the second connecting portion includes a second female thread portion that defines at least a portion of the second through hole. According to the drive unit of the thirteenth aspect, the first female thread portion and the second female thread portion are arranged so as to surround the spindle unit in the arranged state, so that by connecting the first female thread portion and the second female thread portion to the frame, the drive unit can be stably connected to the frame of the human-powered vehicle.

[0018] A spindle unit of a fourteenth aspect of the present disclosure is a spindle unit for a human-powered vehicle, comprising: an input rotating shaft; and an output rotating shaft connected to the input rotating shaft and surrounding the input rotating shaft and arranged coaxially with the input rotating shaft, one end of the input rotating shaft in the rotational axis direction being connected to the input rotating shaft and the other end of the input rotating shaft in the rotational axis direction being configured to connect a rotating body, the input rotating shaft including a first supported part that is rotatably and detachably supported by a first bearing, the output rotating shaft including a second supported part that is rotatably and detachably supported by a second bearing, and a fourth maximum outer diameter of a portion of the spindle unit between the first supported part and the second supported part is equal to or less than a fifth maximum outer diameter of the second supported part. According to the spindle unit of the fourteenth aspect, the spindle unit can be conveniently attached to and detached from the drive unit, improving the convenience of the spindle unit.

[0019] In a spindle unit of a fifteenth aspect according to a fourteenth aspect of the present disclosure, a first maximum outer diameter of a first portion of the input rotating shaft that is positioned upstream of the first supported portion in a direction from the first supported portion toward the second supported portion is less than or equal to a sixth maximum outer diameter of the first supported portion, and a seventh maximum outer diameter of a portion of the input rotating shaft between the first supported portion and the second supported portion and an eighth maximum outer diameter of a portion of the output rotating shaft between the first supported portion and the second supported portion are less than or equal to a fifth maximum outer diameter of the second supported portion. According to the spindle unit of the fifteenth aspect, the spindle unit can be conveniently attached to and detached from the drive unit.

[0020] In the spindle unit of a sixteenth aspect according to the fourteenth or fifteenth aspect of the present disclosure, an outer circumferential surface of the output rotating shaft includes a one-way clutch component that constitutes an inner ring of a one-way clutch. According to the spindle unit of the sixteenth aspect, the outer periphery of the output rotating shaft forms the inner ring of the one-way clutch, so that the number of parts can be reduced. Effect of the Invention

[0021] The drive unit for a human-powered vehicle and the spindle unit for a human-powered vehicle of the present disclosure can improve convenience. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0022] [Figure 1] 2 is an exploded perspective view of a spindle unit for a human-powered vehicle, a drive unit for a human-powered vehicle, a portion of a frame of the human-powered vehicle to which the drive unit for the human-powered vehicle is connected, a first mounting member, a second mounting member, and a regulating portion. [Diagram 2] FIG. 2 is a plan view of a drive unit for a human-powered vehicle having a spindle unit for the human-powered vehicle. [Diagram 3]FIG. 2 is a first side view of a drive unit for a human-powered vehicle including a spindle unit for the human-powered vehicle; [Figure 4] FIG. 2 is a second side view of a drive unit for a human-powered vehicle having a spindle unit for the human-powered vehicle. [Diagram 5] A cross-sectional view of a drive unit for a human-powered vehicle having a spindle unit for a human-powered vehicle, taken along line D5-D5 in Fig. 3. Fig. 5 shows a state in which the drive unit for a human-powered vehicle having a spindle unit for a human-powered vehicle is attached to a frame. [Figure 6] 6 is an enlarged cross-sectional view showing the periphery of a spindle unit for the human-powered vehicle shown in FIG. 5. [Figure 7] FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view of a drive unit for a human-powered vehicle with a spindle unit for the human-powered vehicle removed. [Figure 8] FIG. 2 is a plan view of a spindle unit for a human-powered vehicle. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0023] A drive unit 40 for a human-powered vehicle and a spindle unit 90 for a human-powered vehicle will be described with reference to Figs. 1 to 8. The human-powered vehicle 10 is a vehicle that has at least one wheel and can be driven at least by human-powered 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 recumbents. The number of wheels that the human-powered vehicle 10 has is not limited. The human-powered vehicle 10 includes not only two-wheeled vehicles, but also one-wheeled vehicles and vehicles with three or more wheels. The human-powered vehicle 10 is not limited to vehicles that can be driven only by human-powered driving force. The human-powered vehicle 10 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 an electrically assisted bicycle, and an example of an electrically assisted bicycle will be described as a mountain bike.

[0024] The human-powered vehicle 10 includes at least one wheel and a vehicle body 12. The at least one wheel includes a rear wheel and a front wheel. The vehicle body 12 includes a frame 14. The frame 14 includes a down tube 16, a seat tube 18, and a connection portion 19 that connects the down tube 16 and the seat tube 18. A drive unit 40 is provided on the frame 14. The drive unit 40 is configured to be attachable to the frame 14. The drive unit 40 is configured to be attachable to at least one of the down tube 16, the seat tube 18, and the connection portion 19. The drive unit 40 further includes a spindle unit 90. The spindle unit 90 is configured to be attached to the frame 14. Take In the mounted state, it is rotatable relative to the frame 14.

[0025] For example, the human-powered vehicle 10 further includes a battery that supplies power to the drive unit 40. The battery includes one or more battery elements. The battery element includes a rechargeable battery. The battery is configured to supply power to the drive unit 40. The drive unit 40 may include a control device 76. The battery is communicatively connected to the control device 76 via an electric cable or a wireless communication device. The battery can communicate with the control device 76 by, for example, Power Line Communication (PLC), a Controller Area Network (CAN), or a Universal Asynchronous Receiver / Transmitter (UART).

[0026] A drive unit mounting portion 14A is provided on the frame 14. The drive unit mounting portion 14A is provided, for example, on the connection portion 19. The drive unit mounting portion 14A is not limited to being provided on the connection portion 19, but may be provided in an appropriate location depending on the shape of the frame 14.

[0027] The drive unit arrangement section 14A forms an arrangement space P in which at least a part of the spindle unit 90 and at least a part of the drive unit 40 are arranged. A first opening 14B is provided in the drive unit arrangement section 14A. The first opening 14B is provided at the lower end of the drive unit arrangement section 14A when the wheels of the human-powered vehicle 10 are placed vertically on a horizontal surface. An opening that connects to the arrangement space P is formed in the first opening 14B. The drive unit arrangement section 14A may further be provided with a second opening 14C.

[0028] The second opening 14C opens in the left-right direction perpendicular to the front-rear direction and the up-down direction of the human-powered vehicle 10 when the wheels of the human-powered vehicle 10 are placed vertically on a horizontal surface. The second opening 14C has an opening that is connected to the arrangement space P. The opening of the second opening 14C is connected to the opening of the first opening 14B. The first opening 14B and the second opening 14C have a shape that allows at least a part of the drive unit 40 to move from the outside of the arrangement space P to the arrangement space P. For example, the drive unit 40 is arranged in the arrangement space P from the opening of the first opening 14B. For example, when the drive unit 40 is arranged in the arrangement space P, a part of the drive unit 40 may be exposed from the first opening 14B and the second opening 14C. The second opening 14C may be omitted. The drive unit arrangement section 14A may have any shape as long as it is a shape that allows the drive unit 40 to be arranged in the arrangement space P.

[0029] A first hole 14D and a second hole 14E are formed in the drive unit placement section 14A. The first hole 14D opens to one side of the frame 14 in the left-right direction of the human-powered vehicle 10. The second hole 14E opens to the other side of the frame 14 in the left-right direction of the human-powered vehicle 10. The first hole 14D is a hole that the drive unit 40 cannot pass through, and the spindle unit 90 cannot pass through. At least a part ofThe first hole 14D and the second hole 14E are formed with dimensions that allow the drive unit 40 to pass through, but allow at least a part of the spindle unit 90 to pass through. The first hole 14D and the second hole 14E pass through the frame 14 and are connected to the arrangement space P. The first hole 14D and the second hole 14E have a circular shape when viewed from the left-right direction of the human-powered vehicle 10, and are formed coaxially.

[0030] For example, the human-powered vehicle 10 is Drive unit 40 The drive unit 40 further includes at least one restricting portion 28 that restricts rotation about the central axis of the first hole 14D and the second hole 14E relative to the frame 14. The restricting portion 28 may have any configuration as long as it can suppress rotation of the drive unit 40 about the central axis of the first hole 14D and the second hole 14E relative to the frame 14.

[0031] For example, the restricting portion 28 includes a bolt. The frame 14 is formed with a hole 14F into which the restricting portion 28 is inserted. The hole 14F is connected to the arrangement space P. The hole 14F opens, for example, in a direction intersecting the left-right direction of the frame 14. For example, the housing 42 is provided with a female thread portion 43 that engages with the bolt. When the housing 42 is provided with the female thread portion 43, the bolt is inserted into the hole 14F and coupled to the female thread portion 43 of the housing 42, thereby restricting rotation of the drive unit 40 about the central axis of the first hole 14D and the second hole 14E relative to the frame 14.

[0032] A female thread may be formed on the inner circumferential surface of frame 14 that defines hole 14F without providing female thread portion 43 on housing 42. When a female thread is formed on the inner circumferential surface of frame 14 that defines hole 14F, a bolt is coupled to the female thread portion of hole 14F and an end of the bolt comes into contact with housing 42, thereby restricting rotation of drive unit 40 about the central axis of first hole 14D and second hole 14E relative to frame 14.

[0033] The restricting portion 28 may include a protrusion provided in the drive unit arrangement portion 14A. For example, the protrusion is provided inside the frame 14. For example, the protrusion protrudes toward the arrangement space P. When the restricting portion 28 includes a protrusion, an end of the protrusion comes into contact with the housing 42 of the drive unit 40, thereby restricting rotation of the drive unit 40 about the central axes of the first hole 14D and the second hole 14E relative to the frame 14. The restricting portion 28 may include a recess provided in the drive unit arrangement portion 14A.

[0034] The drive unit 40 includes a housing 42, a motor 44, and a support mechanism 46. The housing 42 includes at least one connecting portion 48, a first side wall portion 50, and a second side wall portion 52. The second side wall portion 52 is disposed at a distance from the first side wall portion 50. A first through hole 54 is formed in the first side wall portion 50. A second through hole 56 is formed in the second side wall portion 52. A spindle unit arrangement space 42B is formed inside the housing 42. The first through hole 54 and the second through hole 56 are connected to the spindle unit arrangement space 42B formed inside the housing 42.

[0035] The spindle unit arrangement space 42B is formed so that at least a portion of the spindle unit 90 can be arranged therein. The support mechanism 46 is configured to rotatably support the spindle unit 90 in the arranged state. The arranged state is a state in which the spindle unit 90 for a human-powered vehicle is arranged so as to protrude to the outside of the housing 42 from each of the first through-hole 54 and the second through-hole 56.

[0036] Preferably, the housing 42 includes a first housing 58 and a second housing 60. The first housing 58 includes a first side wall portion 50. The second housing 60 includes a second side wall portion 52. The first housing 58 and the second housing 60 are attached to each other, for example, by bolts or the like. The first housing 58 and the second housing 60 form the accommodation space 42A. The spindle unit arrangement space 42B is provided in the accommodation space 42A. The spindle unit arrangement space 42B is a space in the accommodation space 42A where the spindle unit 90 is arranged. For example, the first housing 58 and the second housing 60 are formed of a metal. The metal forming the first housing 58 and the second housing 60 includes, for example, an aluminum alloy or a magnesium alloy. The first housing 58 and the second housing 60 may be formed of a synthetic resin.

[0037] At least one coupling portion 48 is configured to couple to the frame 14 of the human-powered vehicle 10. The drive unit 40 is coupled to the frame 14 via the at least one coupling portion 48. For example, the at least one coupling portion 48 includes a first coupling portion 62 provided on the first side wall portion 50 and a second coupling portion 64 provided on the second side wall portion 52. For example, the first coupling portion 62 includes a first female thread portion 62A that defines at least a portion of the first through hole 54. For example, the second coupling portion 64 includes a second female thread portion 64A that defines at least a portion of the second through hole 56.

[0038] At least one connecting portion 48 may include only one of the first female thread portion 62A and the second female thread portion 64A. When at least one connecting portion 48 includes only one of the first female thread portion 62A and the second female thread portion 64A, at least one connecting portion 48 may further include a connecting portion provided on the outer periphery of the housing 42 in addition to one of the first female thread portion 62A and the second female thread portion 64A. The connecting portion provided on the outer periphery of the housing 42 is provided, for example, on a protruding portion protruding from the outer periphery of the housing 42. A female thread portion is formed on the protruding portion. A bolt inserted from the outside of the frame 14 is coupled to the female thread portion via a through hole formed in the frame 14, thereby connecting the housing 42 to the frame 14.

[0039] For example, the first connecting portion 62 is connected to the frame 14 via the first mounting member 22. The first mounting member 22 has a male thread portion 22A that is coupled with the first female thread portion 62A. The first mounting member 22 is, for example, a lock ring. The first mounting member 22 sandwiches the frame 14 between the first mounting member 22 and the drive unit 40. With the drive unit 40 disposed in the drive unit mounting portion 14A, the first mounting member 22 is inserted into the first hole 14D and screwed into the first female thread portion 62A of the first connecting portion 62, thereby connecting the housing 42 to the frame 14.

[0040] For example, the second connecting portion 64 is connected to the frame 14 via the second mounting member 24. The second mounting member 24 has a male thread portion 24A that is coupled with the first female thread portion 62A. The second mounting member 24 is, for example, a lock ring. The second mounting member 24 sandwiches the frame 14 between the second mounting member 24 and the drive unit 40. With the drive unit 40 disposed in the drive unit arrangement portion 14A, the second mounting member 24 is inserted into the second hole 14E and screwed into the second female thread portion 64A of the second connecting portion 64, thereby connecting the housing 42 to the frame 14.

[0041] The motor 44 is provided in the housing 42 and configured to output a driving force. The motor 44 includes one or more electric motors. The electric motor is, for example, a brushless motor. In this embodiment, the motor 44 is configured to transmit a driving force to an output rotating shaft 94 of the spindle unit 90. The motor 44 has an output shaft 66, a rotor 44A, and a stator 44B. The output shaft 66 extends in a predetermined direction A and has a free end at a first end 66A in the predetermined direction A. For example, the predetermined direction A is parallel to the rotation axis direction CY of the output rotating shaft 94 of the spindle unit 90. The predetermined direction A may intersect with the rotation axis direction CY of the output rotating shaft 94. When the predetermined direction A intersects with the rotation axis direction CY of the output rotating shaft 94, a conversion unit that converts the rotation direction of a transmission member is provided in a transmission path of the driving force of the motor 44 from the output shaft 66 to the output rotating shaft 94. The conversion unit includes, for example, a bevel gear. The output shaft 66 is provided to the rotor 44A so as to rotate integrally with the rotor 44A.

[0042] The output shaft 66 includes a first end 66A of the output shaft 66 and a second end 66B of the output shaft 66 opposite to the first end 66A of the output shaft 66 in a predetermined direction A. The stator 44B is disposed to face the rotor 44A. For example, the motor 44 is a radial gap type motor. For example, the motor 44 is an inner rotor type motor. The motor 44 may be an outer rotor type motor. The motor 44 may be an axial gap type motor.

[0043] The motor 44 further includes at least one motor bearing 68. The at least one motor bearing 68 includes a first motor bearing 68A and a second motor bearing 68B. The first motor bearing 68A rotatably supports an intermediate portion of the output shaft 66 between a first end 66A and a second end 66B in a predetermined direction A. The second motor bearing 68B rotatably supports the second end 66B of the output shaft 66. For example, the first motor bearing 68A includes a radial bearing. For example, the second motor bearing 68B includes a radial bearing.

[0044] The first motor bearing 68A includes an inner ring, an outer ring, and a plurality of rolling elements disposed between the inner ring and the outer ring. The second motor bearing 68B includes an inner ring, an outer ring, and a plurality of rolling elements disposed between the inner ring and the outer ring. The inner diameter of the inner ring of the first motor bearing 68A is larger than the inner diameter of the inner ring of the second motor bearing 68B. The outer diameter of the outer ring of the first motor bearing 68A is larger than the outer diameter of the outer ring of the second motor bearing 68B. The second motor bearing 68B is supported by a recess 58A formed in the side wall of the first housing 58.

[0045] For example, the drive unit 40 further includes a transmission mechanism 70 provided in the housing 42. The transmission mechanism 70 is configured to transmit the driving force of the motor 44 to the output rotation shaft 94 of the spindle unit 90 in the disposed state. For example, the transmission mechanism 70 includes a speed reducer 72 and at least a part of a one-way clutch 74. The transmission mechanism 70 is disposed in the accommodation space 42A of the housing 42. The speed reducer 72 is configured to transmit the driving force of the motor 44 to the output rotation shaft 94 of the spindle unit 90 in the disposed state.

[0046] For example, the reducer 72 includes at least two gears. For example, the reducer 72 reduces the rotation speed of the output shaft 66 in one or more stages. In this embodiment, the reducer 72 reduces the rotation speed of the output shaft 66 in two stages. The reducer 72 may include multiple gears. Multiple In the present embodiment, the reducer 72 includes a plurality of gears.

[0047] For example, the reducer 72 includes a first gear 72A. The first gear 72A is formed in an annular shape. The first gear 72A has an inner peripheral portion 72X and an outer peripheral portion 72Y on which a plurality of teeth are formed. The reducer 72 further includes a second gear 72B, a third gear 72C, a fourth gear 72D, and a reduction shaft 72E. For example, the reduction shaft 72E is disposed in the accommodation space 42A so as to be parallel to the output shaft 66. For example, the second gear 72B and the third gear 72C are provided on the outer peripheral portion of the reduction shaft 72E. For example, the fourth gear 72D is provided on the outer peripheral portion of the output shaft 66. The first gear 72A meshes with the second gear 72B. The third gear 72C meshes with the fourth gear 72D. The number of teeth of the first gear 72A is smaller than the number of teeth of the second gear 72B. The number of teeth of the second gear 72B is larger than the number of teeth of the third gear 72C. The number of teeth of the third gear 72C is smaller than the number of teeth of the fourth gear 72D.

[0048] In the arranged state, the one-way clutch 74 is configured to suppress transmission of a rotational force input to the input rotating shaft 92 to the motor 44 when the input rotating shaft 92 rotates in a first direction B1 around the rotation axis CA of the input rotating shaft 92. In this embodiment, the one-way clutch 74 includes a roller clutch. At least a part of the one-way clutch 74 includes a plurality of rollers 74A arranged on an inner peripheral portion 72X of the first gear 72A and a carrier 74B supporting the plurality of rollers 74A. The inner peripheral portion 72X of the first gear 72A constitutes an outer ring of the one-way clutch 74. The inner ring of the one-way clutch 74 is provided in the spindle unit 90. For example, a groove in which the plurality of rollers 74A are arranged is formed on the inner peripheral portion of the outer ring of the one-way clutch 74, and the outer peripheral surface of the inner ring of the one-way clutch 74 is formed in a cylindrical shape. For example, the outer peripheral surface of the inner ring of the one-way clutch 74 is formed so as not to include a recessed portion and a protruding portion. The one-way clutch 74 may include a pawl clutch or a sprag clutch.

[0049] For example, the drive unit 40 includes a control device 76. The control device 76 includes a control unit 76A. The control unit 76A includes an arithmetic processing device that executes a predetermined control program. The arithmetic processing device included in the control unit 76A includes, for example, a CPU (Central Processing Unit) or an MPU (Micro Processing Unit). The arithmetic processing devices included in the control unit 76A may be provided in a plurality of locations that are separated from each other. The control unit 76A may include one or a plurality of microcomputers. Preferably, the control device 76 further includes a storage unit. The storage unit stores a predetermined control program and information used in the control process. The storage unit includes, for example, 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).

[0050] The control device 76 is disposed in the accommodation space 42A. For example, the control device 76 further includes a drive circuit for the motor 44. The drive circuit includes an inverter circuit. The drive circuit controls the power supplied from the battery to the motor 44. The drive circuit is connected to the control unit 76A via a conductive wire, an electric cable, a wireless communication device, or the like. The drive circuit drives the motor 44 in response to a control signal from the control unit 76A. The stator 44B includes a plurality of connection terminals to which the plurality of coils are electrically connected. The plurality of connection terminals extend along a predetermined direction A and are electrically connected to the control device 76.

[0051] The spindle unit 90 includes an input rotating shaft 92 and an output rotating shaft 94. The output rotating shaft 94 is coaxially disposed with the input rotating shaft 92 and coupled to the input rotating shaft 92. In this embodiment, the input rotating shaft 92 is a crankshaft. The input rotating shaft 92 includes a first end 92A and a second end 92B. The first end 92A is configured to protrude from the first through hole 54 to the outside of the housing 42. The second end 92B is configured to protrude from the second through hole 56 to the outside of the housing 42.

[0052] The input rotating shaft 92 is configured to be rotatable in a first direction B1 about a rotation axis CA of the input rotating shaft 92. The input rotating shaft 92 is configured to be rotatable in a second direction B2 different from the first direction B1 about the rotation axis CA of the input rotating shaft 92. When the input rotating shaft 92 rotates in the second direction B2 about the rotation axis CA of the input rotating shaft 92 in the arranged state, the input rotating shaft 92 is connected to the output rotating shaft 94 so as to transmit a manual driving force to the output rotating shaft 94. The input rotating shaft 92 is preferably formed of a metal. In this embodiment, the input rotating shaft 92 is formed of a hollow shaft. The input rotating shaft 92 may be formed of a solid shaft.

[0053] The output rotating shaft 94 has a substantially cylindrical shape. For example, the output rotating shaft 94 is formed of a metal. For example, the output rotating shaft 94 is connected to the input rotating shaft 92 so as to be unable to rotate relatively to the input rotating shaft 92 around the rotation axis CA of the input rotating shaft 92. For example, the output rotating shaft 94 is connected to the input rotating shaft 92 so as not to move relative to the input rotating shaft 92 in the rotation axis direction CX of the input rotating shaft 92. For example, the output rotating shaft 94 surrounds the input rotating shaft 92. For example, the output rotating shaft 94 includes a first end 94A and a second end 94B in the rotation axis direction CX of the input rotating shaft 92.

[0054] For example, the output rotating shaft 94 is configured such that one end of the input rotating shaft 92 in the rotational axis direction CX is connected to the input rotating shaft 92, and the other end of the input rotating shaft 92 in the rotational axis direction CX is connected to the rotating body 20.

[0055] In this embodiment, one end of the input rotating shaft 92 in the rotation axis direction CX is a first end 94A. The first end 94A is coupled to the input rotating shaft 92. For example, an inner peripheral portion of the first end 94A has a plurality of recesses that couple with a plurality of protrusions provided on an outer peripheral portion of the input rotating shaft 92. For example, the inner peripheral portion of the first end 94A and the outer peripheral portion of the input rotating shaft 92 have spline grooves.

[0056] In the present embodiment, the other end of the input rotary shaft 92 in the rotation axis direction CX is a second end 94B. For example, the rotary body 20 includes a front sprocket. The rotary body 20 may include a pulley or a bevel gear.

[0057] For example, the second end 94B includes a rotating body connecting portion 94C configured to connect the rotating body 20. The rotating body connecting portion 94C has, for example, a spline groove. For example, a third female thread portion 94D is formed on the inner periphery of the second end 94B. The third female thread portion 94D is configured to be coupled with a third mounting member 26 that restricts movement of the rotating body 20 in the rotation axis direction CX when the rotating body 20 is connected to the second end 94B. The third mounting member 26 is, for example, a lock ring.

[0058] For example, the spindle unit 90 includes a support member 90X provided between an outer periphery of the input rotating shaft 92 and an inner periphery of the output rotating shaft 94. The support member 90X may be a sleeve or a needle bearing.

[0059] In the arranged state, the output rotating shaft 94 is configured to protrude from the second through-hole 56 to the outside of the housing 42. Preferably, the second end 94B of the output rotating shaft 94 passes through the second through-hole 56 formed in the housing 42 and protrudes to the outside from the accommodation space 42A of the housing 42. Preferably, the rotating body connecting portion 94C is arranged outside the housing 42.

[0060] Preferably, in the arranged state, at least one of the first connecting portion 62 and the second connecting portion 64 is arranged to surround the spindle unit 90 around the rotation axis CA of the spindle unit 90.

[0061] At least a portion of the one-way clutch 74, in the disposed state, is disposed between an inner peripheral portion 72X of the first gear 72A and the output rotation shaft 94. In the disposed state, the plurality of rollers 74A are configured to contact an outer peripheral surface 94E of the output rotation shaft 94. Preferably, the outer peripheral surface 94E of the output rotation shaft 94 includes a one-way clutch component 94F that constitutes an inner ring of the one-way clutch 74.

[0062] The support mechanism 46 is provided in the housing 42, and is configured to allow the spindle unit 90 to be attached and detached via at least one of the first through hole 54 and the second through hole 56. For example, the inner circumferential surface of the drive unit 40 at a portion that comes into contact with the spindle unit 90 in the arranged state Of The diameter decreases from the second through hole 56 toward the first through hole 54. For example, the spindle unit 90 has a shape that allows the spindle unit 90 to be attached to and detached from the housing 42 without being hindered by the support mechanism 46 when attached to and detached from the housing 42. For example, the outer circumferential surface of the portion of the spindle unit 90 that comes into contact with the drive unit 40 in the arranged state Outside In the deployed state, the diameter becomes decrease In this embodiment, since the support mechanism 46 is configured to allow the spindle unit 90 to be detachably attached, the drive unit 40 and the spindle unit 90 can be transported in a compact manner.

[0063] For example, the support mechanism 46 includes a first bearing 78 provided in the first side wall portion 50 and a second bearing 80 provided in the second side wall portion 52. The first bearing 78 and the second bearing 80 support the spindle unit 90 rotatably.

[0064] For example, the first bearing 78 is provided near the first through hole 54. For example, the first bearing 78 rotatably supports the input rotating shaft 92. The first bearing 78 has a first inner circumferential surface 78A formed to contact the outer circumferential surface 92C of the input rotating shaft 92 in the arranged state. In the present embodiment, the first bearing 78 includes a ball bearing. The first bearing 78 may include a cylindrical roller bearing, a sleeve, and a sliding bearing. For example, the first bearing 78 includes a first inner ring 78B, a first outer ring 78C, and a first rolling element 78D. The first outer ring 78C is non-rotatably attached to the housing 42. The first outer ring 78C is, for example, press-fitted into the housing 42. The first inner circumferential surface 78A is provided on the inner circumferential surface of the first inner ring 78B. For example, the first inner circumferential surface 78A is a smooth surface. For example, the first inner ring 78B is fitted onto the outer circumferential surface 92C of the input rotation shaft 92 with a clearance.

[0065] Preferably, the spindle unit 90 contacts an end 78E of the first inner ring 78B on the second bearing 80 side in a direction along the rotation axis CA of the input rotating shaft 92. The spindle unit 90 is provided with a contact portion 90A that contacts the end 78E. For example, the contact portion 90A is a step portion formed on the outer periphery of the input rotating shaft 92. The contact portion 90A may be provided on the output rotating shaft 94. The contact between the end 78E and the input rotating shaft 92 restricts movement of the spindle unit 90 relative to the first bearing 78 in the direction AX2 from the second bearing 80 toward the first bearing 78.

[0066] For example, the second bearing 80 is provided near the second through hole 56. For example, the second bearing 80 rotatably supports the output rotating shaft 94. The second bearing 80 has a second inner peripheral surface 80A formed to contact the outer peripheral surface 94E of the output rotating shaft 94 in the arranged state. In the present embodiment, the second bearing 80 includes a ball bearing. The second bearing 80 may include a cylindrical roller bearing, a sleeve, and a sliding bearing. For example, the second bearing 80 includes a second inner ring 80B, a second outer ring 80C, and a second rolling element 80D. The second outer ring 80C is non-rotatably attached to the housing 42. The second outer ring 80C is, for example, press-fitted into the housing 42. The second inner peripheral surface 80A is provided on the inner peripheral surface of the second inner ring 80B. For example, the second inner peripheral surface 80A is a smooth surface. For example, the second inner ring 80B is fitted onto the outer circumferential surface 94E of the output rotation shaft 94 with a clearance.

[0067] The support member 90X is provided in a portion between the first end 94A and the second end 94B of the output rotation shaft 94 in the rotation axis direction CX. At least a portion of the support member 90X is disposed radially inward of the second bearing 80. Preferably, the dimension of the support member 90X in the rotation axis direction CX is larger than the dimension of the second bearing 80 in the rotation axis direction CX. Preferably, an end face of the support member 90X in the direction AX1 from the first bearing 78 to the second bearing 80 is disposed downstream of the end face of the second bearing 80 in the direction AX1 from the first bearing 78 to the second bearing 80.

[0068] Preferably, the end face of the support member 90X on the downstream side in the direction AX1 from the first bearing 78 to the second bearing 80 is disposed downstream of the end face of the second bearing 80 on the downstream side in the direction AX1 from the first bearing 78 to the second bearing 80. The end face of the support member 90X on the upstream side in the direction AX1 from the first bearing 78 to the second bearing 80 is disposed upstream of the end face of the second bearing 80 on the upstream side in the direction AX1 from the first bearing 78 to the second bearing 80. A seal member is disposed adjacent to the support member 90X between the outer periphery of the input rotating shaft 92 and the inner periphery of the output rotating shaft 94. The seal member has elasticity. The seal member is formed of, for example, rubber.

[0069] The parts that come into contact with the spindle unit 90 in the arranged state include the first bearing 78, the second bearing 80, and the one-way clutch 74.

[0070] For example, a first minimum inner diameter X1 of the first inner circumferential surface 78A of the drive unit 40 is equal to or greater than a first maximum outer diameter Y1 of the first portion 96. The first portion 96 is a portion of the spindle unit 90 in the arranged state that is disposed upstream of the first bearing 78 in the direction AX1 from the first bearing 78 to the second bearing 80. A second minimum inner diameter X2 of the second inner circumferential surface 80A is equal to or greater than the first minimum inner diameter X1 of the first inner circumferential surface 78A. The second minimum inner diameter X2 of the second inner circumferential surface 80A is In the spindle unit 90 in the arranged state, the first minimum inner diameter X1 is equal to or greater than the second maximum outer diameter Y2 of the second portion 98 arranged between the first bearing 78 and the second bearing 80. For example, the first minimum inner diameter X1 of the first inner circumferential surface 78A is less than the second maximum outer diameter Y2 of the second portion 98 of the spindle unit 90.

[0071] For example, the input rotating shaft 92 further includes a first supported portion 92X that is rotatably and detachably supported by the first bearing 78. The output rotating shaft 94 further includes a second supported portion 94X that is rotatably and detachably supported by the second bearing 80. A fourth maximum outer diameter Y4 of a portion of the spindle unit 90 between the first supported portion 92X and the second supported portion 94X is equal to or smaller than a fifth maximum outer diameter Y5 of the second supported portion 94X. The fourth maximum outer diameter Y4 is, for example, the maximum outer diameter of the one-way clutch component 94F.

[0072] For example, in the input rotating shaft 92, a first maximum outer diameter Y1 of the first portion 96 is equal to or smaller than a sixth maximum outer diameter Y6 of the first supported portion 92X. The first portion 96 is a portion disposed upstream of the first supported portion 92X in a direction AY1 from the first supported portion 92X toward the second supported portion 94X. A seventh maximum outer diameter Y7 of the input rotating shaft 92 at a portion between the first supported portion 92X and the second supported portion 94X, and an eighth maximum outer diameter Y8 of the output rotating shaft 94 at a portion between the first supported portion 92X and the second supported portion 94X are equal to or smaller than a fifth maximum outer diameter Y5 of the second supported portion 94X.

[0073] For example, the drive unit 40 further includes a detection unit 82. The detection unit 82 includes, for example, at least one of a rotation speed sensor and a torque sensor. In the arranged state, the detection unit 82 is disposed in the accommodation space 42A so as to surround at least a part of the spindle unit 90. The detection unit 82 is electrically connected to the control unit 76A. When the detection unit 82 includes a rotation speed sensor, for example, the detection unit 82 outputs a signal according to the magnetism of a magnet provided in the spindle unit 90. For example, the magnet is provided on an outer circumferential surface 94E of the output rotation shaft 94 or an outer circumferential surface 92C of the input rotation shaft 92.

[0074] When the detection unit 82 includes a torque sensor, for example, the detection unit 82 includes a magnetostrictive sensor and outputs a signal according to the magnetostriction of a magnetostrictive portion provided in the spindle unit 90. The magnetostrictive portion is provided, for example, at a first end 94A of the output rotating shaft 94. When the detection unit 82 includes a torque sensor, it may include a receiving unit that receives information from a sensor that obtains information regarding the strain of the strain gauge. When the detection unit 82 includes a sensor that obtains information regarding the strain of the strain gauge, the strain gauge and the sensor are attached to an outer circumferential surface 94E of the output rotating shaft 94 or an outer circumferential surface 92C of the input rotating shaft 92. The receiving unit receives information transmitted from the sensor by wireless communication.

[0075] The human-powered vehicle 10 further includes a crank arm 30. The crank arm 30 includes a first crank arm 30A and a second crank arm 30B. The first crank arm 30A is attached to a first end 92A of the input rotating shaft 92. The second crank arm 30B is attached to a second end 92B of the input rotating shaft 92.

[0076] The drive unit 40 further includes a cylindrical member 84. The cylindrical member 84 is provided so as to surround a first portion 96 of the spindle unit 90. The first portion 96 of the spindle unit 90 includes a first crank arm connection portion 96A configured to connect the crank arm 30. For example, the first crank arm connection portion 96A is provided at the first end portion 92A. For example, the first crank arm 30A is connected to the first crank arm connection portion 96A. The first crank arm 30A is attached to the first crank arm connection portion 96A by, for example, an axle bolt.

[0077] The cylindrical member 84 is disposed between the crank arm 30 connected to the first crank arm connecting portion 96A and the first bearing 78. The third maximum outer diameter Y3 of the cylindrical member 84 is larger than the first maximum inner diameter XM1 of the first inner circumferential surface 78A. In this embodiment, the first maximum inner diameter XM1 of the first inner circumferential surface 78A and the first minimum inner diameter X1 of the first inner circumferential surface 78A are equal. Preferably, the cylindrical member 84 contacts the crank arm 30 connected to the first crank arm connecting portion 96A and the first inner ring 78B of the first bearing 78, respectively. The cylindrical member 84 functions as a spacer. When the crank arm 30 is connected to the first crank arm connecting portion 96A, the movement of the spindle unit 90 relative to the first bearing 78 in the direction AX1 from the first bearing 78 to the second bearing 80 is suppressed by the cylindrical member 84.

[0078] The second end 92B of the input rotating shaft 92 includes a second crank arm connection portion 92D configured to connect the crank arm 30. For example, the second crank arm 30B is connected to the second crank arm connection portion 92D. The second crank arm 30B is attached to the second crank arm connection portion 92D by, for example, an axle bolt.

[0079] By connecting the first crank arm 30A to the first crank arm connecting portion 96A, the movement of the spindle unit 90 in the direction AX2 from the second bearing 80 toward the first bearing 78 is restricted. By connecting the second crank arm 30B to the second crank arm connecting portion 92D, the movement of the spindle unit 90 in the direction AX1 from the first bearing 78 toward the second bearing 80 is restricted. The cylindrical member 84 is disposed between the first end portion 94A of the output rotating shaft 94 and the first crank arm 30A. The cylindrical member 84 restricts the movement of the spindle unit 90 in the direction AX2 from the second bearing 80 toward the first bearing 78 by contacting the first crank arm 30A and the output rotating shaft 94.

[0080] The drive unit 40 and the spindle unit 90 are attached to the frame 14 of the human-powered vehicle 10 through a first step, a second step, a third step, a fourth step, a fifth step, a sixth step, a seventh step, and an eighth step. The first step includes a step of placing the drive unit 40 in the drive unit placement portion 14A of the frame 14. In the first step, the drive unit 40 is inserted into the drive unit placement portion 14A from below the first opening 14B.

[0081] The second step includes a step of coupling the first housing 58 to the frame 14 by the first mounting member 22 via the first connecting portion 62. The third step includes a step of coupling the second housing 60 to the frame 14 by the second mounting member 24 via the second connecting portion 64. The fourth step includes a step of inserting the restricting portion 28 into the hole 14F to restrict rotation of the drive unit 40 around the first hole 14D and the second hole 14E.

[0082] The fifth step includes a step of inserting the spindle unit 90 in the direction AX2 from the second bearing 80 toward the first bearing 78. The sixth step includes a step of attaching the cylindrical member 84 to the first portion 96 of the spindle unit 90 so as to surround the first portion 96. The seventh step includes a step of attaching the rotating body 20 to the rotating body connecting portion 94C of the output rotating shaft 94 by the third mounting member 26.

[0083] The eighth step includes attaching the first crank arm 30A to the first crank arm connector 96A. The ninth step includes attaching the second crank arm 30B to the second crank arm connector 92D.

[0084] Either step 2 or step 3 may be performed first. Steps 6 to 9 may be performed in a different order, so long as step 8 is performed after step 6, and step 9 is performed after step 7. For example, steps 7, 9, 6, and 8 may be performed in this order, or steps 7, 6, 9, and 8 may be performed in this order.

[0085] <Modification> The description of the embodiments is an example of possible forms of a drive unit for a human-powered vehicle and a spindle unit for a human-powered vehicle according to the present disclosure, and is not intended to limit the forms. A drive unit for a human-powered vehicle and a spindle unit for a human-powered vehicle according to the present disclosure may take the form of, for example, a modified example of the embodiment shown below, or a combination of at least two mutually compatible modified examples. In the following modified examples, parts common to the embodiment are given the same reference numerals as the embodiment, and their description is omitted.

[0086] The support mechanism 46 may include at least one support portion instead of or in addition to at least one of the first bearing 78 and the second bearing 80. The at least one support portion is configured to be able to come into contact with the outer circumferential surface of the spindle unit 90 in the arranged state. The frame 14 may be provided with a cover that closes the first opening 14B.

[0087] The frame 14 may be configured such that the first hole 14D and the second hole 14E communicate with the first opening 14B. In this case, the first mounting member 22 includes a bolt that is inserted into a hole provided in a portion other than the first opening 14B.

[0088] The first bearing 78 may be provided in the spindle unit 90. In this case, the first inner ring 78B is non-rotatably attached to the input rotating shaft 92, and the first outer ring 78C is clearance-fitted in the housing 42. In this case, by making the maximum outer diameter of the portion of the spindle unit 90 where the first bearing 78 is provided smaller than the maximum outer diameter of the portion of the spindle unit 90 between the first bearing 78 and the second bearing 80, the spindle unit 90 can be configured to be detachable from the drive unit 40.

[0089] The second bearing 80 may be provided in the spindle unit 90. In this case, the second inner ring 80B is non-rotatably attached to the output rotating shaft 94, and the second outer ring 80C is clearance-fitted in the housing 42. In this case, the maximum outer diameter of the portion of the spindle unit 90 between the first bearing 78 and the second bearing 80 is made smaller than the maximum outer diameter of the portion of the spindle unit 90 where the second bearing 80 is provided, thereby making it possible to configure the spindle unit 90 to be detachable from the drive unit 40.

[0090] The output rotary shaft 94 may be attached to the input rotary shaft 92 so as to be rotatable relative to the input rotary shaft 92. In this case, the output rotary shaft 94 may be attached to the input rotary shaft 92 via a one-way clutch.

[0091] The output rotating shaft 94 may be configured to provide a driving force to a chain. In this case, for example, the output rotating shaft 94 of the spindle unit 90 is provided with a connecting member that can engage with a chain. In this case, for example, the input rotating shaft 92 of the spindle unit 90 is provided separately from the crankshaft.

[0092] The term "at least one" as used herein means "one or more" of the desired options. As an example, the term "at least one" as used herein means "only one option" or "both of two options" if the number of options is two. As another example, the term "at least one" as used herein means "only one option" or "any combination of two or more options" if the number of options is three or more. [Explanation of symbols]

[0093] 10... human-powered vehicle, 14... frame, 20... rotating body, 30... crank arm, 40... drive unit, 42... housing, 44... motor, 46... support mechanism, 48... connecting portion, 50... first side wall portion, 52... second side wall portion, 54... first through hole, 56... second through hole, 62... first connecting portion, 62A... first female thread portion, 64... second connecting portion, 64A... second female thread portion, 70... transmission mechanism, 72... reducer, 72A... first gear, 72X... inner peripheral portion, 72Y... outer peripheral portion, 74... one-way clutch tch, 74A...roller, 74B...carrier, 78...first bearing, 78A...first inner circumferential surface, 80...second bearing, 80A...second inner circumferential surface, 84...cylindrical member, 90...spindle unit, 92...input rotating shaft, 92C...outer circumferential surface, 92X...first supported portion, 94...output rotating shaft, 94A...first end portion, 94B...second end portion, 94C...rotating body connecting portion, 94E...outer circumferential surface, 94F...one-way clutch component, 94X...second supported portion, 96...first portion, 96A...first crank arm connecting portion.

Claims

1. A drive unit for a human-powered vehicle, a housing including at least one coupling portion configured to couple to a frame of the human-powered vehicle, a first side wall portion having a first through hole formed therein, and a second side wall portion having a second through hole formed therein and spaced apart from the first side wall portion; a motor provided in the housing and configured to output a driving force; a support mechanism configured to rotatably support a spindle unit for a human-powered vehicle, the spindle unit including an input rotating shaft and an output rotating shaft arranged coaxially with the input rotating shaft and connected to the input rotating shaft, in an arrangement state in which the spindle unit is arranged to protrude from the housing through each of the first through hole and the second through hole, The support mechanism is provided in the housing, and is configured to allow the spindle unit to be detachably attached via at least one of the first through hole and the second through hole.

2. The support mechanism includes: a first bearing provided on the first side wall portion, the first bearing having a first inner circumferential surface formed to contact an outer circumferential surface of the input rotation shaft in the arranged state; 2 . The drive unit according to claim 1 , further comprising: a second bearing provided on the second side wall portion, the second bearing having a second inner circumferential surface formed so as to contact an outer circumferential surface of the output rotating shaft in the disposed state.

3. a first minimum inner diameter of the first inner circumferential surface is equal to or larger than a first maximum outer diameter of a first portion of the spindle unit in the disposed state, the first portion being disposed upstream of the first bearing in a direction from the first bearing toward the second bearing, 3. The drive unit of claim 2, wherein a second minimum inner diameter of the second inner surface is equal to or greater than a first minimum inner diameter of the first inner surface and equal to or greater than a second maximum outer diameter of a second portion of the spindle unit in the positioned state, the second portion being positioned between the first bearing and the second bearing.

4. 4. The drive unit of claim 3, wherein the first minimum inner diameter of the first inner circumferential surface is less than the second maximum outer diameter of the second portion of the spindle unit.

5. The drive unit according to claim 1 , further comprising a transmission mechanism provided in the housing and configured to transmit a driving force of the motor to the output rotation shaft in the disposed state.

6. The transmission mechanism includes a reducer and at least a part of a one-way clutch, The drive unit according to claim 5, wherein the one-way clutch is configured to suppress transmission of rotational force input to the input rotating shaft to the motor when the input rotating shaft rotates in a first direction around the rotation axis of the input rotating shaft in the positioned state.

7. the reducer includes a first gear; The first gear is formed in an annular shape and has an inner peripheral portion and an outer peripheral portion on which a plurality of teeth are formed, The drive unit according to claim 6 , wherein the at least a portion of the one-way clutch is disposed between the inner circumferential portion of the first gear and the output rotary shaft in the disposed state.

8. The at least one portion of the one-way clutch includes a plurality of rollers disposed on an inner circumferential portion of the first gear and a carrier supporting the plurality of rollers, The drive unit according to claim 7 , wherein in the arranged state, the plurality of rollers are configured to contact an outer circumferential surface of the output rotating shaft.

9. The drive unit according to claim 1 , further comprising the spindle unit.

10. The spindle unit; a cylindrical member provided to surround the first portion of the spindle unit, the first portion of the spindle unit includes a first crank arm coupling portion configured to couple a crank arm thereto; the cylindrical member is disposed between the crank arm connected to the first crank arm connecting portion and the first bearing, The drive unit according to claim 3 or 4, wherein a third maximum outer diameter of the cylindrical member is larger than a first maximum inner diameter of the first inner circumferential surface.

11. the output rotation shaft is connected to the input rotation shaft so as not to rotate relative to the input rotation shaft about the rotation axis of the input rotation shaft, and includes a first end and a second end in a rotation axis direction of the input rotation shaft, The first end is coupled to the input rotating shaft, The drive unit according to any one of claims 6 to 8, wherein the second end includes a rotating body connecting portion configured to connect a rotating body and is configured to protrude from the second through hole to the outside of the housing in the positioned state.

12. the at least one connecting portion includes a first connecting portion provided on the first side wall portion and a second connecting portion provided on the second side wall portion, The drive unit according to claim 1 , wherein in the positioned state, at least one of the first connecting portion and the second connecting portion is positioned so as to surround the spindle unit around a rotation axis of the spindle unit.

13. The drive unit of claim 12 , wherein the first connecting portion includes a first female thread portion that defines at least a portion of the first through hole, and the second connecting portion includes a second female thread portion that defines at least a portion of the second through hole.

14. A spindle unit for a human-powered vehicle, An input rotating shaft; an output rotation shaft that is connected to the input rotation shaft, that is arranged coaxially with the input rotation shaft while surrounding the input rotation shaft, that has one end in a rotational axis direction of the input rotation shaft coupled to the input rotation shaft, and that has the other end in the rotational axis direction of the input rotation shaft configured to couple a rotor; the input rotating shaft includes a first supported portion that is rotatably and detachably supported by a first bearing, the output rotating shaft includes a second supported portion that is rotatably and detachably supported by a second bearing, a fourth maximum outer diameter of a portion of the spindle unit between the first supported portion and the second supported portion is equal to or smaller than a fifth maximum outer diameter of the second supported portion.

15. a first maximum outer diameter of a first portion of the input rotation shaft that is arranged upstream of the first supported portion in a direction from the first supported portion to the second supported portion is equal to or smaller than a sixth maximum outer diameter of the first supported portion, A spindle unit as described in claim 14, wherein a seventh maximum outer diameter of the input rotating shaft at a portion between the first supported portion and the second supported portion and an eighth maximum outer diameter of the output rotating shaft at a portion between the first supported portion and the second supported portion are less than a fifth maximum outer diameter of the second supported portion.

16. 16. The spindle unit according to claim 14, wherein an outer circumferential surface of the output rotating shaft includes a one-way clutch component that constitutes an inner ring of a one-way clutch.

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