Electric transmission for human-powered vehicle and transmission unit for human-powered vehicle

Abstract

To provide an electric transmission system for a human power driven vehicle and a transmission unit for a human power driven vehicle capable of contributing to the degree of freedom in designing components interposed between a hub shell and a frame.SOLUTION: A human power driven vehicle includes a frame, a hub shaft, a hub shell, and an interior transmission having a transmission control unit. The frame has an internal surface facing the hub shell in a first direction that is an axial direction of the hub shaft. An electric transmission system for the human power driven vehicle includes a housing attached to the hub shaft, an electric actuator included in the housing, and an output unit that is engaged with the transmission control unit and transmits a drive force of the electric actuator to the transmission control unit. In an assembled state in which the hub shaft is attached to the frame and the housing is attached to the hub shaft, the housing has a first surface that is opposed to the internal surface. At least part of the electric actuator is located at a position farther from the hub shell than the position of the first surface in the first direction in the assembled state.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 3

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present disclosure relates to an electric transmission for a human-powered vehicle and a transmission unit for a human-powered vehicle. [Background technology]

[0002] For example, the electric transmission for a human-powered vehicle disclosed in Patent Document 1 is disposed between the hub shell and the frame when attached to the human-powered vehicle, which reduces the space between the hub shell and the frame, limiting the shape and size of the parts that can be disposed between the hub shell and the frame. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Utility Model Registration No. 3206460 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] One object of the present disclosure is to provide an electric transmission for a human-powered vehicle, and a transmission unit for a human-powered vehicle, that can contribute to greater freedom in the design of parts that are placed between the hub shell and the frame. [Means for solving the problem]

[0005] An electric transmission according to a first aspect of the present disclosure is an electric transmission for a human-powered vehicle. The human-powered vehicle includes a frame, a hub axle attached to the frame, a hub shell rotating around the hub axle, and an internal transmission at least a portion of which is disposed inside the hub shell, the internal transmission including a gear shift control unit that changes a gear ratio of the internal transmission, and the frame has an inner side surface that faces the hub shell in a first direction that is the axial direction of the hub axle. The electric transmission includes a housing attached to the hub axle, an electric actuator provided in the housing, and an output unit that engages with the gear shift control unit and transmits a driving force of the electric actuator to the gear shift control unit, the housing having a first surface that faces the inner side surface in an assembled state in which the hub axle is attached to the frame and the housing is attached to the hub axle, and at least a portion of the electric actuator is configured to be disposed farther from the hub shell in the assembled state than the first surface in the first direction. According to the electric transmission of the first aspect, at least a portion of the electric actuator is configured to be disposed in an assembled state farther from the hub shell than the first surface in the first direction, so the space between the first surface and the hub shell is less likely to be restricted by the electric actuator, which contributes to the freedom of design of the parts disposed between the hub shell and the frame.

[0006] In the electric transmission device of the second aspect according to the first aspect of the present disclosure, at least a portion of the electric actuator is configured to be positioned in a position overlapping with the frame when viewed from a second direction, which is the radial direction of the hub axle, in the assembled state. According to the electric transmission device of the second aspect, at least a portion of the electric actuator is configured to be positioned in a position that overlaps with the frame when viewed from the second direction in the assembled state, so that the electric actuator can be provided in a position where the space between the first surface and the hub shell is less likely to be restricted by the electric actuator.

[0007] In an electric transmission device of a third aspect according to the first or second aspect of the present disclosure, the housing has a second surface that faces the hub shell in the assembled state, the second surface being a surface on the opposite side of the first surface in the first direction, and the distance from the first surface to the second surface is equal to or greater than 5 mm and equal to or less than 15 mm. According to the electric transmission of the third aspect, the portion of the housing defined by the first surface and the second surface can be made thin so that the distance from the first surface to the second surface is 5 mm or more and 15 mm or less.

[0008] An electric transmission according to a fourth aspect of the present disclosure is an electric transmission for a human-powered vehicle, the human-powered vehicle including a frame, a hub axle attached to the frame, a hub shell rotating around the hub axle, and an internal transmission at least a portion of which is disposed inside the hub shell, the internal transmission including a gear shift control unit that changes a gear ratio of the internal transmission, and the frame including an inner surface that faces the hub shell in a first direction that is the axial direction of the hub axle. The electric transmission comprises a housing attached to the hub axle, an electric actuator provided in the housing, and an output section that engages with the transmission control section and transmits the driving force of the electric actuator to the transmission control section, the housing having a first surface that faces the inner surface in an assembled state in which the hub axle is attached to the frame and the housing is attached to the hub axle, and the housing has a second surface that faces the hub shell in the assembled state, the second surface being the surface opposite the first surface in the first direction, and the distance from the first surface to the second surface is greater than or equal to 5 mm and less than 15 mm. According to the electric transmission of the fourth aspect, the portion of the housing defined by the first surface and the second surface can be made thin so that the distance from the first surface to the second surface is 5 mm or more and 15 mm or less. This makes it difficult for the space between the first surface and the hub shell to be restricted by the electric actuator. This contributes to the freedom of design of the parts placed between the hub shell and the frame.

[0009] In the electric transmission of a fifth aspect according to the third or fourth aspect of the present disclosure, in the assembled state, the distance from the second surface to the hub shell is not less than 9 mm and not more than 25 mm. According to the electric transmission device of the fifth aspect, the distance from the second surface to the hub shell can be set to 9 mm or more and 25 mm or less.

[0010] In an electric transmission device of a sixth aspect according to any one of the first to fifth aspects of the present disclosure, the housing, in the assembled state, includes a first housing portion that is positioned farther from the hub shell than the first surface in the first direction, and a second housing portion that is positioned closer to the hub shell than the first surface. According to the electric transmission of the sixth aspect, the housing can be formed by the first housing portion and the second housing portion.

[0011] In the electric transmission device of a seventh aspect according to the sixth aspect of the present disclosure, at least a portion of the second housing portion is configured to be positioned outward in a second direction, which is the radial direction of the hub axle, relative to the first housing portion in the assembled state. According to the electric transmission of the seventh aspect, in an assembled state, at least a portion of the second housing portion is disposed outboard in the second direction, which is the radial direction of the hub axle, relative to the first housing portion, thereby making it possible to increase the size of the housing in the second direction, thereby ensuring a sufficient size of the internal space of the housing.

[0012] In the electric transmission of an eighth aspect according to any one of the first to seventh aspects of the present disclosure, the housing has a recess in which the frame can be placed in the assembled state. According to the electric transmission of the eighth aspect, a frame can be disposed in the recess, which contributes to the appearance when assembled.

[0013] In an electric transmission device of a ninth aspect according to any one of the first to eighth aspects of the present disclosure, at least a portion of the output portion is configured to be positioned closer to the hub shell than the first surface in the first direction in the assembled state. According to the electric transmission device of the ninth aspect, at least a part of the output portion can be disposed in a position closer to the hub shell in the first direction than the first surface in the assembled state, so that the output portion and the transmission control portion can be disposed in close positions.

[0014] In an electric transmission device of a tenth aspect according to any one of the first to ninth aspects of the present disclosure, a transmission mechanism is further provided that transmits a driving force of the electric actuator to the output section, and at least a portion of the transmission mechanism is configured to be positioned farther from the hub shell in the assembled state than the first surface in the first direction. According to the electric transmission device of the tenth aspect, at least a part of the transmission mechanism can be disposed in an assembled state at a position farther from the hub shell than the first surface in the first direction. As a result, the space between the first surface and the hub shell is less likely to be restricted by the transmission mechanism.

[0015] In the electric transmission device of the eleventh aspect according to the tenth aspect of the present disclosure, at least a portion of the transmission mechanism is configured to be positioned in a position overlapping with the frame when viewed from a second direction, which is the radial direction of the hub axle, in the assembled state. According to the electric transmission device of the 11th aspect, at least a part of the transmission mechanism can be positioned in a position that overlaps with the frame when viewed from the second direction, which is the radial direction of the hub axle, in the assembled state, thereby preventing the electric transmission device from becoming larger in size in the axial direction of the hub axle.

[0016] In the electric transmission device of a twelfth aspect according to the tenth or eleventh aspect of the present disclosure, the transmission mechanism is configured to reduce the speed of the driving force of the electric actuator and transmit it to the output section. According to the electric transmission of the twelfth aspect, the driving force of the electric actuator can be suitably decelerated by the transmission mechanism.

[0017] In an electric transmission device of a thirteenth aspect according to any one of the tenth to twelfth aspects of the present disclosure, a control board that controls the electric actuator is further provided, and at least a part of the transmission mechanism is provided in the housing so as to be positioned in a position overlapping with the control board when viewed from the first direction in the assembled state. According to the electrically powered transmission device of the thirteenth aspect, at least a portion of the transmission mechanism can be disposed in a position that overlaps with the control board when viewed from the first direction in an assembled state.

[0018] In the electric transmission device of the 14th aspect according to the 13th aspect of the present disclosure, the transmission mechanism comprises at least one shaft member and at least one gear provided on the at least one shaft member, and at least a portion of the at least one shaft member is provided in the housing so as to be positioned in a position overlapping with the control board when viewed from the first direction in the assembled state. According to the electric transmission of the fourteenth aspect, at least a portion of at least one shaft member can be disposed in a position overlapping with the control board when viewed from the first direction in an assembled state.

[0019] In an electric transmission device of a fifteenth aspect according to any one of the first to twelfth aspects of the present disclosure, a control board is further provided that controls the electric actuator, and the control board is provided in the housing so that in the assembled state, the control board is positioned farther from the hub shell in the first direction than the first surface. According to the electric transmission of the fifteenth aspect, the control board can be disposed in an assembled state at a position farther from the hub shell than the first surface in the first direction. As a result, the space between the first surface and the hub shell is less likely to be restricted by the control board.

[0020] In an electric transmission device of a sixteenth aspect according to any one of the first to fifteenth aspects of the present disclosure, the electric transmission device further includes a power port provided in the housing, and at least a portion of the power port is configured to be positioned farther from the hub shell in the first direction than the first surface. According to the electric transmission device of the sixteenth aspect, at least a portion of the power port can be disposed in a position farther from the hub shell than the first surface in the first direction. As a result, the space between the first surface and the hub shell is less likely to be restricted by the power port.

[0021] A transmission unit according to a seventeenth aspect of the present disclosure is a transmission unit for a human-powered vehicle, and includes an electric transmission device according to any one of the first to sixteenth aspects, the hub axle, the hub shell, and the internal transmission. The speed change unit of the seventeenth aspect contributes to greater freedom in designing the parts disposed between the hub shell and the frame. Effect of the Invention

[0022] The electric transmission for a human-powered vehicle and the transmission unit for a human-powered vehicle disclosed herein can contribute to greater freedom in the design of the components that are disposed between the hub shell and the frame. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0023] [Figure 1] 1 is a side view showing a portion of a human-powered vehicle including a transmission unit for a human-powered vehicle according to an embodiment and a portion of a frame. [Diagram 2] 2 is a plan view showing a portion of the human-powered vehicle including a transmission unit and a portion of a frame for the human-powered vehicle of FIG. 1. [Diagram 3] FIG. 3 is an enlarged plan view of a portion of FIG. 2. [Figure 4] 3 is a perspective view of the electric transmission for a human-powered vehicle shown in FIG. 2, seen from the second surface side. [Diagram 5] 3 is a perspective view of the electric transmission for a human-powered vehicle shown in FIG. 2, seen from the first surface side. [Figure 6] 3 is a side view of the electric transmission for a human-powered vehicle shown in FIG. 2, seen from the first surface side. [Figure 7] 2 is a bottom view showing a portion of the human-powered vehicle including a transmission unit and a portion of a frame for the human-powered vehicle of FIG. 1. [Figure 8] FIG. 7 is a block diagram showing the electrical configuration of the control board of FIG. 6. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0024] First Embodiment A human-powered vehicle is a vehicle that has at least one wheel and can be driven at least by human-powered driving force. Human-powered vehicles include various types of bicycles, such as mountain bikes, road bikes, city bikes, cargo bikes, hand bikes, and recumbents. The number of wheels that a human-powered vehicle has is not limited. Human-powered vehicles also include, for example, one-wheeled vehicles and vehicles with three or more wheels. Human-powered vehicles are not limited to vehicles that can be driven only by human-powered driving force. Human-powered vehicles include E-bikes that use not only human-powered 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, a human-powered vehicle will be described as a bicycle.

[0025] In this specification, the following directional terms "front", "rear", "forward", "back", "left", "right", "sideways", "upwards", and "downwards", as well as any other similar directional terms, refer to those directions determined with reference to a rider facing the handlebars in a reference position of the human-powered vehicle 10. The reference position is, for example, on a saddle or seat.

[0026] 1 and 2, the human-powered vehicle 10 includes a frame 12 and a transmission unit 20 for a human-powered vehicle. The transmission unit 20 includes an electric transmission 40 for a human-powered vehicle, a hub axle 22, a hub shell 24, and an internal transmission 26. For example, the electric transmission 40 is attached to the internal transmission 26 in a detachable manner relative to the internal transmission 26.

[0027] The human-powered vehicle 10 includes a frame 12, a hub axle 22, a hub shell 24, and an internal transmission 26. The hub axle 22 is attached to the frame 12. The hub shell 24 rotates about the hub axle 22. The internal transmission 26 is at least partially disposed within the hub shell 24.

[0028] The hub axle 22 has a first end 22A and a second end 22B. For example, the frame 12 includes a rear end 12A. The rear end 12A includes a support portion 12B that supports the first end 22A. The frame 12 has an inner surface 12C that faces the hub shell 24 in the first direction X, which is the axial direction of the hub axle 22. The inner surface 12C is provided on the support portion 12B.

[0029] For example, the human-powered vehicle 10 includes a belt 14 and a pulley 16. The belt 14 is wound around a front pulley provided on a crankshaft of the human-powered vehicle 10 and the pulley 16. Rotation input to the crankshaft is transmitted to the pulley 16 by the belt 14. The pulley 16 is provided on a first end 22A of a hub axle 22.

[0030] The internal transmission 26 includes a gear shift control unit 28. The gear shift control unit 28 changes the gear ratio of the internal transmission 26. For example, the internal transmission 26 includes an input unit 30. For example, the input unit 30 is attached to the pulley 16. For example, the input unit 30 is attached to the inner periphery of the pulley 16. The input unit 30 is provided so as to rotate integrally with the pulley 16. A one-way clutch configured to transmit the rotation of the pulley 16 to the internal transmission 26 and not transmit the rotation of the hub shell 24 to the pulley 16 may be provided between the pulley 16 and the internal transmission 26.

[0031] figure 22, the gear shift control unit 28 is provided at the first end 22A of the hub axle 22. For example, the gear shift control unit 28 is provided at a position farther from the hub shell 24 in the first direction X than the input unit 30. For example, the internal transmission 26 includes a planetary gear mechanism. For example, the planetary gear mechanism includes a plurality of switching gears. The gear shift control unit 28 switches the gear ratio by restricting the rotation of at least one of the plurality of switching gears and allowing the rotation of the other switching gears. For example, the switching gear is a sun gear. The sun gear is provided coaxially with the hub axle 22.

[0032] For example, the gear shift control unit 28 is provided so as to rotate integrally with a sleeve provided on the inner periphery of the multiple sun gears. The internal transmission 26 includes a pawl member provided between the sleeve and each of the multiple sun gears. As the sleeve rotates, the pawl member moves between a position where it restricts the rotation of the sun gear and a position where it allows the rotation of the sun gear. As the position of the pawl member changes according to the phase of the gear shift control unit 28 relative to the hub axle 22, the combination of the sun gear whose rotation is restricted and the sun gear whose rotation is allowed is changed. The driving force input to the input unit 30 is converted by a gear ratio corresponding to the switching gear whose rotation is restricted, and is output from the hub shell 24.

[0033] For example, the internal transmission 26 is configured to be able to increase the speed of the driving force input to the input portion 30 and output it to the hub shell 24. The internal transmission 26 may also be configured to be able to reduce the speed of the driving force input to the input portion 30 and output it to the hub shell 24.

[0034] 3 to 7, the electric transmission 40 includes a housing 42, an electric actuator 44, and an output portion 46. The housing 42 is attached to the hub axle 22. For example, the housing 42 is attached to the first end 22A of the hub axle 22. The housing 42 includes a hole 42A into which the hub axle 22 is inserted. At least a portion of the input portion 30 and the pulley 16 are disposed between the housing 42 and the hub shell 24.

[0035] The housing 42 has a first surface 48. The first surface 48 faces the inner side surface 12C in an assembled state in which the hub axle 22 is attached to the frame 12 and the housing 42 is attached to the hub axle 22. For example, the first surface 48 extends in a direction intersecting the first direction X. For example, the first surface 48 extends in a direction perpendicular to the first direction X.

[0036] For example, the housing 42 has a second surface 50 that faces the hub shell 24 in an assembled state. The second surface 50 is the surface opposite the first surface 48 in the first direction X. For example, the second surface 50 extends in a direction intersecting the first direction X. For example, the second surface 50 extends in a direction perpendicular to the first direction X. For example, the first surface 48 and the second surface 50 are parallel to each other.

[0037] For example, the distance L1 from the first surface 48 to the second surface 50 is 5 mm or more and 15 mm or less. For example, the distance L1 is 10 mm or more and 15 mm or less. For example, the distance L1 is shorter than half the distance from the inner surface 12C of the frame 12 to the hub shell 24 in the first direction X.

[0038] For example, in the assembled state, the distance L2 from the second surface 50 to the hub shell 24 is 9 mm or more and 25 mm or less. For example, the distance L2 is 15 mm or more and 20 mm or less. For example, the distance L2 is longer than the width of the belt 14. For example, the distance L2 is longer than the width of the pulley 16. For example, the width of the belt 14 is 12 mm. For example, the distance L1 is shorter than the distance L2.

[0039] For example, the shape of the side surface of the housing 42 on the hub shell 24 side in the first direction X has a shape that is unlikely to interfere with the belt 14 and the pulley 16 in the assembled state. For example, the housing 42 does not have a portion that protrudes toward the hub shell 24 side in the first direction X beyond the second surface 50 in the second direction Y, which is the radial direction of the hub axle 22, in the assembled state, beyond the second surface 50 and within a range up to a predetermined portion. The predetermined portion is, for example, a portion of the housing 42 that is a predetermined distance outward in the second direction Y from the portion of the housing 42 that faces the belt 14 in the first direction X. The predetermined distance is, for example, 15 mm. The portion that faces the belt 14 is determined according to the outer diameter of the pulley 16 and the thickness of the belt 14. The outer diameter of the pulley 16 is, for example, 20 mm or more and 50 mm or less. The housing 42 of this embodiment does not have a portion that protrudes toward the hub shell 24 side in the first direction X beyond the second surface 50 in the second direction Y, which is the radial direction of the hub axle 22.

[0040] For example, in the assembled state, the housing 42 does not have a portion that protrudes further than the second surface 50 toward the hub shell 24 in the first direction X in a range from a portion 15 mm away from the central axis CH of the hub axle 22 to a predetermined portion in the second direction Y that is the radial direction of the hub axle 22. For example, in the assembled state, the housing 42 does not have a portion that protrudes further than the second surface 50 toward the hub shell 24 in the first direction X in a range from a portion 20 mm away from the central axis CH of the hub axle 22 to a predetermined portion in the second direction Y that is the radial direction of the hub axle 22. The housing 42 may have a portion that protrudes further than the second surface 50 toward the hub shell 24 in the first direction X in a range from a portion 15 mm away from the central axis CH of the hub axle 22 in the second direction Y that is the radial direction of the hub axle 22. For example, if the width of the inner circumference of the pulley 16 is short, even if the housing 42 has a portion that protrudes further toward the hub shell 24 in the first direction X than the second surface 50 within a range up to a portion 15 mm away from the central axis CH of the hub axle 22, it is unlikely to interfere with the pulley 16.

[0041] For example, the housing 42, in an assembled state, includes a first housing portion 52 that is disposed farther from the hub shell 24 than the first surface 48 in the first direction X, and a second housing portion 54 that is disposed closer to the hub shell 24 than the first surface 48. For example, the first housing portion 52 is formed in an arc shape when viewed from the first direction X. For example, the second housing portion 54 includes a first portion 54A that is formed in a disk shape, and a second portion 54B that is provided continuous with the outer periphery of the first portion 54A. The hole 42A is provided in the first portion 54A of the second housing portion 54.

[0042] For example, at least a portion of the second housing portion 54 is configured to be positioned outward of the first housing portion 52 in the second direction Y, which is the radial direction of the hub axle 22, in the assembled state. For example, the second direction Y is perpendicular to the first direction X. For example, the housing 42 has a recess 42B in which the frame 12 can be positioned in the assembled state. For example, the recess 42B is provided in a step portion between the first housing portion 52 and the second housing portion 54. The recess 42B is formed to cover a portion of the rear end 12A of the frame 12 that is on the rear side of the human-powered vehicle 10.

[0043] The electric actuator 44 is provided in the housing 42. The electric actuator 44 includes, for example, an electric motor. The electric actuator 44 includes an output shaft 44A. For example, the electric actuator 44 is provided inside the housing 42 such that the axial direction of the output shaft 44A intersects with the first direction X. For example, the electric actuator 44 is provided inside the housing 42 such that the axial direction of the output shaft 44A is perpendicular to the first direction X. For example, the electric actuator 44 is provided in the first housing portion 52.

[0044] At least a portion of the electric actuator 44 is configured to be disposed in a position farther from the hub shell 24 than the first surface 48 in the first direction X in the assembled state. For example, at least a portion of the electric actuator 44 is configured to be disposed in a position overlapping with the frame 12 when viewed from the second direction Y, which is the radial direction of the hub axle 22, in the assembled state. For example, at least a portion of the electric actuator 44 is configured to be disposed in a position closer to the hub shell 24 than the frame 12 when viewed from the second direction Y, which is the radial direction of the hub axle 22, in the assembled state. For example, at least a portion of the output shaft 44A is configured to be disposed in a position closer to the hub shell 24 than the frame 12 when viewed from the second direction Y, which is the radial direction of the hub axle 22, in the assembled state.

[0045] For example, the electric actuator 44 is disposed in the housing 42 so that in the assembled state, it is located rearward of the hub axle 22 on the human-powered vehicle 10. For example, the electric actuator 44 is disposed in the housing 42 so that in the assembled state, at least a portion of it is located forward of the hub axle 22 on the human-powered vehicle 10. For example, the electric actuator 44 is disposed in the housing 42 so that in the assembled state, the output shaft 44A extends below the human-powered vehicle 10.

[0046] The output unit 46 engages with the gear shift control unit 28 and transmits the driving force of the electric actuator 44 to the gear shift control unit 28. For example, the electric transmission 40 further includes a transmission mechanism 56 that transmits the driving force of the electric actuator 44 to the output unit 46. For example, the transmission mechanism 56 is configured to reduce the speed of the driving force of the electric actuator 44 before transmitting it to the output unit 46. For example, the transmission mechanism 56 is configured to reduce the speed of the driving force of the electric actuator 44 in a plurality of stages before transmitting it to the output unit 46. For example, the transmission mechanism 56 is configured to reduce the speed of the driving force of the electric actuator 44 in three or more stages before transmitting it to the output unit 46.

[0047] For example, the transmission mechanism 56 includes at least one shaft member 58 and at least one gear 60. The at least one gear 60 is provided on the at least one shaft member 58. For example, the transmission mechanism 56 includes a plurality of shaft members 58 and a plurality of gears 60. For example, the at least one shaft member 58 includes a first shaft member 58A, a second shaft member 58B, and a third shaft member 58C. The at least one gear 60 includes a first gear 60A, a second gear 60B, a third gear 60C, a fourth gear 60D, a fifth gear 60E, and a sixth gear 60F.

[0048] For example, the first shaft member 58A, the second shaft member 58B, and the third shaft member 58C are provided so as to be parallel to the first direction X. For example, the first shaft member 58A and the second shaft member 58B are provided in the second housing part 54, and the third shaft member 58C is provided in the first housing part 52.

[0049] The first gear 60A and the second gear 60B are provided on the first shaft member 58A. The third gear 60C and the fourth gear 60D are provided on the second shaft member 58B. The fifth gear 60E and the sixth gear 60F are provided on the third shaft member 58C. In the first direction X, the first gear 60A is provided on a portion of the first shaft member 58A closer to the hub shell 24 than the second gear 60B. In the first direction X, the third gear 60C is provided on a portion of the second shaft member 58B farther from the hub shell 24 than the fourth gear 60D. In the first direction X, the fifth gear 60E is provided on a portion of the third shaft member 58C farther from the hub shell 24 than the sixth gear 60F.

[0050] For example, when viewed from the first direction X, the central axis C3 of the third shaft member 58C is located closer to the central axis CH of the hub axle 22 than the central axis C2 of the second shaft member 58B. For example, when viewed from the first direction X, the central axis C2 of the second shaft member 58B is located closer to the central axis CH of the hub axle 22 than the central axis C1 of the first shaft member 58A.

[0051] The driving force of the output shaft 44A is transmitted to the first gear 60A. For example, a screw gear is provided on the output shaft 44A, and the first gear 60A is a helical gear that meshes with the screw gear. The driving force of the first gear 60A is transmitted to the second gear 60B via the first shaft member 58A. For example, the number of teeth of the second gear 60B is smaller than the number of teeth of the first gear 60A.

[0052] The second gear 60B meshes with the third gear 60C. The driving force of the second gear 60B is transmitted to the third gear 60C. For example, the number of teeth of the third gear 60C is greater than the number of teeth of the second gear 60B. The driving force of the third gear 60C is transmitted to the fourth gear 60D via the second shaft member 58B. For example, the number of teeth of the fourth gear 60D is less than the number of teeth of the third gear 60C.

[0053] The fourth gear 60D meshes with the fifth gear 60E. The driving force of the fourth gear 60D is transmitted to the fifth gear 60E. For example, the number of teeth of the fifth gear 60E is greater than the number of teeth of the fourth gear 60D. The driving force of the fifth gear 60E is transmitted to the sixth gear 60F via the third shaft member 58C. For example, the number of teeth of the sixth gear 60F is less than the number of teeth of the fifth gear 60E.

[0054] The sixth gear 60F meshes with an output gear 46A provided on the outer periphery of the output portion 46. The driving force of the sixth gear 60F is transmitted to the output gear 46A. For example, the number of teeth of the output gear 46A is greater than the number of teeth of the fifth gear 60E.

[0055] For example, the driving force of the electric actuator 44 is reduced in four stages between the output shaft 44A and the first gear 60A, between the second gear 60B and the third gear 60C, between the fourth gear 60D and the fifth gear 60E, and between the sixth gear 60F and the output gear 46A, and then input to the output section 46.

[0056] For example, at least a portion of the output portion 46 is configured to be located closer to the hub shell 24 in the first direction X than the first surface 48 in the assembled state. For example, the entire output portion 46 is configured to be located closer to the hub shell 24 in the first direction X than the first surface 48 in the assembled state.

[0057] For example, at least a portion of the transmission mechanism 56 is configured to be disposed in an assembled state at a position farther from the hub shell 24 in the first direction X than the first surface 48. For example, the first gear 60A, the second gear 60B, and the third gear 60C are configured to be disposed in an assembled state at a position farther from the hub shell 24 in the first direction X than the first surface 48. For example, the fourth gear 60D, the fifth gear 60E, and the sixth gear 60F are configured to be disposed in an assembled state at a position closer to the hub shell 24 in the first direction X than the first surface 48.

[0058] For example, at least a portion of the transmission mechanism 56 is configured to be disposed in a position overlapping with the frame 12 when viewed from the second direction Y, which is the radial direction of the hub axle 22, in the assembled state. For example, the first gear 60A, the second gear 60B, and the third gear 60C are configured to be disposed in a position overlapping with the frame 12 when viewed from the second direction Y, which is the radial direction of the hub axle 22, in the assembled state.

[0059] For example, the electronic transmission 40 further includes a power source port 62. The power source port 62 is provided in the housing 42. For example, at least a portion of the power source port 62 is configured to be disposed at a position farther from the hub shell 24 than the first surface 48 in the first direction X. For example, the power source port 62 is provided on the outer periphery of the first housing portion 52. For example, the power source port 62 includes , electricThe electric cable is configured to be connectable to the electric cable. For example, the electric cable is connected to a shifter. The electric cable may be connected to a wireless communication unit. For example, power is supplied to the electronic transmission 40 from the power supply port 62. For example, the electric cable is configured by a communication line of PLC (Power Line Communication). Power and various information are input to the electronic transmission 40 by the PLC.

[0060] For example, the electronic transmission 40 further includes a control board 64. For example, the control board 64 is provided in the first housing portion 52. For example, the control board 64 is provided so that the direction in which the control board 64 extends intersects with the first direction X. For example, the control board 64 is provided so that the direction in which the control board 64 extends is perpendicular to the first direction X. For example, the control board 64 is provided near the outer periphery of the third gear 60C. For example, the control board 64 is provided in the first housing portion 52 so as to cover a portion of the outer periphery of the third gear 60C.

[0061] For example, the control board 64 is provided in the housing 42 so that in the assembled state, the control board 64 is located at a position farther from the hub shell 24 in the first direction X than the first surface 48.

[0062] For example, when viewed from the first direction X, the control board 64 is provided at a position closer to the power supply port 62 than the first shaft member 58A and the second shaft member 58B. For example, when viewed from the first direction X, the first shaft member 58A and the second shaft member 58B are disposed between the electric actuator 44 and the control board 64.

[0063] For example, at least a portion of the transmission mechanism 56 is provided in the housing 42 so as to be disposed in a position overlapping with the control board 64 when viewed from the first direction X in the assembled state. For example, at least a portion of the at least one shaft member 58 is provided in the housing 42 so as to be disposed in a position overlapping with the control board 64 when viewed from the first direction X in the assembled state. For example, the third shaft member 58C is provided in the housing 42 so as to be disposed in a position overlapping with the control board 64 when viewed from the first direction X in the assembled state.

[0064] The control board 64 shown in FIG. 8 controls the electric actuator 44. For example, the control board 64 includes a control unit 64A that controls the electric actuator 44. The control unit 64A includes an arithmetic processing unit that executes a predetermined control program. The arithmetic processing unit included in the control unit 64A includes, for example, a central processing unit (CPU) or a micro processing unit (MPU). The arithmetic processing unit included in the control unit 64A may be provided in a plurality of locations that are separate from each other. For example, the control unit 64A includes a storage unit. The storage unit stores various control programs and information used in various control processes. The storage unit includes, for example, a nonvolatile memory and a volatile memory. The nonvolatile 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). The control unit 64A may be provided in a single microcontroller.

[0065] For example, the electronic transmission 40 further includes a detection unit 66. The detection unit 66 is configured to detect the state of the gear shift control unit 28. The state of the gear shift control unit 28 corresponds to the gear ratio of the internal transmission 26. For example, the detection unit 66 is configured to detect information about the phase of the gear shift control unit 28 relative to the hub axle 22. For example, the detection unit 66 is configured to detect the state of the gear shift control unit 28 or a member that operates integrally with the gear shift control unit 28. For example, the member that operates integrally with the gear shift control unit 28 includes, for example, the electric actuator 44 and a member included in the transmission mechanism 56. For example, the detection unit 66 includes a magnetic reed that constitutes a reed switch, or a magnetic sensor such as a Hall element. The detection unit 66 is configured to detect a magnet provided in the gear shift control unit 28 or a member that operates integrally with the gear shift control unit 28.

[0066] For example, the detection unit 66 is configured to detect a magnet provided on the third shaft member 58C. For example, in an assembled state, the detection unit 66 is disposed at a position on the control board 64 that overlaps with the third shaft member 58C when viewed from the first direction X. The control unit 64A controls the electric actuator 44 in accordance with the phase of the third shaft member 58C.

[0067] For example, the control board 64 includes a filter circuit 64B, a constant voltage circuit 64C, and a drive circuit 64D. The filter circuit 64B transmits information contained in the power input to the control board 64 to the control unit 64A, and transmits the power to the constant voltage circuit 64C and the drive circuit 64D. The information contained in the power input to the control board 64 includes, for example, a gear shift signal for changing the gear ratio. Upon receiving the gear shift signal, the control unit 64A controls the drive circuit 64D to control the electric actuator 44.

[0068] For example, the control board 64 includes a power supply circuit 64E. The power supply circuit 64E is supplied with power whose voltage is adjusted by a constant voltage circuit 64C. The power supply circuit 64E switches between a state in which power is supplied to the detection unit 66 and a state in which power is not supplied. The control unit 64A controls the power supply circuit 64E to control the supply of power to the detection unit 66.

[0069] <Modification> The explanations of the embodiments are examples of possible forms of an electric transmission for a human-powered vehicle and a transmission unit for a human-powered vehicle according to the present disclosure, and are not intended to limit the forms. An electric transmission for a human-powered vehicle and a transmission 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.

[0070] The entire electric actuator 44 may be configured so that, in the assembled state, it is positioned closer to the hub shell 24 than the first surface 48 is in the first direction X. In this case as well, by having the distance L1 from the first surface 48 to the second surface 50 be equal to or greater than 5 mm and equal to or less than 15 mm, this contributes to the freedom of design of the parts that are positioned between the hub shell 24 and the frame 12.

[0071] The human-powered vehicle 10 may be provided with a chain instead of the belt 14 and with sprockets instead of the pulleys 16.

[0072] The electronic transmission 40 may be equipped with a battery. The electronic transmission 40 may be equipped with a wireless communication unit. In this case, the electronic transmission 40 may be configured so that only a shift signal is input from the power supply port 62, and no power is input.

[0073] The electronic transmission 40 may be equipped with a wireless communication unit that receives a shift signal. When the electronic transmission 40 is equipped with a battery and a wireless communication unit, the electronic transmission 40 may omit the power supply port 62.

[0074] 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]

[0075] 10...human-powered vehicle, 12...frame, 12C...inner surface, 20...transmission unit, 22...hub axle, 24...hub shell, 26...internal transmission, 28...transmission control section, 40...electric transmission device, 42...housing, 42B...recess, 44...electric actuator, 46...output section, 48...first surface, 50...second surface, 52...first housing part, 54...second housing part, 56...transmission mechanism, 58...shaft member, 60...gear, 62...power port, 64...control board.

Claims

1. An electric transmission for a human-powered vehicle, The human-powered vehicle includes a frame, a hub axle attached to the frame, a hub shell that rotates around the hub axle, and an internal transmission at least a portion of which is disposed inside the hub shell, The internal transmission includes a gear shift control unit that changes a gear ratio of the internal transmission, the frame has an inner surface that faces the hub shell in a first direction that is an axial direction of the hub axle, a housing attached to the hub axle; an electric actuator provided in the housing; an output unit that engages with the gear shift control unit and transmits a driving force of the electric actuator to the gear shift control unit, the housing includes a second housing portion having a first surface facing the inner surface and a second surface facing the hub shell in an assembled state in which the hub axle is attached to the frame and the housing is attached to the hub axle, the second housing portion has a hole through which the hub axle passes, and comprises a first portion having the first surface, the second surface, and the hole, and a second portion provided contiguous with an outer periphery of the first portion, at least a portion of the electric actuator is configured to be disposed in a position farther from the hub shell than the first surface in the first direction in the assembled state, the second portion is positioned farther from the hub shell than the second surface in the first direction, and is configured to be positioned outward from the second surface in a second direction, which is a radial direction of the hub axle.

2. The electrically powered transmission according to claim 1 , wherein at least a portion of the electrically powered actuator is configured to be disposed at a position overlapping with the frame when viewed from the second direction in the assembled state.

3. 3. The electronic transmission according to claim 1, wherein a distance from the first surface to the second surface is not less than 5 mm and not more than 15 mm.

4. 4. The electronic transmission according to claim 3, wherein in said assembled state, a distance from said second surface to said hub shell is not less than 9 mm and not more than 25 mm.

5. 5. The electronic transmission according to claim 1, wherein the housing includes: a first housing portion that, in the assembled state, is positioned farther from the hub shell than the first surface in the first direction; and the second housing portion.

6. The electronic transmission according to claim 1 , wherein the housing has a recess in which the frame can be placed in the assembled state.

7. 7. The electronic transmission according to claim 1, wherein at least a portion of the output portion is configured to be disposed in a position closer to the hub shell than the first surface is in the first direction in the assembled state.

8. a transmission mechanism for transmitting a driving force of the electric actuator to the output portion, 8. The electronic transmission device according to claim 1, wherein at least a portion of the transmission mechanism is configured to be disposed in a position farther from the hub shell than the first surface in the first direction in the assembled state.

9. The electronic transmission device according to claim 8 , wherein at least a portion of the transmission mechanism is configured to be disposed in a position overlapping with the frame when viewed from the second direction in the assembled state.

10. The electric transmission device according to claim 8 or 9, wherein the transmission mechanism is configured to reduce the speed of the driving force of the electric actuator and transmit it to the output part.

11. A control board for controlling the electric actuator is further provided. The electrically powered transmission device according to claim 8 , wherein at least a part of the transmission mechanism is provided in the housing so as to be positioned in a position overlapping with the control board when viewed from the first direction in the assembled state.

12. the transmission mechanism includes at least one shaft member and at least one gear provided on the at least one shaft member, The electrically powered transmission according to claim 11 , wherein at least a portion of the at least one shaft member is provided in the housing so as to be positioned in a position overlapping with the control board when viewed from the first direction in the assembled state.

13. A control board for controlling the electric actuator is further provided.

11. The electrically powered transmission according to claim 1, wherein the control board is provided in the housing so that, in the assembled state, the control board is positioned farther from the hub shell than the first surface in the first direction.

14. The housing further includes a power port. The electronic transmission according to claim 1 , wherein at least a portion of the power supply port is configured to be disposed at a position farther from the hub shell than the first surface in the first direction.

15. A transmission unit for a human-powered vehicle, comprising: An electric transmission according to any one of claims 1 to 14; The hub axle; The hub shell; A transmission unit comprising the internal transmission.

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