Generator for human-powered vehicle, stator of generator, and method for manufacturing stator

Abstract

To improve the ease of assembly of a plurality of yoke pieces in a stator for a generator.SOLUTION: The stator for a generator for a human-driven vehicle includes a coil, a plurality of yoke pieces, and a connecting member. The coil is wound around a shaft core. The plurality of yoke pieces is arranged in line in the circumferential direction of the shaft core. The connecting member is configured as a separate member from the plurality of yoke pieces. The plurality of yoke pieces is each fixed to the connecting member.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 3

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a generator of a human-powered vehicle, a stator of the generator, and a method for manufacturing the stator.

Background Art

[0002] The generator described in Patent Document 1 includes a magnet, a coil, a yoke, and a support. The yoke includes a plurality of yoke pieces. The plurality of yoke pieces are each constituted by a separate member and are arranged side by side in the circumferential direction. The coil and the plurality of yoke pieces are attached to the support.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] Since the plurality of yoke pieces are each a separate member, it is difficult to adjust the positions of the plurality of yoke pieces when assembling them to the support. If it is difficult to adjust the positions of the plurality of yoke pieces, the accuracy of the arrangement between the plurality of yoke pieces may decrease.

[0005] One of the problems of the present disclosure is to improve the assemblability of a plurality of yoke pieces in the stator of the generator.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0006] The stator of the generator of the human-powered vehicle according to the first aspect includes a coil, a plurality of yoke pieces, and a connecting member. The coil is wound around an axis. The plurality of yoke pieces are arranged side by side in the circumferential direction of the axis. The connecting member is configured as a separate member from the plurality of yoke pieces. Each of the plurality of yoke pieces is fixed to the connecting member.

[0007] In the stator according to the first aspect, since a plurality of yoke pieces are respectively fixed to the connecting members, the plurality of yoke pieces and the connecting members can be handled as an integral unit. Thereby, compared with the case where the plurality of yoke pieces are not connected by the connecting members, the assemblability when assembling the plurality of yoke pieces to a support such as a hub shaft can be improved.

[0008] In the stator according to the second aspect, in the stator according to the first aspect, each of the plurality of yoke pieces is fixed to the connecting member by at least one of welding, adhesion, and fitting.

[0009] In the stator according to the second aspect, each of the plurality of yoke pieces can be fixed to the connecting member by a relatively simple method.

[0010] In the stator according to the third aspect, in the stator according to the first or second aspect, the connecting member extends in the circumferential direction.

[0011] In the stator according to the third aspect, it becomes easier to fix each of the plurality of yoke pieces arranged side by side in the circumferential direction to the connecting member.

[0012] In the stator according to the fourth aspect, in the stator according to any one of the first to third aspects, the connecting member is annular.

[0013] In the stator according to the fourth aspect, since the connecting member is annular, the strength of the connecting member is increased, and the connecting strength of the plurality of yoke pieces can be increased.

[0014] In the stator according to the fifth aspect, in the stator according to any one of the first to fourth aspects, the connecting member is at least partially disposed between the plurality of yoke pieces and the axis in the radial direction of the axis.

[0015] In the stator according to the fifth aspect, it becomes easier to support the plurality of yoke pieces in the radial direction by using the connecting member.

[0016] The stator according to the sixth side is the stator according to any one of the first to fifth sides, and the connecting member includes a cylindrical portion extending along the axis.

[0017] In the stator according to the sixth side, since the connecting member includes a cylindrical portion, the strength of the connecting member is increased, and the connecting strength of a plurality of yoke pieces can be increased.

[0018] The stator according to the seventh side is the stator according to the sixth side, and each of the plurality of yoke pieces is fixed to the cylindrical portion by at least one of welding, adhesion, and fitting.

[0019] In the stator according to the seventh side, the connecting strength of a plurality of yoke pieces can be further increased.

[0020] The stator according to the eighth side is the stator according to the sixth or seventh side, and the connecting member includes a flange extending outward from the cylindrical portion in the radial direction of the axis.

[0021] In the stator according to the eighth side, the strength of the connecting member can be more reliably increased.

[0022] The stator according to the ninth side is the stator according to the eighth side, and each of the plurality of yoke pieces is fixed to the flange by at least one of welding, adhesion, and fitting.

[0023] In the stator according to the ninth side, the connecting strength of a plurality of yoke pieces can be more reliably increased.

[0024] The stator according to the tenth side is the stator according to any one of the first to ninth sides, and each of the plurality of yoke pieces includes a yoke body and a fixing portion. The yoke body is arranged to face the coil in the radial direction of the axis. The fixing portion extends from the yoke body toward the axis in the radial direction and is fixed to the connecting member.

[0025] In the stator according to the tenth side, the connecting strength of a plurality of yoke pieces can be more reliably increased.

[0026] The stator according to the 11th aspect further includes a bobbin configured as a separate member from the plurality of yoke pieces and the connecting member in the stator according to the 10th aspect. The coil is wound around the bobbin. The bobbin includes a support hole extending along the axis. The fixing portion is at least partially disposed within the support hole.

[0027] In the stator according to the 11th aspect, the connection strength between the plurality of yoke pieces and the coil can be increased.

[0028] The stator according to the 12th aspect further includes a hub shaft that supports the coil and the plurality of yoke pieces in the stator according to any one of the 1st to 12th aspects. The connecting member is at least partially disposed between the plurality of yoke pieces and the hub shaft in the radial direction of the axis.

[0029] In the stator according to the 12th aspect, the connection strength of the plurality of yoke pieces can be more reliably increased.

[0030] The generator of the human-powered vehicle according to the 13th aspect includes a stator according to any one of the 1st to 12th aspects, a rotating body rotatably provided around the axis with respect to the stator, and a rotor provided on the rotating body and including a magnet.

[0031] In the stator according to the 13th aspect, the assemblability of the generator can be improved by the stator.

[0032] The manufacturing method of the stator according to the 14th aspect includes a yoke arranging step of attaching a plurality of yoke pieces to a jig so that the plurality of yoke pieces, which are separate members from each other, are aligned around a reference axis, a connecting member arranging step of attaching a connecting member to the jig, and a fixing step of fixing each of the plurality of yoke pieces to the connecting member.

[0033] In the method for manufacturing a stator according to the 14th aspect, since a plurality of yoke pieces are respectively fixed to the connecting members, the plurality of yoke pieces and the connecting members can be handled as an integral unit. Thereby, compared with the case where the plurality of yoke pieces are not connected by the connecting members, the assemblability when assembling the plurality of yoke pieces to a support such as a hub shaft can be improved.

[0034] The manufacturing method according to the 15th aspect further includes an attaching step of attaching a plurality of yoke pieces connected by a connecting member to a hub shaft in the manufacturing method according to the 14th aspect.

[0035] In the method for manufacturing a stator according to the 15th aspect, the assemblability when assembling a plurality of yoke pieces to a hub shaft can be improved.

[0036] The stator of the generator of the human-powered vehicle according to the 16th aspect is manufactured by the manufacturing method according to the 14th or 15th aspect.

[0037] In the stator according to the 16th aspect, since it is manufactured by the manufacturing method according to the 14th or 15th aspect, the assemblability when assembling a plurality of yoke pieces to a support such as a hub shaft can be improved.

Effect of the Invention

[0038] According to the present disclosure, the assemblability of a plurality of yoke pieces in the stator of the generator can be improved.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0039]

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Mode for Carrying Out the Invention

[0040] Hereinafter, embodiments will be described with reference to the drawings. In the drawings, the same reference numerals indicate corresponding or identical configurations. 〔First Embodiment〕 As shown in FIG. 1, the human-powered vehicle 2 includes the generator 10 according to the first embodiment. The human-powered vehicle 2 includes a frame 4 and wheels 6. The generator 10 is mounted on the frame 4. The wheel 6 includes the generator 10, a plurality of spokes 6A, and a rim (not shown). The generator 10 is connected to the rim via a plurality of spokes 6A. In the present embodiment, the generator 10 may also be referred to as a hub dynamo 10. However, the generator 10 is not limited to a hub dynamo.

[0041] Here, the human-powered vehicle includes various types of bicycles such as, for example, mountain bikes, road bikes, city bikes, cargo bikes, handcycles, and recumbent bikes. The human-powered vehicle also includes electric bicycles (E-bikes). The electric bicycle includes an electric assist bicycle that assists in propelling the vehicle by an electric motor. However, the number of wheels of the human-powered vehicle is not limited to two. The human-powered vehicle includes, for example, vehicles having one and three or more wheels. Vehicles using only a power source other than human power are not included in the human-powered vehicle. In particular, vehicles using only an internal combustion engine as a power source are not included in the human-powered vehicle. Usually, small vehicles are assumed for the human-powered vehicle, and vehicles that do not require a license for driving on public roads are assumed.

[0042] In the present application, terms indicating the following directions, "front", "rear", "forward", "backward", "left", "right", "sideways", "upward", and "downward", as well as any other similar terms indicating directions, refer to the directions defined based on the user (i.e., the rider) facing a steering device such as a handlebar at the user reference position (e.g., on the saddle or seat) in the human-powered vehicle 2. Therefore, these terms, as used to describe the generator 10, are interpreted with respect to the human-powered vehicle 2 equipped with the generator 10 as being used in the upright riding position in the horizontal plane.

[0043] As shown in FIG. 1, the generator 10 of the human-powered vehicle 2 includes a stator 12 and a rotor 14. The rotor 14 is provided rotatably about the axis A1 with respect to the stator 12. The generator 10 is configured to generate electricity by utilizing the relative rotation of the stator 12 and the rotor 14. The stator 12 is configured to be attached to the frame 4. The rotor 14 is configured to be connected to the rim via a plurality of spokes 6A.

[0044] The generator 10 of the human-powered vehicle 2 includes a rotor 16. The rotor 16 is provided on the rotor 14 and includes magnets 18. The rotor 16 is provided rotatably about the axis A1 with respect to the stator 12. The axis A1 may also be referred to as the rotation axis A1. The rotor 16 is fixed to the inner peripheral surface 14A of the rotor 14. The rotor 14 and the rotor 16 are provided rotatably about the axis A1 with respect to the stator 12. The rotor 16 is, for example, cylindrical. The stator 12 is at least partially disposed on the inner peripheral side of the rotor 16.

[0045] The generator 10 further includes a sprocket support 19, a first bearing 20, a second bearing 22, a third bearing 24, a fourth bearing 26, and a one-way clutch mechanism 28. The sprocket support 19 is rotatable about the axis A1 with respect to the stator 12 and the rotor 14. The sprocket support 19 includes a plurality of outer spline teeth 19A that engage with the sprocket assembly 8. The first bearing 20 and the second bearing 22 are disposed between the rotor 14 and the stator 12 and are configured to rotatably support the rotor 14 about the axis A1 with respect to the stator 12. The third bearing 24 and the fourth bearing 26 are disposed between the sprocket support 19 and the stator 12 and are configured to rotatably support the sprocket support 19 about the axis A1 with respect to the stator 12.

[0046] The one-way clutch mechanism 28 is configured to limit the rotation of the sprocket support 19 with respect to the rotor 14 in one direction. Specifically, the one-way clutch mechanism 28 is configured to transmit a rotational force from the sprocket support 19 to the rotor 14 during pedaling. The one-way clutch mechanism 28 is configured to limit the transmission of the rotational force from the rotor 14 to the sprocket support 19 during coasting.

[0047] The stator 12 of the generator 10 of the human-powered vehicle 2 includes a coil 30. The coil 30 is wound around the axis A1. The coil 30 is composed of an electrical conductor such as a copper wire, for example. The stator 12 further includes a bobbin 32. The coil 30 is wound around the bobbin 32. The bobbin 32 is composed of a material having electrical insulation properties such as plastic, for example. The coil 30 is disposed on the inner peripheral side of the magnet 18. The magnet 18 is configured to generate a magnetic field. When the rotor 16 rotates with respect to the coil 30, an induced current flows through the coil 30. Therefore, the rotation of the rotor 14 with respect to the stator 12 can be converted into electricity by the coil 30 and the rotor 16.

[0048] The stator 12 further includes a hub shaft 34. The hub shaft 34 extends along the axial direction D1 of the axis A1. The bobbin 32 includes a support hole 32A extending along the axis A1. The hub shaft 34 passes through the support hole 32A. The first bearing 20 and the second bearing 22 are disposed between the rotating body 14 and the hub shaft 34 and are configured to rotatably support the rotating body 14 around the axis A1 with respect to the hub shaft 34. The third bearing 24 and the fourth bearing 26 are disposed between the sprocket support 19 and the hub shaft 34 and are configured to rotatably support the sprocket support 19 around the axis A1 with respect to the hub shaft 34. The hub shaft 34 includes a through hole 34H extending along the axis A1. For example, a rod of a wheel fixing mechanism configured to removably fix the wheel 6 to the frame 4 is inserted into the through hole 34H.

[0049] The generator 10 includes a first fixing member 36 and a second fixing member 38. The hub shaft 34 includes a first shaft end 34A and a second shaft end 34B. The hub shaft 34 extends along the axis A1 between the first shaft end 34A and the second shaft end 34B. The first fixing member 36 is attached to the first shaft end 34A of the hub shaft 34. The second fixing member 38 is attached to the second shaft end 34B of the hub shaft 34.

[0050] The generator 10 includes a support member 40, a cover 42, a controller 44, and a cable 45. The support member 40 and the cover 42 are attached to the stator 12. The controller 44 is disposed in an accommodation space 42A formed by the stator 12 and the cover 42. The controller 44 is attached to the cover 42. The controller 44 is electrically connected to the coil 30. The controller 44 is connected to another electrical device 9 such as a light via the cable 45. The hub shaft 34 includes a guide groove 34G extending along the axis A1. The cable 45 is disposed in the guide groove 34G.

[0051] The controller 44 includes, for example, a control circuit and a substrate. The control circuit is configured to control the electricity generated by the magnet 18 and the coil 30. The control circuit is mounted on the substrate. The controller 44 includes an arithmetic processing unit configured to execute a predetermined control program. The arithmetic processing unit includes, for example, a central processing unit (CPU) and a memory. However, the configuration of the controller 44 is not limited to the above configuration. The controller 44 may be at least partially attached to the rotor 16 instead of the stator 12, and may be at least partially mounted on a device other than the motor.

[0052] As shown in FIG. 2, the stator 12 of the generator 10 of the human-powered vehicle 2 includes a plurality of yoke pieces 46. The plurality of yoke pieces 46 are arranged side by side in the circumferential direction D2 of the axis A1. The plurality of yoke pieces 46 are attached to the hub shaft 34. The hub shaft 34 supports the coil 30 and the plurality of yoke pieces 46. The stator 12 of the generator 10 of the human-powered vehicle 2 includes a plurality of yoke pieces 48. The plurality of yoke pieces 48 are arranged side by side in the circumferential direction D2 of the axis A1. The plurality of yoke pieces 48 are attached to the hub shaft 34. The hub shaft 34 supports the coil 30 and the plurality of yoke pieces 48. The yoke pieces 46 and 48 are made of, for example, a magnetic material.

[0053] The stator 12 includes a lock nut 50. The lock nut 50 is attached to the hub shaft 34 so as to hold the coil 30, the bobbin 32, the plurality of yoke pieces 46, the plurality of yoke pieces 48, the cover 42, and the support member 40 on the hub shaft 34. The yoke piece 46 may also be referred to as the first yoke piece 46. The yoke piece 48 may also be referred to as the second yoke piece 48.

[0054] As shown in FIG. 3, each of the plurality of yoke pieces 46 is configured as a separate member. The plurality of yoke pieces 46 are arranged at equal pitches in the circumferential direction D2. The plurality of yoke pieces 46 have the same shape as each other. However, at least one of the plurality of yoke pieces 46 may have a shape different from that of the other yoke pieces 46.

[0055] The plurality of yoke pieces 48 are each configured as separate members. The plurality of yoke pieces 48 are arranged at equal pitches in the circumferential direction D2. The plurality of yoke pieces 48 have the same shape as each other. However, at least one of the plurality of yoke pieces 48 may have a shape different from that of the other yoke pieces 48.

[0056] The lock nut 50 includes a threaded hole 50A. The hub shaft 34 includes a threaded portion 34C. The threaded hole 50A of the lock nut 50 engages with the threaded portion 34C of the hub shaft 34. The hub shaft 34 includes a large-diameter portion 34D. The support member 40 contacts the large-diameter portion 34D in the axial direction D1. The coil 30, the bobbin 32, the support member 40, the cover 42, the plurality of yoke pieces 46, and the plurality of yoke pieces 48 are sandwiched between the support member 40 and the large-diameter portion 34D of the hub shaft 34 in the axial direction D1.

[0057] As shown in FIG. 3, the stator 12 of the generator 10 of the human-powered vehicle 2 includes a connecting member 56. The connecting member 56 is configured as a separate member from the plurality of yoke pieces 46. The bobbin 32 is configured as a separate member from the plurality of yoke pieces 46 and the connecting member 56. The connecting member 56 may also be referred to as a first connecting member 56.

[0058] The connecting member 56 extends in the circumferential direction D2. The connecting member 56 is annular. The connecting member 56 includes a cylindrical portion 56A extending along the axis A1. The connecting member 56 includes a flange 56B extending outward from the cylindrical portion 56A in the radial direction of the axis A1. The cylindrical portion 56A has a through hole 56C through which the hub shaft 34 passes.

[0059] The stator 12 of the generator 10 of the human-powered vehicle 2 includes a connecting member 58. The connecting member 58 is configured as a separate member from the plurality of yoke pieces 48. The bobbin 32 is configured as a separate member from the plurality of yoke pieces 48 and the connecting member 58. The connecting member 58 may also be referred to as a second connecting member 58.

[0060] The connecting member 58 extends in the circumferential direction D2. The connecting member 58 is annular. The connecting member 58 includes a cylindrical portion 58A extending along the axis A1. The connecting member 58 includes a flange 58B extending outward from the cylindrical portion 58A in the radial direction of the axis A1. The cylindrical portion 58A has a through hole 58C through which the hub shaft 34 passes.

[0061] As shown in FIG. 4, the plurality of yoke pieces 46 are arranged at equal pitches in the circumferential direction D2. Each of the plurality of yoke pieces 46 is fixed to the connecting member 56. The plurality of yoke pieces 46 and the connecting member 56 are configured to be attachable and detachable to and from the hub shaft 34 as an integral unit. The plurality of yoke pieces 46 and the connecting member 56 constitute a yoke assembly 60. The yoke assembly 60 may also be referred to as a first yoke assembly 60.

[0062] As shown in FIGS. 4 and 5, each of the plurality of yoke pieces 46 is fixed to the connecting member 56 by at least one of welding, adhesion, and fitting. Each of the plurality of yoke pieces 46 is fixed to the cylindrical portion 56A by at least one of welding, adhesion, and fitting. Each of the plurality of yoke pieces 46 is fixed to the flange 56B by at least one of welding, adhesion, and fitting. In the present embodiment, each of the plurality of yoke pieces 46 is fixed to the connecting member 56 by welding. As shown in FIG. 5, each of the plurality of yoke pieces 46 is fixed to the cylindrical portion 56A by welding. As shown in FIG. 4, each of the plurality of yoke pieces 46 is fixed to the flange 56B by welding. However, each of the plurality of yoke pieces 46 may be fixed to the connecting member 56 by any one of (1) adhesion, (2) fitting, (3) welding and adhesion, (4) adhesion and fitting, (5) welding and fitting, and (6) welding, adhesion, and fitting. However, each of the plurality of yoke pieces 46 may be fixed to the cylindrical portion 56A by any one of (1) adhesion, (2) fitting, (3) welding and adhesion, (4) adhesion and fitting, (5) welding and fitting, and (6) welding, adhesion, and fitting. Each of the plurality of yoke pieces 46 may be fixed to the flange 56B by any one of (1) adhesion, (2) fitting, (3) welding and adhesion, (4) adhesion and fitting, (5) welding and fitting, and (6) welding, adhesion, and fitting. Examples of welding include laser welding. Examples of adhesion include joining with an adhesive. Examples of fitting include a structure in which the plurality of yoke pieces 46 are fitted into a plurality of grooves provided in the connecting member 56.

[0063] As shown in FIG. 4, the yoke assembly 60 includes at least one welding portion 62. The at least one welding portion 62 is a portion formed by welding and fixes the yoke piece 46 to the connecting member 56. In the present embodiment, the yoke assembly 60 includes a plurality of welding portions 62. The welding portion 62 fixes the yoke piece 46 to the flange 56B of the connecting member 56. The plurality of welding portions 62 are arranged at equal pitches in the circumferential direction D2.

[0064] As shown in FIG. 5, the yoke assembly 60 includes at least one welded portion 64. The at least one welded portion 64 is a portion formed by welding and fixes the yoke piece 46 to the connecting member 56. In the present embodiment, the yoke assembly 60 includes a plurality of welded portions 64. The welded portions 64 fix the yoke pieces 46 to the cylindrical portion 56A of the connecting member 56. The plurality of welded portions 64 are arranged at equal pitches in the circumferential direction D2.

[0065] As shown in FIG. 6, the plurality of yoke pieces 48 are arranged at equal pitches in the circumferential direction D2. Each of the plurality of yoke pieces 48 is fixed to the connecting member 58. The plurality of yoke pieces 48 and the connecting member 58 are configured to be attachable and detachable to and from the hub shaft 34 as an integral unit. The plurality of yoke pieces 48 and the connecting member 58 constitute a yoke assembly 66. The yoke assembly 66 may also be referred to as a second yoke assembly 66.

[0066] As shown in FIGS. 6 and 7, each of the plurality of yoke pieces 48 is fixed to the connecting member 58 by at least one of welding, adhesion, and fitting. Each of the plurality of yoke pieces 48 is fixed to the cylindrical portion 58A by at least one of welding, adhesion, and fitting. Each of the plurality of yoke pieces 48 is fixed to the flange 58B by at least one of welding, adhesion, and fitting. In the present embodiment, each of the plurality of yoke pieces 48 is fixed to the connecting member 58 by welding. Each of the plurality of yoke pieces 48 is fixed to the cylindrical portion 58A by welding. Each of the plurality of yoke pieces 48 is fixed to the flange 58B by welding. However, each of the plurality of yoke pieces 48 may be fixed to the connecting member 58 by any one of (1) adhesion, (2) fitting, (3) welding and adhesion, (4) adhesion and fitting, (5) welding and fitting, and (6) welding, adhesion, and fitting. Each of the plurality of yoke pieces 48 may be fixed to the cylindrical portion 58A by any one of (1) adhesion, (2) fitting, (3) welding and adhesion, (4) adhesion and fitting, (5) welding and fitting, and (6) welding, adhesion, and fitting. Each of the plurality of yoke pieces 48 may be fixed to the flange 58B by any one of (1) adhesion, (2) fitting, (3) welding and adhesion, (4) adhesion and fitting, (5) welding and fitting, and (6) welding, adhesion, and fitting. Examples of welding include laser welding. Examples of adhesion include joining with an adhesive. Examples of fitting include a structure in which the plurality of yoke pieces 48 are fitted into a plurality of grooves provided in the connecting member 58.

[0067] As shown in FIG. 6, the yoke assembly 66 includes at least one welding portion 68. The at least one welding portion 68 is a portion formed by welding and fixes the yoke piece 48 to the connecting member 58. In the present embodiment, the yoke assembly 66 includes a plurality of welding portions 68. The welding portion 68 fixes the yoke piece 48 to the flange 58B of the connecting member 58. The plurality of welding portions 68 are arranged at equal pitches in the circumferential direction D2.

[0068] As shown in FIG. 7, the yoke assembly 66 includes at least one welded portion 70. The at least one welded portion 70 is a portion formed by welding and fixes the yoke piece 48 to the connecting member 58. In the present embodiment, the yoke assembly 66 includes a plurality of welded portions 70. The welded portions 70 fix the yoke pieces 48 to the cylindrical portion 58A of the connecting member 58. The plurality of welded portions 70 are arranged at equal pitches in the circumferential direction D2.

[0069] As shown in FIG. 8, the connecting member 56 includes at least one protruding portion 56D that protrudes radially inward from the cylindrical portion 56A. In the present embodiment, the connecting member 56 includes a plurality of protruding portions 56D that protrude radially inward from the cylindrical portion 56A. The plurality of protruding portions 56D are configured to position the plurality of yoke pieces 46 with respect to the hub shaft 34 in the circumferential direction D2.

[0070] The connecting member 56 includes at least one protrusion 56E that protrudes in the axial direction D1 of the axis A1 from the flange 56B. In the present embodiment, the connecting member 56 includes a plurality of protrusions 56E that protrude in the axial direction D1 from the flange 56B. The plurality of protrusions 56E are arranged between two adjacent yoke pieces 46 in the circumferential direction D2. At least one of the plurality of protrusions 56E may be omitted from the connecting member 56.

[0071] As shown in FIG. 9, the flange 56B includes at least one hole 56F. In the present embodiment, the flange 56B includes a plurality of holes 56F. The plurality of holes 56F are arranged at equal pitches in the circumferential direction D2. Each of the plurality of holes 56F includes a long hole extending in the circumferential direction D2. However, the shape of the hole 56F is not limited to a long hole. At least one of the plurality of holes 56F may be omitted from the connecting member 56.

[0072] As shown in FIG. 10, the connecting member 58 has substantially the same shape as the connecting member 56. The connecting member 58 includes at least one protrusion 58D that protrudes radially inward from the cylindrical portion 58A. In the present embodiment, the connecting member 58 includes a plurality of protrusions 58D that protrude radially inward from the cylindrical portion 58A. The plurality of protrusions 58D are configured to position the plurality of yoke pieces 46 with respect to the hub shaft 34 in the circumferential direction D2.

[0073] The connecting member 58 includes at least one protrusion 58E that protrudes axially D1 from the flange 58B. In the present embodiment, the connecting member 58 includes a plurality of protrusions 58E that protrude axially D1 from the flange 58B. The plurality of protrusions 58E are arranged between two adjacent yoke pieces 48 in the circumferential direction D2. As shown in FIGS. 9 and 11, the circumferential positions of the plurality of protrusions 58E are different from the circumferential positions of the plurality of protrusions 56E.

[0074] As shown in FIG. 11, the flange 58B includes at least one hole 58F. In the present embodiment, the flange 58B includes a plurality of holes 58F. The plurality of holes 58F are arranged at equal pitches in the circumferential direction D2. Each of the plurality of holes 58F includes a long hole that extends in the circumferential direction D2. However, the shape of the hole 58F is not limited to the long hole.

[0075] As shown in FIG. 12, the connecting member 56 is at least partially disposed between the plurality of yoke pieces 46 and the axis A1 in the radial direction D3 of the axis A1. The connecting member 56 is at least partially disposed between the plurality of yoke pieces 46 and the hub shaft 34 in the radial direction D3 of the axis A1. In the present embodiment, the connecting member 56 is partially disposed between the plurality of yoke pieces 46 and the axis A1 in the radial direction D3. The connecting member 56 is partially disposed between the plurality of yoke pieces 46 and the hub shaft 34 in the radial direction D3. The cylindrical portion 56A is entirely disposed between the plurality of yoke pieces 46 and the hub shaft 34 in the radial direction D3 of the axis A1. However, the connecting member 56 may be entirely disposed between the plurality of yoke pieces 46 and the axis A1 in the radial direction D3. The connecting member 56 may be entirely disposed between the plurality of yoke pieces 46 and the hub shaft 34 in the radial direction D3. The cylindrical portion 56A may be partially disposed between the plurality of yoke pieces 46 and the hub shaft 34 in the radial direction D3.

[0076] Each of the plurality of yoke pieces 46 includes a yoke body 46A and a fixing portion 46B. The yoke body 46A is disposed so as to face the coil 30 in the radial direction D3 of the axis A1. The fixing portion 46B extends from the yoke body 46A toward the axis A1 in the radial direction D3. The yoke piece 46 includes a first yoke end 46C and a second yoke end 46D. The yoke piece 46 extends along the axis A1 from the first yoke end 46C to the second yoke end 46D. The fixing portion 46B is provided at the first yoke end 46C and extends inward from the first yoke end 46C toward the axis A1 in the radial direction D3. The fixing portion 46B includes a first fixing portion 46E and a second fixing portion 46F. The first fixing portion 46E projects radially inward from the yoke body 46A in the radial direction D3. The second fixing portion 46F projects in the axial direction D1 from the first fixing portion 46E.

[0077] The fixing part 46B is at least partially disposed within the support hole 32A. The connecting member 56 is at least partially disposed within the support hole 32A. In the present embodiment, the fixing part 46B is partially disposed within the support hole 32A. The second fixing part 46F is partially disposed within the support hole 32A. The connecting member 56 is partially disposed within the support hole 32A. However, the fixing part 46B may be entirely disposed within the support hole 32A. The connecting member 56 may be entirely disposed within the support hole 32A.

[0078] The fixing part 46B is fixed to the connecting member 56. In the present embodiment, the fixing part 46B of the yoke piece 46 is fixed to the connecting member 56 by welding. The fixing part 46B of the yoke piece 46 is fixed to the cylindrical part 56A and the flange 56B by welding. The first fixing part 46E is fixed to the flange 56B by welding. The second fixing part 46F is fixed to the cylindrical part 56A by welding. However, the fixing part 46B of the yoke piece 46 may be fixed to the connecting member 56 (the cylindrical part 56A and / or the flange 56B) by any one of the following methods: (1) adhesion, (2) fitting, (3) welding and adhesion, (4) adhesion and fitting, (5) welding and fitting, and (6) welding, adhesion, and fitting.

[0079] The cylindrical part 56A of the connecting member 56 contacts the outer peripheral surface of the hub shaft 34. The plurality of yoke pieces 46 are each fixed to the connecting member 56. Therefore, the radial positions of the plurality of yoke pieces 46 with respect to the hub shaft 34 are determined by the connecting member 56.

[0080] As shown in FIG. 13, the connecting member 58 is at least partially disposed between the plurality of yoke pieces 48 and the axis A1 in the radial direction D3 of the axis A1. The connecting member 58 is at least partially disposed between the plurality of yoke pieces 48 and the hub shaft 34 in the radial direction D3 of the axis A1. In the present embodiment, the connecting member 58 is partially disposed between the plurality of yoke pieces 48 and the axis A1 in the radial direction D3. The connecting member 58 is partially disposed between the plurality of yoke pieces 48 and the hub shaft 34 in the radial direction D3. The cylindrical portion 58A is entirely disposed between the plurality of yoke pieces 48 and the hub shaft 34 in the radial direction D3 of the axis A1. However, the connecting member 58 may be entirely disposed between the plurality of yoke pieces 48 and the axis A1 in the radial direction D3. The connecting member 58 may be entirely disposed between the plurality of yoke pieces 48 and the hub shaft 34 in the radial direction D3. The cylindrical portion 58A may be partially disposed between the plurality of yoke pieces 48 and the hub shaft 34 in the radial direction D3.

[0081] Each of the plurality of yoke pieces 48 includes a yoke body 48A and a fixing portion 48B. The yoke body 48A is disposed so as to face the coil 30 in the radial direction D3 of the axis A1. The fixing portion 48B extends from the yoke body 48A toward the axis A1 in the radial direction D3. The yoke piece 48 includes a first yoke end 48C and a second yoke end 48D. The yoke piece 48 extends along the axis A1 from the first yoke end 48C to the second yoke end 48D. The fixing portion 48B is provided at the first yoke end 48C and extends inward from the first yoke end 48C toward the axis A1 in the radial direction D3. The fixing portion 48B includes a first fixing portion 48E and a second fixing portion 48F. The first fixing portion 48E projects radially inward from the yoke body 48A in the radial direction D3. The second fixing portion 48F projects in the axial direction D1 from the first fixing portion 48E.

[0082] The fixing portion 48B is disposed at least partially within the support hole 32A. The connecting member 58 is disposed at least partially within the support hole 32A. In the present embodiment, the fixing portion 48B is disposed partially within the support hole 32A. The second fixing portion 48F is disposed partially within the support hole 32A. The connecting member 58 is disposed partially within the support hole 32A. However, the fixing portion 48B may be disposed entirely within the support hole 32A. The connecting member 58 may be disposed entirely within the support hole 32A.

[0083] The fixing portion 48B is fixed to the connecting member 58. In the present embodiment, the fixing portion 48B of the yoke piece 48 is fixed to the connecting member 58 by welding. The fixing portion 48B of the yoke piece 48 is fixed to the cylindrical portion 58A and the flange 58B by welding. The first fixing portion 48E is fixed to the flange 58B by welding. The second fixing portion 48F is fixed to the cylindrical portion 58A by welding. However, the fixing portion 48B of the yoke piece 48 may be fixed to the connecting member 58 (the cylindrical portion 58A and / or the flange 58B) by any one of the following methods: (1) adhesion, (2) fitting, (3) welding and adhesion, (4) adhesion and fitting, (5) welding and fitting, and (6) welding, adhesion, and fitting.

[0084] The cylindrical portion 58A of the connecting member 58 contacts the outer peripheral surface of the hub shaft 34. The plurality of yoke pieces 48 are each fixed to the connecting member 58. Therefore, the radial positions of the plurality of yoke pieces 48 with respect to the hub shaft 34 are determined by the connecting member 58.

[0085] As shown in FIGS. 12 and 13, the bobbin 32 includes a bobbin body 32B, a first support portion 32C, and a second support portion 32D. The bobbin body 32B is cylindrical. The first support portion 32C protrudes radially outward from the bobbin body 32B. The second support portion 32D protrudes radially outward from the bobbin body 32B. The first support portion 32C is disposed at a distance from the second support portion 32D in the axial direction D1 of the axis A1. The coil 30 is wound around the bobbin body 32B and disposed between the first support portion 32C and the second support portion 32D.

[0086] The coil 30 and the bobbin 32 are disposed between a plurality of fixing portions 46B of the plurality of yoke pieces 46 and a plurality of fixing portions 48B of the plurality of yoke pieces 48 in the axial direction D1. The fixing portion 46B of the yoke piece 46 is in contact with the fixing portion 48B of the yoke piece 48 in the axial direction D1. The cylindrical portion 56A of the connecting member 56 is disposed apart from the cylindrical portion 58A of the connecting member 58 in the axial direction D1. Accordingly, the relative positions of the plurality of yoke pieces 46 and the plurality of yoke pieces 48 in the axial direction D1 are determined by the plurality of fixing portions 46B of the plurality of yoke pieces 46 and the plurality of fixing portions 48B of the plurality of yoke pieces 48.

[0087] As shown in FIG. 14, the pitch of the plurality of yoke pieces 46 is the same as the pitch of the plurality of yoke pieces 48. The phase of the plurality of yoke pieces 46 is shifted by a half pitch from the phase of the plurality of yoke pieces 48 in the circumferential direction D2. Each of the plurality of yoke pieces 46 is disposed between two adjacent yoke pieces 48 of the plurality of yoke pieces 48 in the circumferential direction D2. The plurality of yoke main bodies 46A of the plurality of yoke pieces 46 are disposed between two adjacent yoke main bodies 48A of the plurality of yoke pieces 48 in the circumferential direction D2.

[0088] The hub shaft 34 includes at least one positioning groove 34E. In the present embodiment, the hub shaft 34 includes a plurality of positioning grooves 34E. The plurality of positioning grooves 34E are provided on the outer peripheral surface of the hub shaft 34. The protruding portion 56D of the connecting member 56 is disposed in the positioning groove 34E so as to restrict the rotation of the plurality of yoke pieces 46 and the connecting member 56 with respect to the hub shaft 34.

[0089] As shown in FIG. 15, the protruding portion 58D of the connecting member 58 is disposed in the positioning groove 34E so as to restrict the rotation of the connecting member 58 with respect to the hub shaft 34. That is, the rotation of the plurality of yoke pieces 48 and the connecting member 58 with respect to the hub shaft 34 is restricted by the plurality of protruding portions 58D.

[0090] As shown in FIGS. 14 and 15, in the present embodiment, the support hole 32A of the bobbin 32 has a polygon. The inner peripheral surface forming the support hole 32A includes a plurality of planes arranged side by side in the circumferential direction D2. As shown in FIG. 14, the plurality of planes forming the support hole 32A are in contact with the plurality of fixing portions 46B of the plurality of yoke pieces 46. As shown in FIG. 15, the plurality of planes forming the support hole 32A are in contact with the plurality of fixing portions 48B of the plurality of yoke pieces 48. However, the shape of the support hole 32A is not limited to a polygon.

[0091] The stator 12 of the generator 10 of the human - powered vehicle 2 is manufactured by the manufacturing method shown in FIG. 16. As shown in FIG. 17, a jig 80 is used in the manufacturing method of the stator 12 of the generator 10 of the human - powered vehicle 2. The jig 80 is used when assembling the yoke assembly 60. The jig 80 may also be referred to as a first jig 80. The jig 80 includes a jig body 82 and a plurality of positioning magnets 84. The jig body 82 includes an outer - peripheral positioning portion 86 and an inner - peripheral positioning portion 88. The jig body 82 has a reference axis A8 corresponding to the axis A1 of the stator 12. The inner - peripheral positioning portion 88 is arranged inside the outer - peripheral positioning portion 86 in the radial direction of the reference axis A8. The outer - peripheral positioning portion 86 includes an inner peripheral surface 86A and a plurality of positioning grooves 86B provided on the inner peripheral surface 86A. The plurality of positioning grooves 86B are arranged at equal pitches in the circumferential direction D82 of the reference axis A8 around the reference axis A8. The pitch of the plurality of positioning grooves 86B is the same as the pitch of the plurality of yoke pieces 46. Also, the outermost peripheral position in the radial direction of the plurality of positioning grooves 86B with respect to the reference axis A8 is the same as the outermost peripheral position in the radial direction of the plurality of yoke pieces 46 with respect to the axis A1. The plurality of positioning magnets 84 are arranged at positions corresponding to the plurality of positioning grooves 86B.

[0092] As shown in FIG. 18, the positioning magnet 84 is provided on the outer peripheral positioning portion 86 so as to be exposed from the positioning groove 86B. The inner peripheral positioning portion 88 includes a positioning surface 88A and a shaft portion 88B. The positioning surface 88A is perpendicular to the reference axis A8 and faces the axial direction D81 of the reference axis A8. The shaft portion 88B protrudes in the axial direction D8 from the positioning surface 88A. The positioning surface 88A is configured to determine the positions of the plurality of yoke pieces 46 in the axial direction D81 in a state where the plurality of yoke pieces 46 are arranged in the plurality of positioning grooves 86B. In a state where the plurality of yoke pieces 46 are arranged in the plurality of positioning grooves 86B, the positioning surface 88A is configured to contact the plurality of fixing portions 46B of the plurality of yoke pieces 46.

[0093] As shown in FIGS. 16 and 17, a method for manufacturing the stator 12 of the generator 10 of the human-powered vehicle 2 includes a yoke arrangement step S1 of attaching a plurality of yoke pieces 46, which are separate members from each other, to the jig 80 so that the plurality of yoke pieces 46 are arranged around the reference axis A8. As shown in FIG. 17, in the yoke arrangement step S1, the plurality of yoke pieces 46 are inserted into the plurality of positioning grooves 86B. More specifically, in the yoke arrangement step S1, the yoke main body 46A of the yoke piece 46 is inserted into the positioning groove 86B. Since the yoke piece 46 is made of a magnetic material, when the yoke piece 46 is inserted into the positioning groove 86B, the yoke piece 46 is attracted to the positioning magnet 84. Therefore, the circumferential and radial positions of the plurality of yoke pieces 46 with respect to the reference axis A8 are determined.

[0094] Also, as shown in FIG. 18, in the yoke arrangement step S1, the plurality of yoke pieces 46 are arranged on the jig 80 so as to contact the positioning surface 88A. More specifically, in the yoke arrangement step S1, the jig 80 is arranged so that the plurality of fixing portions 46B of the plurality of yoke pieces 46 contact the positioning surface 88A in a state where the plurality of yoke pieces 46 are inserted into the plurality of positioning grooves 86B. Therefore, the axial positions of the plurality of yoke pieces 46 with respect to the reference axis A8 are determined. At this time, a gap 89 for inserting the cylindrical portion 56A of the connecting member 56 is formed between the plurality of yoke pieces 46 in the radial direction D3 and the shaft portion 88B.

[0095] As shown in FIGS. 16 and 19, the manufacturing method of the stator 12 of the generator 10 of the human-powered vehicle 2 includes a connecting member arranging step S2 of attaching the connecting member 56 to the jig 80. As shown in FIG. 19, in the connecting member arranging step S2, the connecting member 56 is attached to the jig 80 such that the axis A1 of the connecting member 56 substantially coincides with the reference axis A8. More specifically, the cylindrical portion 56A of the connecting member 56 is inserted into the gap 89 formed between the plurality of yoke pieces 46 and the shaft portion 88B.

[0096] As shown in FIG. 20, the shaft portion 88B includes a plurality of additional positioning grooves 88C. When the cylindrical portion 56A of the connecting member 56 is inserted into the gap 89 (see FIG. 19 for example), the plurality of protruding portions 56D of the connecting member 56 are respectively inserted into the plurality of additional positioning grooves 88C. Thereby, the connecting member 56 can be arranged at a predetermined angle with respect to the plurality of yoke pieces 46.

[0097] As shown in FIGS. 16 and 21, the manufacturing method of the stator 12 of the generator 10 of the human-powered vehicle 2 includes a fixing step S3 of fixing each of the plurality of yoke pieces 46 to the connecting member 56. In the fixing step S3, each of the plurality of yoke pieces 46 is fixed to the connecting member 56 (S3A) by at least one of welding, adhesion, and fitting. In the fixing step S3, each of the plurality of yoke pieces 46 is fixed to the flange 56B of the connecting member 56 by at least one of welding, adhesion, and fitting. In the present embodiment, each of the plurality of yoke pieces 46 is fixed to the flange 56B of the connecting member 56 by welding. However, each of the plurality of yoke pieces 46 may be fixed to the connecting member 56 by any one of (1) adhesion, (2) fitting, (3) welding and adhesion, (4) adhesion and fitting, (5) welding and fitting, and (6) welding, adhesion, and fitting. Each of the plurality of yoke pieces 46 may be fixed to the flange 56B by any one of (1) adhesion, (2) fitting, (3) welding and adhesion, (4) adhesion and fitting, (5) welding and fitting, and (6) welding, adhesion, and fitting. In the present embodiment, the plurality of yoke pieces 46 are fixed to the outer peripheral edge of the flange 56B by welding. Therefore, in the fixing step S3, a plurality of welded portions 62 are formed on the outer peripheral side of the flange 56B.

[0098] As shown in FIGS. 16 and 5, in the fixing step S3, a plurality of yoke pieces 46 fixed to the connecting member 56 are removed from the jig 80 (S3B). In the fixing step S3, the plurality of yoke pieces 46 removed from the jig 80 are each further fixed to the connecting member 56 by welding (S3C). More specifically, a plurality of fixing portions 46B of the plurality of yoke pieces 46 are fixed to the cylindrical portion 56A of the connecting member 56 by welding. Therefore, in the fixing step S3, a plurality of welded portions 64 are formed on the inner peripheral side of the plurality of fixing portions 46B. However, the step S3C in which the plurality of yoke pieces 46 removed from the jig 80 are each fixed to the connecting member 56 by welding may be omitted from the fixing step S3.

[0099] As shown in FIG. 16, similar to the connecting member 56 and the plurality of yoke pieces 46, the plurality of yoke pieces 48 are each fixed to the connecting member 58. As shown in FIG. 22, a jig 90 is used in the method for manufacturing the stator 12 of the generator 10 of the human - powered vehicle 2. The structure of the jig 90 is substantially the same as the structure of the jig 80. The jig 90 is used when assembling the yoke assembly 66. The jig 90 may also be referred to as the second jig 90. The jig 90 includes a jig body 92 and a plurality of positioning magnets 94. The jig body 92 includes an outer - peripheral positioning portion 96 and an inner - peripheral positioning portion 98. The jig body 92 has a reference axis A9 corresponding to the axis A1 of the stator 12. The inner - peripheral positioning portion 98 is arranged inside the outer - peripheral positioning portion 96 in the radial direction of the reference axis A9. The outer - peripheral positioning portion 96 includes an inner - peripheral surface 96A and a plurality of positioning grooves 96B provided on the inner - peripheral surface 96A. The plurality of positioning grooves 96B are arranged at equal pitches in the circumferential direction D92 of the reference axis A9 around the reference axis A9. The pitch of the plurality of positioning grooves 96B is the same as the pitch of the plurality of yoke pieces 48. Also, the outermost - peripheral position in the radial direction of the plurality of positioning grooves 96B with respect to the reference axis A9 is the same as the outermost - peripheral position in the radial direction of the plurality of yoke pieces 48 with respect to the axis A1. The plurality of positioning magnets 94 are arranged at positions corresponding to the plurality of positioning grooves 96B.

[0100] The shaft portion 98B includes a plurality of additional positioning grooves 98C. As shown in FIGS. 17 and 22, the positional relationship between the plurality of positioning grooves 96B and the plurality of additional positioning grooves 98C in the circumferential direction D92 is different from the positional relationship between the plurality of positioning grooves 86B and the plurality of additional positioning grooves 88C in the circumferential direction D82.

[0101] As shown in FIG. 18, the positioning magnet 94 is provided in the outer peripheral positioning portion 96 so as to be exposed from the positioning groove 96B. The inner peripheral positioning portion 98 includes a positioning surface 98A and a shaft portion 98B. The positioning surface 98A is perpendicular to the reference axis A9 and faces the axial direction D91 of the reference axis A9. The shaft portion 98B protrudes in the axial direction D8 from the positioning surface 98A. The positioning surface 98A is configured to determine the positions of the plurality of yoke pieces 48 in the axial direction D91 in a state where the plurality of yoke pieces 48 are arranged in the plurality of positioning grooves 96B. In a state where the plurality of yoke pieces 48 are arranged in the plurality of positioning grooves 96B, the positioning surface 98A is configured to contact the plurality of fixing portions 48B of the plurality of yoke pieces 48.

[0102] As shown in FIGS. 16 and 22, a method for manufacturing the stator 12 of the generator 10 of the human-powered vehicle 2 includes a yoke arrangement step S4 of attaching a plurality of yoke pieces 48 to the jig 90 so that the plurality of yoke pieces 48, which are separate members from each other, are arranged around the reference axis A9. As shown in FIG. 22, in the yoke arrangement step S4, the plurality of yoke pieces 48 are inserted into the plurality of positioning grooves 96B. More specifically, in the yoke arrangement step S4, the yoke main body 48A of the yoke piece 48 is inserted into the positioning groove 96B. Since the yoke piece 48 is made of a magnetic material, when the yoke piece 48 is inserted into the positioning groove 96B, the yoke piece 48 is attracted by the positioning magnet 94. Therefore, the circumferential and radial positions of the plurality of yoke pieces 48 with respect to the reference axis A9 are determined.

[0103] Also, as shown in FIG. 18, in the yoke arrangement step S4, a plurality of yoke pieces 48 are arranged on the jig 90 so as to contact the positioning surface 98A. More specifically, in the yoke arrangement step S4, the jig 90 is arranged such that the plurality of fixing portions 48B of the plurality of yoke pieces 48 contact the positioning surface 98A with the plurality of yoke pieces 48 inserted into the plurality of positioning grooves 96B. Therefore, the axial positions of the plurality of yoke pieces 48 with respect to the reference axis A9 are determined. At this time, a gap 99 for inserting the cylindrical portion 58A of the connecting member 58 is formed between the plurality of yoke pieces 48 and the shaft portion 98B in the radial direction D3.

[0104] As shown in FIGS. 16 and 19, the method for manufacturing the stator 12 of the generator 10 of the human - powered vehicle 2 includes a connecting member arrangement step S5 of attaching the connecting member 56 to the jig 80. As shown in FIG. 19, in the connecting member arrangement step S5, the connecting member 58 is attached to the jig 90 such that the axis A1 of the connecting member 58 substantially coincides with the reference axis A9. More specifically, the cylindrical portion 58A of the connecting member 58 is inserted into the gap 99 formed between the plurality of yoke pieces 48 and the shaft portion 98B.

[0105] As shown in FIG. 23, when the cylindrical portion 58A of the connecting member 58 is inserted into the gap 99 (see, for example, FIG. 22), the plurality of protruding portions 58D of the connecting member 58 are respectively inserted into the plurality of additional positioning grooves 98C. Thereby, the connecting member 58 can be arranged at a predetermined angle with respect to the plurality of yoke pieces 48.

[0106] As shown in FIGS. 16 and 24, the manufacturing method of the stator 12 of the generator 10 of the human-powered vehicle 2 includes a fixing step S6 of fixing a plurality of yoke pieces 48 to a connecting member 58 respectively. In the fixing step S6, the plurality of yoke pieces 48 are fixed to the connecting member 58 respectively by at least one of welding, adhesion, and fitting (S6A). In the fixing step S6, the plurality of yoke pieces 48 are fixed to the flange 58B of the connecting member 58 by at least one of welding, adhesion, and fitting. In the present embodiment, the plurality of yoke pieces 48 are fixed to the flange 58B of the connecting member 58 by welding respectively. However, the plurality of yoke pieces 48 may be fixed to the connecting member 58 by any one of (1) adhesion, (2) fitting, (3) welding and adhesion, (4) adhesion and fitting, (5) welding and fitting, and (6) welding, adhesion, and fitting respectively. The plurality of yoke pieces 48 may be fixed to the flange 58B by any one of (1) adhesion, (2) fitting, (3) welding and adhesion, (4) adhesion and fitting, (5) welding and fitting, and (6) welding, adhesion, and fitting respectively. In the present embodiment, the plurality of yoke pieces 48 are fixed to the outer peripheral edge of the flange 58B by welding. Therefore, in the fixing step S6, a plurality of welded portions 62 are formed on the outer peripheral side of the flange 58B.

[0107] As shown in FIGS. 16 and 7, in the fixing step S6, the plurality of yoke pieces 48 fixed to the connecting member 58 are removed from the jig 90 (S6B). In the fixing step S6, the plurality of yoke pieces 48 removed from the jig 90 are further fixed to the connecting member 58 by welding respectively (S6C). More specifically, the plurality of fixing portions 48B of the plurality of yoke pieces 48 are fixed to the cylindrical portion 58A of the connecting member 58 by welding. Therefore, in the fixing step S6, a plurality of welded portions 64 are formed on the inner peripheral side of the plurality of fixing portions 48B. However, the step of fixing the plurality of yoke pieces 48 removed from the jig 90 to the connecting member 58 by welding respectively may be omitted from the fixing step S6.

[0108] As shown in FIGS. 16 and 3, the method for manufacturing the stator 12 further includes an attachment step S7 of attaching a plurality of yoke pieces 46 (i.e., the yoke assembly 60) connected by the connecting member 56 to the hub shaft 34. More specifically, in the attachment step S7, before the connecting member 56 and the plurality of yoke pieces 46 are attached to the hub shaft 34, the support member 40, the cover 42, and the controller 44 are attached to the hub shaft 34 (S7A). In the attachment step S7, the connecting member 56 and the plurality of yoke pieces 46 (i.e., the yoke assembly 60) are attached to the coil 30 and the bobbin 32 (S7B). Also, in the attachment step S7, a plurality of yoke pieces 48 (i.e., the yoke assembly 66) connected via the connecting member 58 are attached to the coil 30 and the bobbin 32 (S7C). In the attachment step S7, after the support member 40, the cover 42, and the controller 44 are attached to the hub shaft 34, a coil unit composed of the yoke assembly 60, the yoke assembly 66, the coil 30, and the bobbin 32 is attached to the hub shaft 34 (S7D). In the attachment step S7, the lock nut 50 is attached to the hub shaft 34 (S7E). By screwing the lock nut 50 onto the threaded portion 34C, the support member 40, the cover 42, the connecting member 56, the plurality of yoke pieces 46, the bobbin 32, the plurality of yoke pieces 48, and the connecting member 58 are sandwiched between the lock nut 50 and the large-diameter portion 34D. Note that the assembly order of the support member 40, the cover 42, the controller 44, the coil 30, the bobbin 32, the yoke assembly 60, and the yoke assembly 66 is not limited to the above order. For example, at least two of the yoke assembly 60, the yoke assembly 66, and the bobbin 32 may be separately attached to the hub shaft 34. 〔Second Embodiment〕 With reference to FIGS. 25 to 36, the generator 210 according to the second embodiment will be described below. Except for the stator 12, the generator 210 has substantially the same structure as the generator 10 according to the first embodiment. Therefore, components having substantially the same structure as the components of the first embodiment are given the same numbers here, and for the sake of simplicity, these will not be described and / or illustrated in detail again.

[0109] As shown in FIG. 25, the generator 210 of the human - powered vehicle 2 includes a stator 212 and a rotor 14. The rotor 14 is provided so as to be rotatable about the axis A1 with respect to the stator 212. The generator 210 is configured to generate electricity by utilizing the relative rotation of the stator 212 and the rotor 14. The stator 212 is configured to be attached to the frame 4.

[0110] In the second embodiment, the sprocket support 19, the third bearing 24, the fourth bearing 26, the one - way clutch mechanism 28, the support member 40, the cover 42, and the controller 44 are omitted from the generator 210. However, the generator 210 may include these components.

[0111] The stator 212 further includes a hub shaft 234. The hub shaft 234 extends along the axial direction D1 of the axis A1. The hub shaft 234 includes substantially the same structure as the hub shaft 34 of the first embodiment. The through - hole 34H is omitted from the hub shaft 234.

[0112] As shown in FIG. 26, the stator 212 of the generator 210 of the human - powered vehicle 2 includes a plurality of yoke pieces 46. The plurality of yoke pieces 46 are arranged side by side in the circumferential direction D2 of the axis A1. The plurality of yoke pieces 46 are attached to the hub shaft 234. The hub shaft 234 supports the coil 30 and the plurality of yoke pieces 46. The stator 212 of the generator 210 of the human - powered vehicle 2 includes a plurality of yoke pieces 48. The plurality of yoke pieces 48 are arranged side by side in the circumferential direction D2 of the axis A1. The plurality of yoke pieces 48 are attached to the hub shaft 234. The hub shaft 234 supports the coil 30 and the plurality of yoke pieces 48.

[0113] As shown in FIG. 27, the stator 212 of the generator 210 of the human - powered vehicle 2 includes a connecting member 256. The connecting member 256 is configured as a separate member from the plurality of yoke pieces 46. The bobbin 32 is configured as a separate member from the plurality of yoke pieces 46 and the connecting member 256. The connecting member 256 may also be referred to as the first connecting member 256.

[0114] The connecting member 256 extends in the circumferential direction D2. The connecting member 256 is annular. The connecting member 256 includes a cylindrical portion 256A extending along the axis A1. The connecting member 256 includes a flange 256B extending outward from the cylindrical portion 256A in the radial direction of the axis A1.

[0115] The stator 212 of the generator 210 of the human - powered vehicle 2 includes a connecting member 258. The connecting member 258 is configured as a separate member from the plurality of yoke pieces 48. The bobbin 32 is configured as a separate member from the plurality of yoke pieces 48 and the connecting member 258. The connecting member 258 may also be referred to as the second connecting member 258.

[0116] The connecting member 258 extends in the circumferential direction D2. The connecting member 258 is annular. The connecting member 258 includes a cylindrical portion 258A extending along the axis A1. The connecting member 258 includes a flange 258B extending outward from the cylindrical portion 258A in the radial direction of the axis A1.

[0117] The stator 212 includes a lock nut 255. The lock nut 255 has the same structure as the lock nut 50. The lock nut 50 may also be referred to as the first lock nut 50. The lock nut 255 may also be referred to as the second lock nut 255. The lock nut 255 includes a threaded hole 255A. The hub shaft 234 includes a threaded portion 234F. The threaded hole 255A of the lock nut 255 engages with the threaded portion 234F of the hub shaft 234. The lock nuts 50 and 255 are attached to the hub shaft 34 so as to hold the coil 30, the bobbin 32, the plurality of yoke pieces 46, and the plurality of yoke pieces 48 on the hub shaft 234.

[0118] As shown in FIG. 28, each of the plurality of yoke pieces 46 is fixed to the connecting member 256. Accordingly, the plurality of yoke pieces 46 and the connecting member 256 are configured to be attachable and detachable to and from the hub shaft 234 as an integral unit. That is, the plurality of yoke pieces 46 and the connecting member 256 constitute a yoke assembly 60.

[0119] As shown in FIGS. 28 and 29, each of the plurality of yoke pieces 46 is fixed to the connecting member 256 by at least one of welding, adhesion, and fitting. Each of the plurality of yoke pieces 46 is fixed to the cylindrical portion 256A by at least one of welding, adhesion, and fitting. Each of the plurality of yoke pieces 46 is fixed to the flange 256B by at least one of welding, adhesion, and fitting. In the present embodiment, each of the plurality of yoke pieces 46 is fixed to the connecting member 256 by welding. Each of the plurality of yoke pieces 46 is fixed to the cylindrical portion 256A by welding. Each of the plurality of yoke pieces 46 is fixed to the flange 256B by welding. However, each of the plurality of yoke pieces 46 may be fixed to the connecting member 256 by any one of (1) adhesion, (2) fitting, (3) welding and adhesion, (4) adhesion and fitting, (5) welding and fitting, and (6) welding, adhesion, and fitting. However, each of the plurality of yoke pieces 46 may be fixed to the cylindrical portion 256A by any one of (1) adhesion, (2) fitting, (3) welding and adhesion, (4) adhesion and fitting, (5) welding and fitting, and (6) welding, adhesion, and fitting. Each of the plurality of yoke pieces 46 may be fixed to the flange 256B by any one of (1) adhesion, (2) fitting, (3) welding and adhesion, (4) adhesion and fitting, (5) welding and fitting, and (6) welding, adhesion, and fitting.

[0120] The fixing portion 46B is fixed to the connecting member 256. In the present embodiment, the fixing portion 46B of the yoke piece 46 is fixed to the connecting member 256 by welding. The fixing portion 46B of the yoke piece 46 is fixed to the cylindrical portion 256A and the flange 256B by welding. The first fixing portion 46E is fixed to the flange 256B by welding. The second fixing portion 46F is fixed to the cylindrical portion 256A by welding. That is, the yoke assembly 60 includes a plurality of welding portions 62 and a plurality of welding portions 64. However, the fixing portion 46B of the yoke piece 46 may be fixed to the connecting member 256 (the cylindrical portion 256A and / or the flange 256B) by any one of the following methods: (1) adhesion, (2) fitting, (3) welding and adhesion, (4) adhesion and fitting, (5) welding and fitting, and (6) welding, adhesion, and fitting.

[0121] As shown in FIG. 30, each of the plurality of yoke pieces 48 is fixed to the connecting member 258. Accordingly, the plurality of yoke pieces 48 and the connecting member 258 are configured to be attachable and detachable to and from the hub shaft 234 as an integral unit. That is, the plurality of yoke pieces 48 and the connecting member 258 constitute a yoke assembly 66.

[0122] As shown in FIGS. 30 and 31, each of the plurality of yoke pieces 48 is fixed to the connecting member 258 by at least one of welding, adhesion, and fitting. Each of the plurality of yoke pieces 48 is fixed to the cylindrical portion 258A by at least one of welding, adhesion, and fitting. Each of the plurality of yoke pieces 48 is fixed to the flange 258B by at least one of welding, adhesion, and fitting. In the present embodiment, each of the plurality of yoke pieces 48 is fixed to the connecting member 258 by welding. Each of the plurality of yoke pieces 48 is fixed to the cylindrical portion 258A by welding. Each of the plurality of yoke pieces 48 is fixed to the flange 258B by welding. However, each of the plurality of yoke pieces 48 may be fixed to the connecting member 258 by any one of (1) adhesion, (2) fitting, (3) welding and adhesion, (4) adhesion and fitting, (5) welding and fitting, and (6) welding, adhesion, and fitting. Each of the plurality of yoke pieces 48 may be fixed to the cylindrical portion 258A by any one of (1) adhesion, (2) fitting, (3) welding and adhesion, (4) adhesion and fitting, (5) welding and fitting, and (6) welding, adhesion, and fitting. Each of the plurality of yoke pieces 48 may be fixed to the flange 258B by any one of (1) adhesion, (2) fitting, (3) welding and adhesion, (4) adhesion and fitting, (5) welding and fitting, and (6) welding, adhesion, and fitting.

[0123] The fixing part 48B is fixed to the connecting member 258. In the present embodiment, the fixing part 48B of the yoke piece 48 is fixed to the connecting member 258 by welding. The fixing part 48B of the yoke piece 48 is fixed to the cylindrical part 258A and the flange 258B by welding. The first fixing part 48E is fixed to the flange 258B by welding. The second fixing part 48F is fixed to the cylindrical part 258A by welding. That is, the yoke assembly 66 includes a plurality of welding parts 68 and a plurality of welding parts 70. However, the fixing part 48B of the yoke piece 48 may be fixed to the connecting member 258 (the cylindrical part 258A and / or the flange 258B) by any one of the following methods: (1) adhesion, (2) fitting, (3) welding and adhesion, (4) adhesion and fitting, (5) welding and fitting, and (6) welding, adhesion, and fitting.

[0124] As shown in FIG. 32, the connecting member 256 includes at least one protruding part 256D protruding radially inward from the cylindrical part 256A. In the present embodiment, the connecting member 256 includes a plurality of protruding parts 256D protruding radially inward from the cylindrical part 256A. The plurality of protruding parts 256D are configured to position the plurality of yoke pieces 46 with respect to the hub shaft 234 in the circumferential direction D2. The flange 256B includes at least one hole 256F. In the present embodiment, the flange 256B includes a plurality of holes 256F. The plurality of holes 56F are arranged at equal pitches in the circumferential direction D2. The hole 256F is circular. However, the shape of the hole 256F is not limited to circular. The protrusion 56E of the first embodiment is omitted from the connecting member 256, but the protrusion 56E may be included. At least one of the plurality of holes 256F may be omitted from the connecting member 256.

[0125] In the second embodiment, since the connecting member 258 has the same shape as the connecting member 256, the description of the connecting member 258 is omitted. The connecting member 258 may have a shape different from that of the connecting member 256.

[0126] As shown in FIG. 33, the connecting member 256 is at least partially disposed between the plurality of yoke pieces 46 and the axis A1 in the radial direction D3 of the axis A1. The connecting member 256 is at least partially disposed between the plurality of yoke pieces 46 and the hub shaft 234 in the radial direction D3 of the axis A1. In the present embodiment, the connecting member 256 is partially disposed between the plurality of yoke pieces 46 and the axis A1 in the radial direction D3. The connecting member 256 is partially disposed between the plurality of yoke pieces 46 and the hub shaft 234 in the radial direction D3. The cylindrical portion 256A of the connecting member 256 is entirely disposed between the plurality of yoke pieces 46 and the hub shaft 234 in the radial direction D3 of the axis A1. However, the connecting member 256 may be entirely disposed between the plurality of yoke pieces 46 and the axis A1 in the radial direction D3. The connecting member 256 may be entirely disposed between the plurality of yoke pieces 46 and the hub shaft 234 in the radial direction D3. The cylindrical portion 256A of the connecting member 256 may be partially disposed between the plurality of yoke pieces 46 and the hub shaft 234 in the radial direction D3.

[0127] As shown in FIG. 34, the connecting member 258 is at least partially disposed between the plurality of yoke pieces 48 and the axis A1 in the radial direction D3 of the axis A1. The connecting member 258 is at least partially disposed between the plurality of yoke pieces 48 and the hub shaft 234 in the radial direction D3 of the axis A1. In the present embodiment, the connecting member 258 is partially disposed between the plurality of yoke pieces 48 and the axis A1 in the radial direction D3. The connecting member 258 is partially disposed between the plurality of yoke pieces 48 and the hub shaft 234 in the radial direction D3. The cylindrical portion 258A is entirely disposed between the plurality of yoke pieces 48 and the hub shaft 234 in the radial direction D3 of the axis A1. However, the connecting member 258 may be entirely disposed between the plurality of yoke pieces 48 and the axis A1 in the radial direction D3. The connecting member 258 may be entirely disposed between the plurality of yoke pieces 48 and the hub shaft 234 in the radial direction D3. The cylindrical portion 258A may be partially disposed between the plurality of yoke pieces 48 and the hub shaft 234 in the radial direction D3.

[0128] As shown in FIG. 35, the hub shaft 234 includes at least one positioning groove 234E. In the present embodiment, the hub shaft 234 includes a plurality of positioning grooves 234E. The plurality of positioning grooves 234E are provided on the outer peripheral surface of the hub shaft 234. The protrusion 256D of the connecting member 256 restricts the rotation of the plurality of yoke pieces 46 and the connecting member 256 with respect to the hub shaft 234.

[0129] As shown in FIG. 36, the protrusion 258D of the connecting member 258 restricts the rotation of the plurality of yoke pieces 48 and the connecting member 258 with respect to the hub shaft 234.

[0130] The method for manufacturing the stator 212 is substantially the same as the method for manufacturing the stator 12 of the first embodiment, except that the step of attaching the support member 40, the cover 42, and the controller 44 to the hub shaft 34 is omitted from the attachment step S7. The jigs used in the method for manufacturing the stator 212 have substantially the same structure as the jigs 80 and 90 of the first embodiment. Therefore, the description of the method for manufacturing the stator 212 is omitted. 〔Third Embodiment〕 With reference to FIGS. 37 to 45, the generator 310 according to the third embodiment will be described below. Except for the stator 212, the generator 310 has substantially the same structure as the generator 210 according to the second embodiment. Therefore, components having substantially the same structure as the components of the first and second embodiments are given the same numbers here, and for the sake of simplicity, these will not be described and / or illustrated in detail again.

[0131] As shown in FIG. 37, the generator 310 of the human-powered vehicle 2 includes a stator 312 and a rotor 14. The rotor 14 is rotatably provided about the axis A1 with respect to the stator 312. The generator 310 is configured to generate electricity by utilizing the relative rotation of the stator 312 and the rotor 14. The stator 312 is configured to be attached to the frame 4.

[0132] As shown in FIGS. 38 and 39, the stator 312 of the generator 310 of the human - powered vehicle 2 includes a plurality of yoke pieces 46 and a plurality of yoke pieces 48. The stator 312 further includes a hub shaft 234. The stator 312 includes lock nuts 50 and 255.

[0133] As shown in FIG. 39, the stator 312 of the generator 310 of the human - powered vehicle 2 includes a connecting member 356. The connecting member 356 is configured as a separate member from the plurality of yoke pieces 46. The bobbin 32 is configured as a separate member from the plurality of yoke pieces 46 and the connecting member 356. The connecting member 356 may also be referred to as a first connecting member 356.

[0134] The connecting member 356 extends in the circumferential direction D2. The connecting member 356 is annular. The connecting member 356 includes a cylindrical portion 256A extending along the axis A1. The connecting member 356 includes a flange 356B extending outward from the cylindrical portion 256A in the radial direction of the axis A1.

[0135] The stator 312 of the generator 310 of the human - powered vehicle 2 includes a connecting member 358. The connecting member 358 is configured as a separate member from the plurality of yoke pieces 48. The bobbin 32 is configured as a separate member from the plurality of yoke pieces 48 and the connecting member 358. The connecting member 358 may also be referred to as a second connecting member 358.

[0136] The connecting member 358 extends in the circumferential direction D2. The connecting member 358 is annular. The connecting member 358 includes a cylindrical portion 258A extending along the axis A1. The connecting member 358 includes a flange 358B extending outward from the cylindrical portion 258A in the radial direction of the axis A1.

[0137] As shown in FIG. 40, each of the plurality of yoke pieces 46 is fixed to the connecting member 356. Accordingly, the plurality of yoke pieces 46 and the connecting member 356 are configured to be attachable and detachable to and from the hub shaft 234 as an integral unit. That is, the plurality of yoke pieces 46 and the connecting member 356 constitute a yoke assembly 60.

[0138] As shown in FIGS. 40 and 41, each of the plurality of yoke pieces 46 is fixed to the connecting member 356 by at least one of welding, adhesion, and fitting. Each of the plurality of yoke pieces 46 is fixed to the cylindrical portion 256A by at least one of welding, adhesion, and fitting. Each of the plurality of yoke pieces 46 is fixed to the flange 356B by at least one of welding, adhesion, and fitting. In the present embodiment, each of the plurality of yoke pieces 46 is fixed to the connecting member 356 by welding. Each of the plurality of yoke pieces 46 is fixed to the cylindrical portion 256A by welding. Each of the plurality of yoke pieces 46 is fixed to the flange 356B by welding. However, each of the plurality of yoke pieces 46 may be fixed to the connecting member 356 by any one of (1) adhesion, (2) fitting, (3) welding and adhesion, (4) adhesion and fitting, (5) welding and fitting, and (6) welding, adhesion, and fitting. However, each of the plurality of yoke pieces 46 may be fixed to the cylindrical portion 256A by any one of (1) adhesion, (2) fitting, (3) welding and adhesion, (4) adhesion and fitting, (5) welding and fitting, and (6) welding, adhesion, and fitting. Each of the plurality of yoke pieces 46 may be fixed to the flange 356B by any one of (1) adhesion, (2) fitting, (3) welding and adhesion, (4) adhesion and fitting, (5) welding and fitting, and (6) welding, adhesion, and fitting.

[0139] The fixing portion 46B is fixed to the connecting member 356. In the present embodiment, the fixing portion 46B of the yoke piece 46 is fixed to the connecting member 356 by welding. The fixing portion 46B of the yoke piece 46 is fixed to the cylindrical portion 256A and the flange 356B by welding. The first fixing portion 46E is fixed to the cylindrical portion 256A by welding. The second fixing portion 46F is fixed to the flange 356B by welding. That is, the yoke assembly 66 includes a plurality of welding portions 68 and a plurality of welding portions 70. However, the fixing portion 46B of the yoke piece 46 may be fixed to the connecting member 356 (the cylindrical portion 256A and / or the flange 356B) by any one of the following methods: (1) adhesion, (2) fitting, (3) welding and adhesion, (4) adhesion and fitting, (5) welding and fitting, and (6) welding, adhesion, and fitting.

[0140] As shown in FIG. 42, each of the plurality of yoke pieces 48 is fixed to the connecting member 358. Accordingly, the plurality of yoke pieces 48 and the connecting member 358 are configured to be attachable and detachable to and from the hub shaft 234 as an integral unit. That is, the plurality of yoke pieces 48 and the connecting member 358 constitute the yoke assembly 66.

[0141] As shown in FIGS. 42 and 43, each of the plurality of yoke pieces 48 is fixed to the connecting member 358 by at least one of welding, adhesion, and fitting. Each of the plurality of yoke pieces 48 is fixed to the cylindrical portion 258A by at least one of welding, adhesion, and fitting. Each of the plurality of yoke pieces 48 is fixed to the flange 358B by at least one of welding, adhesion, and fitting. In the present embodiment, each of the plurality of yoke pieces 48 is fixed to the connecting member 358 by welding. Each of the plurality of yoke pieces 48 is fixed to the cylindrical portion 258A by welding. Each of the plurality of yoke pieces 48 is fixed to the flange 358B by welding. However, each of the plurality of yoke pieces 48 may be fixed to the connecting member 358 by any one of (1) adhesion, (2) fitting, (3) welding and adhesion, (4) adhesion and fitting, (5) welding and fitting, and (6) welding, adhesion, and fitting. Each of the plurality of yoke pieces 48 may be fixed to the cylindrical portion 258A by any one of (1) adhesion, (2) fitting, (3) welding and adhesion, (4) adhesion and fitting, (5) welding and fitting, and (6) welding, adhesion, and fitting. Each of the plurality of yoke pieces 48 may be fixed to the flange 358B by any one of (1) adhesion, (2) fitting, (3) welding and adhesion, (4) adhesion and fitting, (5) welding and fitting, and (6) welding, adhesion, and fitting.

[0142] The fixing portion 48B is fixed to the connecting member 358. In the present embodiment, the fixing portion 48B of the yoke piece 48 is fixed to the connecting member 358 by welding. The fixing portion 48B of the yoke piece 48 is fixed to the cylindrical portion 258A and the flange 358B by welding. The first fixing portion 48E is fixed to the cylindrical portion 258A by welding. The second fixing portion 48F is fixed to the flange 358B by welding. That is, the yoke assembly 66 includes a plurality of welded portions 68 and a plurality of welded portions 70. However, the fixing portion 48B of the yoke piece 48 may be fixed to the connecting member 358 (the cylindrical portion 258A and / or the flange 358B) by any one of the following methods: (1) adhesion, (2) fitting, (3) welding and adhesion, (4) adhesion and fitting, (5) welding and fitting, and (6) welding, adhesion, and fitting.

[0143] As shown in FIG. 44, the connecting member 356 includes at least one protruding portion 356D that protrudes radially inward from the cylindrical portion 256A. In the present embodiment, the connecting member 356 includes a plurality of protruding portions 356D that protrude radially inward from the cylindrical portion 256A. The plurality of protruding portions 356D are configured to position the plurality of yoke pieces 46 with respect to the hub shaft 234 in the circumferential direction D2. The flange 356B includes a plurality of holes 256F. The protrusion 56E of the first embodiment is omitted from the connecting member 356. At least one of the plurality of holes 256F may be omitted from the connecting member 356.

[0144] Since the connecting member 358 has the same shape as the connecting member 356, the description of the connecting member 358 is omitted. The connecting member 358 may have a shape different from that of the connecting member 356.

[0145] As shown in FIG. 40, the rotation of the plurality of yoke pieces 46 and the connecting member 356 with respect to the hub shaft 234 is restricted by the plurality of protruding portions 356D of the connecting member 356.

[0146] As shown in FIG. 42, the rotation of the plurality of yoke pieces 48 and the connecting member 358 with respect to the hub shaft 234 is restricted by the plurality of protruding portions 358D of the connecting member 358.

[0147] As shown in FIG. 45, the connecting member 356 is at least partially disposed between the plurality of yoke pieces 46 and the axis A1 in the radial direction D3 of the axis A1. The connecting member 356 is at least partially disposed between the plurality of yoke pieces 46 and the hub shaft 234 in the radial direction D3 of the axis A1. In the present embodiment, the connecting member 356 is partially disposed between the plurality of yoke pieces 46 and the axis A1 in the radial direction D3. The connecting member 356 is partially disposed between the plurality of yoke pieces 46 and the hub shaft 234 in the radial direction D3. The cylindrical portion 256A of the connecting member 356 is entirely disposed between the plurality of yoke pieces 46 and the hub shaft 234 in the radial direction D3 of the axis A1. However, the connecting member 356 may be entirely disposed between the plurality of yoke pieces 46 and the axis A1 in the radial direction D3. The connecting member 356 may be entirely disposed between the plurality of yoke pieces 46 and the hub shaft 234 in the radial direction D3. The cylindrical portion 256A of the connecting member 356 may be partially disposed between the plurality of yoke pieces 46 and the hub shaft 234 in the radial direction D3.

[0148] As shown in FIG. 46, the connecting member 358 is at least partially disposed between the plurality of yoke pieces 48 and the axis A1 in the radial direction D3 of the axis A1. The connecting member 358 is at least partially disposed between the plurality of yoke pieces 48 and the hub shaft 234 in the radial direction D3 of the axis A1. In the present embodiment, the connecting member 358 is partially disposed between the plurality of yoke pieces 48 and the axis A1 in the radial direction D3. The connecting member 358 is partially disposed between the plurality of yoke pieces 48 and the hub shaft 234 in the radial direction D3. The cylindrical portion 258A of the connecting member 358 is entirely disposed between the plurality of yoke pieces 48 and the hub shaft 234 in the radial direction D3 of the axis A1. However, the connecting member 358 may be entirely disposed between the plurality of yoke pieces 48 and the axis A1 in the radial direction D3. The connecting member 358 may be entirely disposed between the plurality of yoke pieces 48 and the hub shaft 234 in the radial direction D3. The cylindrical portion 258A of the connecting member 358 may be partially disposed between the plurality of yoke pieces 48 and the hub shaft 234 in the radial direction D3.

[0149] The connecting members 356 and 358 are sandwiched between the lock nuts 50 and 255 in the axial direction D1. The flanges 356B and 358B are sandwiched between the plurality of yoke pieces 46 and the plurality of yoke pieces 48 in the axial direction D1. The plurality of yoke pieces 46 are axially separated from the lock nut 255. The plurality of yoke pieces 48 are axially separated from the lock nut 50.

[0150] The stator 312 of the generator 10 of the human - powered vehicle 2 is manufactured by the manufacturing method shown in FIG. 47. As shown in FIG. 47, the manufacturing method of the stator 312 is partially different from the manufacturing method of the stator 12 in the order of steps. As shown in FIGS. 48 and 49, the jig used in the manufacturing method of the stator 312 has substantially the same structure as the jigs 80 and 90 of the first and second embodiments.

[0151] As shown in FIG. 47, the manufacturing method of the stator 312 of the generator 10 of the human - powered vehicle 2 includes a connecting member arranging step S31 of attaching the connecting member 356 to the jig 80. As shown in FIGS. 48 and 49, in the connecting member arranging step S31, the connecting member 356 is attached to the jig 80 such that the axial center A1 of the connecting member 356 substantially coincides with the reference axial center A8. More specifically, the plurality of protrusions 356D of the connecting member 356 are inserted into the plurality of additional positioning grooves 88C.

[0152] As shown in FIG. 47, the manufacturing method of the stator 312 of the generator 10 of the human - powered vehicle 2 includes a yoke arranging step S32 of attaching the plurality of yoke pieces 46, which are separate members from each other, to the jig 80 so that the plurality of yoke pieces 46 are arranged around the reference axial center A8. As shown in FIGS. 48 and 49, in the yoke arranging step S32, the plurality of yoke pieces 46 are inserted into the plurality of positioning grooves 86B. Therefore, the plurality of yoke pieces 46 can be arranged at a predetermined angle with respect to the connecting member 356.

[0153] As shown in FIG. 47, a method for manufacturing the stator 312 of the generator 10 of the human - powered vehicle 2 includes a fixing step S3 of fixing a plurality of yoke pieces 46 to a connecting member 356 respectively. As shown in FIGS. 48 and 49, in the fixing step S3, the plurality of yoke pieces 46 are respectively fixed to the cylindrical portion 256A of the connecting member 356 by welding (S3A). As shown in FIG. 41, in the fixing step S3, the plurality of yoke pieces 46 fixed to the connecting member 356 are removed from the jig 80 (S3B). In the fixing step S3, the plurality of yoke pieces 46 removed from the jig 80 are further fixed to the connecting member 356 by welding respectively (S3C). More specifically, a plurality of fixing portions 46B of the plurality of yoke pieces 46 are fixed to the flange 356B of the connecting member 356 by welding. However, the step S3C in which the plurality of yoke pieces 46 removed from the jig 80 are fixed to the connecting member 356 by welding respectively may be omitted from the fixing step S3.

[0154] As shown in FIG. 47, similar to the connecting member 356 and the plurality of yoke pieces 46, a plurality of yoke pieces 48 are respectively fixed to a connecting member 358 by a connecting - member arranging step S34, a yoke - arranging step S35, and a fixing step S6. The connecting - member arranging step S34, the yoke - arranging step S35, and the fixing step S6 are substantially the same as the connecting - member arranging step S31, the yoke - arranging step S32, and the fixing step S3. Therefore, detailed descriptions of the connecting - member arranging step S34, the yoke - arranging step S35, and the fixing step S6 are omitted.

[0155] As shown in FIG. 47, the method for manufacturing the stator 312 further includes an attachment step S37 of attaching a plurality of yoke pieces 46 (i.e., the yoke assembly 60) connected by the connecting member 356 to the hub shaft 234. More specifically, in the attachment step S37, before the connecting member 356 and the plurality of yoke pieces 46 are attached to the hub shaft 234, a lock nut 255 is attached to the hub shaft 234 (S37A). Similar to the attachment step S7 of the first embodiment, in the attachment step S37, the yoke assemblies 60 and 66 are attached to the coil 30 and the bobbin 32 (S7B, S7C). In the attachment step S37, a coil unit composed of the yoke assembly 60, the yoke assembly 66, the coil 30, and the bobbin 32 is attached to the hub shaft 234 (S7D). In the attachment step S37, a lock nut 50 is attached to the hub shaft 234 (S7E). By screwing the lock nut 50 into the threaded portion 34C, the connecting member 356, the plurality of yoke pieces 46, the bobbin 32, the plurality of yoke pieces 48, and the connecting member 358 are sandwiched between the lock nuts 50 and 255. Note that the assembling order of the coil 30, the bobbin 32, the yoke assembly 60, and the yoke assembly 66 is not limited to the above order. For example, at least two of the yoke assembly 60, the yoke assembly 66, and the bobbin 32 may be separately attached to the hub shaft 234. 〔Modification〕 (1) In the first, second, and third embodiments, the welded portion 62 is formed by fillet welding. However, as shown in FIG. 50, the welded portion 62 may be formed by butt welding. As shown in FIG. 51, the welded portion 62 may be formed by penetration welding. As shown in FIG. 52, the welded portion 62 may be formed within the hole 56F. The same applies to the welded portions 64, 68, and 70 of the first, second, and third embodiments. (2) As shown in FIG. 53, in the first embodiment, the cylindrical portion 56A may be omitted from the connecting member 56. As shown in FIG. 54, in the first embodiment, the flange 56B may be omitted from the connecting member 56. (3) In the first embodiment, when fixing the plurality of yoke pieces 46 to the connecting members 56 by adhesion respectively, for example, before attaching the connecting member 56 to the jig 80 in the connecting member arranging step S2 of the manufacturing method shown in FIG. 16, a step of applying an adhesive to at least one of the connecting member 56 and the plurality of yoke pieces 46 is added as a part of the fixing step. The step of attaching the connecting member 56 to the jig 80 is the connecting member arranging step S2 and also becomes a part of the fixing step. In this case, the fixing step S3 is omitted. The same applies to the fixing step S6. Also, in the second and third embodiments, when the fixing method is adhesion, the steps of the manufacturing method can be appropriately changed in the same manner. (4) In the first embodiment, when fixing the plurality of yoke pieces 46 to the connecting members 56 by fitting respectively, for example, when attaching the connecting member 56 to the jig 80 in the connecting member arranging step S2 of the manufacturing method shown in FIG. 16, the plurality of yoke pieces 46 are fitted into the plurality of grooves provided in the connecting member 56, and the plurality of yoke pieces 46 are fixed to the connecting member 56 respectively. In this case, the connecting member arranging step S2 and the fixing step S3 can be integrated into one step. In this case, the fixing step S3 is omitted. The same applies to the fixing step S6. Also, in the second and third embodiments, when the fixing method is fitting, the steps of the manufacturing method can be appropriately changed in the same manner.

[0156] In the present application, "comprise" and its derivatives are non-limiting terms for explaining the existence of components and do not exclude the existence of other components not described. This also applies to "have", "include" and their derivatives.

[0157] The terms "~ member", "~ part", "~ element", "~ body", and "~ structure" can have multiple meanings such as a single part or a plurality of parts.

[0158] Ordinal numbers such as "first" and "second" are merely terms for identifying the configuration and do not have other meanings (such as a specific order, etc.). For example, just because there is a "first element" does not implicitly mean that there is a "second element", nor does the presence of a "second element" implicitly mean the presence of a "first element".

[0159] As used herein, the term "pair of" includes cases where a pair of elements have different shapes or structures in addition to cases where a pair of elements have the same shape or structure.

[0160] As used herein, the expression "at least one" means "one or more" of the desired options. As an example, the expression "at least one" as used herein means "only one option" or "both of the two options" if the number of options is two. As another example, the expression "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. For example, the phrase "at least one of A and B" includes (1) only A, (2) only B, and (3) both A and B. The phrase "at least one of A, B, and C" includes (1) only A, (2) only B, (3) only C, (4) both A and B, (5) both B and C, (6) both A and C, and (7) all of A, B, and C. In other words, in the present disclosure, the phrase "at least one of A and B" does not mean "at least one of A and at least one of B".

[0161] Terms such as "substantially", "about", and "approximately" indicating a degree may mean a reasonable amount of deviation such that the final result does not change significantly. All numerical values described in this application may be interpreted as including terms such as "substantially", "about", and "approximately".

[0162] Considering the above disclosure, it is obvious that various changes and modifications to the present invention are possible. Therefore, the present invention may be implemented in a manner different from the specific disclosure of this application without departing from the spirit of the present invention.

Explanation of Reference Numerals

[0163] 2 human-powered vehicle, 10, 210, 310 generator, 12, 212, 312 stator, 14 rotating body, 16 rotor, 18 magnet, 30 coil, 32 bobbin, 32A support hole, 34 hub shaft, 46 yoke piece, 46A yoke body, 46B fixing part, 46E first fixing part, 46F second fixing part, 48 yoke piece, 48A yoke body, 48B fixing part, 48E first fixing part, 48F second fixing part, 56, 256, 356 connecting member, 56A cylindrical part, 56B flange, 56C through hole, 56D protrusion, 58, 258, 358 connecting member, 58A cylindrical part, 58B flange, 58C through hole, 58D protrusion, 80, 90 jig, S1, S4, S32, S35 yoke arrangement process, S2, S5, S31, S34 connecting member arrangement process, S3, S6 fixing process, S7, S37 mounting process

Claims

1. A stator of a generator for a human - powered vehicle, comprising: a coil wound around an axis; a plurality of yoke pieces arranged side by side in the circumferential direction of the axis; a connecting member configured as a separate member from the plurality of yoke pieces, wherein the plurality of yoke pieces are each fixed to the connecting member; the connecting member includes a cylindrical portion extending along the axis and an extension portion extending outward from the cylindrical portion in the radial direction of the axis, the stator.

2. The stator according to claim 1, wherein the plurality of yoke pieces are each fixed to the connecting member by at least one of welding, adhesion, and fitting.

3. The stator according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the connecting member extends in the circumferential direction.

4. The stator according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the connecting member is annular.

5. The stator according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the connecting member is at least partially disposed between the plurality of yoke pieces and the axis in the radial direction of the axis.

6. The stator according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the plurality of yoke pieces are each fixed to the extension portion by at least one of welding, adhesion, and fitting.

7. The stator according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the plurality of yoke pieces are each fixed to the cylindrical portion by at least one of welding, adhesion, and fitting.

8. The stator according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the extension portion includes a flange extending outward from the cylindrical portion in the radial direction of the axis.

9. The stator according to claim 8, wherein the plurality of yoke pieces are each fixed to the flange by at least one of welding, adhesion, and fitting.

10. Each of the plurality of yoke pieces includes: a yoke body arranged to face the coil in the radial direction of the axis; a fixing portion extending from the yoke body toward the axis in the radial direction and fixed to the connecting member, the stator according to any one of claims 1 to 9.

11. The stator further includes a bobbin configured as a separate member from the plurality of yoke pieces and the connecting member, the coil is wound around the bobbin, the bobbin includes a support hole extending along the axis, the fixing portion is at least partially disposed within the support hole, the stator according to claim 10.

12. Further comprising a hub shaft for supporting the coil and the plurality of yoke pieces, The stator according to any one of claims 1 to 11, wherein the connecting member is at least partially disposed between the plurality of yoke pieces and the hub shaft in the radial direction of the axis.

13. A generator for a human-powered vehicle, A stator according to any one of claims 1 to 12, A rotor provided rotatably about the axis with respect to the stator, And a rotor provided on the rotor and including magnets.

14. A method for manufacturing a stator of a generator for a human-powered vehicle, A yoke arranging step of attaching the plurality of yoke pieces to a jig so that the plurality of yoke pieces, which are separate members from each other, are aligned around a reference axis, A connecting member arranging step of attaching a connecting member to the jig, And a fixing step of fixing each of the plurality of yoke pieces to the connecting member.

15. The manufacturing method according to claim 14, further comprising an attaching step of attaching the plurality of yoke pieces connected by the connecting member to a hub shaft.

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