component
The component for human-powered vehicles integrates two metal materials with varying ratios to prevent corrosion and enhance convenience, addressing weight and structural issues in complex designs.
Patent Information
- Application Number
- JP2022016575
- Authority / Receiving Office
- JP · JP
- Patent Type
- Patents
- Current Assignee / Owner
- Filing Date
- 2022-02-04
- Publication Date
- 2025-11-12
- Estimated Expiration
- 2042-02-04
AI Technical Summary
Existing components for human-powered vehicles do not adequately address issues such as electrolytic corrosion, weight, and convenience, particularly in complex shapes where different metal materials are not integrated effectively.
A component for human-powered vehicles with a housing made of two metal materials, where the first portion is integrally formed with a minimum thickness of 2 mm or more, and the second portion is a magnesium alloy, with varying ratios of materials to prevent separation and corrosion, and includes features like bushings and recesses to suppress rattle and corrosion.
The solution enhances convenience by reducing weight, preventing corrosion, and improving thermal conductivity while maintaining structural integrity and reducing parts, suitable for complex shapes.
Smart Images

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Abstract
Description
[Technical Field]
[0001] The present disclosure relates to components. [Background technology]
[0002] Patent Document 1 discloses a component for a human-powered vehicle having a housing. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]
[0003] [Patent Document 1] JP 2017-24700 A Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]
[0004] One of the objectives of the present disclosure is to provide a component that can improve convenience. [Means for solving the problem]
[0005] A component according to a first aspect of the present disclosure is for a human-powered vehicle. The component includes a metal housing configured to be attached to a support member of the human-powered vehicle. The housing includes at least one first portion including a first metal material and at least one second portion including a second metal material different from the first metal material, the second portion having a different composition from the first portion and integrally formed with the at least one first portion. The at least one first portion and the at least one second portion each have a minimum thickness of 2 mm or greater.
[0006] The component of the first aspect can form a housing in which two types of parts with different metal material compositions are integrally formed depending on the application, thereby improving convenience.
[0007] In the component of the second aspect according to the first aspect, the at least one first portion includes a mixed portion at a boundary with the at least one second portion where the first metal material and the second metal material are mixed.
[0008] The component on the second side surface has the first portion and the second portion integrally formed via the mixed portion, which prevents separation between the first portion including the first metal member and the second portion including the second metal member.
[0009] In the component of the third aspect according to the second aspect, the at least one first portion has a ratio of the first metal material and the second metal material that varies depending on the distance from the at least one second portion.
[0010] The component of the third aspect allows the characteristics of the first portion to be changed depending on the distance from the second portion.
[0011] In the component of the fourth aspect according to the third aspect, the at least one first portion has a ratio of the first metal material and the second metal material that continuously changes depending on the distance from the at least one second portion.
[0012] The component according to the fourth aspect can further suppress separation between the first and second portions.
[0013] In the component of the fifth aspect according to any one of the first to fourth aspects, the at least one first portion includes a contact portion that is in contact with a metal member, the metal member being made of a material different from the second metal material.
[0014] According to the component of the fifth aspect, contact between the metal member and the second part can be prevented, and the component can prevent deterioration of the second part due to contact with the metal member.
[0015] In the component of the sixth aspect according to the fifth aspect, a difference between the ionization tendency of the first metallic material and the ionization tendency of the metallic member is smaller than a difference between the ionization tendency of the second metallic material and the ionization tendency of the metallic member.
[0016] According to the component of the sixth aspect, the occurrence of electrolytic corrosion due to metal members can be suppressed.
[0017] In the contact portion of the component on the seventh side surface according to the sixth side surface, the ratio of the first metal material is greater than the second metal material.
[0018] According to the component of the seventh aspect, the occurrence of electrolytic corrosion due to metal members can be further suppressed.
[0019] In the component of the eighth aspect according to any one of the fifth to seventh aspects, the first metal material includes one of iron and aluminum, and the second metal material includes a magnesium alloy.
[0020] According to the component of the eighth aspect, the occurrence of electrolytic corrosion in the second portion can be suppressed. The component can reduce the weight of the housing by using the second metal material.
[0021] In the component of the ninth aspect according to any one of the fifth to eighth aspects, the housing is formed with at least one first hole into which a first mounting member for mounting the housing to the support member is inserted, the metal member being the first mounting member, and the at least one first hole is formed in the first portion.
[0022] According to the component of the ninth aspect, it is possible to suppress the occurrence of electrolytic corrosion at the attachment portion of the housing to the support member.
[0023] In the component of aspect 10 according to any one of aspects 5 to 9, the housing has at least one second hole through which a second mounting member for mounting the housing to the support member is inserted via a bushing, the metal member being the bushing. The at least one second hole is formed in the first portion.
[0024] According to the component of the tenth aspect, when the component is attached to the housing via a bush, the occurrence of galvanic corrosion due to the bush can be suppressed.
[0025] In the component of aspect 11 according to aspect 10, the second mounting member is a bolt having an external thread portion, the bushing has an internal thread portion that is coupled to the external thread portion of the bolt, and the bushing is movable along the axial direction of the at least one second hole when the housing is attached to the support member by the bolt.
[0026] According to the component of the eleventh aspect, the bushing can suppress the occurrence of electrolytic corrosion, and the bushing can suppress the occurrence of rattle between the component and the support member. For example, when the housing is attached to the support member with bolts, the component can suppress deformation of the housing and the support member.
[0027] In the component of aspect 12 according to aspect 11, the housing has at least one recess formed in an inner periphery defining the at least one second hole, the recess extending radially of the at least one second hole at an intermediate portion between both axial ends of the at least one second hole, and the bushing has at least one protrusion inserted into the at least one recess.
[0028] According to the component of the twelfth aspect, it is possible to prevent the bush from coming off the housing. When the bolt is rotated, the component can suppress the rotation of the bush relative to the rotation of the bolt.
[0029] In the component of a thirteenth aspect according to any one of the ninth to twelfth aspects, the specific gravity of the second metal material is greater than the specific gravity of the first metal material.
[0030] According to the component of the thirteenth aspect, the weight can be reduced compared to a component whose housing is made of only the second metal material.
[0031] In the component of aspect 14 according to any one of aspects 1 to 13, the at least one first portion covers the at least one second portion so that the at least one second portion is not exposed to the outside.
[0032] According to the component of the fourteenth aspect, adhesion of, for example, water, snow-melting agent, etc. to the second part can be suppressed. The component can suppress deterioration of the second part due to, for example, water, snow-melting agent, etc.
[0033] In the component of the fifteenth aspect according to the first aspect, the at least one first portion includes two first portions, and at least a portion of the second portion is disposed between the two first portions.
[0034] According to the component of the fifteenth aspect, deterioration of the second portion can be further suppressed.
[0035] In the component of aspect 16 according to aspect 15, the thermal conductivity of the second metal material is greater than the thermal conductivity of the first metal material.
[0036] According to the component of the sixteenth aspect, the amount of heat dissipated from the housing per unit time can be increased. The component can, for example, suppress temperature increases in parts housed in the housing.
[0037] In the component of aspect 17 according to aspect 15 or aspect 16, the at least one first portion is positioned closer to an outer surface of the housing than the at least one second portion.
[0038] According to the component of the seventeenth aspect, deterioration of the second portion can be suppressed, and the amount of heat dissipated from the housing per unit time can be increased.
[0039] In the component of aspect 18 according to any one of aspects 15 to 17, the second metallic material includes copper.
[0040] According to the component of the eighteenth aspect, the amount of heat dissipated from the housing per unit time can be increased. The component can suppress temperature rises of parts housed in the housing.
[0041] In the component of aspect 19 according to any one of aspects 15 to 18, the first metallic material includes at least one of iron, aluminum, and magnesium.
[0042] According to the component of the nineteenth aspect, the strength of the component can be increased.
[0043] The component of the twentieth aspect according to any one of the first to nineteenth aspects, wherein the housing is formed by additive manufacturing.
[0044] According to the component of the twentieth aspect, the number of parts can be reduced. The component can be formed by integrating the first portion and the second portion, even for a component with a complex shape. [Effects of the Invention]
[0045] The components for human-powered vehicles disclosed herein can improve convenience. [Brief explanation of the drawings]
[0046] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a side view of a human-powered vehicle according to a first embodiment. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a front view of the component according to the first embodiment. [Figure 3] FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view taken along line III-III in FIG. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is an exploded perspective view of the component and the support member according to the first embodiment. [Figure 5] FIG. 5 is a plan view of the component and the support member according to the first embodiment. [Figure 6] FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view taken along line VI-VI in FIG. [Figure 7] FIG. 7 is a schematic view illustrating the second attachment portion according to the first embodiment. [Figure 8] FIG. 8 is a schematic view illustrating the first attachment portion according to the first embodiment. [Figure 9] FIG. 9 is a schematic view illustrating a second attachment portion according to the second embodiment. [Figure 10] FIG. 10 is a schematic diagram of the cross section taken along line XX in FIG. [Figure 11] FIG. 11 is a schematic view illustrating a housing according to a modified example. [Figure 12] FIG. 12 is a schematic diagram illustrating a housing according to a modified example. [Figure 13] FIG. 13 is a schematic diagram illustrating a housing according to a modified example. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0047] First Embodiment The human-powered vehicle 10 will be described with reference to FIG. 1. The human-powered vehicle 10 includes a component 40 for human-powered vehicles. The component 40 is, for example, a drive unit. The human-powered vehicle 10 is a vehicle that has at least one wheel and can be propelled at least by human-powered force. The human-powered vehicle 10 includes various types of bicycles, such as mountain bikes, road bikes, city bikes, cargo bikes, hand bikes, and recumbent bikes. The number of wheels that the human-powered vehicle 10 has is not limited. The human-powered vehicle 10 also includes, for example, unicycles and vehicles with three or more wheels. The human-powered vehicle 10 is not limited to vehicles that can be propelled solely by human-powered force. The human-powered vehicle 10 also includes e-bikes that use not only human-powered force but also the driving force of an electric motor for propulsion. E-bikes include electrically assisted bicycles whose propulsion is assisted by an electric motor. In the following embodiments, the human-powered vehicle 10 will be described as an electrically assisted bicycle.
[0048] The human-powered vehicle 10 includes a crank 12 to which a human-powered driving force is input. The human-powered vehicle 10 further includes wheels 14 and a vehicle body 16. The wheels 14 include a rear wheel 14A and a front wheel 14B. The vehicle body 16 includes a frame 18. The crank 12 includes an input shaft 12A and a pair of crank arms 12B provided at both axial ends of the input shaft 12A. The input shaft 12A is rotatable relative to the frame 18. The pair of crank arms 12B are provided at both axial ends of the input shaft 12A. The input shaft 12A is a crank shaft. A pair of pedals 20 are respectively connected to each crank arm 12B. The rear wheel 14A is driven by rotation of the crank 12. The rear wheel 14A is supported by the frame 18. The crank 12 and the rear wheel 14A are connected by a drive mechanism 22. The drive mechanism 22 includes a first drive rotor 24. The first drive rotor 24 is coupled to the input shaft 12A. The first drive rotor 24 includes a sprocket, a pulley, or a bevel gear. The drive mechanism 22 further includes a second drive rotor 26 and a connecting member 28. The connecting member 28 transmits the rotational force of the first drive rotor 24 to the second drive rotor 26. The connecting member 28 includes, for example, a chain, a belt, or a shaft.
[0049] The second driving rotor 26 is connected to the rear wheel 14A. The second driving rotor 26 includes a sprocket, a pulley, or a bevel gear. A one-way clutch is preferably provided between the second driving rotor 26 and the rear wheel 14A. When the second driving rotor 26 rotates forward, the one-way clutch causes the rear wheel 14A to rotate forward. When the second driving rotor 26 rotates backward, the one-way clutch is configured to allow relative rotation between the second driving rotor 26 and the rear wheel 14A. The first driving rotor 24 includes only one sprocket, and the second driving rotor 26 includes multiple sprockets. The first driving rotor 24 may include multiple sprockets. The second driving rotor 26 may include only one sprocket. If at least one of the first driving rotor 24 and the second driving rotor 26 includes multiple sprockets, the human-powered vehicle 10 further includes a derailleur that moves the chain between the multiple sprockets. A rear derailleur 27 is provided on the frame 18.
[0050] A front wheel 14B is attached to the frame 18 via a front fork 30. A handlebar 34 is connected to the front fork 30 via a stem 32. The rear wheel 14A is connected to the crank 12 by a drive mechanism 22. At least one of the rear wheel 14A and the front wheel 14B may be connected to the crank 12 by the drive mechanism 22.
[0051] The human-powered vehicle 10 includes a human-powered vehicle battery 36. The battery 36 includes one or more battery elements. The battery element includes a rechargeable battery. The battery 36 supplies power to the component 40. The battery 36 is preferably communicatively connected to a control unit 54A of the component 40 via an electric cable or a wireless communication device. The battery 36 can communicate with the control unit 54A via, for example, power line communication (PLC), a controller area network (CAN), or a universal asynchronous receiver / transmitter (UART).
[0052] As shown in FIGS. 2 and 3 , the component 40 according to the first embodiment includes an input shaft 12A, a power transmission member 42, an output unit 44, a motor 46, and a reducer 48. The component 40 includes an electronic circuit board 50. The electronic circuit board 50 includes a first circuit board 52 and a second circuit board 54. The first circuit board 52 includes an inverter circuit 52A. The inverter circuit 52A is configured to supply power to the motor 46. The second circuit board 54 includes a control unit 54A. The control unit 54A is electrically connected to the inverter circuit 52A. The control unit 54A is configured to control the inverter circuit 52A. The electronic circuit board 50 may include a single circuit board. The component 40 includes a housing 56. A portion of the input shaft 12A, a portion of the output unit 44, the power transmission member 42, the motor 46, the reducer 48, and the electronic circuit board 50 are accommodated in an accommodation space SA of the housing 56.
[0053] The input shaft 12A is provided to pass through a first through-hole of the housing 56 and a second through-hole of the housing 56. The input shaft 12A is rotatably supported by the housing 56 via a first bearing 60.
[0054] The power transmission member 42 is configured to transmit rotational force input to the input shaft 12A to the output part 44. The power transmission member 42 is connected to both the input shaft 12A and the output part 44. The power transmission member 42 is formed in a substantially cylindrical shape. The power transmission member 42 is provided so as to surround the outer periphery of the input shaft 12A. A first end 42A of the power transmission member 42 is directly connected to the outer periphery of the input shaft 12A. The first end 42A of the power transmission member 42 and the outer periphery of the input shaft 12A are respectively formed with splines that mesh with each other. A second end 42B of the power transmission member 42 is connected to the output part 44 via a first one-way clutch 62.
[0055] The first one-way clutch 62 includes a roller clutch, a sprag clutch, or a ratchet clutch. The first one-way clutch 62 transmits rotational force in a predetermined rotational direction from the input shaft 12A to the output unit 44 when the rotational speed of the input shaft 12A in the predetermined rotational direction exceeds the rotational speed of the output unit 44 in the predetermined rotational direction. The predetermined rotational direction corresponds to the rotational direction of the input shaft 12A when the input shaft 12A is rotated to move the human-powered vehicle forward. The first one-way clutch 62 does not transmit rotational force in the predetermined rotational direction from the output unit 44 to the input shaft 12A when the rotational speed of the output unit 44 in the predetermined rotational direction exceeds the rotational speed of the input shaft 12A in the predetermined rotational direction.
[0056] The output portion 44 is disposed to pass through the second through-hole of the housing 56. The output portion 44 is formed in a substantially cylindrical shape. The output portion 44 has a first rotational axis C1. The output portion 44 is rotatably supported by the housing 56 via a second bearing 64. The input shaft 12A is inserted into the output portion 44. A third bearing 66 is disposed between the output portion 44 and the input shaft 12A. The output portion 44 rotatably supports the input shaft 12A via the third bearing 66. At least a portion of the third bearing 66 is disposed to overlap the second bearing 64 in a direction perpendicular to the first rotational axis C1. A connecting portion 44A that connects the first drive rotor 24 is disposed on the outer periphery of the axial end of the output portion 44. The connecting portion 44A has one or more splines extending along the axial direction of the input shaft 12A.
[0057] The motor 46 is configured to provide propulsive force to the human-powered vehicle 10. The motor 46 has a second rotational axis C2. The motor 46 includes one or more electric motors. The electric motors are, for example, brushless motors. An output shaft 46A of the motor 46 is rotatably supported in the housing 56 via a fourth bearing 70. The output shaft 46A of the motor 46 is disposed parallel to the input shaft 12A.
[0058] The reducer 48 includes a first reduction gear unit 72, a second reduction gear unit 74, and a third reduction gear unit 76. The first reduction gear unit 72 includes a first rotating shaft 72A, a first rotating body 72B, and a second rotating body 72C. The first rotating shaft 72A is disposed parallel to the input shaft 12A. The first rotating shaft 72A has a third rotation axis C3. The first rotating shaft 72A is rotatably supported by the housing 56 via a fifth bearing 78. The first rotating body 72B is provided on the output shaft 46A of the motor 46 so as to rotate integrally with the output shaft 46A of the motor 46. The first rotating body 72B is a gear having teeth provided on its outer periphery. The diameter of the second rotating body 72C is larger than the diameter of the first rotating body 72B. The second rotating body 72C is provided on the first rotating shaft 72A so as to rotate integrally with the first rotating shaft 72A. Second rotating body 72C is a gear with teeth provided on its outer periphery. The teeth of second rotating body 72C mesh with the teeth of first rotating body 72B, thereby directly connecting second rotating body 72C and first rotating body 72B. The rotation of output shaft 46A of motor 46 is decelerated via first rotating body 72B and second rotating body 72C and transmitted to first rotating shaft 72A.
[0059] The second reduction gear unit 74 includes a second rotating shaft 74A, a third rotating body 74B, and a fourth rotating body 74C. The second rotating shaft 74A is disposed parallel to the input shaft 12A. The second rotating shaft 74A has a fourth rotation axis C4. The second rotating shaft 74A is rotatably supported by the housing 56 via a sixth bearing 80. The third rotating body 74B is provided on the first rotating shaft 72A so as to rotate integrally with the first rotating shaft 72A. The third rotating body 74B is a gear having teeth provided on its outer periphery. The diameter of the fourth rotating body 74C is larger than the diameter of the third rotating body 74B. The fourth rotating body 74C is provided on the second rotating shaft 74A so as to rotate integrally with the second rotating shaft 74A. The fourth rotating body 74C is a gear having teeth provided on its outer periphery. The teeth of fourth rotor 74C mesh with the teeth of third rotor 74B, thereby directly connecting fourth rotor 74C and third rotor 74B. The rotation of first rotating shaft 72A is decelerated via third rotor 74B and fourth rotor 74C and transmitted to second rotating shaft 74A.
[0060] The third reduction gear unit 76 includes a fifth rotor 76A and a sixth rotor 76B. The fifth rotor 76A is provided on the second rotating shaft 74A. The fifth rotor 76A is a gear with teeth provided on its outer periphery. The diameter of the sixth rotor 76B is larger than the diameter of the fifth rotor 76A. The sixth rotor 76B is provided on the output unit 44 so as to rotate integrally with the output unit 44. The sixth rotor 76B is a gear with teeth provided on its outer periphery. The gear of the sixth rotor 76B meshes with the gear of the fifth rotor 76A via a second one-way clutch 82, thereby connecting the sixth rotor 76B and the fifth rotor 76A. The rotation of the second rotating shaft 74A is reduced in speed via the fifth rotor 76A, the second one-way clutch 82, and the sixth rotor 76B and is transmitted to the output unit 44.
[0061] The reducer 48 has a second one-way clutch 82. The second one-way clutch 82 is provided between the fifth rotor 76A and the second rotating shaft 74A. When the rotational speed of the fifth rotor 76A in the predetermined rotational direction exceeds the rotational speed of the sixth rotor 76B in the predetermined rotational direction, the second one-way clutch 82 transmits rotational force from the fifth rotor 76A to the sixth rotor 76B. When the rotational speed of the sixth rotor 76B in the predetermined rotational direction exceeds the rotational speed of the fifth rotor 76A in the predetermined rotational direction, the second one-way clutch 82 rotates the fifth rotor 76A and the sixth rotor 76B relative to each other. When the rotational speed of the sixth rotor 76B in the predetermined rotational direction exceeds the rotational speed of the fifth rotor 76A in the predetermined rotational direction, the second one-way clutch 82 does not transmit rotational force from the sixth rotor 76B to the fifth rotor 76A.
[0062] As shown in Figures 4 to 6, the housing 56 is configured to be attached to a support member 90 of the human-powered vehicle 10. The support member 90 is provided on the frame 18, for example. The support member 90 may be formed integrally with the frame 18 as a single member. The support member 90 may be formed separately from the frame 18 and attached to the frame 18. The support member 90 may also be part of the frame 18. The support member 90 is made of, for example, metal. The support member 90 includes, for example, one of iron and aluminum. The support member 90 is, for example, an aluminum alloy. The support member 90 may also be made of resin.
[0063] The housing 56 includes a first housing 56A and a second housing 56B. The first housing 56A and the second housing 56B form an accommodation space SA. The first housing 56A and the second housing 56B are fixed to each other by bolts 92, for example.
[0064] The housing 56 has at least one first mounting portion 100 and at least one second mounting portion 102. In this embodiment, the at least one first mounting portion 100 includes three first mounting portions 100. In this embodiment, the at least one second mounting portion 102 includes three second mounting portions 102. Each first mounting portion 100 and each second mounting portion 102 is arranged in pairs and protrudes from a side surface of the housing 56. Each first mounting portion 100 and each second mounting portion 102 may be provided on the side surface of the housing 56. The first mounting portion 100 and each second mounting portion 102 may be integrally formed. The pair of first mounting portion 100 and second mounting portion 102 face each other with a predetermined gap in the direction of the first rotation axis C1. Each first mounting portion 100 and each second mounting portion 102 are provided on the first housing 56A. Each of the first mounting portions 100 and each of the second mounting portions 102 may be provided on the second housing 56B. One of the first mounting portions 100 and each of the second mounting portions 102 may be provided on either the first housing 56A or the second housing 56B. The other of the first mounting portions 100 and each of the second mounting portions 102 may be provided on the other of the first housing 56A or the second housing 56B.
[0065] At least one first hole 104 is formed in the housing 56. The first hole 104 is formed in the first mounting portion 100. At least one first hole 104 is formed in each first mounting portion 100. A single first mounting portion 100 may have multiple first holes 104 formed therein. A first mounting member 106 is inserted into the first hole 104. The first mounting member 106 attaches the housing 56 to the support member 90. The first mounting member 106 is a bolt having a male thread portion 106a. A female thread portion 104a is formed on the inner circumferential wall of the first hole 104. The female thread portion 104a is coupled to the male thread portion 106a of the first mounting member 106.
[0066] At least one second hole 108 is formed in the housing 56. The second hole 108 is formed in the second mounting portion 102. At least one second hole 108 is formed in each second mounting portion 102. A plurality of second holes 108 may be formed in one second mounting portion 102. A second mounting member 110 is inserted into the second hole 108 via a bushing 112. The second mounting member 110 attaches the housing 56 to the support member 90. The second mounting member 110 is a bolt having a male thread portion 110a. The bushing 112 is press-fitted into the second hole 108.
[0067] The bushing 112 includes a cylindrical portion 112a and a flange portion 112b. At least a portion of the cylindrical portion 112a is press-fitted into the second hole 108. The bushing 112 is formed with a female thread portion 112c. The female thread portion 112c is coupled to the male thread portion 110a of the second mounting member 110. The female thread portion 112c is formed on the inner peripheral wall of the cylindrical portion 112a. The flange portion 112b is provided on the end of the cylindrical portion 112a opposite to the end that is press-fitted into the second hole 108. The flange portion 112b protrudes from the outer peripheral wall of the cylindrical portion 112a in the radial direction of the cylindrical portion 112a. The diameter of the outer peripheral wall of the flange portion 112b is larger than the diameter of the outer peripheral wall of the cylindrical portion 112a. When the housing 56 is attached to the support member 90 by the second mounting member 110, the bushing 112 is movable along the axial direction of at least one of the second holes 108. If there is a gap between the support member 90 and the second mounting portion 102 in the axial direction of the second hole 108, the bushing 112 moves toward the support member 90 by inserting the second mounting member 110 into the bushing 112 and tightening the second mounting member 110. The bushing 112 is maintained in a press-fit state in the second hole 108. The bushing 112 moves to a position where it abuts against the support member 90. The bushing 112 abutting against the support member 90 suppresses rattle between the support member 90 and the housing 56 in the axial direction of the second hole 108. The bushing 112 moves along the axial direction of the second hole 108, suppressing deformation of the support member 90. The bushing 112 includes, for example, aluminum and iron. The bushing 112 is made of, for example, an aluminum alloy.
[0068] The housing 56 is made of metal. As shown in FIGS. 7 and 8 , the housing 56 includes at least one first portion 120 and at least one second portion 122. The at least one first portion 120 includes a first metal material. The first metal material includes one of iron and aluminum. The at least one first portion 120 has a minimum thickness of 2 mm or more. The at least one second portion 122 includes a second metal material. The second metal material is different from the first metal material. The at least one second portion 122 has a different composition from the first portion 120 and is formed integrally with the at least one first portion 120. The specific gravity of the second metal material is greater than the specific gravity of the first metal material. The second metal material includes a magnesium alloy. The at least one second portion 122 has a minimum thickness of 2 mm or more. The housing 56 is formed by additive manufacturing. The first portion 120 and the second portion 122 are integrally formed as a one-piece component by additive manufacturing. For example, the housing 56 does not include a configuration in which the first portion 120 and the second portion 122 are molded separately and then the first portion 120 and the second portion 122 are attached or fastened together with fastening members such as bolts.
[0069] 7, in the second mounting portion 102 into which the bushing 112 is press-fitted, at least one second hole 108 is formed in the first portion 120. The first portion 120 is provided on the inner periphery side that defines the second hole 108 of the second mounting portion 102. The first portion 120 is provided in a position of the second mounting portion 102 that faces the flange portion 112b of the bushing 112. The portion of the first portion 120 that faces the flange is formed in an annular shape that is larger in diameter than the flange portion 112b.
[0070] For example, as shown in FIG. 8 , in the first mounting portion 100 into which the first mounting member 106 is inserted, at least one first hole 104 is formed in the first portion 120. The first portion 120 is provided on the inner periphery side that defines the first hole 104 of the first mounting portion 100. For example, the first portion 120 is provided on the entire outer surface side of the first mounting portion 100. In the first mounting portion 100, the first portion 120 may be provided only on the inner periphery side that defines the first hole 104 of the first mounting portion 100 and only at a position of the first mounting portion 100 where the support member 90 abuts. In the second mounting portion 102, the first portion 120 may be provided, for example, on the entire outer surface side of the second mounting portion 102, similar to the first mounting portion 100.
[0071] At least one first portion 120 includes a contact portion 120a. The contact portion 120a is in contact with a metal member. The contact portion 120a includes a portion of the housing 56 that may come into contact with the metal member. The contact portion 120a has a higher ratio of the first metal material to the second metal material. For example, the contact portion 120a is made of only the first metal material. The bushing 112 is a metal member. The first mounting member 106 is a metal member. In this embodiment, the member that contacts the housing 56 is a metal member. For example, the support member 90 may include a metal member. The metal member is made of a material different from the second metal member. The metal member includes, for example, the first metal material. The difference between the ionization tendency of the first metal material and the ionization tendency of the metal member is smaller than the difference between the ionization tendency of the second metal material and the ionization tendency of the metal member.
[0072] At least one first portion 120 includes a mixed portion 120b at the boundary with at least one second portion 122. For example, the mixed portion 120b is a mixture of a first metal material and a second metal material. In the at least one first portion 120, the ratio of the first metal material to the second metal material varies depending on the distance from the at least one second portion 122. For example, in the at least one first portion 120, the ratio of the first metal material to the second metal material continuously changes depending on the distance from the at least one second portion 122. For example, in the mixed portion 120b of the at least one first portion 120, the ratio of the first metal material increases and the ratio of the second metal material decreases as the distance from the second portion 122 increases. The distance from the second portion 122 includes the distance from the second portion 122 to the contact portion 120a. The distance from the second portion 122 includes the distance from the second portion 122 to the outer surface of the housing 56. The mixed portion 120b may be configured to include a plurality of layers in which the ratio of the first metal member to the second metal member varies stepwise.
[0073] Second Embodiment Next, a component 130 according to a second embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. 9 and 10. Description of the same components as those of the component 40 according to the first embodiment will be omitted. The housing 132 of the component 130 according to the second embodiment has at least one recess 136 formed in an inner circumferential portion that defines at least one second hole 134. The recess 136 is formed in a second mounting portion 138 of the housing 132. The at least one recess 136 extends along the radial direction of the at least one second hole 134, in an intermediate portion between both axial ends of the at least one second hole 134. For example, two recesses 136 are formed in the second hole 134. The two recesses 136 are provided at equal intervals in the circumferential direction of the second hole 134. The number of recesses 136 is not limited to two. The number of recesses 136 may be one, or three or more. The first portion 144 is provided on the inner circumferential side of the second mounting portion 138 that defines the recess 136.
[0074] The bushing 140 includes at least one protrusion 142. The at least one protrusion 142 is inserted into at least one recess 136. The bushing 112 is formed together with the housing 132 by additive manufacturing. The bushing 112 is formed by inserting the protrusion 142 into the recess 136, thereby restricting movement of the bushing 112 in the axial direction of the second hole 134. The length of the protrusion 142 in the axial direction of the second hole 134 is shorter than the length of the recess 136 in the axial direction of the second hole 134. The axial lengths of the protrusion 142 and the recess 136 are configured so that the bushing 140 can suppress rattle of the housing 132 relative to the support member 90. The bushing 140 is formed by inserting the protrusion 142 into the recess 136, thereby restricting movement of the bushing 140 in the circumferential direction of the second hole 134.
[0075] <Modification> In a component 150 according to a modified example, as shown in FIG. 11 , at least one first portion 152 may cover at least one second portion 154 so that the second portion 154 is not exposed to the outside. For example, the first portion 152 covers the second portion 154 with a blending portion 152a. In FIG. 11 , the entire outer surface of the housing 56 excluding the first mounting portion 100 and the second mounting portion 102 is formed by the blending portion 152a. The blending portion 152a may be formed only on a portion of the housing 56 that contacts the support member 90, or may be formed only on a portion of the housing 56 that faces the support member 90. The portion of the first mounting portion 100 excluding the base end, or the entire first mounting portion 100, may include only the first portion 152. The portion of the second mounting portion 102 excluding the base end, or the entire second mounting portion 102, may include only the first portion 152. The proportion of the first metal material in the first portion 152 is greater than the proportion of the first metal material in the mixed portion 152a. For example, the first portion 152 may be composed solely of the first metal material. The first portion 152, which has a greater proportion of the first metal material than the mixed portion 152a, includes the first hole 104 and an inner periphery that defines the second hole 108.
[0076] In a component 160 according to a modified example, as shown in FIG. 12 , at least one first portion 162 does not include a mixing portion and covers at least one second portion 164 so that the second portion 164 is not exposed to the outside. The first mounting portion 100 and the second mounting portion 102 are formed by the first portion 162. In FIG. 12 , the entire outer circumferential surface of the housing 56, excluding the first mounting portion 100 and the second mounting portion 102, is formed by the first portion 162. The housing 166 includes at least one peeling prevention portion 168. The peeling prevention portion 168 prevents separation of the first portion 162 and the second portion 164. For example, the peeling prevention portion 168 has an anchor structure in which a portion of the second portion 164 protrudes into the first portion 162. The peeling prevention portion 168 may also have an anchor structure in which a portion of the first portion 162 protrudes into the second portion 164. The peeling prevention portion 168 is configured so as not to be exposed to the outside. The peeling prevention portion 168 is provided, for example, in a portion where the housing 166 is thick. The peeling prevention portion 168 is provided, for example, in a portion where at least one of the first attachment portion 100 and the second attachment portion 102 is provided.
[0077] As shown in FIG. 13 , in the housing 172 of the component 170 according to the modified example, the at least one first portion 174 includes two first portions 174a and 174b. At least a portion of the second portion 176 is disposed between the two first portions 174a and 174b. The at least one first portion 174a is disposed closer to the outer surface of the housing 172 than the at least one second portion 176. The first portion 174 includes a first metal material. The second portion 176 includes a second metal material. In the housing 172 according to the modified example, the second metal material has a higher thermal conductivity than the first metal material. The first metal material includes at least one of iron, aluminum, and magnesium. The second metal material includes copper. Heat generated in at least one of the motor 46 and the electronic circuit board 50 housed in the housing 172 is dissipated to the outside via the housing 172.
[0078] The phrase "at least one" as used herein means "one or more" of the desired options. As an example, the phrase "at least one" as used herein means "only one option" or "both of two options" if the number of options is two. As another example, the phrase "at least one" as used herein means "only one option" or "any combination of two or more options" if the number of options is three or more. [Explanation of symbols]
[0079] 10...human-powered vehicle, 40...component, 56...housing, 90...support member, 100...first mounting portion, 102...second mounting portion, 104...first hole, 104a...female thread portion, 106...first mounting member, 106a...male thread portion, 108...second hole, 110...second mounting member, 110a...male thread portion, 112...bush, 112c...female thread portion, 120...first portion, 120a...contact portion, 120b...mixing portion, 122...second portion, 130...component, 132...housing g, 134...second hole, 136...recess, 138...second mounting portion, 140...bush, 142...protrusion, 144...first portion, 150...component, 152...first portion, 154...second portion, 152a...mixing portion, 160...component, 162...first portion, 164...second portion, 166...housing, 168...peeling prevention portion, 170...component, 172...housing, 174...first portion, 174a...first portion, 174b...first portion, 176...second portion
Claims
1. A component for a human-powered vehicle, a metal housing configured to be attached to a support member of the human-powered vehicle; The housing includes: at least one first portion comprising a first metallic material; at least one second portion comprising a second metallic material different from the first metallic material, the second portion having a different composition than the first portion and integrally formed with the at least one first portion; a minimum thickness of the at least one first portion and a minimum thickness of the at least one second portion are each 2 mm or greater; The housing is a component having an accommodation space formed therein for accommodating a motor.
2. The component according to claim 1 , wherein the at least one first portion includes a mixed portion at a boundary with the at least one second portion where the first metal material and the second metal material are mixed.
3. A component for a human-powered vehicle, a metal housing configured to be attached to a support member of the human-powered vehicle; The housing includes: at least one first portion comprising a first metallic material; at least one second portion comprising a second metallic material different from the first metallic material, the second portion having a different composition than the first portion and integrally formed with the at least one first portion; a minimum thickness of the at least one first portion and a minimum thickness of the at least one second portion are each 2 mm or greater; the at least one first portion includes a mixed portion at a boundary with the at least one second portion, in which the first metal material and the second metal material are mixed; The at least one first portion has a ratio of the first metallic material to the second metallic material that varies depending on the distance from the at least one second portion.
4. The component of claim 3 , wherein the at least one first portion has a ratio of the first metallic material to the second metallic material that varies continuously depending on the distance from the at least one second portion.
5. the at least one first portion includes a contact portion with which a metal member comes into contact; The component according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the metal member is made of a material different from the second metal material.
6. The component of claim 5 , wherein a difference between the ionization tendency of the first metallic material and the ionization tendency of the metallic member is less than a difference between the ionization tendency of the second metallic material and the ionization tendency of the metallic member.
7. The component of claim 6 , wherein the first metallic material is in a greater proportion than the second metallic material at the contact portion.
8. the first metal material includes one of iron and aluminum; The component of any one of claims 5 to 7, wherein the second metallic material comprises a magnesium alloy.
9. The housing has at least one first hole into which a first mounting member for mounting the housing to the support member is inserted, the metal member is the first mounting member, The component according to any one of claims 5 to 8, wherein the at least one first hole is formed in the first portion.
10. The housing is formed with at least one second hole into which a second mounting member for mounting the housing to the support member is inserted via a bush; the metal member is the bushing, The component according to any one of claims 5 to 9, wherein the at least one second hole is formed in the first portion.
11. the second mounting member is a bolt having a male thread portion, The bushing has a female thread portion formed therein that is coupled to the male thread portion of the bolt, The component of claim 10 , wherein the bushing is movable along the axial direction of the at least one second hole when the bolt attaches the housing to the support member.
12. The housing has an inner circumferential portion defining the at least one second hole, and at least one recess is formed in an intermediate portion between both axial ends of the at least one second hole, the recess extending along a radial direction of the at least one second hole; The component of claim 11 , wherein the bushing comprises at least one protrusion that is inserted into the at least one recess.
13. The component according to any one of claims 9 to 12, wherein the specific gravity of the second metallic material is greater than the specific gravity of the first metallic material.
14. A component for a human-powered vehicle, a metal housing configured to be attached to a support member of the human-powered vehicle; The housing includes: at least one first portion comprising a first metallic material; at least one second portion comprising a second metallic material different from the first metallic material, the second portion having a different composition than the first portion and integrally formed with the at least one first portion; a minimum thickness of the at least one first portion and a minimum thickness of the at least one second portion are each 2 mm or greater; The component, wherein the at least one first portion covers the at least one second portion so that the second portion is not exposed to the outside.
15. A component for a human-powered vehicle, a metal housing configured to be attached to a support member of the human-powered vehicle; The housing includes: at least one first portion comprising a first metallic material; at least one second portion comprising a second metallic material different from the first metallic material, the second portion having a different composition than the first portion and integrally formed with the at least one first portion; a minimum thickness of the at least one first portion and a minimum thickness of the at least one second portion are each 2 mm or greater; the at least one first portion includes two first portions; At least a portion of the second portion is disposed between the two first portions.
16. The component of claim 15 , wherein the second metallic material has a thermal conductivity greater than the thermal conductivity of the first metallic material.
17. 17. The component of claim 15 or 16, wherein the at least one first portion is positioned closer to an outer surface of the housing than the at least one second portion.
18. The component of any one of claims 15 to 17, wherein the second metallic material comprises copper.
19. The component of any one of claims 15 to 18, wherein the first metallic material comprises at least one of iron, aluminum, and magnesium.
20. The component of any preceding claim, wherein the housing is formed by additive manufacturing.
Citation Information
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