U.S. patent application number 13/718044 was filed with the patent office on 2014-03-13 for bicycle drive unit.
This patent application is currently assigned to SHIMANO INC.. The applicant listed for this patent is SHIMANO INC.. Invention is credited to Etsuyoshi WATARAI.
Application Number | 20140069231 13/718044 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 50072086 |
Filed Date | 2014-03-13 |
United States Patent
Application |
20140069231 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
WATARAI; Etsuyoshi |
March 13, 2014 |
BICYCLE DRIVE UNIT
Abstract
A bicycle drive unit is provided that includes a motor, a crank
axle, a power transmission axle and an output part. The motor
includes a crank axle receiving hole. The crank axle is rotatably
disposed in the crank axle receiving hole of the motor. The power
transmission axle is separate from the crank axle and arranged to
transmit rotation of the crank axle. The output part is operatively
coupled to the motor and the power transmission axle to combine a
rotational output of the motor and a rotational output of the
transmission mechanism together.
Inventors: |
WATARAI; Etsuyoshi; (Osaka,
JP) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
SHIMANO INC. |
Osaka |
|
JP |
|
|
Assignee: |
SHIMANO INC.
Osaka
JP
|
Family ID: |
50072086 |
Appl. No.: |
13/718044 |
Filed: |
December 18, 2012 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
13608151 |
Sep 10, 2012 |
|
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|
13718044 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
74/665B |
Current CPC
Class: |
B62M 6/55 20130101; B62M
11/145 20130101; F16H 37/065 20130101; B62M 11/06 20130101; Y10T
74/19056 20150115 |
Class at
Publication: |
74/665.B |
International
Class: |
F16H 37/06 20060101
F16H037/06 |
Foreign Application Data
Date |
Code |
Application Number |
Oct 12, 2012 |
DE |
102012109743.7 |
Oct 12, 2012 |
TW |
101137720 |
Claims
1. A bicycle drive unit comprising: a motor including a crank axle
receiving hole; a crank axle rotatably disposed in the crank axle
receiving hole of the motor; a power transmission axle separate
from the crank axle and arranged to transmit rotation of the crank
axle; and an output part operatively coupled to the motor and the
power transmission axle to combine a rotational output of the motor
and a rotational output of the power transmission axle together,
the power transmission axle being coupled to the crank axle at a
first end side of the motor in an axial direction of the crank
axle, and being coupled to the output part at a second end of the
motor.
2. (canceled)
3. The bicycle drive unit according to claim 1, further comprising
a first coupling mechanism coupling the crank axle and the power
transmission axle; and a second coupling mechanism coupling the
power transmission axle and the output part.
4. The bicycle drive unit according to claim 1, wherein the motor
has a rotational axis that is coaxially aligned with the rotational
axis of the crank axle.
5. The bicycle drive unit according to claim 1, further comprising
a sprocket is connected to the output part.
6. The bicycle drive unit according to claim 1, further comprising
a one-way clutch transmitting the output of the motor to the output
part,
7. The bicycle drive unit according to claim 1, further comprising
a reduction gear mechanism transmitting the output of the motor to
the output part.
8. The bicycle drive unit according to claim 1, further comprising
a reduction gear mechanism, the output of the motor being inputted
to the reduction gear mechanism, and the output of the reduction
gear mechanism being transmitted to the output part through a
one-way clutch.
9. The bicycle drive unit according to claim 3, wherein the first
coupling mechanism includes one of a gear, a sprocket and a pulley,
and the second coupling mechanism includes one of a gear, a
sprocket and a pulley.
10. The bicycle drive unit according to claim 1, wherein the output
part has a rotational axis that is axially aligned with the
rotational axis of the crank axle.
11. The bicycle drive unit according to claim 1, wherein the output
part has a first joining section which is joined to the power
transmission axle and a second joining section which is joined to
the motor.
12. The bicycle drive unit according to claim 11, wherein the first
joining section has an externally toothed gear wheel, and the
second joining section has an internally toothed gear wheel.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] This application claims priority under 35 U.S.C. .sctn.119
to Taiwanese Patent Application No. 101137720, filed Oct. 12, 2012
and to German Patent Application No. 102012109743.7 filed Oct. 12,
2012. The entire disclosures of Applications are hereby
incorporated herein by reference.
[0002] This application is a continuation-in-part application of
U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/608,151, filed on Sep. 10,
2012. The entire disclosure of U.S. patent application Ser. No.
13/608,151 is hereby incorporated herein by reference.
BACKGROUND
[0003] 1. Field of the invention
[0004] This invention generally relates to a drive unit for an
electrically assisted bicycle that uses a motor output as an
assisting power.
[0005] 2. Background Information
[0006] One example of an electrically assisted bicycle is disclosed
in German Patent Publication No. DE 10 2010 028 667 in which the
electrically assisted bicycle uses a motor output as an assisting
power to drive the bicycle. In the electrically assisted bicycle
disclosed in this German Patent Publication, a pedaling force,
which is inputted by the pedals, is transmitted through the
transmission mechanism and the transmitted drive force is then
combined with a drive force from the motor. The combined drive
force is then transmitted to a rear wheel of the bicycle to rotate
the rear wheel.
SUMMARY
[0007] It has been found that with the drive unit of the above
mentioned German Patent Publication, the drive unit becomes large
due to the power transmission paths from the crank axle and the
axle of the motor to the sprocket 28 being separated.
[0008] The present invention was conceived in view of the problem
described above. One object proposed by this disclosure is to
provide a lighter, more compact drive unit for a bicycle which has
a motor for assisted riding.
[0009] In view of the state of the known technology and to achieve
the object described above, the bicycle drive unit is provided that
comprises a motor, a crank axle, a power transmission axle and an
output part. The motor includes a crank axle receiving hole. The
crank axle is rotatably disposed in the crank axle receiving hole
of the motor. The power transmission axle is separate from the
crank axle and arranged to transmit rotation of the crank axle. The
output part is operatively coupled to the motor and the power
transmission axle to combine a rotational output of the motor and a
rotational output of the transmission mechanism together.
[0010] In this manner, since the crank axle can be inserted in the
hole in the motor and a sensor unit can be arranged inside the hole
in the motor, the bicycle drive unit can be made lighter and more
compact.
[0011] Furthermore, in the bicycle drive unit, it is preferable for
the power transmission axle to be coupled to the crank axle at a
first end of the motor in an axial direction of the crank axle and
coupled to the output part at a second end of the motor. In this
manner, the motor which has a relatively large weight can be
arranged in the vicinity of the center of the drive unit in the
axial direction of the crank axle.
[0012] Furthermore, it is preferable for the bicycle drive unit to
be provided with a first coupling mechanism coupling the crank axle
and the power transmission axle, and a second coupling mechanism
coupling the power transmission axle and the output part.
[0013] Furthermore, in the bicycle drive unit, it is preferable for
the motor to have a rotational axis that is coaxially aligned with
the rotational axis of the crank axle.
[0014] Furthermore, it is preferable for a sprocket to be connected
to the output part. In this manner, the output from the output part
can be transmitted to a rear hub or the like.
[0015] Furthermore, it is preferable or the bicycle drive unit to
further have a one-way clutch to transmit the output of the motor
to the output part. In this manner, the rotational force of the
crank axle can be prevented from being transmitted to the
motor.
[0016] Furthermore, it is preferable for the bicycle drive unit to
further have a reduction gear mechanism to transmit the output of
the motor to the output part. In this manner, since the speed of
the motor output can be reduced and transmitted to the output part,
it is possible to realize a power transmission section which allows
the motor to be operated efficiently.
[0017] Furthermore, it is preferable for the bicycle drive unit to
further have a reduction gear mechanism, the output of the motor
being inputted to the reduction gear mechanism, and the output of
the reduction gear mechanism being transmitted to the output part
through a one-way clutch. In this manner, it is possible to realize
prevention of the rotational power of the crank axle being
transmitted to the motor as well as efficient operation of the
motor.
[0018] Furthermore, in the bicycle drive unit, it is preferable for
the first coupling mechanism to include one of a gear, a sprocket
and a pulley, and.
[0019] Furthermore, in the bicycle drive unit, it is preferable for
the second coupling mechanism to include one of a gear, a sprocket
and a pulley.
[0020] Furthermore, in the bicycle drive unit, it is preferable for
the output part to have a rotational axis that is axially aligned
with the rotational axis of the crank axle. In this manner, since
the bearings of the rotational axis of the output part and the
rotational axis of the crank axle can be integrated, the bicycle
drive unit can be made even lighter and more compact.
[0021] Furthermore, it is preferable for the output part to have a
first joining section which is joined to the power transmission
axle and a second joining section which is joined to the motor.
Here, it is preferable for the first joining section to have an
externally toothed gear wheel. in addition, it is preferable for
the second joining section to have an internally toothed gear
wheel. In this manner, the drive unit can combine the rotary torque
of the crank axle and the rotary torque of the motor.
[0022] According to the bicycle drive unit of the present
disclosure, a bicycle drive unit, which has a motor for assisted
riding, can be realized that is lighter and more compact.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0023] Referring now to the attached drawings which form a part of
this original disclosure:
[0024] FIG. 1 is a simplified side elevational view of an
electrically assisted bicycle equipped with a drive unit according
to a first embodiment;
[0025] FIG. 2 is a cross sectional view of a drive unit according
to the first embodiment;
[0026] FIG. 3 is a cross sectional view of a drive unit according
to a second embodiment; and
[0027] FIG. 4 is a cross sectional view of a drive unit according
to a third embodiment.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS
[0028] Selected embodiments will now be explained with reference to
the drawings. It will be apparent to those skilled in the art from
this disclosure that the following descriptions of the embodiments
are provided for illustration only and not for the purpose of
limiting the invention as defined by the appended claims and their
equivalents.
[0029] Referring initially to FIG. 1, a bicycle drive unit 1 is
illustrated in accordance with a first embodiment. In particular,
FIG. 1 is a simplified, right side elevational view of an
electrically assisted bicycle having the drive unit 1, as described
below. The electrically assisted bicycle has a pair of pedals 100.
The pedals 100 are each rotatably mounted to a crank arm 101. The
crank arms 101 are fixed to an end so a crank axle 102 that is
operatively connected to a front sprocket 103 via the drive unit 1.
The front sprocket 103 drives a chain 104 which in turn drives a
rear sprocket 105. The rear sprocket 105 is mounted to a wheel axle
106 of a rear wheel. Thus, in this electrically assisted bicycle, a
pedaling force acting on the pedals 100 is transmitted along the
following path: the crank arms 101.fwdarw.the drive unit 1.fwdarw.a
front sprocket 103.fwdarw.a chain 104.fwdarw.a rear sprocket
105.fwdarw.a hub body which rotates about the wheel axle 106 of the
rear wheel.
[0030] As explained below, the drive unit 1 includes an assistance
motor 120 that supplements the pedaling force of the rider. In the
first embodiment, the crank axle 102 and the output shaft of the
motor 120 are coaxial. With this arrangement, the pedaling force is
combined with the assisting force provided by a motor output of the
motor 120 such that a combined output force is transmitted to the
rear wheel.
[0031] Normally, a torque detecting device or sensor unit detects a
torque acting on the crank axle 102 as described later. Then, when
the detected value exceeds a set value, the assistance motor 120 is
started to generate an assisting torque (i.e., assisting power)
corresponding to the amount by which the detected torque from the
pedaling power is insufficient. The drive unit 1 which includes the
assistance motor 120 is typically arranged in the vicinity of a
frame joint portion where a bottom end portion of a seat tithe of
the frame and a rearward end portion of the down tube of the frame
join together. A battery is typically arranged on a rear carrier,
the down tube, or the seat tube for providing electrical driving
power to drive the motor 120.
[0032] In the first embodiment, the drive unit 1 is configured such
that the rotational axis of the crank axle 102 and the rotational
axis of the assistance motor 120 are coaxial. The structure and
function of the drive unit 1 will be explained below with reference
to FIG. 2. Referring to FIG. 2, the assistance motor 120 which has
a crank axle receiving hole 120a in which the crank axle 102 is
rotatably disposed. A sensor unit 150 is at least partially
arranged between the motor 120 and the crank axle 102 inside the
crank axle receiving hole 120a.
[0033] As shown in FIG. 2, in this drive unit 1, the crank axle 102
is inserted into a through hole 111a of a casing 111. The crank
axle 102 is rotatably supported by the casing 111 so as to freely
rotate through a pair of roller bearings 112 and 113. The crank
arms 101 are detachably mounted on opposite ends of the crank axle
102 using bolts. The crank arms 101 are arranged on the exterior of
the casing 111. One of the crank arms 101 among the two crank arms
101 can be configured so as to not be detachable from the crank
axle 102.
[0034] The motor 120 is an electric motor that has the crank axle
receiving hole 120a in which the crank axle 102 is rotatably
arranged. The crank axle receiving hole 120a is provided in a
rotation center section of the motor 120. The motor 120 is arranged
such that its rotational axis is the same axis as the rotational
axis of the crank axle 102. In other words, the rotational axis of
the assistance motor 120 is coincident with the rotational axis of
the crank axle 102.
[0035] The motor 120 basically includes a stator 121, a mounting
structure 122 and a rotor 123. The stator 121 of the motor 120 is
formed in a cylindrical shape. The stator 121 is arranged coaxially
with the crank axle 102. A field coil is wound onto the stator 121.
The stator 121 is fixed to a motor case 125 with the mounting
structure 122. The motor case 125 is fixed to the casing 111. The
crank axle receiving hole 120a is formed at an inner side in the
radial direction of the stator 121. The rotor 123 is formed in a
cylindrical shape. The rotor 123 is rotatably supported around the
crank axle 102 by the motor case 125 so as to freely rotate. The
rotor 123 has, for example, a plurality of magnets (not shown)
having a plurality of magnetic poles. The magnetic poles of the
rotor 123 are arranged along a circumferential direction with a
magnet holding section (not shown) holding the magnets. In this
embodiment, the motor 120 is an outer rotor type motor in which an
outer perimeter of the stator 121 is surrounded by the rotor 123.
The rotor 123 is rotatably supported on the crank axle 102 with a
first bearing 124a and a second bearing 124b so as to freely rotate
about the crank axle 102. The first and second bearings 124a and
124b are arranged to be spaced apart in the crank axle direction of
the crank axle 102. The first bearing 124a and the second bearing
124b are supported by the motor case 125. Here, the motor 120 is
driven by an inverter which is not shown in the drawings. The
inverter is driven by a control section which is not shown in the
drawings, and the controller controls the inverter according to the
pedaling force and a detected speed of the bicycle using known
technology.
[0036] The sensor unit 150 detects a twisting force, which is
applied to the crank axle 102. Since this twisting is proportional
to the pedaling force of the user which is applied to the crank
axle 102, the pedaling force of the user which is applied to the
crank axle 102 can be understood by detecting the twisting. The
sensor unit 150 includes a hollow member 151 and a strain sensor
155. The hollow member 151 has an insertion hole into which the
crank axle 102 can be arranged. The hollow member 151 is provided
with a first connection section 151a, a second connection section
151b and an insertion hole 151c. The first connection section 151a
is connected to the crank axle 102. The second connection section
151b transmits the rotational force to the power transmission axle
to be described later. The crank axle 102 can be arranged in the
insertion hole 151c. Except for the first connection section 151a,
the hollow member 151 is separated from the crank axle 102, which
is arranged at an inner side. In the first connection section 151a,
the hollow member 151 is inserted with a key or a serration which
protrudes from the crank axle 102 and is fixed by means of
screwing, press fitting, or the like. The first connection section
151a and the second connection section 151b are provided to be
separated in the direction of the crank axle 102. The strain sensor
155 is preferably a magnetostrictive sensor that includes a
magnetostrictive element 155a and a detection coil 155b. The
magnetostrictive element 155a is provided in the hollow member 151.
The detection coil 155b is provided at the periphery of the
magnetostrictive element 155a. The detection coil 155b is fixed to
the motor case 125 by a fixing member 156. In this manner, the
detection coil 155b is supported by the casing 111 so as not to be
able to rotate.
[0037] One part of the sensor unit 150 is at least partially
arranged between the motor 120 and the crank axle 102. A region
between the crank arms 101 is between the motor 120 and the crank
axle 102 in the embodiment with a range W between both ends of the
stator 121 in the direction in which the rotational axis of the
motor 120 extends. In the sensor unit 150, at least one part or all
of the strain sensor 155 is preferably provided in the region along
the crank axle 102 and between both ends of the stator 121 in the
direction in which the rotational axis of the motor 120 extends. At
least one part or all of the strain sensor 155 can be provided in a
region along the crank axle 102 in the range W between both ends of
the stator 121 in the direction in which the rotational axis of the
motor 120 extends and in a range overlapping with the rotor 123 in
the direction in which the rotational axis of the assistance motor
120 extends.
[0038] A reduction gear mechanism 127 transmits rotation of the
rotor 123 to a torque transmitting member 130. The reduction gear
mechanism 127 includes one or more gears. The example of FIG. 2
shows a case in which the gear reduction mechanism 127 has two
planetary gear mechanisms. A first planetary gear mechanism
includes a first sun gear 128a, a plurality of first planetary
gears 128b, a first carrier 128c and a first ring gear 128d. The
first sun gear 128a is coupled to the rotor 123. The first carrier
128c supports the first planetary gears 128b so as to be able to
rotate. The first ring gear 128d is fixed to the casing 111. A
second planetary gear mechanism includes a second sun gear 129a, a
plurality of second planetary gears 129b, a second carrier 129c and
a second ring gear 129d, The second sun gear 129a is coupled to the
first carrier 128c. The second carrier 129c supports the plurality
of second planetary gears 129b so as to be able to rotate. The
second ring gear 129d is fixed to the casing 111.
[0039] The output of the gear reduction mechanism 127 is
transmitted to an output part 131 (described in detail later)
through the torque transmitting member 130. The torque transmitting
member 130 is joined to the second carrier section 129d so as to be
formed as unitary body. The torque transmitting member 130 is
supported so as to be able to rotate on an inside face (described
in detail later) of the output part 131 through a one-way clutch
132 and a rotation supporting part 133. The rotation supporting
part 133 is configured as a sliding bearing in the embodiment, but
can be configured by a ball bearing. The rotation supporting part
133 is arranged farther to an outer side than the one-way clutch
132 in a radial direction with relation to the crank axle 102. The
torque transmitting member 130 supports a plurality of clutch pawls
of the one-way clutch 132.
[0040] The output part 131 transmits rotational force of the motor
120 and rotational force of the crank axle 102 to the front
sprocket 103. The output part 131 is provided on an end portion
side of the crank axle 102. The output part 131 is formed in an
annular shape. The output part 131 has a first annular portion
131a, a second annular portion 131b and a third annular portion
131c. The first annular portion 131a extends along the crank axle
102. The second annular portion 131b extends in the radial
direction with respect to the crank axle 102 from the end portion
of the motor side of the first annular portion 131a. The third
annular portion 131c extends in a direction parallel to the crank
axle 102 from the end portion of the motor side of the second
annular portion 131b. An inner circumferential portion of the
output part 131 is coupled to the torque transmitting member 130
through the one-way clutch 132. A clutch groove of the one-way
clutch 132 is formed in an inner circumferential portion of the
first annular portion 131a and the second annular portion 131b. The
clutch groove is a second coupling section and configures an
internally toothed gear wheel. The rotation supporting part 133 is
provided on an inner circumferential portion of the third annular
portion 131c. The rotation supporting part 133 supports the
rotation of the torque transmitting member 130. A fourth annular
portion 131d extends to an inner side in the circumferential
direction. The fourth annular portion 131d is provided at the end
portion of the first annular portion 131a, which is the opposite
side to the second annular portion 131b. A bearing 113 is provided
on an inner circumferential portion of the fourth annular portion
131d. The bearing 134 is provided on an outer circumferential
portion of the first annular portion 131a. In this manner, the
output part 131 is supported by the casing 111 so as to be able to
rotate. The bearings 113 and 134 are formed as, for example, radial
bearings, such that the inner ring body of the bearing 113 supports
the crank axle 102, and the outer ring body of the bearing 134 is
supported by the casing 111. The end portion of the fourth annular
portion 131d of the output part 131 protrudes to the outside from
an opening 111b of the casing 111. The output part 131 is provided
with a sprocket connection section 131e in the outer
circumferential portion of the portion which protrudes from the
casing 111 of the fourth annular portion 131d. A front sprocket 103
is removably attached to the sprocket connection section 131d with,
for example, a bolt. In this manner, the front sprocket 103 is able
to rotate integrally with the output part 131.
[0041] The rotational force according to the second connection
section 151b of the sensor unit 150 is transmitted to the power
transmission axle 160 through a first gear wheel 114 and a second
gear wheel 161. In addition, the rotation of the power transmission
axle 160 is transmitted to the output part 131 through a third gear
wheel 142.
[0042] The second connection section 151b of the sensor unit 150 is
coupled to the first gear wheel 114. The first gear wheel 114 is
provided at the end portion of the output part 131 which is the
opposite side to the end portion of the crank axle 102. Along with
this, the first connection section 151a of the sensor unit 150 is
provided at the output part side of the output part 131. The first
connection section 151a is coupled to the crank axle 102 in a
region between the assistance motor 120 and the crank axle 102. The
first gear wheel 114 is fixed to the second connection section 151b
and rotates integrally with the crank axle 102. The first gear
wheel 114 can be detachably mounted on the second connection
section 151b using, for example, serrations. Except for the first
connection section 151a, the hollow member 151 is separated from
the crank axle 102 which is arranged at an inner side. Thus, the
first gear wheel 114 and the second gear wheel 161 form a first
coupling mechanism,
[0043] The second gear wheel 161 is fixed to the power transmitting
axle 160 so as to not be able to rotate and rotates integrally
therewith. The second gear wheel 161 is provided on one end portion
of the power transmitting axle 160. The second gear wheel 161
meshes with the first gear wheel 114.
[0044] The power transmission axle 160 is supported by a supporting
axle 170 to freely rotate. The supporting axle 170 is provided to
be separated from the crank axle 102. In other words, the power
transmission axle 160 is provided to be separated from the crank
axle 102. The rotational axis of the power transmission axle 160 is
parallel to the rotational axis of the crank axle 102. At least one
of the supporting axle 170 and the power transmission axle 160 can
be provided with a regulating member 175 which regulates the
movement of the power transmission axle 160 in the axial direction
of the supporting axle 170. In the embodiment, the power
transmission axle 160 and the supporting axle 170 form a sliding
bearing.
[0045] A supporting axle 170 has first female threaded portions
(not shown), which are for fixing to an insertion opening 115 which
is formed in the casing 111 using a nut 116, at both end portions
thereof. Rotation preventing sections (not shown) are formed
parallel and prevent the rotation in the insertion opening 115.
These rotation preventing sections are respectively formed in the
first female threaded portions 24.
[0046] A third gear wheel 142 is fixed to the other end portion of
the power transmission axle 160 so as not to be able to rotate. A
fourth gear 171 is formed at an outer circumference of the output
part 131. The fourth gear 171 is configured as an externally
toothed gear wheel which constitutes a first coupling section. The
fourth gear 171 is formed at the outer circumference of the second
annular portion 131b and the third annular portion 131c. In the
embodiment, the fourth gear 171 is formed integrally with the
output part 131. The fourth gear 171 meshes with the third gear
wheel 142. Thus, the third gear wheel 142 and the fourth gear 171
form a second coupling mechanism.
[0047] The first coupling mechanism (e.g., the first gear wheel 114
and the second gear wheel 161) and the second coupling mechanism
(e.g., the third gear wheel 142 and the fourth gear 171) are
arranged on the opposite side of the output part 131 and the front
sprocket 103 to interpose the motor 120. In this manner, the power
transmission axle 160 is coupled to the crank axle at one end of
the motor 120 in the axial direction of the crank axle and coupled
to the output part 131 at the other end of the motor 120.
[0048] Next, the operation of the drive unit will be described. A
torque which is due to the pedaling force of a rider is transmitted
through the transmission mechanism from the crank 101.fwdarw.the
crank axle 102.fwdarw.the first connection section 151a.fwdarw.the
second connection section 151b.fwdarw.the first gear wheel
114.fwdarw.the second gear wheel 161.fwdarw.the power transmission
axle 160.fwdarw.the third gear wheel 142.fwdarw.the output part
131. On the other hand, output torque from the motor 120 is
transmitted from the reduction gear mechanism 127.fwdarw.the torque
transmitting member 130.fwdarw.the one-way clutch 132.fwdarw.the
output part 131. The output part 131 combines the two torques and
transmits the combined torque to the front sprocket 103. In this
way, assistance using the motor is realized.
[0049] In the drive unit 1 of the first embodiment, the rotation
axis of the crank axle 102 and the rotation axis of the motor 120
are the same axis and at least a part of the sensor unit 150 is
arranged in the hole 120a of the motor 120 in which the crank axle
102 is arranged. In this manner, the drive unit 1 which has the
motor 120 for assisted riding can be configured to be lightweight
and compact.
[0050] In addition, by adjusting the gear ratios (number of gears)
of the first to fourth gear wheels 114, 161, 142, and 171 in
advance, it is possible to increase or decrease the number of
rotations of the output part 131 with respect to the number of
rotations of the crank axle 102. In this manner, setting can be
performed according to the user of the bicycle which is provided
with the drive unit 1.
[0051] FIG. 3 is a cross sectional view of the drive unit according
to a second embodiment. The drive unit 1 according to the second
embodiment differs from the drive unit according to the first
embodiment primarily in the following ways. The motor 120 is an
inner rotor type motor in which the stator 121 is provided to
surround the outer perimeter of the rotor 123. In the following
description, detailed description will be given of the content
which is different to the first embodiment. Here, for convenience,
FIG. 3 illustrates a case where the reduction gear mechanism 127
has one gear, but this is only for illustration. The functions of
the reduction gear mechanism 127 are the same as those of the first
embodiment.
[0052] The second connection section 151b of the sensor unit 150 is
coupled to the first gear wheel 114. The first gear wheel 114 is
fixed to the second connection section 151b and rotates integrally
with the crank axle 102. The first gear wheel 114 can be detachably
mounted on the second connection section 151b using, for example,
serrations. The first connection section 151a is coupled to the
crank axle 102 in a region between the motor 120 and the crank axle
102. Except for the first connection section 151a, the hollow
member 151 is separated from the crank axle 102 which is arranged
at an inner side.
[0053] The second gear wheel 161 meshes with the first gear wheel
114. In the second embodiment, the second gear wheel 161 is formed
integrally with the power transmission axle 160. In addition, the
third gear wheel 142 is formed integrally with the power
transmission axle 160. In the embodiment, the power transmission
axle 160 is integrally formed with the second gear wheel 161 and
the third gear wheel 142, but the power transmission axle 160 can
be integrally formed with at least either one of the second gear
wheel 161 and the third gear wheel 142. In the embodiment, one part
of the sensor unit 150 is at least partially arranged between the
motor 120 and the crank axle 102, and at least one part or all of
the strain sensor 155 is provided in a region along the crank axle
102 in the range W between both ends of the stator 121 in the
direction in which the rotational axis of the motor 120
extends.
[0054] In the embodiment described above, a case where the strain
sensor 155 is a magnetostrictive sensor has been illustrated, but
the strain sensor 155 can be a strain gauge or a semiconductor
strain sensor. In addition, a case where the magnetostrictive
element 155a is arranged in the hollow member 151 has been
illustrated, but the magnetostrictive element 155a can be directly
arranged in the crank axle 102. In this case, the first gear wheel
114 is directly fixed to the crank axle 102 without providing the
hollow member 151.
[0055] FIG. 4 is a cross sectional view of the drive unit according
to a third embodiment. The drive unit according to the third
embodiment differs from the drive unit according to the first
embodiment primarily in the following ways. There are differences
in that the motor 120 is an inner rotor type motor in which the
stator 121 is provided to surround the outer perimeter of the rotor
123, and there is a detection means (torque detection means) for
detecting human driving force. In the following description,
detailed description will be given of the content which is
different to the first embodiment. Here, for convenience, FIG. 4
illustrates a case where the reduction gear mechanism 127 has one
gear, but this is only for illustration. The functions of the
reduction gear mechanism 127 are the same as those of the first
embodiment. In addition, the same reference numerals are used where
the configuration is the same as the embodiments described
above.
[0056] Similar to the first embodiment, the motor (electric motor)
120 is arranged such that the rotational axis thereof is the same
axis as the rotational axis of the crank axle 102. The stator 121
is arranged coaxially with the crank axle 102. A field coil is
wound onto the stator 121. The stator 121 is fixed to a motor case
125 with the mounting structure 122. The rotor 123 is formed in a
cylindrical shape. The rotor 123 is rotatably supported around the
crank axle 102 by the motor case 125 so as to freely rotate. The
rotor 123 has, for example, a plurality of magnets (not shown)
having a plurality of magnetic poles. The magnetic poles of the
rotor 123 are arranged along a circumferential direction with a
magnet holding section (not shown) holding the magnets. In the
second embodiment, the motor 120 is an inner rotor type motor in
which the rotor 123 is provided to surround the outer perimeter of
the stator 121. The rotor 123 is rotatably supported on the crank
axle 102 with a first bearing 124a and a second bearing 124b so as
to freely rotate about the crank axle 102. The first and second
bearings 124a and 124b are arranged to be spaced apart in the crank
axle direction of the crank axle 102. The first bearing 124a and
the second bearing 124b are supported by the motor case 125. Here,
the motor 120 is driven by an inverter which is not shown in the
drawings. The inverter is driven by a control section which is not
shown in the drawings, and the controller controls the inverter
according to the pedaling force and a detected speed of the bicycle
using known technology.
[0057] The reduction gear mechanism 127 transmits rotation of the
rotor 123 to the torque transmitting member 130 and transmits
rotation of the torque transmitting member 130 to the rotor 123.
The reduction gear mechanism 127 has a planetary gear mechanism
126. The planetary gear mechanism 126 has a sun gear 126a, an
internally toothed gear 126b and a plurality of (for example,
three) planet gears 126c. The sun gear 126a is fixed to the rotor
123. The internally toothed gear 126b is provided on the mounting
structure 122. The internally toothed gear 126b is arranged around
the outside circumference of the sun gear 126a. The planet gears
126c are supported so as to be able to rotate by the torque
transmitting member 130. The planet gears 126c mesh with the sun
gear 126a and the internally toothed gear 126b. The torque
transmitting member 130 is a so-called carrier. Each of the planet
gears 126c has a first gear section and a second gear section which
have a different number of teeth. The number of teeth in the first
gear section is greater than the number of teeth than the second
gear section. The first gear section meshes with the sun gear 126a,
while the second gear section meshes with the internally toothed
gear 126b. The torque transmitting member 130 is supported by an
inside face of the output part 131 so as to be able to rotate
through the one-way clutch 132 and the rotation supporting part
133. The rotation supporting part 133 is configured as a sliding
bearing in the embodiment, but can be configured by a ball bearing.
The rotation supporting part 133 is arranged farther to an outer
side than the one-way clutch 132 in a radial direction with
relation to the crank axle. In this planetary gear mechanism 126,
since the internally toothed gear 126b is fixed so as not to be
able to rotate with respect to the casing 111, the speed of the
rotation of the sun gear 126a to which the rotor 123 is coupled is
reduced and transmitted to the torque transmitting member 130.
[0058] The first coupling mechanism is provided with a first gear
wheel 114 and a second gear wheel 141 and couples the crank axle
102 and the power transmission axle 160. The first gear wheel 114
is provided on one end portion side of the crank axle 102. The
first gear wheel 114 is fixed to the crank axle 102 and rotates
integrally with the crank axle 102. The first gear wheel 114 can be
detachably mounted to the crank axle 102 using, for example,
serrations. The second gear 141 meshes with the first gear wheel
114 and transmits driving power to the power transmission axle
160.
[0059] In the embodiment, the power transmission axle 160 is
supported by a supporting axle 170 using a ball bearing on as to
freely rotate. A sensor unit 180 for detecting the driving power
imparted to the power transmission axle 160 is provided in the
power transmission axle 160. The second coupling mechanism is
provided with a third gear wheel 142 and a fourth gear wheel 171
and couples the power transmission axle 160 and the output part
131. The third gear wheel 142 is fixed to the other end portion of
the power transmission axle 160 so as not to be able to rotate and
meshes with the fourth gear wheel 171 which is provided in the
output part 131. The sensor unit 180 detects twisting force, which
is applied to the power transmission axle 160. Since this twisting
is proportional to the pedaling force of the user which is applied
to the crank axle 102, the pedaling force of the user which is
applied to the crank axle 102 can be understood by detecting the
twisting of the power transmission axle 160. The sensor unit 180 is
configured by the strain sensor 155. The strain sensor is a
magnetostrictive sensor and, in the embodiment, is provided with a
magnetostrictive element which is provided in the power
transmission axle 160 and a detection coil which is provided at the
periphery of the magnetostrictive element. The sensor unit 180 has
the same configuration as the sensor unit 150 described above. The
detection coil is fixed to the motor case 111.
[0060] the embodiment, a case where the strain sensor is a
magnetostrictive sensor has been illustrated, but the strain sensor
155 can be a strain gauge or a semiconductor strain sensor. In this
case, a transmitter which transmits a signal from the strain sensor
which is provided in the power transmission axle 160 to the outside
wirelessly or the like and a receiver which receives the signal
from the transmitter can be further provided. In the embodiments
described above, the transmission of the driving power (torque and
rotation) from the crank axle 102 to the power transmission. axle
160 and the transmission of the torque from the power transmission
axle 160 to the output part 131 are performed using gears, but the
transmission of the torque can be performed using a sprocket and a
chain, or a pulley and a belt.
[0061] In addition, the first coupling mechanism is formed by the
first gear wheel 114 and the second gear wheel 141 and the second
coupling mechanism is formed by the third gear wheel 142 and the
fourth gear wheel 171, but each of the coupling mechanisms can be
configured using three or more gear wheels.
[0062] In addition, if the motor 120 can be driven at a low speed,
the reduction gear mechanism 127 can be omitted. In this case, the
motor output is transmitted to the one-way clutch 132 as it is.
[0063] While only selected embodiments have been chosen to
illustrate the present invention, it will be apparent to those
skilled in the art from this disclosure that various changes and
modifications can be made herein without departing from the scope
of the invention as defined in the appended claims. For example,
the size, shape, location or orientation of the various components
can be changed as needed and/or desired so long as they do not
substantially their intended function, Components that are shown
directly connected or contacting each other can have intermediate
structures disposed between them unless specifically stated
otherwise. The functions of one element can be performed by two,
and vice versa unless specifically stated otherwise. The structures
and functions of one embodiment can be adopted in another
embodiment. it is not necessary for all advantages to be present in
a particular embodiment at the same time. Every feature which is
unique from the prior art, alone or in combination with other
features, also should be considered a separate description of
further inventions by the applicant, including the structural
and/or functional concepts embodied by such feature(s). Thus, the
foregoing descriptions of the embodiments according to the present
invention are provided for illustration only, and not for the
purpose of limiting the invention as defined by the appended claims
and their equivalents.
* * * * *