JP2017149232A - Gear change stage switching device and bicycle - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a gear change stage switching device which eliminates the need for replacement work and adjustment work of wires, minimizes an increase in manufacturing costs, and requires only a small mounting space.SOLUTION: Provided is a gear change stage switching device 30 to be mounted to a bicycle, on which an internal transmission is disposed having a gear change stage switching body 26 for switching gear change stages by retracting from a central part or the outer periphery of an axle 25 along a shaft center X direction of the axle 25, on a hub 16 of a rear wheel. The gear change stage switching device includes: a gear change stage switching motor 33 for generating drive power for switching gear change stages; and a deceleration mechanism for decelerating rotation of the gear change stage switching motor 33. On the deceleration mechanism, a driving output body 40 is disposed to which decelerated force is transmitted and output and which is linked to the gear change stage switching body 26 in order to be moved, so that rotational drive power transmitted from the gear change stage switching motor 33 to the driving output body 40 is transmitted to the gear change stage switching body 26 not only in a direction retracting from/advancing into the axle but also in a direction projecting from the axle.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 4

Description

  The present invention relates to a gear position switching device and a bicycle.

  Some bicycles have an internal transmission on the rear wheel hub. This type of internal transmission is disclosed in, for example, Patent Documents 1 and 2. In this internal transmission, a transmission mechanism such as a planetary gear mechanism having a plurality of driving force transmission paths having different gear ratios is provided in a rear hub rotatably disposed on a rear wheel. By switching, it is possible to shift to a plurality of stages (for example, three stages of a low speed stage, a medium speed stage, and a high speed stage).

  In order to perform a speed change operation, there is provided a speed change body (also referred to as an operation member) such as a push rod that moves in and out of the rear wheel axle along the axial direction. Further, in order to drive the shift speed switching body, a shift speed transmission mechanism that is provided with a switching lever and is also referred to as a bell crank is disposed in the vicinity of one end portion of the axle from which the shift speed switching body is retracted. The switching lever is connected to one end of the speed change wire. The other end portion of the speed change wire is connected to a speed change operation portion that is attached to the handle and is operated by the passenger. A return spring that urges the shift position switching body toward the initial position is provided so that the shift operation can be easily performed. The speed change wire is disposed so as to be movable in an exterior wire (outer wire).

  For example, when operating the speed change operation unit to switch from the low speed stage to the medium speed stage, a force obtained by combining a force against the urging force of the return spring and a frictional force of the speed change wire with respect to the exterior wire is used. Greater force must be applied from the finger to the shifting operation unit. Therefore, a relatively large force burden is imposed on the passenger.

  As a method of reducing the burden on such a passenger, Patent Document 3 discloses a structure including a motor drive unit in which an electric motor is built. One end of a wire is connected to the motor drive unit, and a switching lever for moving the shift speed switching body is connected to the other end of the wire.

  For example, a shift switch for driving the motor of the motor drive unit is attached to a handle or the like, and a connection cord for electrically connecting the shift switch and the motor drive unit is provided. Thereby, the passenger can perform the speed change operation of the internal speed change mechanism only by operating the speed change switch. Therefore, the passenger only needs to lightly operate the shift switch with a small force, and the burden on the passenger is reduced.

  Patent Document 4 discloses a structure of a transmission device that drives an internal transmission with a motor. In this transmission, a rear wheel sprocket on which a chain is bridged is assembled on one side of a built-in transmission hub (rear hub) incorporating an internal transmission, and the outer side (opposite side) of the sprocket. In addition, a generator is disposed. In the generator, a motor, a speed reduction mechanism, a dynamo, a battery, a motor control unit, a power control circuit, and the like are disposed, and a rotation receiving member and a hub mounting unit are provided near the center. Further, the built-in transmission hub has a special structure in which a rotating part having a notch and a non-rotating part are provided, and a tab formed on the rotation receiving member of the generator is engaged with the rotating part of the built-in transmission hub, The hub mounting portion of the generator is fixed to the non-rotating portion of the built-in transmission hub.

  In addition, an input device provided with an upshift switch or the like is attached to the handle, and the shift operation of the internal transmission mechanism can be performed only by operating a passenger by operating the upshift switch. Therefore, the passenger only needs to lightly operate the upshift switch with a small force, and the burden on the passenger is reduced.

Japanese Utility Model Publication No. 2-26996 JP 2004-262435 A JP 2001-191975 A JP 2013-121834 A

  However, in the structure of Patent Document 3 described above, a wire is disposed between the motor drive unit and the switching lever that moves the gear stage switching body, and the switching lever and the gear stage switching body are connected via the wire. It is the structure which moves. Therefore, when the wire deteriorates due to long-term use, wire replacement work and adjustment work are required. In addition, a space for arranging the wires is required, and there is a problem that it is difficult to reduce the size.

  Moreover, in the structure of the said patent document 4, since a built-in transmission hub is a special structure which engages or is fixed to a generator and a sprocket, manufacturing cost becomes very expensive. Moreover, since the said generator is large sized and tends to become a heavy weight, an installation space becomes large.

  The present invention solves the above-described problems, and eliminates the need for wire replacement work and adjustment work, minimizes the increase in manufacturing cost, and reduces the mounting space, and The purpose is to provide a bicycle.

  In order to solve the above-described problems, the present invention provides an internal transmission having a shift stage switching body that switches back and forth along the axial direction of the axle from the center or outer periphery of the axle on the rear wheel hub. A shift stage switching device attached to a bicycle provided with a shift stage switching motor that generates a driving force for shifting the shift stage, and a speed reduction mechanism that decelerates rotation of the shift stage switching motor, A rotational output transmitted from the gear for switching to the drive output body is provided from the gear for switching to the gear stage by providing a driving output body for transmitting the deceleration force to the speed reduction mechanism and outputting it. The force is configured to be transmitted to the shift stage switching body not only in the direction of retracting into the axle but also in the direction of protruding from the axle.

  According to this configuration, when the shift speed switching motor is driven, the rotational force of the shift speed switching motor is decelerated by the speed reduction mechanism and transmitted to the drive output body, and the shift speed switching body is transmitted by the drive output body. Is moved. Thereby, it becomes possible to change the speed of the internal transmission. In this case, since the driving force from the gear changing motor is transmitted to the driving output member and the gear changing member without passing through the wire, the wire replacement work and adjustment work are not required. In addition, since a space for arranging the wires is not necessary, it is easy to downsize the gear position switching device. Further, the rotational driving force transmitted from the shift speed switching motor to the drive output body is transmitted to the shift speed switching body not only in the direction of retracting into the axle but also in the direction of protruding from the axle. With this configuration, a rotational driving force is also applied to the shift stage switching body in a direction protruding from the axle, so that the shift operation can be performed more reliably.

  The drive output body and the gear stage switching body are connected via a connecting hinge part, or a tooth portion is formed at a location protruding from the axle of the gear stage switching body. It is preferable that an output tooth portion is formed on the output body, and the output tooth portion of the drive output body and the gear portion of the shift speed switching body are engaged with each other.

  According to the present invention, a magnet is attached to the driving output body, and a position detection sensor that detects the position of the driving output body by a magnetic force of the magnet is provided at a position that can face the magnet, and the position detection sensor Is a linear Hall element, and not only the gear position but also the intermediate position of the gear stage can be detected by one linear Hall element. Further, it is preferable that a speed change motor is provided on the board, and a speed change motor connection terminal that is detachably attached to the speed change motor is directly attached to the board.

  In the present invention, the shift stage switching body is urged in a direction protruding from the axle, the shift stage switching motor and the speed reduction mechanism are accommodated in an outer shell, and the drive output body includes the shift stage. When a gear for switching gear stage is driven so that a load against the urging force of the switching body is applied, a cylindrical worm provided in the speed reduction mechanism and a tooth portion of a gear such as a worm wheel meshing with the cylindrical worm The thrust reaction force of the driving force transmitted from the gear for changing gear stage is configured to act on the outer shell portion.

  In addition, it is preferable that the bicycle is provided with the shift speed switching device of the present invention, whereby, for example, a switch for driving a shift speed switching motor or the like is provided on a handle or the like so that the switch is mounted. The gear shifting operation of the internal speed change mechanism can be performed only by an operator's operation. Further, since the gear change device does not require a wire, it can be made compact. Therefore, it is possible to easily dispose the gear stage switching device in the vicinity of the exit / retreat position of the gear stage switching body on the axle of the rear wheel.

  In addition, the gear for switching the gear position is arranged in contact with the metal portion of the outer shell housing the gear for switching gear position and the speed reduction mechanism, or in contact with the bicycle frame directly or indirectly. In this case, the heat generated from the gear for changing gears can be released to the metal part of the outer shell or the frame of the bicycle, and the reliability of the bicycle can be improved.

  Further, it is preferable that the bicycle is an electric bicycle including a motor that generates an auxiliary driving force and a battery that supplies power to the motor, and that the power is also supplied from the battery to the gear for switching gears. .

  Furthermore, it is preferable that a traveling load state detection unit for detecting a traveling load state of the bicycle is provided, and a control unit that controls to drive the shift speed switching motor according to the traveling load state is preferable. According to the configuration, the shift speed switching motor is driven in accordance with the traveling load state of the bicycle, and the internal transmission is automatically shifted.

  According to the present invention, there is provided a shift speed switching motor that generates a shift speed switching driving force, and a speed reduction mechanism that decelerates the rotation of the speed shift speed switching motor. By providing a drive output body that is transmitted and output and is connected to and moved by the gear stage switching body, the gear stage of the internal transmission can be shifted without using a wire. As a result, wire replacement work and adjustment work are not necessary, and a space for arranging the wires is not necessary, so that the gear position switching device can be easily downsized. In addition, the rotational driving force transmitted from the shift speed switching motor to the drive output body is transmitted to the shift speed switching body not only in the direction of retracting into the axle but also in the direction of protruding from the axle. By configuring as described above, a moving member urging member (return spring) that urges the shift stage switching body so as to protrude from the axle is omitted from the internal transmission provided on the hub of the rear wheel, or the moving member urging member is urged. Even when the urging force of the member (return spring) is deteriorated due to secular change, there is an advantage that the gear can be reliably shifted. In many cases, a planetary gear mechanism is used as the internal transmission. Even when a large torque is applied to the planetary gear provided in the planetary gear mechanism, the gear stage can be favorably switched to the low speed side. There is also an advantage that can be.

  In addition, when the speed change motor is mounted on the board, the speed change motor is provided on the board, and the speed change motor connection terminal is detachably attached to the speed change motor. Therefore, it is only necessary to attach to the gear change motor connecting terminal, and it is not necessary to solder the gear change motor terminal.

  Further, the shift speed switching body is biased in a direction protruding from the axle, the shift speed switching motor and the speed reduction mechanism are accommodated in an outer shell portion, and the shift speed switching body is attached to the drive output body. When the speed change motor is driven so that a load against the force acts, the gear change is performed between the cylindrical worm provided in the speed reduction mechanism and the tooth portion of a gear such as a worm wheel meshing with the cylindrical worm. By configuring the thrust reaction force of the driving force transmitted from the motor for the outer shell to contact the gear teeth such as the worm wheel and cylindrical worm that transmits the driving force with good transmission efficiency It becomes possible to make it.

  In addition, the gear for switching the gear position is arranged in contact with the metal portion of the outer shell housing the gear for switching gear position and the speed reduction mechanism, or in contact with the bicycle frame directly or indirectly. By installing, the heat generated from the gear for changing gears can be released to the frame of the bicycle, and the reliability of the bicycle can be improved.

  In addition, according to this configuration, the vehicle is provided with a running load state detecting means for detecting a running load state of the bicycle, and includes a control unit that controls to drive the shift speed switching motor according to the running load state. For example, the internal gearbox can be automatically shifted by driving the shift speed switching motor according to the traveling load state of the bicycle.

FIG. 1 is an overall right side view of an electric bicycle equipped with a gear change device according to an embodiment of the present invention. Partial right side view of the electric bicycle The figure which shows the handle | steering-wheel of the electric bicycle, and its vicinity location schematically A part of the rear hub of the electric bicycle and a partially cutaway plan view of the gear stage switching device in a state where it is switched to a low speed stage. Left side view showing the inside of the gear shifting device of the electric bicycle Bottom view of the same gear stage switching device A part of the rear hub of the same electric bicycle and a partially cutaway plan view of the gear stage switching device in a state where it is switched to a medium speed stage. A part of the rear hub of the electric bicycle and a partially cutaway plan view of the gear stage switching device in a state where it is switched to a high speed stage. The figure which shows the relationship between the position of the arm part of the output body for a drive of the gear stage switching apparatus, and the magnetic flux density detected by a position detection sensor Block diagram of an electric bicycle according to another embodiment A perspective view of a part of a rear hub of an electric bicycle and a gear position switching device according to another embodiment A part of the rear hub of the electric bicycle and a cut-out plan view of the gear position switching device are switched to the high speed stage. Side view of a part of the rear hub of the electric bicycle and the gear position switching device A part of the rear hub of the same electric bicycle and a cut-out plan view of the gear position switching device are switched to a low speed stage.

  Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. In the following description, the left and right direction refers to a direction that turns left and right in a state of riding in an electric bicycle (also referred to as an electric assist bicycle) that is an example of a bicycle. The present invention is not limited to this arrangement.

  In FIG. 1 and FIG. 2, reference numeral 1 denotes an electric bicycle as an example of a bicycle provided with a shift speed switching device according to an embodiment of the present invention. As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, this electric bicycle 1 includes a metal frame 2 including a head pipe 2a, a front fork 2b, a main pipe 2c, a standing pipe 2d, a chain stay 2e, a seat stay 2f, and the like, A front wheel 3 rotatably attached to the lower end of the fork 2b, a rear wheel 4 rotatably attached to the rear end of the chain stay 2e, a handle 5 for changing the direction of the front wheel 3, and a saddle on which a passenger sits 6, a crank 7 (comprised of a crankshaft 7 a and a crank arm 7 b) and a pedal 8 to which a manual driving force including a pedaling force is applied, and an electric drive as a driving source of an auxiliary driving force that generates an assisting force (auxiliary driving force) A motor 9 and a drive unit 10 provided with a controller for performing various electrical controls including the motor 9, and power for driving the motor 9. A battery 12 made of a secondary battery, a chain 11 as an endless driving force transmitting body for transmitting a manual driving force based on the pedaling force from the pedal 8 and the crank 7 and an auxiliary driving force from the driving unit 10 to the rear wheel 4 It has. The battery 12 is an example of a battery and a secondary battery is preferable. However, another example of the battery may be a capacitor. In FIG. 1, FIG. 2, etc., 13 is a carrier (loading platform), 13a is a carrier support member, 14 is a stand, and 14a is a stand support plate.

  As shown in FIGS. 2 and 4, the rear wheel 4 of the electric bicycle 1 is provided with a rear sprocket 15 that meshes with the chain 11 and a rear hub 16. The rear hub 16 has an internal transmission. (Not shown) is provided. This internal transmission is a known transmission mechanism such as a planetary gear mechanism or a multi-stage gear transmission mechanism having a plurality of driving force transmission paths having different gear ratios (for example, an internal transmission disclosed in Patent Documents 1 and 2). The transmission mechanism can be shifted to a plurality of stages (for example, three stages of a low speed stage, a medium speed stage, and a high speed stage) by switching the driving force transmission path.

  Further, as shown in FIG. 3, on one side of the handle 5 (the right side of the handle 5 in this embodiment), there are a high speed side changeover switch 21A and a low speed side changeover switch 21B that can manually change the gear position. The provided near-stage gear position switching device 20 is attached. Each time the high-speed side changeover switch 21A is pressed, the number of stages is changed to a higher number than that at present. That is, for example, if the current low speed stage, press once to switch to the medium speed stage, press again to switch to the high speed stage, and if the current middle speed stage, press once to increase the speed. It can be switched to a fast gear. More specifically, each time the high speed side changeover switch 21A is pressed, a change instruction signal for the number of high speed stages is sent to the control unit. Further, the low speed side change-over switch 21B is switched to a lower speed than the current stage each time it is pressed once. In other words, for example, if the current speed is a high speed, pressing it once will switch it to the medium speed, pressing it once more will switch it to the low speed, and if it is currently the middle speed, pressing it once. Switch to low speed stage. More specifically, each time the low speed side changeover switch 21B is pressed, a change instruction signal for the number of low speed stages is sent to the control unit. As shown in FIG. 3, the high speed side changeover switch 21 </ b> A and the low speed side changeover switch 21 </ b> B are arranged so that they can be operated by pushing with a finger without releasing the hand from the grip (gripping part) 5 a of the handle 5.

  Further, as schematically shown in FIG. 3, on the other side of the handle 5 (the left side of the handle 5 in this embodiment), an auxiliary driving force adding operation (so-called assist operation) is electrically turned ON / OFF. However, the present invention is not limited to this, although an auxiliary operation hand operation unit 18 including a switch button (not shown) for attaching is attached.

  FIG. 4 is a partially cutaway plan view of a part of the rear hub 16 of the rear wheel 4 and the gear stage switching device according to the embodiment of the present invention, and shows a state where the gear is switched to the low speed stage. FIG. 5 is a left side view showing the inside of the speed change device of the electric bicycle, and FIG. 6 is a bottom view of the speed change device.

  In FIG. 4 and the like, reference numeral 25 denotes an axle of the rear wheel 4, and a shift stage switching body (so-called push rod) 26 for switching the shift stage of the internal transmission is disposed in the center of the axle 25 in the direction of the axis X of the axle 25. It is arrange | positioned so that withdrawal is possible. Further, a gear stage switching device 30, which is also called a bell crank, is provided with a driving output body 40 for driving the gear stage switching body 26, and is connected to one end of the axle 25 (this implementation). In this form, it is arranged near the right end).

  The gear stage switching device 30 is provided with a metal plate mounting base 31, and the mounting base 31 is connected to the axle 25 of the rear wheel 4 by a fixing member such as a nut 27 (chain stay 2 e (of the frame 2)). (Example) It is attached to the rear end. In addition, the seat stay 2f is also integrally fixed to the rear end portion of the chain stay 2e by welding or the like from obliquely above. The mounting base 31 is formed by bending a hole (see FIG. 6, which may be a long-slotted hole partially opened) 31a through which the axle 25 is inserted, and a bent portion at an upper side and a lower side. A stopper 31b (see FIG. 4) is formed. The axle shaft 25 is inserted into the hole 31a and fixed with the nut 27 sandwiched between the rear end portion of the chain stay 2e. Further, the detent portion 31b of the mounting base 31 is fitted into the rear end portion of the chain stay 2e (an example of the frame 2) so as to be able to contact from above or below, and the mounting base 31 is centered on the axle 25. It is regulated not to rotate in the circumferential direction. In this embodiment, the stand support plate 14a and the lower end of the carrier support member 13a are also sandwiched between the rear end of the chain stay 2e through which the axle 25 of the rear wheel 4 is passed and the nut 27. Is fixed.

  Although not shown, the internal transmission is provided with a switching body urging member (so-called return spring) that urges the shift speed switching body 26 in a direction protruding from the axle 25, and this switching body urging member. The gear stage switching body 26 is urged in a direction protruding from the axle 25 by the urging force.

  As shown in FIGS. 4 to 6 and the like, the gear stage switching device 30 includes the above-described mounting base 31, the board 32, the gear stage switching motor 33 placed on the board 32, and the gear stage switching motor. A connector portion 34 connected to the substrate 32 to which the motor 33 is connected, a small-diameter motor reduction gear 35 attached to the rotation shaft of the gear stage switching motor 33, and a large-diameter first reduction gear meshing with the motor reduction gear 35. A gear 36, a cylindrical worm 37 (one type of gear) that rotates integrally with the first reduction gear 36, a large-diameter worm wheel 38 (one type of gear) that meshes with the cylindrical worm 37, and a worm wheel 38 A small-diameter second reduction gear 39 that rotates integrally with the second reduction gear 39, and an arm portion 40b that meshes with the second reduction gear 39 with its arcuate tooth portion 40a and that abuts against the tip of the speed changeover body 26. A dynamic output member 40 has connecting hinge portion connecting the arm portion 40b of the drive output member 40 and the gear position diverter 26 (connecting hinge pin) 43, and a cover member 41 covering them. In this embodiment, the gear stage switching motor 33 is rotated by the motor reduction gear 35, the first reduction gear 36, the cylindrical worm 37, the worm wheel 38, the second reduction gear 39, and the drive output body 40. A deceleration mechanism for decelerating is configured. Further, the mounting base 31 and the cover member 41 constitute an outer shell portion of the gear position switching device 30.

  The drive output body 40 is rotatable about a support shaft 40c. A long hole 40d is formed at the tip of the arm portion 40b. The long hole 40d is vertically passed through the connecting hinge portion (the connecting hinge pin). ) 43 is provided. The connecting hinge portion (connecting hinge pin) 43 is attached to the tip of the gear stage switching body 26, and the arm portion 40 b of the driving output body 40 and the gear stage switching body are connected via the connecting hinge portion (connecting hinge pin) 43. 26 is connected. When the gear stage switching motor 33 is driven, the rotational driving force of the gear stage switching motor 33 is driven while being decelerated via the reduction gears 35, 36, 39, the cylindrical worm 37, and the worm wheel 38. Is transmitted to the output body 40 for driving, and the arm portion 40b of the output body 40 for driving is driven. That is, since the arm portion 40b of the driving output body 40 and the gear stage switching body 26 are connected via the connecting hinge part (connecting hinge pin) 43, the gear stage switching motor 33 changes to the driving output body 40. The transmitted rotational driving force is configured to be transmitted to the shift stage switching body 26 not only in the direction of retracting into the axle 25 but also in the direction of projecting from the axle 25. As a result, the amount of protrusion (the amount of movement) of the gear stage switching body 26 from the axle 25 is adjusted, and the gear stage of the internal transmission can be switched. Note that as the amount of protrusion (the amount of movement) of the gear change body 26 from the axle 25 decreases, the gear changes to the higher gear (in this embodiment, the gear changes to three steps). 4 shows a state in which the low speed stage is switched, FIG. 7 shows a state in which the medium speed stage is switched, and FIG. 8 shows a state in which the high speed stage is switched.

  In this embodiment, a base plate 32 on which a gear stage switching motor 33, reduction gears 35, 36, 39, a cylindrical worm 37, a worm wheel 38, a driving output body 40, and the like are assembled is attached to the mounting base 31. In a state where these are covered with the cover member 41, the cover member 41 is detachably attached to the mounting base 31 with screws or the like. Further, a pair of motor connection terminals (also referred to as motor connection terminals) 42 detachably attached to the gear stage switching motor 33 is directly attached to the board 32 in a standing posture. Is installed in a state where it is inserted into the inside through a hole formed in the main body portion of the gear stage switching motor 33, so that the gear stage switching motor 33 is energized. Yes.

  Although not shown in detail, the mounting base 31 and the cover member 41 rotate the support cylinder that rotatably supports the shaft portion of the drive output body 40 and the shaft portions of the cylindrical worm 37 and the reduction gear 36 from above and below. A bearing portion that freely holds, a bearing portion that receives a support shaft that rotatably supports the worm wheel 38, and the like are provided.

  Further, as shown in FIG. 4 and the like, a tooth portion that meshes with the cylindrical worm 37 is formed on the outer periphery of the worm wheel 38, and this tooth portion is slightly inclined in side view so as to mesh with the cylindrical worm 37. However, when a load is applied to the gear stage switching device 30 (in this embodiment, the gear stage switching body 26 moves backward into the axle 25 and moves from the low speed stage side to the high speed stage side. The thrust reaction force from the cylindrical worm 37 is applied to the mounting base 31 which is one outer shell portion.

  That is, in this embodiment, when the gear stage switching motor 33 is rotated in a predetermined direction so as to move from the low speed stage switching position (see FIG. 4) to the high speed stage switching position (see FIG. 8), the speed change is performed. Since the stage switching body 26 has to be moved against the urging force that urges it in the direction protruding from the axle 25, the load on the gear stage switching apparatus 30 including the gear stage switching motor 33 increases. In addition, while the force transmission efficiency between so-called spur gears is high, the cylindrical worm 37 and the worm wheel 38 have a large reduction rate (torque increase rate), but the force transmission efficiency is slightly higher, ie, 50%. If the meshing position between the cylindrical worm 37 and the worm wheel 38 is shifted, the force transmission efficiency is further greatly reduced. Therefore, it is desirable to make the meshing position between the cylindrical worm 37 and the worm wheel 38 good. However, the assembly position of the worm wheel 38 is not necessarily accurate due to manufacturing errors due to the mounting base 31 and the cover member 41 forming the outer shell. In order to cope with such a situation well, in the present embodiment, the worm wheel 38 is disposed so as to be slightly inclined at the contact portion with the cylindrical worm 37. As a result, the thrust reaction force from the cylindrical worm 37 is applied to the mounting base 31 when the gear stage switching motor 33 is rotated to the high speed stage side where the load increases. As a result, when a large load is applied, the meshing position between the cylindrical worm 37 and the worm wheel 38 is in an optimal state, and even when a small gear is used as the gear stage switching motor 33, the driving output body is used. 40 can be driven well.

  Further, as shown in FIG. 6 and the like, a fan-shaped magnet 45 is attached to the driving output body 40, and when the driving output body 40 reaches a predetermined gear position (low speed stage). A position detection sensor 46 composed of a linear Hall element (linear Hall IC) for detecting the position of the drive output body 40 at a position close to the magnet 45 is mounted on the substrate 32. The magnet 45 has a fan shape centered on the support shaft 40c of the drive output body 40, and has a circular arc whose one end in the circumferential direction has N poles and whose other circumferential side has S poles. As shown in FIG. 9, the position detection sensor 46 sets the position of the drive output body 40 (in this embodiment, the low speed stage and the high speed stage and the middle speed stage position therebetween) in a linear state, that is, a straight line or It is possible to detect the position in a curved line in multiple stages (infinite stages).

  The shift speed switching motor 33 and the position detection sensor 46 of the shift speed switching device 30 are connected to a control section in the drive unit 10 via a wiring 34a (see FIG. 6 and the like) connected to the connector section 34, and the handle. 5 is driven in response to an operation by the rider of the local gear shift device 20 attached to the gear 5, and the drive output body 40 is moved. In addition, a signal related to position information from the position detection sensor 46 is output to the control unit or the switching motor control unit provided on the substrate 32, and the gear stage switching motor 33 is driven in response to the signal related to the position information. The The drive unit 10 is also supplied with power from the battery 12, and is also supplied with power from the battery 12 to the gear change motor 33 of the gear change device 30 via the drive unit 10.

  In the above configuration, when the high-speed side changeover switch 21A and the low-speed side changeover switch 21B of the hand shift stage switching device 20 are operated by being pushed by the passenger, the shift stage switching motor 33 is driven accordingly. Then, the rotational force of the gear stage switching motor 33 is decelerated by the speed reduction mechanism and transmitted to the driving output body 40, and the gear stage switching body 26 is moved by the driving output body 40. Thereby, it becomes possible to change the speed of the internal transmission. Further, since the passenger only has to press the high-speed side changeover switch 21A or the low-speed side changeover switch 21B of the hand shift stage switching device 20 at the time of shifting, the burden is reduced, which is convenient.

  In this case, the driving force from the gear stage switching motor 33 is transmitted to the driving output body 40 and the gear stage switching body 26 without passing through the wire, so that no wire replacement work or adjustment work is required. In addition, since a space for arranging the wires is unnecessary, the gear position switching device 30 can be easily downsized.

  Further, according to the above configuration, the arm portion 40 b of the driving output body 40 and the gear stage switching body 26 are connected via the connecting hinge part (connecting hinge pin) 43, and the driving output is output from the gear stage switching motor 33. The rotational driving force transmitted to the body 40 is configured to be transmitted to the shift stage switching body 26 not only in the direction of retracting into the axle 25 but also in the direction of protruding from the axle 25. As a result, the urging force of the switching body urging member (return spring) that urges the gear stage switching body 26 to protrude from the axle 25 is deteriorated due to secular change in the internal transmission provided on the hub 16 of the rear wheel 4. Even in such a case, it is possible to reliably perform the shift, and the reliability is improved. Further, in the internal transmission, it is possible to omit a switching body urging member (return spring) that urges the gear stage switching body 26 so as to protrude from the axle 25. Furthermore, a planetary gear mechanism is often used as an internal transmission, but even when a large torque is applied to the planetary gear provided in the planetary gear mechanism, the gear position can be favorably switched to the low speed stage side. There is also an advantage that can be achieved, and this can also improve the reliability.

  Further, according to the above configuration, the position detection sensor 46 that detects the position of the driving force output body 40 by the magnetic force of the magnet 450 is provided at a location where the magnet 45 is attached to the driving force output body 40 and can be opposed to the magnet 45. Is provided. Thereby, the position of the driving force output body 40 can be detected satisfactorily. In the above embodiment, the position detection sensor 46 is a linear Hall element, and not only the gear position but also the intermediate position of the gear stage can be detected by one linear Hall element. There is an advantage that the detailed position including the intermediate position of the driving force output body 40 can be detected well. However, the position detection sensor 46 does not necessarily have to be a linear Hall element. A plurality of Hall elements that can be switched between an ON state and an OFF state are used at different positions, or a potentiometer is attached to the driving force output body 40 for detection. Or you may.

  Further, according to the above configuration, the base plate 32 is provided in the shift stage switching device 30 having the shift stage switching motor 33, and the shift stage switching motor connection terminal 42 detachably attached to the shift stage switching motor 33 is provided on the base plate 32. Is directly attached. Thus, when the speed change motor 33 is attached to the substrate 32, it is only necessary to attach it to the speed change motor connection terminal 42, and the speed change motor 33 is provided with a separate solder fixing terminal. You don't have to put it on. As a result, productivity at the time of manufacture is improved, and space can be saved as the substrate 32. As a result, downsizing of the gear stage switching device 30 can be promoted.

  Note that the cover member 41 that forms the outer shell of the gear stage switching device 30 can be manufactured at low cost by molding with a resin. However, the present invention is not limited to this. For example, when a component that generates a large amount of heat and preferably dissipates heat is used as the shift speed switching motor 33, the cover member 41 that forms part of the outer shell is made of metal. And the cover member 41 may be disposed in contact with the main body of the gear stage switching motor 33 (see FIG. 4). In this case, the heat generated by the gear stage switching motor 33 is dissipated to the outside through the metal cover member 41, and is also transmitted to the metal plate mounting base 31 and the chain stay 2e of the frame 2. Thus, it is prevented that the gear 33 is diverged to the outside and the gear change motor 33 is overheated, so that the reliability can be improved. Further, at least a part of the main body of the gear stage switching motor 33 is disposed so as to be in direct contact with the frame 2 such as the chain stay 2e, or is contacted with the frame 2 such as the chain stay 2e via the mounting base 31. You may comprise as follows. Even with these configurations, when a component that generates a large amount of heat and preferably dissipates heat is used as the gear changeover motor 33, heat generated by the gear changeover motor 33 is transmitted to the chain stay 2e of the frame 2. Then, it can be diffused to the outside, and the reliability can be improved.

  In the above-described embodiment, when changing the gear position, the occupant shifts by manually operating the high speed side changeover switch 21A or the low speed side changeover switch 21B of the hand gear position change device 20 or the like. did. However, the present invention is not limited to such a configuration, and as shown in FIG. 10 simply, the electric bicycle 1 is provided with a running load state detection means 43 that detects the running load state of the electric bicycle 1, and the control unit 50. Thus, the shift speed switching motor 33 may be controlled to be driven according to the traveling load state. For example, a torque sensor 51 that detects human power driving force (stepping force that acts on the crankshaft 7a when the pedal 8 is depressed) is provided in the drive unit 10 and the like, and a vehicle speed sensor 52 that detects vehicle speed is provided in the front wheel 3 and the like. The control unit 50 is provided with traveling load state detection means 53 for detecting a traveling load state from the human driving force (stepping force) detected by the sensor 51 and the vehicle speed. For example, a judgment table for judging the running load state corresponding to the values of a plurality of running speeds and the load state of the human driving force is provided, and when this running load state is large, the driving load is switched to the low speed stage side. When the state is small, the gear is shifted so as to switch to the high speed side.

  According to this configuration, the gear stage switching motor 33 of the gear stage switching device 30 is driven in accordance with the running load state of the electric bicycle 1, and the internal transmission can be automatically shifted. Therefore, it is possible to save time and effort for the passenger to operate in order to switch the gear position. In the above-described embodiment, the case where the traveling load state of the electric bicycle 1 is detected from the speed and the manpower driving force (stepping force) is described. However, the present invention is not limited to this. For example, the manpower driving force You may comprise so that a driving | running | working load state may be detected only from (stepping force). In addition, an inclination sensor (an inclination sensor that can determine both uphill and downhill) for detecting the inclination angle of the travel location of the electric bicycle 1 is provided, and the travel load state of the electric bicycle 1 including the inclination angle of the travel location is determined as the travel load. You may comprise so that the state detection means 53 can detect.

  Further, in the above embodiment, the arm portion 40b of the driving output body 40 and the gear stage switching body 26 are connected via the connecting hinge part (connecting hinge pin) 43, thereby driving from the gear stage switching motor 33. The case where the rotational driving force transmitted to the output body 40 is transmitted to the gear stage switching body 26 not only in the direction retracting into the axle 25 but also in the direction protruding from the axle 25 will be described. However, the configuration is not limited to this. That is, as shown in FIGS. 11 to 14, the tooth portion 26 a is formed at a position protruding from the axle 25 in the gear stage switching body 26, and the output tooth portion 40 f is provided on the driving output body 40 of the gear stage switching device 30. The output tooth portion 40f of the drive output body 40 and the tooth portion 26a of the gear stage switching body 26 may be engaged with each other.

  Also with this configuration, the arm portion 40b of the driving output body 40 and the gear stage switching body 26 are connected via the output tooth portion 40f of the driving output body 40 and the gear portion 26a of the gear stage switching body 26 that are engaged with each other. In conjunction with this, the rotational driving force transmitted from the gear stage switching motor 33 to the driving output body 40 is not only retreated into the axle 25 but also in the direction of projecting from the axle 25 to the gear stage switching body 26. Communicated. As a result, even when the urging force of the urging spring that urges the gear stage switching body 26 to protrude from the axle 25 is deteriorated due to secular change in the internal transmission provided on the hub 16 of the rear wheel 4, it is ensured. Shifting can be performed, and reliability is improved. Further, in the internal transmission, it is possible to omit a biasing spring that biases the shift stage switching body 26 so as to protrude from the axle 25. Furthermore, a planetary gear mechanism is often used as an internal transmission, but even when a large torque is applied to the planetary gear provided in the planetary gear mechanism, the gear position can be favorably switched to the low speed stage side. There is also an advantage that can be achieved, and this can also improve the reliability.

  In the gear stage switching device 30 shown in FIGS. 11 to 14, the same components as those in the gear stage switching device 30 shown in FIG. In the speed change device 30 shown in FIGS. 11 to 14, the drive output body 40 that meshes with the speed change body 26 is a gear, and the speed reduction gear 39 is further decelerated between the drive output body 40 and the reduction gear 39. Gears 47, 48 are interposed, a magnet 45 is attached to the reduction gear 47, and the position of the driving force output body 40 via the reduction gears 47, 48 by a magnetic force of the magnet 45 at a position that can face the magnet 45. There is provided a position detection sensor (not shown) that indirectly detects. Also with this configuration, it is possible to obtain the same operational effects as the above-described embodiment.

  Further, in the above-described embodiment, the shift stage switching body 26 of the internal transmission provided in the rear hub 16 is configured to switch the shift stage by moving back and forth from the center portion of the axle 25 along the axis X direction of the axle 25. Said the case. However, the present invention is not limited to this configuration, and the present invention is similarly applied to a configuration in which the shift stage switching body of the internal transmission is switched from the outer periphery of the axle 25 along the axis X direction of the axle 25 to switch the shift stage. Is possible.

  Further, in the above configuration, the case where the bicycle is the electric bicycle 1 is described. In this case, the speed change motor 33 of the speed change device 30 is supplied with power by the battery 12 provided in the electric bicycle 1. There is an advantage that it is not necessary to provide a dedicated battery for driving the gear stage switching motor 33.

  However, the present invention is not limited to this configuration, and a battery can be detachably provided to the gear stage switching device 30, or the local gear stage switching device 20 can be connected to the gear stage switching device 30 via a wiring portion. Alternatively, a battery may be detachably provided in the switching device 20 so that the gear 33 can be driven by the battery. According to this configuration, even in a general bicycle, the gear position can be switched electrically.

  The shift stage switching device can be attached to a bicycle equipped with an internal transmission, and can shift the internal transmission satisfactorily. Moreover, although it is suitable to attach to the electric bicycle with which the battery is mounted also in the bicycle, it is not restricted to this. In addition, when the shift speed switching device is attached to an electric bicycle, it is particularly attached to an electric bicycle, which is also referred to as a so-called electric assist bicycle, which can apply the auxiliary driving force of the motor to the pedaling force (human power driving force). Although it is preferable, the present invention is not limited to this, and it is possible to attach to a so-called self-propelled electric bicycle that self-propels only by the driving force of the motor.

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Electric assist bicycle 2 Frame 2e Chain stay 3 Front wheel 4 Rear wheel 5 Handle 7 Crank 8 Pedal 9 Motor 10 Drive unit 11 Chain (endless drive force transmission body)
12 Battery 15 Rear sprocket 16 Rear hub 20 Hand shift stage switching device 21A High speed side switching switch 21B Low speed side switching switch 25 Axle (axle of rear wheel)
26 Shift speed changer (push rod)
30 Speed change device 31 Mounting base (outer shell)
32 Substrate 33 Motor for changing gear stage 34 Connector portion 35 Motor reduction gear 36 First reduction gear 37 Cylindrical worm (reduction gear)
38 Worm wheel (reduction gear)
39 Second reduction gear 40 Output body for driving 41 Cover member 42 Terminal for motor connection 43 Connection hinge part (connection hinge pin)
45 Magnet 46 Position detection sensor 47, 48 Reduction gear 50 Control unit 51 Torque sensor 52 Vehicle speed sensor 53 Running load state detection means

Claims (11)

A gear stage switching device that is attached to a bicycle provided with an internal transmission having a gear stage switching body that moves back and forth along the axial center direction of the axle from the center or outer periphery of the axle to the hub of the rear wheel. Because
A shift speed switching motor that generates a shift speed driving force, and a speed reduction mechanism that decelerates the rotation of the shift speed switching motor,
The deceleration mechanism is provided with a drive output body that is transmitted with a decelerated force and is interlocked with the shift stage switching body,
The rotational driving force transmitted from the shift speed switching motor to the drive output body is transmitted to the shift speed switching body not only in the direction of retracting into the axle but also in the direction of protruding from the axle. A shift stage switching device characterized by being provided.   2. The gear stage switching device according to claim 1, wherein the driving output body and the gear stage switching body are connected via a connecting hinge portion. A tooth portion is formed at a position protruding from the axle of the speed change body,
An output tooth portion is formed on the drive output body,
The gear stage switching device according to claim 1, wherein an output tooth portion of the driving output body and a tooth portion of the gear stage switching body are meshed with each other.   A magnet is attached to the drive output body, and a position detection sensor that detects the position of the drive output body by a magnetic force of the magnet is provided at a position that can face the magnet, and the position detection sensor is a linear Hall element. The gear position switching device according to claim 1, wherein not only the gear position but also an intermediate position of the gear position can be detected by one linear Hall element.   2. The shift stage according to claim 1, wherein a shift stage switching motor is provided on the board, and a shift stage switching motor connection terminal detachably attached to the shift stage switching motor is directly attached to the board. Switching device. The gear shift body is biased in a direction protruding from the axle;
The speed change motor and the speed reduction mechanism are housed in an outer shell,
When the gear for changing gear is driven so that a load against the urging force of the gear for changing gear is applied to the output for driving, the gear on the gear is provided on the gear portion provided in the speed reduction mechanism. The gear stage switching device according to claim 1, wherein a thrust reaction force of the driving force transmitted from the switching motor acts on the outer shell portion.   A bicycle comprising the gear change device according to claim 1.   The bicycle according to claim 7, wherein the gear stage switching device is disposed in the vicinity of a position where the gear stage switching body is withdrawn and retracted on the axle of the rear wheel.   The speed change motor is disposed in contact with the metal portion of the outer shell housing the speed change motor and the speed reduction mechanism, or in direct or indirect contact with the bicycle frame. The bicycle according to claim 7, wherein   8. The bicycle according to claim 7, wherein the bicycle is an electric bicycle including a motor that generates an auxiliary driving force and a battery that supplies power to the motor, and the shift stage switching motor is also supplied with power from the battery. The listed bicycle. A traveling load state detecting means for detecting a traveling load state of the bicycle is provided,
The bicycle according to claim 10, further comprising a control unit that controls to drive the shift speed switching motor according to the traveling load state.

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