JP2023019883A - Drive unit for man-power drive vehicle, and spindle unit for man-power drive vehicle - Google Patents

Abstract

To provide a drive unit for a man-power drive vehicle capable of improving convenience, and a spindle unit for the man-power drive vehicle.SOLUTION: A drive unit for a man-power drive vehicle comprises: a housing including at least one connection part to be connected to a frame, a first side wall part in which a first open hole is formed, and a second side wall part in which a second open hole is formed and which is arranged at an interval from the first side wall part; a motor provided in the housing and outputting drive force; and a support mechanism for rotatably supporting a spindle unit in an arrangement state where the spindle unit including an input rotary shaft, and an output rotary shaft that is arranged coaxially with the input rotary shaft and coupled to the input rotary shaft, is arranged so as to project to the outside of the housing through the first open hole and the second open hole respectively. The support mechanism is provided in the housing, and the spindle unit can be attached thereto and detached therefrom via at least one of the first open hole and the second open hole.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 5

Description

The present disclosure relates to a drive unit for a man-powered vehicle and a spindle unit for a man-powered vehicle.

For example, a drive unit for a manpowered vehicle disclosed in Patent Document 1 includes a housing and a spindle unit. A portion of the spindle unit is configured to be exposed from the housing.

Japanese Patent No. 4416620

One object of the present disclosure is to provide a drive unit for a manpowered vehicle and a spindle unit for a manpowered vehicle that can improve convenience.

A drive unit according to a first aspect of the present disclosure is a drive unit for a manpowered vehicle, and includes at least one connecting portion configured to be connected to a frame of the manpowered vehicle, and a first through hole formed therein. a housing including a first side wall portion and a second side wall portion formed with a second through hole and spaced apart from the first side wall portion; a motor, an input rotary shaft, and an output rotary shaft arranged coaxially with the input rotary shaft and connected to the input rotary shaft, the spindle unit for the manpowered vehicle is provided in the first through hole and a support mechanism configured to rotatably support the spindle unit in an arrangement state in which the spindle unit is arranged to protrude from the second through holes to the outside of the housing, wherein the support mechanism comprises , is provided in the housing, and is configured such that the spindle unit can be attached and detached through at least one of the first through hole and the second through hole.
According to the drive unit on the first side, the spindle unit can be attached to or detached from the support mechanism through at least one of the first and second through holes without disassembling the housing. Convenience is improved. According to the drive unit of the first side, for example, the spindle unit can be attached to the drive unit after the drive unit is connected to the frame, so that the degree of freedom in designing the frame of the manpowered vehicle is improved. According to the drive unit on the first side, it is easy to replace the spindle unit.

In the drive unit of the second aspect according to the first aspect of the present disclosure, the support mechanism has a first inner peripheral surface formed to contact an outer peripheral surface of the input rotary shaft in the arranged state, and the first a first bearing provided on one side wall; and a second inner peripheral surface formed to contact an outer peripheral surface of the output rotary shaft in the arrangement state; bearings;
According to the drive unit on the second side, the spindle unit is favorably supported by the first bearing and the second bearing included in the support mechanism.

In the drive unit of the third aspect according to the second aspect of the present disclosure, the first minimum inner diameter of the first inner peripheral surface is set in the spindle unit in the arranged state in the direction from the first bearing to the second bearing. , which is equal to or larger than a first maximum outer diameter of a first portion arranged upstream of the first bearing, and the second minimum inner diameter of the second inner peripheral surface is equal to or larger than the first minimum inner diameter of the first inner peripheral surface. It is equal to or larger than the second maximum outer diameter of the second portion arranged between the first bearing and the second bearing in the spindle unit in the arranged state.
According to the drive unit of the third aspect, the first portion of the spindle unit is inserted into the second bearing from the outside of the housing, and the spindle unit is moved in the direction from the second bearing toward the first bearing, thereby The spindle unit can be attached to the drive unit by inserting the first portion of the into the first bearing.

In the drive unit of the fourth aspect according to the third aspect of the present disclosure, the first minimum inner diameter of the first inner peripheral surface is less than the second maximum outer diameter of the second portion of the spindle unit.
According to the drive unit of the fourth side surface, movement of the spindle unit in the direction from the second bearing toward the first bearing is suppressed by contact between the first bearing and the second portion of the spindle unit.

In the drive unit of the fifth aspect according to any one of the first to fourth aspects of the present disclosure, a transmission provided in the housing and configured to transmit the driving force of the motor to the output rotary shaft in the arranged state A mechanism is further provided.
According to the drive unit of the fifth aspect, the driving force of the motor can be suitably transmitted to the output rotating shaft by the transmission mechanism.

In the drive unit of the sixth aspect according to the fifth aspect of the present disclosure, the transmission mechanism includes a speed reducer and at least part of a one-way clutch, and the one-way clutch rotates the input rotary shaft in the arranged state. When the input rotating shaft rotates in the first direction around the axis, transmission of the rotational force input to the input rotating shaft to the motor is suppressed.
According to the drive unit of the sixth aspect, when the input rotating shaft is rotated in the first direction around the rotation axis of the input rotating shaft, the one-way clutch suppresses the transmission of the driving force input to the input rotating shaft to the motor. Therefore, the load on the rider can be reduced when the motor is stopped.

In the drive unit of the seventh aspect according to the sixth aspect of the present disclosure, the speed reducer includes a first gear, the first gear is annularly formed, has an inner circumference and an outer circumference formed with a plurality of teeth. and the at least part of the one-way clutch is arranged between the inner peripheral portion of the first gear and the output rotary shaft in the arranged state.
According to the drive unit of the seventh aspect, since the one-way clutch is arranged near the output rotating shaft, it is possible to further reduce the load on the rider when the motor is stopped.

In the drive unit of the eighth aspect according to the seventh aspect of the present disclosure, the at least part of the one-way clutch includes a plurality of rollers arranged inside the first gear and a carrier supporting the plurality of rollers. , wherein in the arrangement state, the plurality of rollers are configured to contact the outer peripheral surface of the output rotating shaft.
According to the eighth side drive unit, the outer peripheral portion of the output rotary shaft forms the inner ring of the one-way clutch, so the number of parts can be reduced.

The drive unit of the ninth aspect according to any one of the first to eighth aspects of the present disclosure, further comprising the spindle unit.
According to the drive unit of the ninth aspect, since the drive unit includes the spindle unit that can be attached to and detached from the drive unit, convenience is improved.

The drive unit of the tenth aspect according to the third or fourth aspect of the present disclosure, further comprising: the spindle unit; and a cylindrical member provided to surround the first portion of the spindle unit; The first portion includes a first crank arm connection configured to be connected to a crank arm, the cylindrical member being connected to the crank arm connected to the first crank arm connection and the first bearing. and the third maximum outer diameter of the cylindrical member is greater than the first maximum inner diameter of the first inner peripheral surface.
According to the drive unit of the tenth aspect, when the crank arm is attached to the first crank arm connecting portion, the movement of the cylindrical member in the axial direction of the input rotation shaft is suppressed by the crank arm and the first bearing, and Movement of the spindle unit in the direction from the first bearing to the second bearing is suppressed.

In the drive unit of the eleventh aspect according to any one of the sixth to eighth aspects of the present disclosure, the output rotary shaft rotates around the rotary axis of the input rotary shaft so as not to be relatively rotatable with the input rotary shaft. connected to a shaft and including a first end and a second end in the rotational axis direction of the input rotary shaft, the first end being connected to the input rotary shaft, the second end being and a rotating body connecting portion configured to connect a rotating body, and configured to protrude from the second through hole to the outside of the housing in the arranged state.
According to the drive unit of the eleventh aspect, it is possible to integrally rotate the input rotary shaft and the output rotary shaft. According to the drive unit of the eleventh aspect, in the arranged state, the second end of the output rotary shaft including the rotating body connecting portion protrudes outside the housing through the second through hole, so that the rotating body is connected to the rotating body connecting portion. Easy to connect.

In the drive unit of the twelfth aspect according to any one of the first through eleventh aspects of the present disclosure, the at least one coupling portion comprises a first coupling portion provided on the first sidewall portion and a first coupling portion provided on the second sidewall portion. and a second connecting portion, wherein in the arranged state, at least one of the first connecting portion and the second connecting portion is arranged to surround the spindle unit around the rotation axis of the spindle unit. .
According to the drive unit of the twelfth side, the drive unit can be suitably connected to the frame of the manpowered vehicle by the first connecting portion and the second connecting portion.

In the drive unit of the thirteenth aspect according to the twelfth aspect of the present disclosure, the first coupling portion includes a first internal thread defining at least a portion of the first through hole, and the second coupling portion comprises the second A second internal thread defining at least a portion of the throughbore is included.
According to the drive unit on the thirteenth side, the first female threaded portion and the second female threaded portion are arranged so as to surround the spindle unit in the arranged state. , the drive unit can be stably connected to the frame of the manpowered vehicle.

A spindle unit according to a fourteenth aspect of the present disclosure is a spindle unit for a manpowered vehicle, comprising: an input rotating shaft; and one end of the input rotary shaft in the direction of the rotation axis is connected to the input rotary shaft, and the other end of the input rotary shaft in the direction of the rotation axis rotates. an output rotating shaft configured to couple a body, the input rotating shaft including a first supported portion rotatably and detachably supported by a first bearing, the output rotating shaft including a second A fourth maximum outer diameter of a portion of the spindle unit between the first supported portion and the second supported portion, including a second supported portion that is rotatably and detachably supported by a bearing. is equal to or less than the fifth maximum outer diameter of the second supported portion.
According to the spindle unit of the 14th aspect, the spindle unit can be detachably attached to the drive unit, so the convenience of the spindle unit is improved.

In the spindle unit of the 15th side according to the 14th side of the present disclosure, the input rotation shaft is located upstream of the first supported portion in the direction from the first supported portion to the second supported portion. The first portion to be arranged has a first maximum outer diameter equal to or smaller than a sixth maximum outer diameter of the first supported portion, and the first supported portion and the second supported portion of the input rotary shaft. and an eighth maximum outer diameter at a portion of the output rotary shaft between the first supported portion and the second supported portion, the second supported portion It is equal to or less than the fifth maximum outer diameter of the support portion.
According to the spindle unit of the fifteenth aspect, the spindle unit can be detachably attached to the drive unit.

In the spindle unit of the 16th aspect according to the 14th or 15th aspect of the present disclosure, the outer peripheral surface of the output rotary shaft includes a one-way clutch forming portion forming an inner ring of a one-way clutch.
According to the spindle unit of the sixteenth side, the outer peripheral portion of the output rotary shaft forms the inner ring of the one-way clutch, so the number of parts can be reduced.

A drive unit for a manpowered vehicle and a spindle unit for a manpowered vehicle according to the present disclosure can improve convenience.

Disassembly of a spindle unit for a manpowered vehicle, a drive unit for a manpowered vehicle, a portion of the frame of the manpowered vehicle to which the drive unit for the manpowered vehicle is connected, a first connecting member, a second connecting member, and a restrictor Perspective view. 1 is a plan view of a drive unit for a manpowered vehicle that includes a spindle unit for a manpowered vehicle; FIG. 1 is a first side view of a drive unit for a manpowered vehicle with a spindle unit for a manpowered vehicle; FIG. 2 is a second side view of the drive unit for the manpowered vehicle with the spindle unit for the manpowered vehicle; FIG. FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view of the drive unit for the manpowered vehicle including the spindle unit for the manpowered vehicle, taken along line D5-D5 in FIG. 3; FIG. 5 shows a state in which a drive unit for a manpowered vehicle having a spindle unit for a manpowered vehicle is attached to the frame. Sectional drawing which expands and shows the periphery of the spindle unit for human-powered vehicles of FIG. FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view of the drive unit for the manpowered vehicle with the spindle unit for the manpowered vehicle removed; The top view of the spindle unit for human-powered vehicles.

A drive unit 40 for a manpowered vehicle and a spindle unit 90 for a manpowered vehicle will be described with reference to FIGS. 1 to 8. FIG. The manpowered vehicle 10 is a vehicle that has at least one wheel and can be driven by at least manpower. The human powered vehicle 10 includes, for example, mountain bikes, road bikes, city bikes, cargo bikes, and various types of bicycles such as hand bikes and recumbent bikes. The number of wheels that the manpowered vehicle 10 has is not limited. The manpowered vehicle 10 includes not only two-wheeled vehicles, but also, for example, one-wheeled vehicles and vehicles having three or more wheels. The manpowered vehicle 10 is not limited to vehicles that can be driven solely by manpower. The human-powered vehicle 10 includes an E-bike that uses not only the human-powered driving force but also the driving force of an electric motor for propulsion. E-bikes include electrically assisted bicycles whose propulsion is assisted by an electric motor. Hereinafter, in the embodiments, the human-powered vehicle 10 will be described as an electrically assisted bicycle, and an example of an electrically assisted bicycle will be described as a mountain bike.

Manpowered vehicle 10 includes at least one wheel and a vehicle body 12 . The at least one wheel includes a rear wheel and a front wheel. Body 12 includes a frame 14 . Frame 14 includes a down tube 16 , a seat tube 18 , and a connecting portion 19 connecting down tube 16 and seat tube 18 . A drive unit 40 is provided in the frame 14 . The drive unit 40 is configured to be attachable to the frame 14 . Drive unit 40 is configured to be attachable to at least one of down tube 16 , seat tube 18 , and connecting portion 19 . Drive unit 40 further includes a spindle unit 90 . The spindle unit 90 is rotatable with respect to the frame 14 while the drive unit 40 is attached to the frame 14 .

For example, human powered vehicle 10 further includes a battery that powers drive unit 40 . A battery includes one or more battery elements. A battery element includes a rechargeable battery. The battery is configured to power the drive unit 40 . Drive unit 40 may include controller 76 . The battery is communicatively connected to controller 76 via an electrical cable or wireless communication device. The battery can communicate with the controller 76 by, for example, Power Line Communication (PLC), Controller Area Network (CAN), or Universal Asynchronous Receiver/Transmitter (UART).

The frame 14 is provided with a drive unit placement portion 14A. The drive unit placement portion 14A is provided in the connection portion 19, for example. The drive unit placement portion 14A is provided at an appropriate location not only at the connection portion 19 but also according to the shape of the frame 14 .

The drive unit placement portion 14A forms a placement space P in which at least a portion of the spindle unit 90 and at least a portion of the drive unit 40 are placed. A first opening 14B is provided in the drive unit placement portion 14A. The first opening portion 14B is provided at the lower end portion of the drive unit placement portion 14A in a state in which the wheels of the manpowered vehicle 10 are vertically grounded on a horizontal plane. An opening connected to the arrangement space P is formed in the first opening 14B. A second opening 14C may be further provided in the drive unit placement portion 14A.

The second opening 14C opens in the left-right direction perpendicular to the front-rear direction and the up-down direction of the manpowered vehicle 10 in a state in which the wheels of the manpowered vehicle 10 are vertically grounded on a horizontal plane. An opening connected to the arrangement space P is formed in the second opening 14C. The opening of the second opening 14C is connected to the opening of the first opening 14B. The first opening 14B and the second opening 14C have a shape that allows at least part of the drive unit 40 to move from outside the arrangement space P into the arrangement space P. As shown in FIG. For example, the drive unit 40 is arranged in the arrangement space P from the opening of the first opening 14B. For example, when the drive unit 40 is arranged in the arrangement space P, part of the drive unit 40 may be exposed from the first opening 14B and the second opening 14C. The second opening 14C may be omitted. The drive unit placement portion 14A may have any shape as long as the drive unit 40 can be placed in the placement space P.

A first hole 14D and a second hole 14E are formed in the drive unit placement portion 14A. The first hole 14</b>D opens to one side of the frame 14 in the lateral direction of the manpowered vehicle 10 . The second hole 14</b>E opens to the other side of the frame 14 in the lateral direction of the manpowered vehicle 10 . The first hole 14</b>D is formed with dimensions that allow the drive unit 40 to pass through but the spindle unit 90 to pass through. The second hole 14E is sized so that the drive unit 40 cannot pass therethrough and at least a portion of the spindle unit 90 can pass therethrough. The first hole 14D and the second hole 14E pass through the frame 14 and are connected to the arrangement space P. The first hole 14D and the second hole 14E have a circular shape when viewed from the lateral direction of the manpowered vehicle 10 and are formed coaxially.

For example, the manpowered vehicle 10 further includes at least one restricting portion 28 that restricts rotation of the first hole 14D and the second hole 14E relative to the frame 14 about the central axis. The restricting portion 28 may have any configuration as long as it can suppress the rotation of the first hole 14D and the second hole 14E relative to the frame 14 of the drive unit 40 about the central axis.

For example, the restricting portion 28 includes a bolt. The frame 14 is formed with a hole 14F into which the restricting portion 28 is inserted. The hole 14F is connected to the arrangement space P. The hole 14</b>F opens, for example, in a direction that intersects the horizontal direction of the frame 14 . For example, the housing 42 is provided with an internally threaded portion 43 that engages the bolt. When the housing 42 is provided with the female threaded portion 43, a bolt is inserted into the hole 14F and coupled to the female threaded portion 43 of the housing 42, thereby tightening the first hole 14D and the second hole 14E with respect to the frame 14 of the drive unit 40. Rotation around the central axis is restricted.

A female thread may be formed in the inner peripheral surface of the frame 14 that defines the hole 14</b>F without providing the female threaded portion 43 in the housing 42 . When the inner peripheral surface of the frame 14 defining the hole 14F is internally threaded, a bolt is coupled to the internal thread of the hole 14F and the end of the bolt contacts the housing 42, thereby securing the drive unit 40 to the frame 14. Rotation of the first hole 14D and the second hole 14E about the central axis is restricted.

The restricting portion 28 may include a convex portion provided on the drive unit placement portion 14A. For example, the protrusions are provided inside the frame 14 . For example, the convex portion protrudes toward the arrangement space P. When the restriction portion 28 includes a projection, the ends of the projection contact the housing 42 of the drive unit 40 to restrict the rotation of the first hole 14D and the second hole 14E with respect to the frame 14 of the drive unit 40 about the central axis. be done. The restricting portion 28 may include a recess provided in the drive unit placement portion 14A.

Drive unit 40 includes housing 42 , motor 44 , and support mechanism 46 . Housing 42 includes at least one connecting portion 48 , a first side wall portion 50 and a second side wall portion 52 . The second side wall portion 52 is spaced apart from the first side wall portion 50 . A first through hole 54 is formed in the first side wall portion 50 . A second through hole 56 is formed in the second side wall portion 52 . A spindle unit arrangement space 42B is formed inside the housing 42 . The first through hole 54 and the second through hole 56 are connected to a spindle unit arrangement space 42B formed inside the housing 42 .

The spindle unit arrangement space 42B is formed so that at least part of the spindle unit 90 can be arranged. The support mechanism 46 is configured to rotatably support the spindle unit 90 in the arranged state. The arranged state is a state where the spindle unit 90 for the manpowered vehicle is arranged so as to protrude from the first through hole 54 and the second through hole 56 to the outside of the housing 42 .

Preferably, housing 42 includes a first housing 58 and a second housing 60 . A first housing 58 includes a first side wall portion 50 . The second housing 60 includes a second side wall portion 52 . The first housing 58 and the second housing 60 are attached to each other by bolts or the like, for example. The first housing 58 and the second housing 60 form an accommodation space 42A. The spindle unit arrangement space 42B is provided in the accommodation space 42A. The spindle unit arrangement space 42B is a space in the accommodation space 42A in which the spindle unit 90 is arranged. For example, the first housing 58 and the second housing 60 are made of metal. The metal forming the first housing 58 and the second housing 60 includes, for example, an aluminum alloy or a magnesium alloy. The first housing 58 and the second housing 60 may be made of synthetic resin.

At least one coupling 48 is configured to couple to the frame 14 of the manpowered vehicle 10 . Drive unit 40 is coupled to frame 14 via at least one coupling 48 . For example, the at least one link 48 includes a first link 62 provided on the first sidewall 50 and a second link 64 provided on the second sidewall 52 . For example, the first connecting portion 62 includes a first female threaded portion 62A that defines at least a portion of the first through hole 54 . For example, the second connecting portion 64 includes a second female threaded portion 64A that defines at least a portion of the second through hole 56 .

At least one connecting portion 48 may include only one of the first female threaded portion 62A and the second female threaded portion 64A. When the at least one connecting portion 48 includes only one of the first female threaded portion 62A and the second female threaded portion 64A, the at least one connecting portion 48 includes one of the first female threaded portion 62A and the second female threaded portion 64A. , a connecting portion provided on the outer periphery of the housing 42 may be further included. The connecting portion provided on the outer peripheral portion of the housing 42 is provided, for example, on a convex portion protruding from the outer peripheral portion of the housing 42 . A female threaded portion is formed in the convex portion. The housing 42 is connected to the frame 14 by connecting a bolt inserted from the outside of the frame 14 to the female threaded portion through a through hole formed in the frame 14 .

For example, the first connecting portion 62 is connected to the frame 14 via the first mounting member 22 . The first mounting member 22 has a male threaded portion 22A that mates with a first female threaded portion 62A. The first mounting member 22 is, for example, a lock ring. The first mounting member 22 sandwiches the frame 14 between the first mounting member 22 and the drive unit 40 . With the drive unit 40 arranged in the drive unit arrangement portion 14A, the first mounting member 22 is inserted into the first hole 14D and screwed into the first female threaded portion 62A of the first connecting portion 62, whereby the housing 42 is secured. It is connected to the frame 14 .

For example, the second connecting portion 64 is connected to the frame 14 via the second mounting member 24 . The second mounting member 24 has a male threaded portion 24A that mates with the first female threaded portion 62A. The second mounting member 24 is, for example, a lock ring. The second mounting member 24 sandwiches the frame 14 between the second mounting member 24 and the drive unit 40 . With the drive unit 40 arranged in the drive unit placement portion 14A, the second mounting member 24 is inserted into the second hole 14E and screwed into the second female threaded portion 64A of the second connecting portion 64, whereby the housing 42 is secured. It is connected to the frame 14 .

A motor 44 is provided in the housing 42 and configured to output driving force. Motor 44 includes one or more electric motors. The electric motor is, for example, a brushless motor. In this embodiment, the motor 44 is configured to transmit driving force to the output rotary shaft 94 of the spindle unit 90 . The motor 44 has an output shaft 66, a rotor 44A and a stator 44B. The output shaft 66 extends in a predetermined direction A and has a free end at a first end 66A in the predetermined direction A. As shown in FIG. For example, the predetermined direction A is parallel to the rotation axis direction CY of the output rotation shaft 94 of the spindle unit 90 . The predetermined direction A may intersect the rotation axis direction CY of the output rotation shaft 94 . When the predetermined direction A intersects with the rotation axis direction CY of the output rotary shaft 94, the converter converts the rotation direction of the transmission member in the driving force transmission path of the motor 44 from the output shaft 66 to the output rotary shaft 94. is provided. The conversion unit includes, for example, bevel gears. The output shaft 66 is provided on the rotor 44A so as to rotate together with the rotor 44A.

The output shaft 66 has a first end 66A of the output shaft 66 and a second end 66B of the output shaft 66 opposite the first end 66A of the output shaft 66 in the predetermined direction A. The stator 44B is arranged to face the rotor 44A. For example, the motor 44 is a radial gap motor. For example, the motor 44 is an inner rotor type motor. The motor 44 may be an outer rotor type motor. The motor 44 may be an axial gap type motor.

Motor 44 further includes at least one motor bearing 68 . At least one motor bearing 68 includes a first motor bearing 68A and a second motor bearing 68B. The first motor bearing 68A rotatably supports an intermediate portion of the output shaft 66 in the predetermined direction A between the first end 66A and the second end 66B. A second motor bearing 68B rotatably supports a second end 66B of the output shaft 66 . For example, first motor bearing 68A includes a radial bearing. For example, second motor bearing 68B includes a radial bearing.

The first motor bearing 68A includes an inner ring, an outer ring, and multiple rolling elements arranged between the inner ring and the outer ring. The second motor bearing 68B includes an inner ring, an outer ring, and multiple rolling elements arranged between the inner ring and the outer ring. The inner diameter of the inner ring of the first motor bearing 68A is larger than the inner diameter of the inner ring of the second motor bearing 68B. The outer diameter of the outer ring of the first motor bearing 68A is larger than the outer diameter of the outer ring of the second motor bearing 68B. The second motor bearing 68B is supported by a recess 58A formed in the side wall of the first housing 58. As shown in FIG.

For example, the drive unit 40 further includes a transmission mechanism 70 provided on the housing 42 . The transmission mechanism 70 is configured to transmit the driving force of the motor 44 to the output rotary shaft 94 of the spindle unit 90 in the arranged state. For example, the transmission mechanism 70 includes a speed reducer 72 and at least part of the one-way clutch 74 . The transmission mechanism 70 is arranged in the accommodation space 42A of the housing 42 . The speed reducer 72 is configured to transmit the driving force of the motor 44 to the output rotary shaft 94 of the spindle unit 90 in the arranged state.

For example, reducer 72 includes at least two gears. For example, the speed reducer 72 reduces the rotational speed of the output shaft 66 over one or more steps. In this embodiment, the rotational speed of the output shaft 66 is reduced in two stages. The speed reducer 72 may include multiple gears and may include pulleys. In this embodiment, the speed reducer 72 includes multiple gears.

For example, the speed reducer 72 includes a first gear 72A. The first gear 72A is formed in an annular shape. The first gear 72A has an inner peripheral portion 72X and an outer peripheral portion 72Y formed with a plurality of teeth. The speed reducer 72 further includes a second gear 72B, a third gear 72C, a fourth gear 72D, and a reduction shaft 72E. For example, the deceleration shaft 72E is arranged in the accommodation space 42A so as to be parallel to the output shaft 66. As shown in FIG. For example, the second gear 72B and the third gear 72C are provided on the outer circumference of the reduction shaft 72E. For example, the fourth gear 72D is provided on the outer peripheral portion of the output shaft 66 . The first gear 72A meshes with the second gear 72B. The third gear 72C meshes with the fourth gear 72D. The number of teeth of the first gear 72A is less than the number of teeth of the second gear 72B. The number of teeth of the second gear 72B is greater than the number of teeth of the third gear 72C. The number of teeth of the third gear 72C is smaller than the number of teeth of the fourth gear 72D.

In the arranged state, the one-way clutch 74 transmits the rotational force input to the input rotating shaft 92 to the motor 44 when the input rotating shaft 92 rotates in the first direction B1 about the rotation axis CA of the input rotating shaft 92. is configured to suppress In this embodiment, one-way clutch 74 includes a roller clutch. At least part of the one-way clutch 74 includes a plurality of rollers 74A arranged on the inner peripheral portion 72X of the first gear 72A and a carrier 74B supporting the plurality of rollers 74A. An inner peripheral portion 72X of the first gear 72A constitutes an outer ring of the one-way clutch 74. As shown in FIG. An inner ring of the one-way clutch 74 is provided in the spindle unit 90 . For example, grooves in which a plurality of rollers 74A are arranged are formed in the inner peripheral portion of the outer ring of the one-way clutch 74, and the outer peripheral surface of the inner ring of the one-way clutch 74 is formed in a cylindrical shape. For example, the outer peripheral surface of the inner ring of the one-way clutch 74 is formed so as not to include concave portions and convex portions. One-way clutch 74 may include a pawl clutch or a sprag clutch.

For example, drive unit 40 includes controller 76 . The control device 76 includes a control section 76A. Control unit 76A includes an arithmetic processing unit that executes a predetermined control program. The arithmetic processing unit included in the control unit 76A includes, for example, a CPU (Central Processing Unit) or an MPU (Micro Processing Unit). Arithmetic processing units included in the control unit 76A may be provided in a plurality of locations separated from each other. The controller 76A may include one or more microcomputers. Preferably, controller 76 further includes a storage unit. The storage unit stores a predetermined control program and information used for control processing. The storage unit includes, for example, non-volatile memory and volatile memory. The non-volatile memory includes, for example, at least one of ROM (Read-Only Memory), EPROM (Erasable Programmable Read Only Memory), EEPROM (Electrically Erasable Programmable Read-Only Memory), and flash memory. Volatile memory includes, for example, RAM (Random Access Memory).

The control device 76 is arranged in the housing space 42A. For example, controller 76 further comprises a drive circuit for motor 44 . The drive circuit includes an inverter circuit. The drive circuit controls power supplied to the motor 44 from the battery. The drive circuit is connected to the controller 76A via a conductive wire, an electric cable, a wireless communication device, or the like. The drive circuit drives the motor 44 according to the control signal from the control section 76A. The stator 44B includes multiple connection terminals to which multiple coils are electrically connected. A plurality of connection terminals extend along a predetermined direction A and are electrically connected to the control device 76 .

Spindle unit 90 includes an input rotary shaft 92 and an output rotary shaft 94 . The output rotary shaft 94 is arranged coaxially with the input rotary shaft 92 and connected to the input rotary shaft 92 . In this embodiment, the input rotating shaft 92 is a crankshaft. The input rotary shaft 92 includes a first end 92A and a second end 92B. The first end portion 92A is configured to protrude from the first through hole 54 to the outside of the housing 42 . The second end portion 92B is configured to protrude from the second through hole 56 to the outside of the housing 42 .

The input rotating shaft 92 is configured to be rotatable in the first direction B1 about the rotation axis CA of the input rotating shaft 92 . The input rotating shaft 92 is configured to rotate about the rotation axis CA of the input rotating shaft 92 in a second direction B2 different from the first direction B1. The input rotating shaft 92 is connected to the output rotating shaft 94 so as to transmit the human power driving force to the output rotating shaft 94 when rotating in the second direction B2 about the rotation axis CA of the input rotating shaft 92 in the arranged state. be. The input rotary shaft 92 is preferably made of metal. In this embodiment, the input rotating shaft 92 is formed by a hollow shaft. The input rotating shaft 92 may be formed by a solid shaft.

The output rotary shaft 94 has a substantially cylindrical shape. For example, the output rotating shaft 94 is made of metal. For example, the output rotary shaft 94 is connected to the input rotary shaft 92 so as not to rotate relative to the input rotary shaft 92 about the rotary axis CA of the input rotary shaft 92 . For example, the output rotary shaft 94 is connected to the input rotary shaft 92 so as not to move relative to the input rotary shaft 92 in the rotation axis direction CX of the input rotary shaft 92 . For example, the output rotary shaft 94 surrounds the input rotary shaft 92 . For example, the output rotating shaft 94 includes a first end 94A and a second end 94B in the rotation axis direction CX of the input rotating shaft 92 .

For example, the output rotating shaft 94 is connected to the input rotating shaft 92 at one end in the rotation axis direction CX of the input rotating shaft 92, and the other end in the rotation axis direction CX of the input rotating shaft 92 is It is configured to connect the rotating body 20 .

In the present embodiment, one end of the input rotating shaft 92 in the rotation axis direction CX is the first end 94A. The first end 94A is connected to the input rotating shaft 92 . For example, the inner peripheral portion of the first end portion 94</b>A has a plurality of concave portions that are coupled with a plurality of convex portions provided on the outer peripheral portion of the input rotating shaft 92 . For example, the inner peripheral portion of the first end portion 94A and the outer peripheral portion of the input rotary shaft 92 have spline grooves.

In the present embodiment, the other end of the input rotating shaft 92 in the rotation axis direction CX is the second end 94B. For example, rotating body 20 includes a front sprocket. The rotating body 20 may include pulleys or bevel gears.

For example, the second end 94B includes a rotator coupling portion 94C configured to couple the rotator 20 . 94 C of rotary body connection parts have a spline groove, for example. For example, a third female screw portion 94D is formed on the inner peripheral portion of the second end portion 94B. The third female screw portion 94D is configured to be coupled with the third mounting member 26 that restricts movement of the rotating body 20 in the rotation axis direction CX in a state where the rotating body 20 is connected to the second end portion 94B. . The third mounting member 26 is, for example, a lock ring.

For example, the spindle unit 90 includes a support member 90X provided between the outer peripheral portion of the input rotary shaft 92 and the inner peripheral portion of the output rotary shaft 94 . The support member 90X may be a sleeve or a needle bearing.

The output rotary shaft 94 is configured to protrude from the second through hole 56 to the outside of the housing 42 in the arranged state. Preferably, the second end 94B of the output rotary shaft 94 passes through the second through hole 56 formed in the housing 42 and protrudes outside from the accommodation space 42A of the housing 42 . Preferably, the rotating body connecting portion 94C is arranged outside the housing 42 .

Preferably, in the arranged state, at least one of the first connecting portion 62 and the second connecting portion 64 is arranged to surround the spindle unit 90 around the rotation axis CA of the spindle unit 90 .

At least part of the one-way clutch 74 is arranged between the inner peripheral portion 72X of the first gear 72A and the output rotary shaft 94 in the arranged state. In the arranged state, the plurality of rollers 74A are configured to contact the outer peripheral surface 94E of the output rotating shaft 94 . Preferably, the outer peripheral surface 94E of the output rotary shaft 94 includes a one-way clutch forming portion 94F forming the inner ring of the one-way clutch 74. As shown in FIG.

The support mechanism 46 is provided in the housing 42 and configured to allow attachment and detachment of the spindle unit 90 via at least one of the first through hole 54 and the second through hole 56 . For example, the minimum inner diameter of the inner peripheral surface of the portion of the drive unit 40 that contacts the spindle unit 90 in the arranged state decreases from the second through hole 56 toward the first through hole 54 . For example, the spindle unit 90 has a shape that does not hinder attachment to and removal from the housing 42 by the support mechanism 46 when attaching to and removing from the housing 42 . For example, the maximum outer diameter of the portion of the spindle unit 90 that contacts the drive unit 40 in the arranged state increases from the second through hole 56 toward the first through hole 54 in the arranged state. In the present embodiment, the support mechanism 46 is configured such that the spindle unit 90 is detachable, so the drive unit 40 and the spindle unit 90 can be transported compactly.

For example, the support mechanism 46 includes a first bearing 78 provided on the first side wall portion 50 and a second bearing 80 provided on the second side wall portion 52 . The first bearing 78 and the second bearing 80 rotatably support the spindle unit 90 .

For example, the first bearing 78 is provided near the first through hole 54 . For example, the first bearing 78 rotatably supports the input rotary shaft 92 . The first bearing 78 has a first inner peripheral surface 78A formed to contact the outer peripheral surface 92C of the input rotary shaft 92 in the arranged state. In this embodiment, the first bearing 78 includes a ball bearing. The first bearing 78 may include cylindrical roller bearings, sleeves, and slide bearings. For example, the first bearing 78 includes a first inner ring 78B, a first outer ring 78C, and a first rolling element 78D. The first outer ring 78C is non-rotatably attached to the housing 42 . The first outer ring 78C is press-fitted into the housing 42, for example. The first inner peripheral surface 78A is provided on the inner peripheral surface of the first inner ring 78B. For example, the first inner peripheral surface 78A is a smooth surface. For example, the first inner ring 78B is loosely fitted to the outer peripheral surface 92C of the input rotary shaft 92 .

Preferably, in the direction along the rotation axis CA of the input rotation shaft 92, the spindle unit 90 contacts the end portion 78E of the first inner ring 78B on the second bearing 80 side. The spindle unit 90 is provided with a contact portion 90A that contacts the end portion 78E. For example, the contact portion 90A is a stepped portion formed on the outer peripheral portion of the input rotating shaft 92 . The contact portion 90A may be provided on the output rotating shaft 94 . The contact between the end portion 78E and the input rotating shaft 92 restricts the movement of the spindle unit 90 with respect to the first bearing 78 in the direction AX2 from the second bearing 80 toward the first bearing 78 .

For example, the second bearing 80 is provided near the second through hole 56 . For example, the second bearing 80 rotatably supports the output rotary shaft 94 . The second bearing 80 has a second inner peripheral surface 80A formed to contact the outer peripheral surface 94E of the output rotary shaft 94 in the arranged state. In this embodiment, the second bearing 80 includes a ball bearing. The second bearing 80 may include cylindrical roller bearings, sleeves, and slide bearings. For example, the second bearing 80 includes a second inner ring 80B, a second outer ring 80C, and a second rolling element 80D. The second outer ring 80C is non-rotatably attached to the housing 42 . The second outer ring 80C is press-fitted into the housing 42, for example. The second inner peripheral surface 80A is provided on the inner peripheral surface of the second inner ring 80B. For example, the second inner peripheral surface 80A is a smooth surface. For example, the second inner ring 80B is loosely fitted on the outer peripheral surface 94E of the output rotary shaft 94 .

The support member 90X is provided at a portion between the first end portion 94A and the second end portion 94B of the output rotary shaft 94 in the rotation axis direction CX. At least part of the support member 90X is arranged radially inside the second bearing 80 . Preferably, the dimension of the support member 90X in the rotation axis direction CX is larger than the dimension of the second bearing 80 in the rotation axis direction CX. Preferably, the end surface of the support member 90X in the direction AX1 from the first bearing 78 toward the second bearing 80 is positioned closer to the first bearing 78 than the end surface of the second bearing 80 in the direction AX1 from the first bearing 78 toward the second bearing 80. to the second bearing 80 in the direction AX1.

Preferably, the end face of the support member 90X on the downstream side in the direction AX1 from the first bearing 78 to the second bearing 80 is the end face of the second bearing 80 on the downstream side in the direction AX1 from the first bearing 78 to the second bearing 80. , in the direction AX1 from the first bearing 78 toward the second bearing 80. The end face of the support member 90X on the upstream side in the direction AX1 from the first bearing 78 to the second bearing 80 is located further than the end face of the second bearing 80 on the upstream side in the direction AX1 from the first bearing 78 to the second bearing 80. It is arranged upstream in the direction AX1 from the first bearing 78 toward the second bearing 80 . Between the outer peripheral portion of the input rotary shaft 92 and the inner peripheral portion of the output rotary shaft 94, a seal member is arranged adjacent to the support member 90X. The sealing member has elasticity. The sealing member is made of rubber, for example.

Parts that contact the spindle unit 90 in the arranged state include the first bearing 78 , the second bearing 80 , and the one-way clutch 74 .

For example, the first minimum inner diameter X1 of the first inner peripheral surface 78A of the drive unit 40 is greater than or equal to the first maximum outer diameter Y1 of the first portion 96. As shown in FIG. The first portion 96 is a portion of the spindle unit 90 in the arranged state that is arranged upstream of the first bearing 78 in the direction AX1 from the first bearing 78 toward the second bearing 80 . The second minimum inner diameter X2 of the second inner peripheral surface 80A is greater than or equal to the first minimum inner diameter X1 of the first inner peripheral surface 78A. It is equal to or larger than the second maximum outer diameter Y2 of the second portion 98 arranged between the first bearing 78 and the second bearing 80 in the spindle unit 90 in the arranged state. For example, the first minimum inner diameter X1 of the first inner peripheral surface 78A is less than the second maximum outer diameter Y2 of the second portion 98 of the spindle unit 90 .

For example, the input rotary shaft 92 further includes a first supported portion 92X that is rotatably and detachably supported by the first bearing 78 . The output rotary shaft 94 further includes a second supported portion 94X that is rotatably and detachably supported by the second bearing 80 . A fourth maximum outer diameter Y4 of a portion of the spindle unit 90 between the first supported portion 92X and the second supported portion 94X is equal to or smaller than the fifth maximum outer diameter Y5 of the second supported portion 94X. . The fourth maximum outer diameter Y4 is, for example, the maximum outer diameter of the one-way clutch forming portion 94F.

For example, the first portion 96 of the input rotary shaft 92 has a first maximum outer diameter Y1 that is less than or equal to a sixth maximum outer diameter Y6 of the first supported portion 92X. The first portion 96 is a portion arranged upstream of the first supported portion 92X in the direction AY1 from the first supported portion 92X toward the second supported portion 94X. A seventh maximum outer diameter Y7 of the portion between the first supported portion 92X and the second supported portion 94X of the input rotary shaft 92 and the first supported portion 92X and the second supported portion of the output rotary shaft 94 The eighth maximum outer diameter Y8 of the portion between the supporting portion 94X is equal to or less than the fifth maximum outer diameter Y5 of the second supported portion 94X.

For example, drive unit 40 further includes detector 82 . The detector 82 includes, for example, at least one of a rotational speed sensor and a torque sensor. The detector 82 is arranged in the housing space 42A so as to surround at least a portion of the spindle unit 90 in the arranged state. The detector 82 is electrically connected to the controller 76A. If the detector 82 includes a rotational speed sensor, the detector 82 outputs a signal corresponding to the magnetism of the magnet provided in the spindle unit 90, for example. For example, the magnets are provided on the outer peripheral surface 94E of the output rotating shaft 94 or the outer peripheral surface 92C of the input rotating shaft 92 .

When the detection section 82 includes a torque sensor, for example, the detection section 82 includes a magnetostrictive sensor and outputs a signal corresponding to the magnetostriction of the magnetostrictive section provided in the spindle unit 90 . The magnetostrictive portion is provided at the first end portion 94A of the output rotating shaft 94, for example. When the detector 82 includes a torque sensor, it may include a receiver that receives information from a sensor that obtains information about the strain of the strain gauge. If the detector 82 includes a sensor that acquires information about the strain of the strain gauge, the strain gauge and the sensor are attached to the outer peripheral surface 94E of the output rotary shaft 94 or the outer peripheral surface 92C of the input rotary shaft 92 . The receiving unit receives information transmitted from the sensor by wireless communication.

The manpowered vehicle 10 further comprises a crank arm 30 . Crank arm 30 includes a first crank arm 30A and a second crank arm 30B. The first crank arm 30A is attached to the first end 92A of the input rotary shaft 92 . The second crank arm 30B is attached to the second end 92B of the input rotary shaft 92 .

Drive unit 40 further includes a cylindrical member 84 . A cylindrical member 84 is provided to surround the first portion 96 of the spindle unit 90 . The first portion 96 of the spindle unit 90 includes a first crank arm coupling portion 96A configured to couple the crank arm 30 thereto. For example, the first crank arm connecting portion 96A is provided at the first end portion 92A. For example, first crank arm 30A is connected to first crank arm connection 96A. The first crank arm 30A is attached to the first crank arm connecting portion 96A by, for example, an accelerator bolt.

The cylindrical member 84 is arranged between the crank arm 30 connected to the first crank arm connecting portion 96A and the first bearing 78 . A third maximum outer diameter Y3 of the cylindrical member 84 is larger than a first maximum inner diameter XM1 of the first inner peripheral surface 78A. In this embodiment, the first maximum inner diameter XM1 of the first inner peripheral surface 78A and the first minimum inner diameter X1 of the first inner peripheral surface 78A are equal. Preferably, the cylindrical member 84 contacts the crank arm 30 connected to the first crank arm connecting portion 96A and the first inner ring 78B of the first bearing 78, respectively. Cylindrical member 84 functions as a spacer. In a state where the crank arm 30 is connected to the first crank arm connecting portion 96A by the cylindrical member 84, movement of the spindle unit 90 with respect to the first bearing 78 in the direction AX1 toward the second bearing 80 from the first bearing 78 is suppressed. be done.

A second end 92B of the input rotary shaft 92 includes a second crank arm coupling portion 92D configured to couple the crank arm 30 . For example, the second crank arm 30B is connected to the second crank arm connecting portion 92D. The second crank arm 30B is attached to the second crank arm connecting portion 92D by, for example, an accelerator bolt.

By connecting the first crank arm 30A to the first crank arm connecting portion 96A, the movement of the spindle unit 90 in the direction AX2 toward the first bearing 78 from the second bearing 80 is suppressed. By connecting the second crank arm 30B to the second crank arm connecting portion 92D, the movement of the spindle unit 90 in the direction AX1 from the first bearing 78 toward the second bearing 80 is suppressed. The cylindrical member 84 is arranged between the first end 94A of the output rotary shaft 94 and the first crank arm 30A. Cylindrical member 84 restricts movement of spindle unit 90 in direction AX2 from second bearing 80 toward first bearing 78 by coming into contact with first crank arm 30A and output rotary shaft 94 .

The drive unit 40 and the spindle unit 90 are mounted on the frame 14 of the manpowered vehicle 10 through first, second, third, fourth, fifth, sixth, seventh and eighth processes. It is attached. The first step includes the step of placing the drive unit 40 in the drive unit placement portion 14A of the frame 14 . In the first step, the drive unit 40 is inserted into the drive unit placement portion 14A from below the first opening 14B.

The second step includes coupling the first housing 58 to the frame 14 by the first mounting member 22 via the first connecting portion 62 . The third step includes coupling the second housing 60 to the frame 14 by the second mounting member 24 via the second connecting portion 64 . The fourth step includes a step of inserting the restricting portion 28 into the hole 14F and restricting the rotation of the drive unit 40 around the first hole 14D and the second hole 14E.

The fifth step includes inserting the spindle unit 90 from the second bearing 80 toward the first bearing 78 in the direction AX2. A sixth step includes attaching the cylindrical member 84 to the first portion 96 of the spindle unit 90 so as to surround the first portion 96 . The seventh step includes a step of attaching the rotating body 20 to the rotating body connecting portion 94</b>C of the output rotating shaft 94 by the third mounting member 26 .

The eighth step includes attaching the first crank arm 30A to the first crank arm connecting portion 96A. The ninth step includes a step of attaching the second crank arm 30B to the second crank arm connecting portion 92D.

Either of the second step and the third step may be performed first. The order of the sixth to ninth steps may be changed as long as the eighth step is performed after the sixth step and the ninth step is performed after the seventh step. For example, the seventh step, the ninth step, the sixth step, and the eighth step may be performed in this order, or the seventh step, the sixth step, the ninth step, and the eighth step may be performed in this order. good too.

<Modification>
The description of the embodiments is an example of the forms that the drive unit for a manpowered vehicle and the spindle unit for a manpowered vehicle according to the present disclosure may take, and is not intended to limit the forms. A drive unit for a manpowered vehicle and a spindle unit for a manpowered vehicle according to the present disclosure may take, for example, modifications of the embodiments shown below and a combination of at least two mutually non-contradictory modifications. obtain. In the following modified examples, the same reference numerals as in the embodiment are given to the parts that are common to the embodiment, and the description thereof is omitted.

- The support mechanism 46 may include at least one support portion instead of or in addition to at least one of the first bearing 78 and the second bearing 80 . At least one support portion is configured to be in contact with the outer peripheral surface of the spindle unit 90 in the arranged state.
- The frame 14 may include a cover that closes the first opening 14B.

- The frame 14 may be configured such that the first hole 14D and the second hole 14E communicate with the first opening 14B. In this case, the first mounting member 22 includes a bolt that is inserted into a hole provided in a portion other than the first opening 14B.

- The first bearing 78 may be provided in the spindle unit 90 . In this case, the first inner ring 78B is non-rotatably attached to the input rotary shaft 92 and the first outer ring 78C is loosely fitted to the housing 42 . In this case, the maximum outer diameter of the portion of the spindle unit 90 where the first bearing 78 is provided is made smaller than the maximum outer diameter of the portion of the spindle unit 90 between the first bearing 78 and the second bearing 80. Thereby, the spindle unit 90 can be configured to be detachable from the drive unit 40 .

- The second bearing 80 may be provided in the spindle unit 90 . In this case, the second inner ring 80B is non-rotatably attached to the output rotary shaft 94, and the second outer ring 80C is loosely fitted to the housing . In this case, the maximum outer diameter of the portion of the spindle unit 90 between the first bearing 78 and the second bearing 80 is made smaller than the maximum outer diameter of the portion of the spindle unit 90 where the second bearing 80 is provided. Thereby, the spindle unit 90 can be configured to be detachable from the drive unit 40 .

- The output rotary shaft 94 may be attached to the input rotary shaft 92 so as to be rotatable relative to the input rotary shaft 92 . In this case, the output rotary shaft 94 may be attached to the input rotary shaft 92 via a one-way clutch.

- The output rotary shaft 94 may be configured to provide a driving force to the chain. In this case, for example, the output rotary shaft 94 of the spindle unit 90 is provided with a coupling member that can be engaged with the chain. In this case, for example, the input rotating shaft 92 of the spindle unit 90 is provided separately from the crankshaft.

As used herein, the phrase "at least one" means "one or more" of the desired option. As an example, the phrase "at least one" as used herein means "only one option" or "both of the two options" if the number of options is two. As another example, the expression "at least one" used herein means "only one option" or "any combination of two or more options" if the number of options is three or more. means.

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 10... Manpowered vehicle 14... Frame 20... Rotating body 30... Crank arm 40... Drive unit 42... Housing 44... Motor 46... Support mechanism 48... Connection part 50... First side wall part 52 Second side wall portion 54 First through hole 56 Second through hole 62 First connecting portion 62A First female threaded portion 64 Second connecting portion 64A Second female threaded portion 70 Transmission mechanism 72 Reduction gear 72A First gear 72X Inner periphery 72Y Outer periphery 74 One-way clutch 74A Roller 74B Carrier 78 First bearing 78A First inner periphery Surface 80 Second bearing 80A Second inner peripheral surface 84 Cylindrical member 90 Spindle unit 92 Input rotary shaft 92C Outer peripheral surface 92X First supported portion 94 Output rotary shaft , 94A... first end portion, 94B... second end portion, 94C... rotating body connection portion, 94E... outer peripheral surface, 94F... one-way clutch forming portion, 94X... second supported portion, 96... first portion, 96A... A first crank arm connecting portion.

Claims (16)

A drive unit for a human-powered vehicle,
at least one connecting portion configured to connect to a frame of the manpowered vehicle; a first sidewall portion formed with a first through hole; and a second through hole formed and spaced from the first sidewall portion. a housing including a second sidewall spaced apart;
a motor provided in the housing and configured to output driving force;
A spindle unit for a manpowered vehicle including an input rotating shaft and an output rotating shaft coaxially arranged with the input rotating shaft and connected to the input rotating shaft is provided with the first through hole and the second through hole a support mechanism configured to rotatably support the spindle unit in an arrangement state arranged to protrude outside the housing from each of
The drive unit, wherein the support mechanism is provided in the housing, and configured such that the spindle unit can be attached and detached through at least one of the first through hole and the second through hole. The support mechanism is
a first bearing provided on the first side wall portion and having a first inner peripheral surface formed to contact an outer peripheral surface of the input rotating shaft in the arranged state;
2. The second bearing provided on the second side wall portion and having a second inner peripheral surface formed to contact an outer peripheral surface of the output rotating shaft in the arranged state. drive unit. The first minimum inner diameter of the first inner peripheral surface is a first bearing that is arranged upstream of the first bearing in the direction from the first bearing to the second bearing in the spindle unit in the arrangement state. is greater than or equal to the first maximum outer diameter of one portion,
The second minimum inner diameter of the second inner peripheral surface is greater than or equal to the first minimum inner diameter of the first inner peripheral surface, and the first bearing and the second bearing of the spindle unit in the arrangement state 3. The drive unit according to claim 2, which is greater than or equal to the second maximum outer diameter of the second portion disposed between. 4. The drive unit according to claim 3, wherein said first minimum inner diameter of said first inner peripheral surface is less than said second maximum outer diameter of said second portion of said spindle unit. 5. The drive unit according to any one of claims 1 to 4, further comprising a transmission mechanism provided in said housing and configured to transmit driving force of said motor to said output rotary shaft in said arranged state. the transmission mechanism includes a speed reducer and at least part of a one-way clutch;
In the arranged state, the one-way clutch prevents transmission of rotational force input to the input rotating shaft to the motor when the input rotating shaft rotates in a first direction around the rotation axis of the input rotating shaft. 6. The drive unit of claim 5, configured to restrain. The speed reducer includes a first gear,
The first gear is formed in an annular shape and has an inner peripheral portion and an outer peripheral portion in which a plurality of teeth are formed,
7. The drive unit according to claim 6, wherein said at least part of said one-way clutch is arranged between said inner peripheral portion of said first gear and said output rotary shaft in said arranged state. the at least part of the one-way clutch includes a plurality of rollers arranged on the inner circumference of the first gear and a carrier supporting the plurality of rollers;
8. The drive unit according to claim 7, wherein in said arranged state, said plurality of rollers are configured to contact an outer peripheral surface of said output rotary shaft. 9. The drive unit according to any one of claims 1 to 8, further comprising said spindle unit. the spindle unit;
a cylindrical member provided to surround the first portion of the spindle unit;
the first portion of the spindle unit includes a first crank arm connection configured to connect a crank arm;
The cylindrical member is arranged between the crank arm connected to the first crank arm connecting portion and the first bearing,
5. The drive unit according to claim 3, wherein a third maximum outer diameter of said cylindrical member is larger than a first maximum inner diameter of said first inner peripheral surface. The output rotary shaft is connected to the input rotary shaft so as not to rotate relative to the input rotary shaft about the rotary axis of the input rotary shaft, and has a first end portion in the direction of the rotary axis of the input rotary shaft. and a second end;
the first end is coupled to the input rotary shaft;
The second end includes a rotating body connecting portion configured to connect a rotating body, and is configured to protrude from the second through hole to the outside of the housing in the arranged state. A drive unit according to any one of claims 6 to 8. the at least one connecting portion includes a first connecting portion provided on the first side wall portion and a second connecting portion provided on the second side wall portion;
12. The arrangement according to any one of claims 1 to 11, wherein in the arranged state, at least one of the first connecting portion and the second connecting portion is arranged to surround the spindle unit around the axis of rotation of the spindle unit. drive unit described in section. the first connecting portion includes a first female threaded portion that defines at least a portion of the first through hole;
13. The drive unit of claim 12, wherein the second coupling portion includes a second female threaded portion that defines at least a portion of the second through hole. A spindle unit for a human-powered vehicle,
an input rotary shaft;
connected to the input rotary shaft, disposed coaxially with the input rotary shaft so as to surround the input rotary shaft, and one end of the input rotary shaft in the direction of the rotary axis is connected to the input rotary shaft; and the other end of the input rotary shaft in the direction of the rotation axis includes an output rotary shaft configured to couple a rotating body,
The input rotary shaft includes a first supported portion rotatably and detachably supported by the first bearing,
The output rotating shaft includes a second supported portion rotatably and detachably supported by a second bearing,
In the spindle unit, a portion between the first supported portion and the second supported portion has a fourth maximum outer diameter equal to or smaller than a fifth maximum outer diameter of the second supported portion. unit. A first portion of the input rotary shaft disposed upstream of the first supported portion in a direction from the first supported portion to the second supported portion has a first maximum outer diameter of is equal to or smaller than the sixth maximum outer diameter of the first supported portion;
A seventh maximum outer diameter of a portion between the first supported portion and the second supported portion of the input rotary shaft, and the first supported portion and the second supported portion of the output rotary shaft. 15. The spindle unit according to claim 14, wherein the eighth maximum outer diameter of the portion between the supporting portion is equal to or smaller than the fifth maximum outer diameter of the second supported portion. 16. The spindle unit according to claim 14, wherein the outer peripheral surface of said output rotary shaft includes a one-way clutch forming portion forming an inner ring of a one-way clutch.

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