JP2024094154A - Drive unit for human-powered vehicles - Google Patents

Abstract

[Problem] To provide a drive unit for a human-powered vehicle capable of appropriately changing the rotational speed of a wheel. [Solution] The drive unit is a drive unit for a human-powered vehicle, and includes a transmission provided in a transmission path for transmitting human-powered driving force, the transmission having at least four shift stages, the transmission having a shift rotation central axis, a shift input rotating part rotatable about the shift rotation central axis, and a shift output rotating part rotatable about the shift rotation central axis, the maximum dimension of the transmission in a direction perpendicular to the shift rotation central axis being 80 mm or less, and the maximum dimension of the transmission in a direction parallel to the shift rotation central axis being 30 mm or less. [Selected Figure] Figure 10

Description

This disclosure relates to a drive unit for a human-powered vehicle.

For example, Patent Document 1 discloses an example of a drive unit equipped with a transmission.

JP 2011-016479 A

One of the objectives of the present disclosure is to provide a drive unit for a human-powered vehicle that can appropriately change the rotational speed of the wheels.

A drive unit according to a first aspect of the present disclosure is a drive unit for a human-powered vehicle, and includes a transmission provided in a transmission path of human-powered driving force, the transmission having at least four shift stages, the transmission having a transmission rotation central axis, a transmission input rotating part rotatable around the transmission rotation central axis, and a transmission output rotating part rotatable around the transmission rotation central axis, a maximum dimension of the transmission in a direction perpendicular to the transmission rotation central axis being 80 mm or less, and a maximum dimension of the transmission in a direction parallel to the transmission rotation central axis being 30 mm or less.
According to the drive unit of the first aspect, the maximum dimension of the transmission in the direction perpendicular to the transmission rotation central axis can be 80 mm or less, and the maximum dimension of the transmission in the direction parallel to the transmission rotation central axis can be 30 mm or less. Therefore, the size of the transmission having at least four shift stages is suppressed from increasing, and therefore the size of the drive unit is suppressed from increasing. According to the drive unit of the first aspect, the rotational speed of the wheels can be appropriately changed in at least four shift stages by the transmission having a maximum dimension of 80 mm or less in the direction perpendicular to the transmission rotation central axis and a maximum dimension of 30 mm or less in the direction parallel to the transmission rotation central axis.

A drive unit according to a second aspect of the present disclosure is a drive unit for a human-powered vehicle, comprising: a housing configured to support an input rotating shaft to which human-powered driving force is input; and a transmission provided in the housing and configured so that the human-powered driving force is input via the input rotating shaft, wherein the transmission has a transmission rotation central axis, a transmission input rotating part rotatable around the transmission rotation central axis, and a transmission output rotating part rotatable around the transmission rotation central axis, wherein a maximum dimension of the transmission in a direction perpendicular to the transmission rotation central axis is 80 mm or less, and a maximum dimension of the transmission in a direction parallel to the transmission rotation central axis is 30 mm or less.
According to the drive unit of the second aspect, the maximum dimension of the transmission in the direction perpendicular to the transmission rotation central axis can be set to 80 mm or less, and the maximum dimension of the transmission in the direction parallel to the transmission rotation central axis can be set to 30 mm or less. Therefore, the size of the transmission provided in the housing configured to support the input rotating shaft is prevented from increasing, and therefore the size of the drive unit is prevented from increasing.

In the drive unit of a third aspect according to the first or second aspect of the present disclosure, the transmission includes a planetary gear mechanism.
According to the drive unit of the third aspect, the speed can be changed by a planetary gear mechanism.

In a drive unit of a fourth aspect according to the third aspect of the present disclosure, the planetary gear mechanism includes a first planetary assembly and a second planetary assembly connected to the first planetary assembly, and the second planetary assembly is disposed at a position different from that of the first planetary assembly in a direction parallel to the transmission rotation central axis.
According to the drive unit of the fourth aspect, the second planetary assembly can be disposed at a position different from that of the first planetary assembly in the direction parallel to the transmission rotation central axis.

A drive unit according to a fifth aspect of the present disclosure is a drive unit for a human-powered vehicle, comprising a transmission provided in a transmission path of human-powered driving force, the transmission including a first planetary assembly and a second planetary assembly connected to the first planetary assembly, the first planetary assembly and the second planetary assembly having a common transmission rotation central axis, a maximum dimension of the transmission in a direction perpendicular to the transmission rotation central axis being 80 mm or less, and a maximum dimension of the transmission in a direction parallel to the transmission rotation central axis being 30 mm or less.
According to the drive unit of the fifth aspect, the maximum dimension of the transmission in the direction perpendicular to the transmission rotation central axis can be set to 80 mm or less, and the maximum dimension of the transmission in the direction parallel to the transmission rotation central axis can be set to 30 mm or less. Therefore, the size of the transmission including the two planetary assemblies is prevented from increasing, and therefore the size of the drive unit is prevented from increasing.

In the drive unit of a sixth aspect according to any one of the first to fifth aspects of the present disclosure, a maximum dimension of the transmission in a direction perpendicular to the transmission rotation central axis is 70 mm or less.
According to the drive unit of the sixth aspect, the increase in size of the drive unit is further suppressed.

In the drive unit of the seventh aspect according to the sixth aspect of the present disclosure, a maximum dimension of the transmission in a direction perpendicular to the transmission rotation central axis is 60 mm or less.
According to the drive unit of the seventh aspect, the increase in size of the drive unit is further suppressed.

In the drive unit of an eighth aspect according to any one of the first to seventh aspects of the present disclosure, a maximum dimension of the transmission in a direction parallel to the transmission rotation central axis is 20 mm or less.
According to the drive unit of the eighth aspect, the increase in size of the drive unit is further suppressed.

In the drive unit of a ninth aspect according to the eighth aspect of the present disclosure, a maximum dimension of the transmission in a direction parallel to the transmission rotation central axis is 10 mm or less.
According to the drive unit of the ninth aspect, the increase in size of the drive unit is further suppressed.

In the drive unit of a tenth aspect according to the ninth aspect of the present disclosure, a maximum dimension of the transmission in a direction parallel to the transmission rotation central axis is 6 mm or less.
According to the drive unit of the tenth aspect, the increase in size of the drive unit is further suppressed.

In the drive unit of an eleventh aspect according to any one of the first to tenth aspects of the present disclosure, the transmission has a plurality of gears, and at least some of the plurality of gears include a resin member.
According to the drive unit of the eleventh aspect, since at least a portion of the plurality of gears includes a resin material, contact between metal members can be reduced, and therefore the drive unit can suppress noise caused by the rotation of the plurality of gears.

A drive unit according to a twelfth aspect of the present disclosure is a drive unit for a human-powered vehicle, comprising a transmission having a plurality of shift stages and provided in a transmission path of a human-powered driving force, the transmission including a planetary gear mechanism having a plurality of gears, at least a portion of the plurality of gears including a resin member.
According to the drive unit of the twelfth aspect, since at least a portion of the plurality of gears includes a resin material, contact between metal members can be reduced, and therefore the drive unit can suppress noise caused by the rotation of the plurality of gears.

In a drive unit according to a thirteenth aspect of the present disclosure, the resin member includes at least one of a thermoplastic member and a thermosetting member.
According to the drive unit of the thirteenth aspect, at least a portion of the plurality of gears can be suitably molded from at least one of a thermoplastic material and a thermosetting material.

A drive unit according to a fourteenth aspect of the present disclosure is a drive unit for a human-powered vehicle that is provided on an axle of a wheel of the human-powered vehicle, and comprises: a transmission having a plurality of gear shift stages, provided in a transmission path of a human-powered driving force and configured to change a gear ratio of the human-powered vehicle; a reduction gear configured to input the human-powered driving force via the transmission; and an output rotating section connected to the wheel and configured to output the human-powered driving force input from the reduction gear to the wheel, and the reduction ratio of the reduction gear is greater than 0 and less than 1.
According to the drive unit of the fourteenth aspect, the manual driving force is output from the transmission and then input to the reduction gear, so that the rotation speed of the wheels can be appropriately changed.

The drive unit of a fifteenth aspect according to the fourteenth aspect of the present disclosure has a hub shell, and at least a portion of the reducer is disposed in an internal space of the hub shell.
According to the drive unit of the fifteenth aspect, the reduction gear can be disposed around the axle.

In a drive unit of a sixteenth aspect according to the fourteenth or fifteenth aspect of the present disclosure, the transmission includes a transmission input section configured to receive the human-powered driving force, and a transmission output section configured to output the human-powered driving force, the transmission including a transmission input section configured to receive the human-powered driving force, the transmission configured to change the transmission ratio between a minimum transmission ratio and a maximum transmission ratio, the minimum transmission ratio being the transmission ratio corresponding to deceleration, and the maximum transmission ratio being the transmission ratio corresponding to acceleration.
According to the drive unit of the sixteenth aspect, the rotation speed of the transmission output section can be decreased or increased relative to the rotation speed of the transmission input section by the transmission.

In the drive unit of a seventeenth aspect according to any one of the fourteenth to sixteenth aspects of the present disclosure, the plurality of shift stages includes three or more shift stages.
According to the drive unit of the seventeenth aspect, the gear ratio can be changed in three or more stages.

In the drive unit of an eighteenth aspect according to any one of the fourteenth to seventeenth aspects of the present disclosure, the reduction ratio is greater than 0 and equal to or less than 0.8.
According to the drive unit of the eighteenth aspect, the rotation speed of the wheels can be changed more appropriately.

In the drive unit of a nineteenth aspect according to the eighteenth aspect of the present disclosure, the reduction ratio is equal to or greater than 0.05 and equal to or less than 0.5.
According to the drive unit of the nineteenth aspect, the rotation speed of the wheels can be changed more appropriately.

In the drive unit of a twentieth aspect according to a nineteenth aspect of the present disclosure, the reduction ratio is equal to or greater than 0.1 and equal to or less than 0.2.
According to the drive unit of the twentieth aspect, the rotational speed of the wheels can be changed more appropriately.

The drive unit for a human-powered vehicle disclosed herein can appropriately change the rotational speed of the wheels.

1 is a schematic diagram showing a drive system for a human-powered vehicle according to a first embodiment, and a human-powered vehicle including a drive unit for the human-powered vehicle; FIG. 2 is a side view of the drive mechanism of the human-powered vehicle of FIG. 1 . 3 is a cross-sectional view of the drive unit for the human-powered vehicle of FIG. 2 taken along line 3-3. 2 is a block diagram showing transmission paths of human-powered driving force and motor driving force of the human-powered vehicle of FIG. 1 . 1. Table 1 shows examples of the configuration of the drive system for the manually-driven vehicle shown in FIG. 1 and the drive unit for the human-powered vehicle. 2 is a second table showing examples of the configuration of the drive system for the manually-driven vehicle shown in FIG. 1 and the drive unit for the human-powered vehicle. 3 is a table showing an example of the configuration of the drive system for the manually-driven vehicle shown in FIG. 1 and the drive unit for the human-powered vehicle. 4 is a table showing examples of the configuration of the drive system for the manually-driven vehicle shown in FIG. 1 and the drive unit for the human-powered vehicle. FIG. 11 is a schematic diagram showing a drive system for a human-powered vehicle according to a second embodiment, and a human-powered vehicle including a drive unit for the human-powered vehicle. FIG. 10 is a schematic diagram showing the transmission of FIG. 9 . FIG. 11 is a schematic diagram showing a drive system for a human-powered vehicle according to a third embodiment, and a human-powered vehicle including a drive unit for the human-powered vehicle. FIG. 13 is a schematic diagram showing a drive system for a human-powered vehicle according to a fourth embodiment, and a human-powered vehicle including a drive unit for the human-powered vehicle. FIG. 13 is a side view of a drive system for a human-powered vehicle of a fifth embodiment, and a drive mechanism for a human-powered vehicle including a drive unit for the human-powered vehicle. FIG. 14 is a schematic diagram showing the human-powered vehicle of FIG. 13 . FIG. 11 is a block diagram showing transmission paths of human driving force and motor driving force of a human-powered vehicle according to a first modified example. FIG. 11 is a schematic diagram showing a drive system for a human-powered vehicle according to a second modified example, and a human-powered vehicle including a drive unit for a human-powered vehicle. FIG. 13 is a schematic diagram showing a drive system for a human-powered vehicle according to a third modified example, and a human-powered vehicle including a drive unit for a human-powered vehicle. FIG. 13 is a side view of a drive system for a human-powered vehicle according to a fourth modified example, and a drive mechanism for a human-powered vehicle including a drive unit for the human-powered vehicle. FIG. 13 is a schematic diagram showing a drive system for a human-powered vehicle according to a fifth modified example, and a human-powered vehicle including a drive unit for a human-powered vehicle. FIG. 13 is a side view of a drive system for a human-powered vehicle according to a sixth modified example, and a drive mechanism for a human-powered vehicle including a drive unit for the human-powered vehicle.

First Embodiment
A drive system 20 for a human-powered vehicle and a drive unit 50 for a human-powered vehicle according to a first embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. 1 to 8. FIG.

The human-powered vehicle 10 is a vehicle that has at least one wheel and can be driven at least by human driving force. The human-powered vehicle 10 includes various types of bicycles, such as mountain bikes, road bikes, city bikes, cargo bikes, hand bikes, and recumbents. There is no limit to the number of wheels that the human-powered vehicle 10 has. The human-powered vehicle 10 also includes, for example, one-wheeled vehicles and vehicles with two or more wheels. The human-powered vehicle 10 is not limited to vehicles that can be driven only by human driving force. The human-powered vehicle 10 includes E-bikes that use not only human 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. In the following embodiments, the human-powered vehicle 10 will be described as a bicycle.

The human-powered vehicle 10 includes an axle 12 and wheels 14. The axle 12 is provided on a frame 10F of the human-powered vehicle 10. The wheels 14 are provided on the axle 12 so as to rotate around the axle 12 by human-powered driving force. The human-powered vehicle 10 includes a crankshaft 16 that is rotatable relative to the frame 10F of the human-powered vehicle 10. A pair of crank arms 16A are provided on each of the axial ends of the crankshaft 16. A pair of pedals 16B are connected to each of the pair of crank arms 16A. Human-powered driving force is input to the crankshaft 16 from the crank arms 16A and the pedals 16B.

The drive system 20 is, for example, a system for driving the human-powered vehicle 10. The drive system 20 includes, for example, at least a part of the transmission path of the human-powered driving force of the human-powered vehicle 10. The drive system 20 includes, for example, the transmission path of the human-powered driving force from the crankshaft 16 to the wheels 14. The drive system 20 has, for example, a drive unit 50 for the human-powered vehicle. The drive unit 50 of this embodiment is arranged around the crankshaft 16. The drive unit 50 may be provided on the axle 12 of the wheels 14.

The drive system 20 includes, for example, an input rotating unit 22, a speed increaser 24, an output rotating unit 26, and a motor 28. The input rotating unit 22 is configured to receive a human-powered driving force. The input rotating unit 22 includes, for example, a crankshaft 16. The output rotating unit 26 is configured to receive the human-powered driving force via the input rotating unit 22 and to output the human-powered driving force to the wheels 14 of the human-powered vehicle 10. The output rotating unit 26 is connected to, for example, the wheels 14. The output rotating unit 26 includes, for example, a hub shell 38.

The speed increaser 24 is provided in the transmission path of the human driving force. The speed increaser 24 is configured to input the human driving force. The speed increaser 24 is configured to input the human driving force via the input rotating portion 22.

The drive system 20 further includes, for example, a transmission 30. The transmission 30 is provided in the transmission path of the human-powered driving force. The transmission 30 is configured so that the human-powered driving force is input via the input rotating part 22. The transmission 30 is configured, for example, to change the gear ratio of the human-powered vehicle 10. The gear ratio is the ratio of the output rotation speed from the transmission 30 to the input rotation speed to the transmission 30. The larger the gear ratio, the higher the output rotation speed.

In this specification, the speed ratio R is the ratio of the output rotation speed S2 to the input rotation speed S1 input to the corresponding device. The speed ratio R is expressed by the formula "R = S2 / S1". The speed ratio R includes the gear ratio, the speed increase ratio, the speed reduction ratio, and the motor reduction ratio. When S1 = S2, the gear ratio, the speed increase ratio, the speed reduction ratio, and the motor reduction ratio are 1. When S1 < S2, the gear ratio, the speed increase ratio, and the speed reduction ratio are greater than 1. When S1 > S2, the gear ratio, the speed increase ratio, the speed reduction ratio, and the motor reduction ratio are smaller than 1. In this specification, the larger the speed increase ratio, the greater the degree of acceleration. In this specification, the larger the speed reduction ratio, the smaller the degree of deceleration. In this specification, the larger the motor reduction ratio, the smaller the degree of deceleration.

The drive system 20 further includes, for example, a reducer 34. The reducer 34 is provided in the transmission path of the manual driving force. The reducer 34 is provided between the input rotating part 22 and the output rotating part 26 in the transmission path of the manual driving force.

The motor 28 is configured to provide a propulsive force to the human-powered vehicle 10. The drive system 20 includes, for example, at least a portion of the transmission path of the motor driving force of the motor 28. The drive system 20 includes, for example, a transmission path of the motor driving force from the motor 28 to the wheels 14. The transmission path of the motor driving force merges, for example, with the transmission path of the human-powered driving force. The transmission path after the transmission path of the motor driving force and the transmission path of the human-powered driving force merge includes both the transmission path of the human-powered driving force and the transmission path of the motor driving force.

The drive system 20 further includes, for example, a housing 36. The housing 36 includes, for example, at least a portion of the power transmission members included in the drive system 20. The housing 36 is, for example, a housing for the drive unit 50.

The drive system 20 includes, for example, a hub shell 38. The hub shell 38 is separate from the housing 36. If the drive unit 50 is provided on the axle 12 of the wheel 14, the hub shell 38 may be integral with the housing 36. The drive system 20 includes, for example, a rear hub 46. The hub shell 38 in this embodiment is the hub shell 38 of the rear hub 46.

The drive system 20 includes, for example, a drive input rotating part 40, a drive output rotating part 42, and an endless annular member 44. The drive input rotating part 40 is configured to receive a manual driving force. The drive output rotating part 42 is configured to output a manual driving force. The endless annular member 44 connects the drive input rotating part 40 and the drive output rotating part 42. For example, the drive input rotating part 40 includes one of a sprocket and a pulley. The drive output rotating part 42 includes, for example, one of a sprocket and a pulley. The endless annular member 44 includes, for example, one of a chain and a belt. In this embodiment, the drive input rotating part 40 includes a sprocket, the drive output rotating part 42 includes a sprocket, and the endless annular member 44 includes a chain. For example, the sprocket of the drive input rotating part 40 includes a front sprocket, and the sprocket of the drive output rotating part 42 includes a rear sprocket.

In this embodiment, the reducer 34 includes a drive input rotating part 40, a drive output rotating part 42, and an endless annular member 44. The number of teeth of the sprocket of the drive input rotating part 40 is smaller than the number of teeth of the sprocket of the drive output rotating part 42. The sprocket of the drive input rotating part 40 includes, for example, nine teeth. The sprocket of the drive output rotating part 42 includes, for example, 60 teeth.

The drive unit 50 comprises at least a part of the power transmission members included in the drive system 20. The drive unit 50 comprises, for example, a gearbox 24 and a transmission 30. The drive unit 50 comprises, for example, a motor 28 and a motor reducer 32. The drive unit 50 further comprises, for example, an input rotating section 22. The drive unit 50 further comprises, for example, a crankshaft 16 of the human-powered vehicle 10. The drive unit 50 further comprises, for example, a force combiner section 52.

The drive unit 50 may further include a reducer 34. When the drive unit 50 includes the reducer 34, the reducer 34 may include a first reducer including the drive input rotating portion 40, the drive output rotating portion 42, and the endless annular member 44, and a second reducer different from the first reducer, and the drive unit 50 may include the second reducer. The reducer 34 may not include the first reducer and may include the second reducer. When the reducer 34 does not include the first reducer and includes the second reducer, the drive input rotating portion 40, the drive output rotating portion 42, and the endless annular member 44 may not constitute the reducer 34. When the drive unit 50 includes the reducer 34, at least a part of the drive input rotating portion 40 may be provided in the drive unit 50.

The housing 36 is provided, for example, on the frame 10F of the human-powered vehicle 10. The housing 36 in this embodiment is configured to support an input rotating shaft 54 to which a human-powered driving force is input. The input rotating shaft 54 is, for example, to which a human-powered driving force is input. The input rotating shaft 54 in this embodiment is the crankshaft 16. The input rotating shaft 54 is provided in the housing 36 so as to be rotatable relative to the housing 36 around the input central axis C1. The input central axis C1 is, for example, substantially coaxial with the rotation axis of the input rotating shaft 54. In this specification, the term "substantially coaxial" means a case where the input rotating shaft 54 is completely coaxial, or a case where the input rotating shaft 54 is considered to be completely coaxial, although it is not completely coaxial. A case where the input rotating shaft 54 is considered to be completely coaxial is, for example, a case where the drive system 20 or the drive unit 50 does not significantly affect the function of the drive system 20 or the drive unit 50 due to the fact that the input rotating shaft 54 is not coaxial. At least a portion of the crankshaft 16 is provided in the housing 36.

For example, the input rotating part 22, the speed increaser 24, the motor 28, and the speed reducer 34 are provided in the housing 36. In this embodiment, at least a portion of the input rotating part 22, the speed increaser 24, the transmission 30, the motor 28, and the motor speed reducer 32 are disposed in the internal space of the housing 36. In this embodiment, at least a portion of the speed reducer 34 is provided in the housing 36.

The input rotating part 22 is configured to be rotatable around the input central axis C1. The input rotating part 22 is provided on the housing 36 so as to be rotatable relative to the housing 36 around the input central axis C1, for example. The input rotating part 22 in this embodiment includes an input rotating shaft 54. The input rotating part 22 includes, for example, an input transmission part 22A that connects the crankshaft 16 and the speed increaser 24.

The drive unit 50 includes, for example, a first one-way clutch 22B. The first one-way clutch 22B is provided, for example, between the input rotating part 22 and the input transmission part 22A. When the crankshaft 16 rotates in the direction in which the human-powered vehicle 10 moves forward, the first one-way clutch 22B transmits the rotational torque of the crankshaft 16 to the input rotating part 22, and when the input rotating part 22 rotates in the direction in which the human-powered vehicle 10 moves forward, the first one-way clutch 22B suppresses the transmission of the rotational torque of the input rotating part 22 to the crankshaft 16. The first one-way clutch 22B includes, for example, at least one of a roller clutch and a claw clutch. The first one-way clutch 22B includes, for example, an inner ring and an outer ring. The inner ring may be formed integrally with the input rotating part 22, or may be formed separately from the input rotating part 22 and attached to the input rotating part 22 so as to rotate integrally with the input rotating part 22. When the inner ring is formed separately from the input rotating part 22, the inner ring is attached to the input rotating part 22 by, for example, a spline. The outer ring may be formed integrally with the input transmitting part 22A, or may be formed separately from the input transmitting part 22A and attached to the input transmitting part 22A so as to rotate integrally therewith. When the outer ring is formed separately from the input transmitting part 22A, the outer ring is attached to the input transmitting part 22A by, for example, a spline.

The transmission 30 is configured to receive a human-powered driving force via the input rotating shaft 54. For example, the transmission 30 is configured to receive a human-powered driving force via the speed increaser 24. For example, the transmission 30 is arranged to output the human-powered driving force to the speed reducer 34.

The reducer 34 is configured to receive a manual driving force via the speed increaser 24. The reducer 34 is configured to receive a manual driving force via the transmission 30.

The input rotating section 22, the speed increaser 24, the transmission 30, the force combiner section 52, the reducer 34, and the output rotating section 26 constitute a part of the transmission path of the human-powered driving force. In this embodiment, the human-powered driving force is transmitted in the order of the input rotating section 22, the speed increaser 24, the transmission 30, the reducer 34, and the output rotating section 26. The motor reducer 32, the force combiner section 52, the reducer 34, and the output rotating section 26 constitute a part of the transmission path of the motor driving force. The motor driving force of this embodiment is transmitted between the transmission 30 and the reducer 34. The motor 28 of this embodiment is configured to output the motor driving force to the force combiner section 52 in the transmission path of the human-powered driving force.

The speed-up gear 24 is provided in, for example, the housing 36. The speed-up gear 24 includes, for example, at least one of a gear, a pulley, and an endless annular member. In this embodiment, the speed-up gear 24 includes a gear. The speed-up gear 24 includes, for example, a planetary gear mechanism 24X. The speed-up gear 24 may include a plurality of gears each having a different central axis of rotation in addition to or instead of the planetary gear mechanism 24X. When the speed-up gear 24 includes a pulley, the speed-up gear 24 may include a belt-type speed-up mechanism. When the speed-up gear 24 includes an endless annular member, the speed-up gear 24 may include a chain-type speed-up mechanism.

The speed-up gear 24 has a speed-up rotation center axis A1, a speed-up input rotating part 24A, and a speed-up output rotating part 24B. The speed-up input rotating part 24A is configured to input a manual driving force. The speed-up output rotating part 24B is configured to output a manual driving force. The speed-up input rotating part 24A is rotatable around the speed-up rotation center axis A1. The speed-up output rotating part 24B is rotatable around the speed-up rotation center axis A1. In this embodiment, the speed-up rotation center axis A1 is substantially coaxial with the input center axis C1. The speed-up input rotating part 24A has a speed-up input rotating center axis A2. The speed-up output rotating part 24B has a speed-up output rotating center axis A3. The speed-up output rotating center axis A3 is arranged coaxially with the speed-up input rotating center axis A2. In this embodiment, the speed-up input rotation axis A2 and the speed-up output rotation axis A3 are substantially coaxial with the speed-up rotation center axis A1. The speed-up gear 24 is configured to increase the rotation speed of the speed-up input rotation section 24A according to the speed-up ratio and output it from the speed-up output rotation section 24B.

The speed-up ratio of the speed-up gear 24 is, for example, the ratio of the rotational speed of the speed-up output rotating part 24B to the rotational speed of the speed-up input rotating part 24A. The greater the speed-up ratio of the speed-up gear 24, the greater the speed increase caused by the speed-up gear 24.

The speed-up ratio of the gearbox 24 is, for example, 3 or more and 20 or less. The speed-up ratio of the gearbox 24 is, for example, 5 or more and 18 or less. For example, the speed-up ratio of the gearbox 24 is, for example, 7 or more and 16 or less. The speed-up ratio of the gearbox 24 is, for example, 9 or more and 14 or less. The speed-up ratio of the gearbox 24 is, for example, 9.4.

The speed-up ratio of the gearbox 24 may be greater than or equal to 3 and less than or equal to 11. The speed-up ratio of the gearbox 24 may be greater than or equal to 6 and less than or equal to 20.

The transmission 30 is provided in, for example, a housing 36. The transmission 30 has a transmission rotation central axis A4, a transmission input rotating part 30A, and a transmission output rotating part 30B. The transmission input rotating part 30A is rotatable around the transmission rotation central axis A4. The transmission output rotating part 30B is rotatable around the transmission rotation central axis A4. The transmission rotation central axis A4 is substantially coaxial with the input central axis C1. The transmission 30 is configured to output the rotation speed of the rotation input to the transmission input rotating part 30A from the transmission output rotating part 30B according to the gear ratio of the transmission 30. The transmission output rotating part 30B is configured to output the human-powered driving force to the combined force part 52.

The transmission 30 includes, for example, a transmission input unit 30C and a transmission output unit 30D. The transmission input unit 30C is configured, for example, to input a human-powered driving force. The transmission output unit 30D is configured, for example, to output a human-powered driving force. For example, the transmission input unit 30C includes a transmission input rotating unit 30A, and the transmission output unit 30D includes a transmission output rotating unit 30B.

The gear ratio of the transmission 30 is, for example, the ratio of the rotation speed of the transmission output section 30D to the rotation speed of the transmission input section 30C. The gear ratio of the transmission 30 is, for example, the ratio of the rotation speed of the transmission output rotation section 30B to the rotation speed of the transmission input rotation section 30A. The transmission 30 is configured to be able to change the gear ratio, for example, between the minimum gear ratio and the maximum gear ratio. The minimum gear ratio is the gear ratio corresponding to deceleration. The maximum gear ratio is the gear ratio corresponding to acceleration. The minimum gear ratio is, for example, greater than 0 and less than 1. The smaller the minimum gear ratio, the smaller the degree of speed increase when the gear ratio is the minimum gear ratio. The maximum gear ratio is, for example, greater than 1 and equal to or less than 5. The larger the maximum gear ratio, the greater the degree of speed increase when the gear ratio is the maximum gear ratio.

The transmission 30 of this embodiment is configured to be able to change the gear ratio in stages. The transmission 30 has, for example, a plurality of gear stages. The plurality of gear stages, for example, each have a different gear ratio. The gear ratio of the transmission 30 is changed by changing the gear stage from one gear stage to another gear stage. The transmission 30 includes, for example, a planetary gear mechanism 30X. The transmission 30 may include a manual transmission having a clutch plate instead of or in addition to the planetary gear mechanism 30X. The transmission 30 may be configured to be able to change the gear ratio steplessly. When the gear ratio is changed steplessly, the transmission 30 includes a continuously variable transmission (CVT). The transmission 30 includes, for example, a gear change switching unit 30Y configured to be able to change the gear ratio of the transmission 30. The gear shift switching unit 30Y may be controlled by an electric actuator, or may be controlled by a mechanical cable connected to a shifter that can be operated by the rider. For example, the gear shifter disclosed in JP 2016-78618 A may be used as the gear shifter 30. As for the gear shifter 30, various types of gear shifters may be used, such as a planetary gear type gear shifter, a ball type continuously variable gear shifter, and a parallel shaft gear type gear shifter, as long as the gear shifter has multiple shift stages, and the type of the gear shifter is not particularly limited.

The ratio of the maximum gear ratio among the multiple gear ratios of the multiple gear stages to the minimum gear ratio among the multiple gear ratios is, for example, 1.2 or more and 8 or less. The ratio of the maximum gear ratio to the minimum gear ratio is, for example, 1.7 or more and 7 or less. The ratio of the maximum gear ratio to the minimum gear ratio is, for example, 2.4 or more and 6 or less. The ratio of the maximum gear ratio to the minimum gear ratio is, for example, 2.4.

The planetary gear mechanism 30X is configured, for example, so that the gear ratio can be changed in three or more stages. The multiple gear stages include, for example, three or more gear stages. The three or more gear stages each have a different gear ratio, for example.

For example, the multiple shift stages include a first shift stage and a second shift stage. The first shift stage has, for example, a first ratio as a gear ratio. The second shift stage has, for example, a second ratio as a gear ratio. For example, the second ratio is greater than the first ratio and is closest to the first ratio among the gear ratios of the multiple shift stages. The first shift stage and the second shift stage correspond, for example, to any two shift stages among the multiple shift stages that satisfy a condition. The first shift stage corresponds to any one of the multiple shift stages that is different from the shift stage with the largest gear ratio among the multiple shift stages. The second shift stage corresponds to a shift stage among the multiple shift stages that has a gear ratio greater than the gear ratio of the first shift stage and is closest to the gear ratio of the first shift stage. The ratio of the first ratio to the second ratio is, for example, 0.75 or more and less than 1. The ratio of the first ratio to the second ratio is, for example, 0.8 or more and less than 1. The ratio of the first ratio to the second ratio is, for example, 0.85 or more and less than 1. The ratio of the first ratio to the second ratio is, for example, 0.85.

The motor 28 is configured to input the motor driving force to the reducer 34. The motor 28 is configured to output the motor driving force between the speed increaser 24 and the speed reducer 34 in the transmission path of the human-powered driving force. The motor 28 is configured, for example, to output the motor driving force downstream of the speed increaser 24 in the transmission path of the human-powered driving force. The motor 28 is configured, for example, to output the motor driving force between the speed increaser 24 and the output rotating unit 26 in the transmission path of the human-powered driving force.

The motor 28 is provided in the housing 36. The motor 28 includes a motor rotation axis A5. The motor rotation axis 28A is provided in the housing 36 so as to be rotatable around an additional central axis C2. The additional central axis C2 is, for example, an axis parallel to the input central axis C1 and different from the input central axis C1. The additional central axis C2 is, for example, an axis passing through the internal space of the housing 36 and parallel to the input central axis C1. The motor rotation axis A5 is, for example, substantially coaxial with the additional central axis C2.

The motor reducer 32 outputs the motor driving force input from the motor 28 to the transmission path of the human-powered driving force. For example, the motor reducer 32 includes at least one of a gear, a pulley, and an endless annular member. The motor reducer 32 of this embodiment includes a gear. The motor reducer 32 includes a motor reduction mechanism 32X including, for example, a plurality of spur gears having different pitch circle diameters. The plurality of spur gears of the motor reduction mechanism 32X connect the motor rotating shaft 28A and the resultant force section 52. When the motor reducer 32 includes a gear, the motor reducer 32 may include a planetary gear mechanism. When the motor reducer 32 includes a pulley, the motor reducer 32 may include a belt-type reduction mechanism. When the motor reducer 32 includes an endless annular member, the motor reducer 32 may include a chain-type reduction mechanism.

For example, the motor reducer 32 has a motor reduction input rotation section 32A and a motor reduction output rotation section 32B. The motor reduction ratio of the motor reducer 32 is, for example, the ratio of the rotation speed of the motor reduction output rotation section 32B to the rotation speed of the motor reduction input rotation section 32A. The motor reduction ratio of the motor reducer 32 is, for example, 0.125 or more and less than 1. The motor reduction ratio of the motor reducer 32 is, for example, 0.15 or more and less than 0.7. The motor reduction ratio of the motor reducer 32 is, for example, 0.17 or more and less than 0.5. For example, the motor reduction ratio of the motor reducer 32 is, for example, 0.2 or more and less than 0.3. The motor reduction ratio of the motor reducer 32 is, for example, 0.25.

The force combiner 52 is provided between the input rotating section 22 and the output rotating section 26 in the transmission path of the manual driving force. The force combiner 52 is configured to receive the motor driving force from the motor 28 and to receive the manual driving force. The force combiner 52 is configured, for example, to combine the motor driving force of the motor 28 and the manual driving force and output the combined force to the reducer 34. The force combiner 52 is configured, for example, to receive the manual driving force from the speed-change output rotating section 30B and to output the manual driving force to the reducer 34. The force combiner 52 is configured, for example, to receive the motor driving force from the motor reduction output rotating section 32B and to output the motor driving force to the reducer 34.

The drive unit 50 includes, for example, a second one-way clutch 52A. The second one-way clutch 52A is provided, for example, between the motor 28 and the combiner unit 52 in the transmission path of the motor driving force. The second one-way clutch 52A transmits, for example, the rotational force of the motor 28 to the combiner unit 52 and restricts the rotational force of the combiner unit 52 from being transmitted to the motor 28. The second one-way clutch 52A includes, for example, at least one of a roller clutch and a claw clutch.

The reducer 34 is configured to receive the motor driving force from the motor 28 and to receive the manual driving force. The manual driving force and the motor driving force are input to the reducer 34 via the force combiner 52. The motor driving force of the motor 28 is input to the reducer 34 via the motor reducer 32.

The reducer 34 has, for example, a first reduction center axis A7, a reduction input rotating part 34A, a second reduction center axis A8, and a reduction output rotating part 34B. The second reduction center axis A8 is, for example, different from the first reduction center axis A7. The reduction input rotating part 34A can rotate, for example, around the first reduction center axis A7. The reduction output rotating part 34B can rotate, for example, around the second reduction center axis A8. The first reduction center axis A7 is substantially coaxial with the input center axis C1. The second reduction center axis A8 is substantially coaxial with the rotation center axis C3 of the hub shell 38. For example, a manual driving force is input to the reduction input rotating part 34A. For example, the reduction output rotating part 34B outputs a manual driving force. The reducer 34 is configured to reduce the rotational speed of the rotation input to the reduced-speed input rotation section 34A according to the reduction ratio and output it from the reduced-speed output rotation section 34B.

The reduction ratio of the reducer 34 is, for example, the ratio of the rotational speed of the reduced output rotating section 34B to the rotational speed of the reduced input rotating section 34A. In the first reduction ratio, the reduction ratio of the reducer 34 is greater than 0 and less than or equal to 0.8. The reduction ratio of the reducer 34 is, for example, greater than or equal to 0.1 and less than or equal to 0.5. The reduction ratio of the reducer 34 is, for example, greater than or equal to 0.15 and less than or equal to 0.3. The reduction ratio of the reducer 34 is, for example, 0.15.

In the second reduction ratio, the reduction ratio of the reducer 34 is greater than 0 and less than 1. The reduction ratio of the reducer 34 is, for example, 0.125 or greater and less than 0.7. The reduction ratio of the reducer 34 is, for example, 0.17 or greater and less than 0.5. The reduction ratio of the reducer 34 is, for example, 0.2 or greater and less than 0.3.

In the third reduction ratio, the reduction ratio of the reducer 34 is 0.05 or more and 0.5 or less. The reduction ratio of the reducer 34 is, for example, 0.1 or more and 0.2 or less.

In the fourth reduction ratio, the reduction ratio of the reducer 34 is greater than 0 and less than or equal to 0.65. The reduction ratio of the reducer 34 is, for example, greater than or equal to 0.05 and less than or equal to 0.5. The reduction ratio of the reducer 34 is, for example, greater than or equal to 0.1 and less than or equal to 0.3.

For example, the drive input rotating unit 40 is configured to receive a manual driving force via the speed increaser 24. For example, the drive input rotating unit 40 receives a manual driving force via the transmission 30. For example, the drive input rotating unit 40 receives a motor driving force from the motor 28. For example, the drive input rotating unit 40 is configured to be rotatable around a first drive rotation central axis A9. The first drive rotation central axis A9 is substantially coaxial with the input central axis C1. For example, the first drive rotation central axis A9 is substantially coaxial with the speed increase rotation central axis A1. For example, the first drive rotation central axis A9 is substantially coaxial with the speed change rotation central axis A4. The first drive rotation central axis A9 is substantially coaxial with the first reduction central axis A7.

For example, the drive output rotating part 42 is configured to be rotatable around the second drive rotation central axis A10. The second drive rotation central axis A10 is, for example, different from the first drive rotation central axis A9. The second drive rotation central axis A10 is, for example, arranged parallel to the first drive rotation central axis A9. For example, the second drive rotation central axis A10 is substantially coaxial with the rotation central axis C3 of the axle 12 of the wheel 14 of the human-powered vehicle 10. The second drive rotation central axis A10 is substantially coaxial with the second reduction central axis A8.

The drive input rotating section 40 has a single pitch circle to which a human-powered driving force is input via the input rotating shaft 54 to which the human-powered driving force is input. The drive output rotating section 42 has a single pitch circle to which a human-powered driving force is output to the wheels 14 of the human-powered vehicle 10. The pitch circle of the drive input rotating section 40 has an input pitch circle diameter X1. The pitch circle of the drive output rotating section 42 has an output pitch circle diameter X2. The input pitch circle diameter X1 is smaller than the output pitch circle diameter X2. The reduction ratio of the reducer 34 is, for example, the ratio of the input pitch circle diameter X1 to the output pitch circle diameter X2. For example, the drive input rotating section 40, the drive output rotating section 42, and the endless annular member 44 constitute the reducer 34. The drive input rotating section 40 includes, for example, a reduction input rotating section 34A, and the drive output rotating section 42 includes, for example, a reduction output rotating section 34B.

The input pitch circle diameter X1 is, for example, 10 mm or more and 103 mm or less. The input pitch circle diameter X1 is, for example, 15 mm or more and 82 mm or less. The input pitch circle diameter X1 is, for example, 20 mm or more and 62 mm or less. The input pitch circle diameter X1 is, for example, 25 mm or more and 38 mm or less. The input pitch circle diameter X1 is, for example, 38 mm.

The pitch circle ratio of the input pitch circle diameter X1 of the drive input rotating section 40 to the output pitch circle diameter X2 of the drive output rotating section 42 is, for example, greater than 0 and less than or equal to 1. The pitch circle ratio of the input pitch circle diameter X1 to the output pitch circle diameter X2 is, for example, greater than or equal to 0.05 and less than or equal to 0.8. The pitch circle ratio of the input pitch circle diameter X1 to the output pitch circle diameter X2 is, for example, greater than or equal to 0.1 and less than or equal to 0.5. The pitch circle ratio of the input pitch circle diameter X1 to the output pitch circle diameter X2 is, for example, greater than or equal to 0.15 and less than or equal to 0.2. The pitch circle ratio of the input pitch circle diameter X1 to the output pitch circle diameter X2 is, for example, 0.2.

The output rotating unit 26 is connected to the wheels 14 and configured to output the human-powered driving force input from the reduction gear 34 to the wheels 14. The output rotating unit 26 is configured to receive the human-powered driving force via the speed increaser 24. The output rotating unit 26 is configured to receive the human-powered driving force and the motor driving force from the reduction gear 34 via the drive output rotating unit 42. The human-powered driving force and the motor driving force input from the drive output rotating unit 42 rotate the hub shell 38 of the output rotating unit 26, thereby driving the human-powered vehicle 10.

For example, at least one of the speed increaser 24, the transmission 30, and the reducer 34 includes a metallic material. At least one of the speed increaser 24, the transmission 30, and the reducer 34 includes a metallic material in at least a part of the components that constitute the transmission path of the human-powered driving force. The metallic material includes at least one of steel, stainless steel alloy, aluminum alloy, magnesium alloy, and titanium alloy, for example.

For example, at least one of the speed increaser 24, the speed changer 30, and the speed reducer 34 includes a resin material. At least one of the speed increaser 24, the speed changer 30, and the speed reducer 34 includes a resin material, for example, in at least a part of the parts that constitute the transmission path of the human driving force. The resin material includes, for example, a thermoplastic material and a thermosetting material. The thermoplastic material includes at least one of polyethylene, polypropylene, polystyrene, AS resin, ABS resin, polyvinyl chloride, acrylic resin, PET resin, PVA resin, polyvinylidene chloride, polyvinylidene fluoride nylon 6, nylon 66, nylon 12, acetal resin, polycarbonate, PBT resin, polyphenylene sulfide, polyimide resin, polyetherimide, polysulfone, polytetrafluoroethylene, polychlorotrifluoroethylene, polyamideimide, acetyl cellulose, nitrocellulose, cellulose propionate, and ethyl cellulose. The thermosetting material includes at least one of phenolic resin, urea resin, melamine resin, unsaturated polyester, polyurethane, allyl resin, silicone resin, epoxy resin, and furan resin.

At least one of the speed increaser 24, the transmission 30, and the reducer 34 may include, for example, a gear whose teeth are molded from a resin material and whose portion other than the teeth is molded from a metal material. At least one of the speed increaser 24, the transmission 30, and the reducer 34 may include, for example, a gear molded from a resin material. At least one of the speed increaser 24, the transmission 30, and the reducer 34 may include, for example, a gear molded from a metal material.

In this embodiment, the manual driving force is transmitted in the order of the input rotating part 22, the speed increaser 24, the transmission 30, the reduction gear 34, and the output rotating part 26, and the motor driving force is transmitted between the transmission 30 and the reduction gear 34, but at least one of the arrangements and structures of the speed increaser 24, the transmission 30, the motor 28, the motor reduction gear 32, and the reduction gear 34 can be changed as appropriate.

The tables in Figures 5 to 8 show examples 1 to 50 of combinations of the speed increaser 24, the transmission 30, the motor 28, the motor reducer 32, and the reducer 34. The drive system 20 shown in Figures 1 to 4 corresponds to the first example.

The locations in the tables of Figures 5 to 8 indicate the positions of the central axes of rotation of the speed increaser 24, the transmission 30, the motor 28, the motor reducer 32, and the reducer 34. In each example, the speed increaser 24, the transmission 30, the motor 28, the motor reducer 32, and the reducer 34 are arranged so that the central axes of rotation of each are the axes shown in the locations. In the tables of Figures 5 to 8, when a location is indicated by -, this indicates that the drive system 20 does not include the speed increaser 24, the transmission 30, the motor 28, the motor reducer 32, or the reducer 34 corresponding to the location indicated by -.

The first axis B1 is an axis that is substantially coaxial with the input central axis C1. The second axis B2 is an axis that is substantially coaxial with the additional central axis C2. The third axis B3 is an axis that is substantially coaxial with the rotation central axis C3. The fourth axis B4 corresponds to, for example, a case in which the rotation central axis of the input rotating part 22 and the rotation central axis of the output rotating part 26 are different in each of the speed increaser 24 and the speed reducer 34. When the speed reducer 34 is disposed at the fourth axis B4, the speed reducer 34 includes a drive input rotating part 40 and a drive output rotating part 42. When the speed increaser 24 is disposed at the fourth axis B4, the speed increaser 24 includes a drive input rotating part 40 and a drive output rotating part 42. When the speed increaser 24 includes a drive input rotating section 40 and a drive output rotating section 42, the number of teeth of the sprocket included in the drive input rotating section 40 is greater than the number of teeth of the sprocket included in the drive output rotating section 42.

When the speed increaser 24, the transmission 30, the motor 28, the motor reducer 32, and the reducer 34 are arranged on the first axis B1 or the second axis B2, the speed increaser 24, the transmission 30, the motor 28, the motor reducer 32, and the reducer 34 are provided near the crankshaft 16. When the speed increaser 24, the transmission 30, the motor 28, the motor reducer 32, and the reducer 34 are arranged on the third axis B3, the speed increaser 24, the transmission 30, the motor 28, the motor reducer 32, and the reducer 34 are provided on the rear hub 46.

The transmission methods in the tables of Figures 5 to 8 include a planetary gear system, a chain system, a CVT system, an external transmission system, and a gear system. When the transmission system of each of the speed increaser 24, the transmission 30, the motor 28, the motor reducer 32, and the reducer 34 is a planetary gear system, each of the speed increaser 24, the transmission 30, the motor 28, the motor reducer 32, and the reducer 34 includes a planetary gear mechanism. When the transmission system of each of the speed increaser 24, the transmission 30, the motor 28, the motor reducer 32, and the reducer 34 is a chain system, each of the speed increaser 24, the transmission 30, the motor 28, the motor reducer 32, and the reducer 34 includes two sprockets and a chain. When the transmission system of each of the speed increaser 24, the transmission 30, the motor 28, the motor reducer 32, and the reducer 34 is a chain system, each of the speed increaser 24, the transmission 30, the motor 28, the motor reducer 32, and the reducer 34 may include two pulleys and a belt. When the transmission system of the transmission 30 is a CVT system, the transmission 30 includes a CVT. When the transmission system of the transmission 30 is an externally-driven transmission system, the transmission 30 includes an externally-driven transmission. When the transmission system of the motor reducer 32 is a gear system, the motor reducer 32 includes a plurality of gears. In the tables of FIG. 5 to FIG. 8, in the transmission systems of the examples in which the transmission system of the transmission 30 is described as an externally-driven transmission system and a CVT system, the transmission 30 includes at least one of an externally-driven transmission and a CVT. In the tables of FIG. 5 to FIG. 8, in the transmission system of each example where the transmission system of the transmission 30 is described as an externally shifted transmission system and a CVT system, the transmission 30 may include a planetary gear mechanism in addition to or instead of at least one of the externally shifted transmission and the CVT. In the tables of FIG. 5 to FIG. 8, in the transmission system of each example where the transmission system of the speed-up gear 24 is described as a planetary gear system and a chain system, the speed-up gear 24 includes at least one of a planetary gear and a chain. In the tables of FIG. 5 to FIG. 8, in the transmission system of each example where the transmission system of the speed-up gear 24 is described as a planetary gear system and a chain system, the speed-up gear 24 may include multiple gears in addition to or instead of at least one of the planetary gear and the chain.

Second Embodiment
A drive system 20 and a drive unit 50 of the second embodiment will be described with reference to Figures 4, 9, and 10. The drive system 20 and the drive unit 50 of the second embodiment are similar to the drive system 20 and the drive unit 50 of the first embodiment except for the configuration of the drive unit 50, so the same reference numerals as in the first embodiment are used for configurations common to the first embodiment, and duplicated descriptions will be omitted.

The drive system 20 of this embodiment corresponds to, for example, the 31st to 36th examples of FIG. 7. The drive unit 50 of this embodiment includes an additional shaft 56. The central axis of the additional shaft 56 is substantially coaxial with the additional central axis C2. The speed-up gear 24 of this embodiment includes a plurality of gears. The speed-up input rotating part 24A of this embodiment is configured to be rotatable around the input central axis C1, and the speed-up output rotating part 24B of this embodiment is configured to be rotatable around the additional central axis C2. The transmission 30 of this embodiment is provided on the additional shaft 56 so that the speed-up rotation central axis A4 is substantially coaxial with the additional central axis C2. For example, no reducer or speed-up gear is provided between the transmission 30 and the resultant force part 52. The motor 28 of this embodiment is provided in the housing 36 so that the motor rotation axis A5 is substantially coaxial with the input central axis C1. In this embodiment, the motor reducer 32 is mounted in the housing 36 so that the motor reduction central axis A6 is substantially coaxial with the input central axis C1.

The transmission 30 of this embodiment includes, for example, a planetary gear mechanism 58. The transmission 30 has, for example, a plurality of gears. The transmission 30 includes, for example, a planetary gear mechanism 58 having a plurality of gears. For example, at least a portion of the plurality of gears includes a resin member. The resin member includes a resin material. For example, the tooth tip of any one of the plurality of gears includes a resin material. For example, the resin member includes at least one of a thermoplastic member and a thermosetting member. The tooth tip of any one of the plurality of gears includes a thermoplastic member. The tooth of any one of the plurality of gears may include a thermosetting member.

The planetary gear mechanism 58 is configured to output a rotational force to the transmission output section 60 of the transmission 30. The transmission output section 60 is formed, for example, in a cylindrical shape. At least a part of the planetary gear mechanism 58 is arranged, for example, in the internal space of the transmission output section 60. The transmission output section 60 is connected to the resultant force section 52 so as to output a rotational force to the resultant force section 52. The transmission 30 includes, for example, a first planetary assembly 62 and a second planetary assembly 64. The planetary gear mechanism 58 includes, for example, a first planetary assembly 62 and a second planetary assembly 64. The second planetary assembly 64 is connected to the first planetary assembly 62. The second planetary assembly 64 is arranged, for example, at a position different from the first planetary assembly 62 in a direction parallel to the transmission rotation center axis A4. The first planetary assembly 62 and the second planetary assembly 64 have, for example, a common transmission rotation center axis. The common transmission rotation center axis of the first planetary assembly 62 and the second planetary assembly 64 is substantially coaxial with the transmission rotation center axis A4.

The first planetary assembly 62 includes a first sun gear 62A, a first ring gear 62B, a first planetary gear 62C, and a first carrier 62D. The first sun gear 62A is disposed around the additional shaft 56. The first ring gear 62B is disposed around the first sun gear 62A. A plurality of first planetary gears 62C are disposed between the first sun gear 62A and the first ring gear 62B so as to engage with the first sun gear 62A and the first ring gear 62B. The first carrier 62D is connected to the first planetary gear 62C.

The second planetary assembly 64 includes a second sun gear 64A, a second ring gear 64B, a second planetary gear 64C, and a second carrier 64D. The second sun gear 64A is disposed around the additional shaft 56. The second ring gear 64B is disposed around the second sun gear 64A. A plurality of second planetary gears 64C are disposed between the second sun gear 64A and the second ring gear 64B so as to engage with the second sun gear 64A and the second ring gear 64B. The second carrier 64D is connected to the second planetary gear 64C.

The transmission input rotating portion 30A is connected, for example, to the first carrier 62D of the first planetary assembly 62. The transmission output rotating portion 30B is connected, for example, to the transmission output portion 60. The transmission output portion 60 rotates integrally with the second ring gear 64B of the second planetary assembly 64. The transmission 30 has at least four transmission stages. The transmission 30 has, for example, four transmission stages. The transmission 30 includes, for example, a transmission switching portion 66. The transmission switching portion 66 includes, for example, four clutches. The transmission switching portion 66 is configured to be able to switch the transmission stages of the transmission 30 by switching the four clutches.

The maximum dimension Y1 of the transmission 30 in the direction perpendicular to the transmission rotation center axis A4 is, for example, 80 mm or less, and the maximum dimension Y2 of the transmission 30 in the direction parallel to the transmission rotation center axis A4 is, for example, 30 mm or less. The maximum dimension Y1 is the dimension from the farthest part of the second planetary gear 64C from the transmission rotation center axis A4 to the farthest part of the second planetary gear 64C on the opposite side in the circumferential direction of the transmission rotation center axis A4 from the transmission rotation center axis A4. The maximum dimension Y2 is the dimension from the end of the first planetary gear 62C opposite the second planetary assembly 64 to the end of the second planetary gear 64C opposite the first planetary assembly 62 in the direction parallel to the transmission rotation center axis A4. The maximum dimension Y2 may be the dimension from the end of the first carrier 62D opposite the second planetary assembly 64 to the end of the second carrier 64D opposite the first planetary assembly 62 in a direction parallel to the transmission rotation center axis A4.

The maximum dimension Y1 of the transmission 30 in the direction perpendicular to the transmission rotation center axis A4 is, for example, 70 mm or less. The maximum dimension Y1 of the transmission 30 in the direction perpendicular to the transmission rotation center axis A4 is, for example, 60 mm or less. The maximum dimension Y2 in the direction parallel to the transmission rotation center axis A4 is, for example, 20 mm or less. The maximum dimension Y2 in the direction parallel to the transmission rotation center axis A4 is, for example, 10 mm or less. The maximum dimension Y2 in the direction parallel to the transmission rotation center axis A4 is, for example, 6 mm or less.

Third Embodiment
A drive system 20 and a drive unit 50 of the third embodiment will be described with reference to Figures 4 and 11. The drive system 20 and the drive unit 50 of the third embodiment are similar to the drive system 20 and the drive unit 50 of the first embodiment except for the configuration of the drive unit 50, so the same reference numerals as in the first embodiment are used for configurations common to the first embodiment, and duplicated descriptions will be omitted.

The drive system 20 of this embodiment corresponds to, for example, the ninth to eleventh examples in FIG. 5. The drive unit 50 of this embodiment includes a housing 36, a speed increaser 24, a transmission 30, and a motor 28. The speed increaser 24, the transmission 30, and the motor 28 of this embodiment are provided in the housing 36. The speed increaser 24, the transmission 30, and the motor 28 are arranged around the crankshaft 16. Each of the speed increaser 24 and the transmission 30 of this embodiment includes at least one planetary gear mechanism arranged around the crankshaft 16.

The drive unit 50 of this embodiment includes a motor reducer 32. The motor reducer 32 of this embodiment is provided in a housing 36. The motor reducer 32 is arranged around the crankshaft 16. The motor reducer 32 of this embodiment includes at least one planetary gear mechanism arranged around the crankshaft 16. For example, the motor reducer 32 has a motor reduction central axis A6, a motor reduction input rotating part 32A, and a motor reduction output rotating part 32B. The motor reduction input rotating part 32A of this embodiment is rotatable, for example, around the motor reduction central axis A6. The motor reduction output rotating part 32B of this embodiment is rotatable, for example, around the motor reduction central axis A6. The motor reduction central axis A6 is substantially coaxial with the input central axis C1.

In this embodiment, the speed-up rotation center axis A1, the speed-change rotation center axis A4, and the motor rotation center axis A5 are substantially coaxial. For example, the speed-up rotation center axis A1, the speed-change rotation center axis A4, and the motor rotation center axis A5 are substantially coaxial with the input center axis C1. For example, at least one of the speed-up rotation center axis A1, the speed-change rotation center axis A4, and the motor rotation center A5 is substantially coaxial with the motor reduction center axis A6. In this embodiment, all of the speed-up rotation center axis A1, the speed-change rotation center axis A4, and the motor rotation center A5 are substantially coaxial with the motor reduction center axis A6.

For example, the speed-up rotation center axis A1, the speed-change rotation center axis A4, and the motor rotation center axis A5 are different from one of the first reduction center axis A7 and the second reduction center axis A8. In this embodiment, the speed-up rotation center axis A1, the speed-change rotation center axis A4, and the motor rotation center A5 are different from the second reduction center axis A8. In addition, the speed-up rotation center axis A1, the speed-change rotation center axis A4, and the motor rotation center A5 are substantially coaxial with the first reduction center axis A7.

Fourth Embodiment
A drive system 20 and a drive unit 50 of the fourth embodiment will be described with reference to Figures 4 and 12. The drive system 20 and the drive unit 50 of the fourth embodiment are similar to the drive system 20 and the drive unit 50 of the first embodiment except for the configuration of the drive unit 50, so the same reference numerals as in the first embodiment are used for configurations common to the first embodiment, and duplicated descriptions will be omitted.

The drive system 20 of this embodiment corresponds to, for example, the 49th example of FIG. 8. The drive system 20 and the drive unit 50 of this embodiment do not include a motor reducer 32. At least a portion of the drive unit 50 of this embodiment is provided on the axle 12 of the wheel 14 of the human-powered vehicle 10. The drive unit 50 of this embodiment is provided on the axle 12 of the wheel 14 of the human-powered vehicle 10. The drive unit 50 includes, for example, a housing 36, a speed increaser 24, a transmission 30, a motor 28, and a speed reducer 34. The housing 36 includes, for example, a hub shell 38. The speed increaser 24, the transmission 30, and the motor 28 of this embodiment are provided in the housing 36. The speed reducer 34 is provided in the housing 36. The speed increaser 24, the transmission 30, the motor 28, and the speed reducer 34 are provided on the axle 12 of the wheel 14. In this embodiment, each of the speed-increasing gear 24, the transmission 30, the motor 28, and the reduction gear 34 includes at least one planetary gear mechanism arranged around the axle 12. For example, the speed-increasing rotation center axis A1, the speed-changing rotation center axis A4, and the motor rotation center axis A5 are substantially coaxial with the rotation center axis C3 of the axle 12.

In this embodiment, the input pitch circle diameter X1 of the drive input rotating portion 40 and the output pitch circle diameter X2 of the drive output rotating portion 42 are equal. In this embodiment, the drive input rotating portion 40, the drive output rotating portion 42, and the endless annular member 44 transmit the rotational force of the crankshaft 16 to the axle 12 while maintaining the rotational speed.

The reducer 34 of this embodiment includes a reduction rotation central axis A11. The reduction input rotation part 34A can rotate, for example, around the reduction rotation central axis A11. The reduction output rotation part 34B can rotate, for example, around the reduction rotation central axis A11. For example, the increase rotation central axis A1 and the reduction rotation central axis A11 are substantially coaxial. In this embodiment, the increase rotation central axis A1, the change rotation central axis A4, and the motor rotation central axis A5 are substantially coaxial with the reduction rotation central axis A11.

Three or more of the speed-up rotation center axis A1, the speed-change rotation center axis A4, the speed-reduction rotation center axis A11, and the motor rotation center axis A5 are substantially coaxial. In this embodiment, all of the speed-up rotation center axis A1, the speed-change rotation center axis A4, the speed-reduction rotation center axis A11, and the motor rotation center axis A5 are substantially coaxial. For example, three or more of the speed-up rotation center axis A1, the speed-change rotation center axis A4, the speed-reduction rotation center axis A11, and the motor rotation center axis A5 that are substantially coaxial are substantially coaxial with the rotation center axis C3 of the axle 12. In this embodiment, all of the speed-up rotation center axis A1, the speed-change rotation center axis A4, the speed-reduction rotation center axis A11, and the motor rotation center A5 are substantially coaxial with the rotation center axis C3 of the axle 12. For example, the speed-up rotation center axis A1, the speed-change rotation center axis A4, the speed-down rotation center axis A11, and the motor rotation center axis A5 are substantially coaxial.

Fifth Embodiment
A drive system 20 and a drive unit 50 of the fifth embodiment will be described with reference to Figures 4, 13, and 14. The drive system 20 and the drive unit 50 of the fifth embodiment are similar to the drive system 20 and the drive unit 50 of the fourth embodiment except for the configurations of the drive unit 50 and the speed increaser 24, so the same reference numerals as in the first and fourth embodiments are used for the configurations common to the fourth embodiment, and duplicated descriptions will be omitted.

The drive system 20 of this embodiment corresponds to, for example, the 45th example in FIG. 8. The drive system 20 of this embodiment includes a first speed-up gear 70 and a second speed-up gear 72. The speed-up gear 24 of this embodiment includes a first speed-up gear 70 and a second speed-up gear 72. The drive system 20 of this embodiment includes an additional housing 70A. The additional housing 70A is attached to the frame 10F of the human-powered vehicle 10. The first speed-up gear 70 is provided in the additional housing 70A.

The first speed increaser 70 is configured to receive a manual driving force via the input rotating shaft 54. The first speed increaser 70 is mounted in an additional housing 70A so as to be rotatable around the input central axis C1. The first speed increaser 70 includes a speed increase mechanism 70B having a planetary gear system arranged around the crankshaft 16. The manual driving force is input to the first speed increaser 70 via the input rotating part 22. The first speed increaser 70 outputs the manual driving force to the second speed increaser 72.

At least a portion of the second speed-up gear 72 is provided in the additional housing 70A. The second speed-up gear 72 is configured to receive human-powered driving force via the first speed-up gear 70. The second speed-up gear 72 includes a speed-up input rotating part 24A, a speed-up output rotating part 24B, and an endless annular member 72A. The speed-up input rotating part 24A of this embodiment is configured to receive human-powered driving force via the first speed-up gear 70. The speed-up output rotating part 24B of this embodiment is configured to output human-powered driving force to the wheels 14 of the human-powered vehicle 10. The endless annular member 72A connects the speed-up input rotating part 24A and the speed-up output rotating part 24B.

For example, the speed-up input rotating part 24A of this embodiment includes the drive input rotating part 40, the speed-up output rotating part 24B of this embodiment includes the drive output rotating part 42, and the endless annular member 72A includes the endless annular member 44. In this embodiment, the input pitch circle diameter X1 of the drive input rotating part 40 is larger than the output pitch circle diameter X2 of the drive output rotating part 42. For example, the drive input rotating part 40, the drive output rotating part 42, and the endless annular member 44 constitute the second speed increaser 72.

The second speed increaser 72 includes at least one of a chain-type and a belt-type speed increase mechanism 72B. The second speed increaser 72 includes, for example, a chain-type speed increase mechanism 72B. For example, the speed increase input rotating part 24A includes a first sprocket. For example, the speed increase output rotating part 24B includes a second sprocket. For example, the endless annular member 44 includes a chain.

The central axis of the first speed increaser 70, the speed-increased input rotating part 24A, has a central axis A12 of the rotating shaft. The central axis A12 of the rotating shaft is substantially coaxial with the central axis C1 of the input. At least a portion of the first speed increaser 70 is disposed radially inward of the speed-increased input rotating part 24A with respect to the central axis A12 of the rotating shaft. When viewed from a direction parallel to the central axis A12 of the rotating shaft, the first speed increaser 70 is disposed radially inward of the speed-increased input rotating part 24A.

The increased speed input rotating part 24A is rotatably arranged around the first increased speed rotation central axis A13. The increased speed output rotating part 24B is rotatably arranged around the second increased speed rotation central axis A14. For example, the increased speed input rotating part 24A has an input mounting part 74. The input mounting part 74 can be fitted with an input rotating body 76 that can rotate around the first increased speed rotation central axis A13. The input rotating body 76 includes, for example, a drive input rotating part 40. The input rotating body 76 includes, for example, the increased speed input rotating part 24A. For example, the increased speed output rotating part 24B has an output mounting part 78. The output mounting part 78 can be fitted with an output rotating body 80 that can rotate around the second increased speed rotation central axis A14. The output rotating body 80 includes, for example, a drive output rotating part 42. The output rotating body 80 includes, for example, the increased speed output rotating part 24B. For example, the output mounting portion 78 has a shape similar to that of the input mounting portion 74. Because the output mounting portion 78 has a shape similar to that of the input mounting portion 74, the input mounting portion 74 is configured so that the output rotor 80 can be attached to the input mounting portion 74 so that the output rotor 80 can rotate about the first accelerated rotation center axis A13. Because the input mounting portion 74 has a shape similar to that of the output mounting portion 78, the output mounting portion 78 is configured so that the input rotor 76 can be attached to the output mounting portion 78 so that the input rotor 76 can rotate about the second accelerated rotation center axis A14.

The speed increase ratio of the gearbox 24 corresponds to, for example, the speed increase ratio of the first gearbox 70 and the second gearbox 72. The speed increase ratio of the first gearbox 70 and the second gearbox 72 is, for example, the multiplication value of the speed increase ratio of the first gearbox 70 and the speed increase ratio of the second gearbox 72. The speed increase ratio of the first gearbox 70 and the second gearbox 72 is, for example, 3 or more and 20 or less. The speed increase ratio of the first gearbox 70 and the second gearbox 72 is, for example, 5 or more and 18 or less. The speed increase ratio of the first gearbox 70 and the second gearbox 72 is, for example, 7 or more and 16 or less. The speed increase ratio of the first gearbox 70 and the second gearbox 72 is, for example, 9 or more and 14 or less.

<Example of change>
The explanations of each embodiment are examples of forms that a drive system for a human-powered vehicle and a drive unit for a human-powered vehicle according to the present disclosure can take, and are not intended to limit the forms. A drive system for a human-powered vehicle and a drive unit for a human-powered vehicle according to the present disclosure can take forms, for example, modified examples of each embodiment shown below, and a combination of at least two modified examples that are not mutually contradictory. In the modified examples below, parts that are common to the embodiments are given the same reference numerals as the embodiments, and their explanations are omitted.

- At least one of the minimum gear ratio and the maximum gear ratio of the transmission 30 can be changed as appropriate. For example, the minimum gear ratio may be greater than 1. For example, the maximum gear ratio of the transmission 30 may be less than or equal to 1. For example, the gear ratio of the transmission 30 may be configured to include 1. For example, the minimum gear ratio may be 1 and the maximum gear ratio may be 2.6.

- If the endless annular member 44 can connect the drive input rotating part 40 and the drive output rotating part 42, the drive input rotating part 40 may include a pulley, the drive output rotating part 42 may include a pulley, and the endless annular member 44 may include a belt.

- In the transmission path of the manual driving force, the combiner unit 52 may be disposed between the speed-up gear 24 and the transmission 30. For example, the combiner unit 52 shown in FIG. 15 is configured to combine the motor driving force of the motor 28 and the manual driving force and output it to the transmission 30. The combiner unit 52 is configured to receive the manual driving force from the speed-up output rotation unit 24B and output the manual driving force to the speed-change input rotation unit 30A. The combiner unit 52 is configured to receive the motor driving force from the motor reducer 32 and output the motor driving force to the speed-change input rotation unit 30A. In this modified example, the motor reducer 32, the combiner unit 52, the transmission 30, the reducer 34, and the output rotation unit 26 constitute a part of the transmission path of the motor driving force. In this modified example, the motor driving force of the motor 28 is transmitted in the order of the motor reducer 32, the combiner unit 52, and the reducer 34, and is output to the wheels 14.

- In the first embodiment, the drive unit 50 does not have to include the motor 28 and the motor reducer 32. For example, the force combiner 52 shown in FIG. 16 is configured to input only manual driving force. In this modified example, the force combiner 52 may be omitted.

- In the first embodiment, the input rotating portion 22, the speed increaser 24, the output rotating portion 26, and the motor 28 may be provided in the housing 36. When the input rotating portion 22, the speed increaser 24, the output rotating portion 26, and the motor 28 are provided in the housing 36, the output rotating portion 26 may include a drive input rotating portion 40.

- In the first embodiment, the drive unit 50 may be provided on the axle 12 of the wheel 14 of the human-powered vehicle 10. For example, as shown in Figures 4 and 17, the drive unit 50 further includes, for example, a hub shell 38. The drive unit 50 includes, for example, an output rotating portion 26. The output rotating portion 26 of this modified example is the hub shell 38. The housing 36 of this modified example includes the hub shell 38. The speed increaser 24, the motor 28, the transmission 30, and the motor reducer 32 of this modified example are provided in the additional housing 70A. At least a portion of the reducer 34 of this modified example is arranged in the internal space of the hub shell 38. For example, the reducer 34 includes a planetary gear mechanism 68. The planetary gear mechanism 68 is arranged in the internal space of the hub shell 38. The reducer 34 of this modified example has a reduced rotation central axis A11, a reduced input rotating portion 34A, and a reduced output rotating portion 34B. For example, the reduced rotation center axis A11 is substantially coaxial with the rotation center axis C3 of the axle 12. The reduced input rotation part 34A is rotatable around the reduced rotation center axis A11. The reduced output rotation part 34B is rotatable around the reduced rotation center axis A11. The reduced rotation center axis A11 is substantially coaxial with the rotation center axis C3. For example, the transmission 30 is arranged to output a manual driving force to the input rotation part 22. The input rotation part 22 includes, for example, a drive output rotation part 42.

- In the third embodiment, the reducer 34 may be provided in the hub shell 38. For example, as shown in FIG. 18, the reducer 34 is at least partially provided in the axle 12 of the wheel 14 of the human-powered vehicle 10. The reducer 34 has a reduced rotation central axis A11, a reduced input rotation section 34A, and a reduced output rotation section 34B. The reduced input rotation section 34A can rotate, for example, around the reduced rotation central axis A11. The reduced output rotation section 34B can rotate, for example, around the reduced rotation central axis A11. The reduced rotation central axis A11 is substantially coaxial with the rotation central axis C3. The speed-up rotation central axis A1, the speed-change rotation central axis A4, and the motor rotation central axis A5 of this modified example are different from the reduced rotation central axis A11. For example, among the speed-up rotation center axis A1, the speed-change rotation center axis A4, the speed-down rotation center axis A11, and the motor rotation center axis A5, three or more axes that are substantially coaxial are substantially coaxial with the input center axis C1. In this modification, the speed-up rotation center axis A1, the speed-change rotation center axis A4, and the motor rotation center A5 are substantially coaxial with the input center axis C1.

- In the fifth embodiment, for example, the speed-increasing input rotating part 24A may include a first pulley, the speed-increasing output rotating part 24B may include a second pulley, and the endless annular member 72A may include a belt. The second speed-increasing gear 72 may include a belt-type speed-increasing mechanism.

- In the fifth embodiment, the speed increaser 24 may not include the first speed increaser 70. For example, as shown in FIG. 19, the speed increaser 24 includes a speed increase input section 24C, a speed increase output section 24D, and an endless annular member 44. The speed increase input section 24C of this embodiment is configured to input a human driving force via the input rotating shaft 54. The speed increase input section 24C includes a sprocket 82 and one of the pulleys. The speed increase output section 24D includes a sprocket 82 and one of the pulleys. For example, the sprocket 82 and one of the pulleys is the sprocket 82. The sprocket 82 and one of the pulleys has a plurality of teeth. The sprocket 82 has a plurality of teeth. The number of the plurality of teeth is, for example, 10 or less. The number of the plurality of teeth is, for example, 9 or less. The number of the plurality of teeth is, for example, 9. The pitch circle diameter X3 of the sprocket 82 and one of the pulleys is, for example, 38 mm or less. The pitch circle diameter X3 of the sprocket 82 is, for example, 38 mm or less. An example of a sprocket 82 having 10 or less teeth and a pitch circle diameter X3 of 38 mm or less is the drive input rotating portion 40 in FIG. 2.

- In the fifth embodiment, the speed increaser 24 does not need to include the first speed increaser 70, and does not need to include the motor 28. For example, as shown in FIG. 20, the drive unit 50 does not need to include the motor 28 and the motor reducer 32. The force combiner section 52 in the modified example is configured to receive only manual driving force.

The drive unit 50 includes an input rotating section 22 that is provided on the axle 12 of the wheels 14 of the human-powered vehicle 10 and configured to input human-powered driving force, an output rotating section 26 that is configured to input the human-powered driving force via the input rotating section 22 and output the human-powered driving force to the wheels 14 of the human-powered vehicle 10, and a reducer 34 that is provided between the input rotating section 22 and the output rotating section 26 in the transmission path of the human-powered driving force, and other components may be omitted as long as the reduction ratio of the reducer 34 is greater than 0 and equal to or less than 0.65. In this modified example, the order in which the human-powered driving force is transmitted among the speed increaser 24, the transmission 30, and the reducer 34 may be changed as appropriate.

- As long as the drive unit 50 includes a speed increaser 24 that is provided on the axle 12 of the wheels 14 of the human-powered vehicle 10 and configured to input human-powered driving force, a transmission 30 that has multiple speed-changing stages and is configured to input human-powered driving force via the speed increaser 24, and a reduction gear 34 that is configured to input human-powered driving force via the transmission 30, other components may be omitted.

The drive unit 50 includes a gearbox 24 configured to receive a human-powered driving force, and a transmission 30 having multiple speed-change stages and configured to receive a human-powered driving force via the gearbox 24. Other components may be omitted as long as the speed-up ratio of the gearbox 24 is 3 or more and 11 or less. In this modified example, if the transmission 30 is provided downstream of the gearbox 24 in the transmission path of the human-powered driving force, the order of transmission of the human-powered driving force among the gearbox 24, the transmission 30, and the reduction gear 34 may be changed as appropriate.

The drive unit 50 includes a speed-up gear 24 configured to receive a human-powered driving force, and the speed-up gear 24 includes a speed-up input rotating section 24A configured to receive a human-powered driving force and a speed-up output rotating section 24B configured to output the human-powered driving force, the speed-up input rotating section 24A having a speed-up input rotation axis A2, and the speed-up output rotating section 24B having a speed-up output rotation axis A3 arranged coaxially with the speed-up input rotation axis A2, and other components may be omitted as long as the speed-up ratio of the speed-up gear 24 is 3 or more and 20 or less. In this modified example, the order in which the human-powered driving force is transmitted among the speed-up gear 24, the transmission 30, and the reduction gear 34 may be changed as appropriate.

The drive unit 50 includes a motor 28 configured to provide a propulsive force to the human-powered vehicle 10, and a motor reducer 32 that outputs the motor driving force input from the motor 28 to a transmission path of the human-powered driving force, and other components may be omitted as long as the motor reduction ratio of the motor reducer 32 is 0.125 or more and less than 1. In this modified example, the order of transmission of the human-powered driving force among the speed increaser 24, the transmission 30, and the speed reducer 34 may be changed as appropriate. In this modified example, as long as the motor driving force is combined downstream of the speed increaser 24, the configuration of the combining unit 52 of the motor driving force and the human-powered driving force may be changed as appropriate.

The drive system 20 includes an input rotating section 22 configured to receive a human-powered driving force, a speed increaser 24 configured to receive a human-powered driving force via the input rotating section 22, an output rotating section 26 configured to receive a human-powered driving force via the speed increaser 24, and a motor 28 configured to provide a propulsive force to the human-powered vehicle 10. The motor 28 is configured to output a motor driving force between the speed increaser 24 and the output rotating section 26 in the transmission path of the human-powered driving force. If the speed increase ratio of the speed increaser 24 is 3 or more and 20 or less, other configurations may be omitted. In this modified example, the transmission order of the human-powered driving force among the speed increaser 24, the transmission 30, and the reduction gear 34 may be changed as appropriate. In this modified example, if the motor driving force is combined downstream of the speed increaser 24 in the transmission path of the human-powered driving force, the configuration of the combining section 52 of the motor driving force and the human-powered driving force may be changed as appropriate.

The drive system 20 includes an input rotating section 22 configured to receive a human-powered driving force, a speed increaser 24 configured to receive a human-powered driving force via the input rotating section 22, a speed reducer 34 configured to receive a human-powered driving force via the speed increaser 24, and a motor 28 configured to provide a propulsive force to the human-powered vehicle 10. As long as the motor 28 is configured to output a motor driving force between the speed increaser 24 and the speed reducer 34 in the transmission path of the human-powered driving force, other configurations may be omitted. In this modified example, as long as the speed reducer 34 is provided downstream of the speed increaser 24 in the transmission path of the human-powered driving force, the order of transmission of the human-powered driving force among the speed increaser 24, the transmission 30, and the speed reducer 34 may be changed as appropriate.

The drive system 20 includes a motor 28 configured to provide a propulsive force to the human-powered vehicle 10, and a reducer 34 configured to receive the motor driving force from the motor 28 and to receive the human-powered driving force, and other components may be omitted if the reduction ratio of the reducer 34 is greater than 0 and less than 1. In this modified example, the order of transmission of the human-powered driving force among the speed increaser 24, the transmission 30, and the reducer 34 may be changed as appropriate. In this modified example, if the motor driving force is combined upstream of the reducer 34 in the transmission path of the human-powered driving force, the configuration of the combining unit 52 of the motor driving force and the human-powered driving force may be changed as appropriate.

The drive unit 50 includes a housing 36, a speed-increasing gear 24 provided in the housing 36 and configured to input a human-powered driving force, a transmission 30 provided in the housing 36 and having a plurality of speed-changing stages, configured to input a human-powered driving force via the speed-increasing gear 24, and a motor 28 configured to provide a propulsive force to the human-powered vehicle 10. The speed-increasing gear 24 includes a speed-increasing input rotating portion 24 that can rotate around the speed-increasing rotation central axis A1. A and a speed-up output rotating part 24B that can rotate around the speed-up rotation central axis A1, the transmission 30 has a speed-up rotation central axis A4, a speed-up input rotating part 30A that can rotate around the speed-up rotation central axis A4, and a speed-up output rotating part 30B that can rotate around the speed-up rotation central axis A4, the motor 28 includes a motor rotation axis A5, and the speed-up rotation central axis A1, the speed-up rotation central axis A4, and the motor rotation axis A5 are substantially coaxial, so long as other configurations are omitted. In this modified example, if the transmission 30 is provided downstream of the speed-up gear 24 in the transmission path of the human-powered driving force, the transmission order of the speed-up gear 24, the transmission 30, and the reduction gear 34 may be appropriately changed. In this modified example, the configuration of the combining part 52 of the motor driving force and the human-powered driving force may be appropriately changed.

The drive unit 50 includes a housing 36, a speed-up gear 24 provided in the housing 36 and configured to receive a human-powered driving force, a transmission 30 provided in the housing 36 and having a plurality of speed-change stages, configured to receive a human-powered driving force via the speed-up gear 24, a reduction gear 34 provided in the housing 36 and configured to receive a human-powered driving force via the transmission 30, and a motor 28 configured to provide a propulsive force to the human-powered vehicle 10. The speed-up gear 24 includes a speed-up input rotating portion 24A rotatable about the speed-up input rotating portion 24A and a speed-up output rotating portion 24B rotatable about the speed-up input rotating portion 24A. 4B, the transmission 30 has a speed-change rotation center axis A4, a speed-change input rotation part 30A that can rotate around the speed-change rotation center axis A4, and a speed-change output rotation part 30B that can rotate around the speed-change rotation center axis A4, the reducer 34 has a speed-reduction rotation center axis A11, a speed-reduction input rotation part 34A that can rotate around the speed-reduction rotation center axis A11, and a speed-reduction output rotation part 34B that can rotate around the speed-reduction rotation center axis A11, and the motor 28 includes a motor rotation center axis A5, and as long as three or more of the speed-up rotation center axis A1, the speed-change rotation center axis A4, the speed-reduction rotation center axis A11, and the motor rotation center A5 are substantially coaxial, other configurations may be omitted. In this modified example, the configuration of the combined force part 52 of the motor driving force and the manual driving force may be appropriately changed.

- The drive system 20 includes a speed-up gear 24, which includes a speed-up input rotating section 24A configured to receive human-powered driving force via an input rotating shaft 54 to which the human-powered driving force is input, a speed-up output rotating section 24B configured to output the human-powered driving force to the wheels 14 of the human-powered vehicle 10, and an endless annular member 72A connecting the speed-up input rotating section 24A and the speed-up output rotating section 24B, and other components may be omitted as long as the speed-up ratio of the speed-up gear 24 is 3 or more and 20 or less. In this modified example, the order in which the human-powered driving force is transmitted among the speed-up gear 24, the transmission 30, and the reduction gear 34 may be changed as appropriate.

The drive system 20 comprises a first gearbox 70 configured to receive a human-powered driving force via an input rotating shaft 54 to which the human-powered driving force is input, and a second gearbox 72 configured to receive a human-powered driving force via the first gearbox 70. The second gearbox 72 is configured to receive a human-powered driving force via the first gearbox 70, and includes a speed-up input rotating section 24A having a rotating shaft central axis A12, a speed-up output rotating section 24B configured to output a human-powered driving force to the wheels 14 of the human-powered vehicle 10, and an endless annular member 72A connecting the speed-up input rotating section 24A and the speed-up output rotating section 24B. At least a portion of the first gearbox 70 is disposed radially inward of the speed-up input rotating section 24A with respect to the rotating shaft central axis A12. As long as the speed-up ratio provided by the first gearbox 70 and the second gearbox 72 is 3 or more and 20 or less, other components may be omitted. In this modified example, if the second gearbox 72 is provided downstream of the first gearbox 70 in the transmission path of the human-powered driving force, the order in which the human-powered driving force is transmitted among the first gearbox 70, the second gearbox 72, the transmission 30, and the reducer 34 may be changed as appropriate.

The drive system 20 includes a speed-up gear 24, which includes a speed-up input section 24C configured to receive a human-powered driving force via an input rotating shaft 54 to which the human-powered driving force is input, a speed-up output section 24D configured to output the human-powered driving force to the wheels 14 of the human-powered vehicle 10, and an endless annular member 72A connecting the speed-up input section 24C and the speed-up output section 24D, and the speed-up output section 24D includes a sprocket 82 and one of a pulley, which has a plurality of teeth, and other components may be omitted as long as the number of teeth is 10 or less. In this modified example, the order in which the human-powered driving force is transmitted among the speed-up gear 24, the transmission 30, and the reduction gear 34 may be changed as appropriate.

The drive system 20 includes a drive input rotating section 40 having a single pitch circle to which a human-powered driving force is input via an input rotating shaft 54 to which the human-powered driving force is input, a drive output rotating section 42 having a single pitch circle that outputs the human-powered driving force to the wheels 14 of the human-powered vehicle 10, and an endless annular member 44 that connects the drive input rotating section 40 and the drive output rotating section 42. As long as the pitch circle ratio of the input pitch circle diameter X1 of the drive input rotating section 40 to the output pitch circle diameter X2 of the drive output rotating section 42 is greater than 0 and less than or equal to 1, other components may be omitted. In this modified example, the order in which the human-powered driving force is transmitted among the speed increaser 24, the transmission 30, and the reduction gear 34 may be changed as appropriate.

The drive unit 50 includes a transmission 30 provided in the transmission path of the human-powered driving force, the transmission 30 having at least four shift stages, the transmission 30 having a transmission rotation center axis A4, a transmission input rotating part 30A rotatable around the transmission rotation center axis A4, and a transmission output rotating part 30B rotatable around the transmission rotation center axis A4, and other components may be omitted as long as the maximum dimension Y1 of the transmission 30 in a direction perpendicular to the transmission rotation center axis A4 is 80 mm or less and the maximum dimension Y2 of the transmission 30 in a direction parallel to the transmission rotation center axis A4 is 30 mm or less. In this modified example, the order of transmission of the human-powered driving force among the speed increaser 24, the transmission 30, and the reduction gear 34 may be changed as appropriate.

The drive unit 50 includes a housing 36 configured to support an input rotating shaft 54 to which a human-powered driving force is input, and a transmission 30 provided in the housing 36 and configured to input the human-powered driving force via the input rotating shaft 54. The transmission 30 has a transmission rotation center axis A4, a transmission input rotating part 30A that can rotate around the transmission rotation center axis A4, and a transmission output rotating part 30B that can rotate around the transmission rotation center axis A4. As long as the maximum dimension Y1 of the transmission 30 in a direction perpendicular to the transmission rotation center axis A4 is 80 mm or less and the maximum dimension Y2 of the transmission 30 in a direction parallel to the transmission rotation center axis A4 is 30 mm or less, other components may be omitted. In this modified example, the order of transmission of the human-powered driving force among the speed increaser 24, the transmission 30, and the reduction gear 34 may be changed as appropriate.

The drive unit 50 includes a transmission 30 provided in the transmission path of the human-powered driving force, the transmission 30 including a first planetary assembly 62 and a second planetary assembly 64 connected to the first planetary assembly 62, the first planetary assembly 62 and the second planetary assembly 64 having a common transmission rotation center axis A4, the maximum dimension Y1 of the transmission 30 in a direction perpendicular to the transmission rotation center axis A4 is 80 mm or less, and the maximum dimension Y2 of the transmission 30 in a direction parallel to the transmission rotation center axis A4 is 30 mm or less, so long as this other configuration is omitted. In this modified example, the order of transmission of the human-powered driving force among the speed increaser 24, the transmission 30, and the reduction gear 34 may be changed as appropriate.

The drive unit 50 is provided on the axle 12 of the wheel 14 of the human-powered vehicle 10, has multiple speed change stages, and is provided in the transmission path of the human-powered driving force and configured to change the gear ratio of the human-powered vehicle 10; a reduction gear 34 configured to input the human-powered driving force via the transmission 30; and an output rotating section 26 connected to the wheel 14 and configured to output the human-powered driving force input from the reduction gear 34 to the wheel 14. If the reduction ratio of the reduction gear 34 is greater than 0 and less than 1, other components may be omitted. In this modified example, if the reduction gear 34 is provided downstream of the transmission 30 in the transmission path of the human-powered driving force, the order of transmission of the human-powered driving force among the speed increaser 24, the transmission 30, and the reduction gear 34 may be changed as appropriate.

・The drive unit 50 of each embodiment including the motor 28 may include a control device configured to control the motor 28. The control device is housed in the housing 36, for example. The control device includes a processor that executes a predetermined control program. The processor includes, for example, a CPU (Central Processing Unit) or an MPU (Micro Processing Unit). The control device further includes, for example, an inverter circuit controlled by the processor. The inverter circuit is electrically connected to the processor and the motor. The drive unit 50 of each embodiment including the motor 28 may further include a torque sensor that outputs a signal corresponding to the human driving force input to the crankshaft 16. The control device is configured to control the motor 28 according to, for example, the detection result of the torque sensor. The control device may use various control methods for the control method of the motor 28, and is not particularly limited. As the torque sensor, a known sensor such as a strain gauge or a magnetostrictive sensor may be used, so a detailed description of the torque sensor will be omitted. The torque sensor may be provided, for example, in the input transmission unit 22A, or in the pair of crank arms 16A.

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

10... human-powered vehicle, 12... axle, 14... wheel, 26... output rotating part, 30... transmission, 30A... transmission input rotating part, 30B... transmission output rotating part, 30C... transmission input part, 30D... transmission output part, 34... reduction gear, 36... housing, 38... hub shell, 50... drive unit, 54... input rotating shaft, 58... planetary gear mechanism, 62... first planetary assembly, 64... second planetary assembly.

Claims (20)

A drive unit for a human-powered vehicle,
A transmission is provided in a transmission path for transmitting human-powered driving force,
The transmission has at least four stages;
The transmission is
A variable speed rotation central axis;
a speed change input rotating portion rotatable about the speed change rotation central axis and a speed change output rotating portion rotatable about the speed change rotation central axis,
A drive unit, wherein the maximum dimension of the transmission in a direction perpendicular to the transmission rotation central axis is 80 mm or less, and the maximum dimension of the transmission in a direction parallel to the transmission rotation central axis is 30 mm or less. A drive unit for a human-powered vehicle,
A housing configured to support an input rotation shaft to which a human-powered driving force is input;
a transmission provided in the housing and configured to input the human-powered driving force via the input rotary shaft,
The transmission is
A variable speed rotation central axis;
a speed change input rotating portion rotatable about the speed change rotation central axis;
a speed change output rotating portion rotatable about the speed change rotation central axis,
A drive unit, wherein the maximum dimension of the transmission in a direction perpendicular to the transmission rotation central axis is 80 mm or less, and the maximum dimension of the transmission in a direction parallel to the transmission rotation central axis is 30 mm or less. The drive unit of claim 2, wherein the transmission includes a planetary gear mechanism. the planetary gear mechanism includes a first planetary assembly and a second planetary assembly connected to the first planetary assembly;
4. The drive unit according to claim 3, wherein the second planetary assembly is disposed at a position different from that of the first planetary assembly in a direction parallel to the speed change rotation central axis. A drive unit for a human-powered vehicle,
A transmission is provided in a transmission path for transmitting human-powered driving force,
the transmission includes a first planetary assembly and a second planetary assembly connected to the first planetary assembly;
the first planetary assembly and the second planetary assembly have a common speed-changing rotation center axis,
A drive unit, wherein the maximum dimension of the transmission in a direction perpendicular to the transmission rotation central axis is 80 mm or less, and the maximum dimension of the transmission in a direction parallel to the transmission rotation central axis is 30 mm or less. A drive unit according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the maximum dimension of the transmission in a direction perpendicular to the transmission rotation center axis is 70 mm or less. The drive unit according to claim 6, wherein the maximum dimension of the transmission in a direction perpendicular to the transmission rotation center axis is 60 mm or less. A drive unit according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the maximum dimension of the transmission in a direction parallel to the transmission rotation center axis is 20 mm or less. The drive unit of claim 8, wherein the maximum dimension of the transmission in a direction parallel to the transmission rotation center axis is 10 mm or less. The drive unit according to claim 9, wherein the maximum dimension of the transmission in a direction parallel to the transmission rotation center axis is 6 mm or less. The transmission has a plurality of gears,
The drive unit according to claim 1 , wherein at least a portion of the plurality of gears includes a resin member. A drive unit for a human-powered vehicle,
A transmission having a plurality of speed change stages and provided in a transmission path of a human-powered driving force,
The transmission includes a planetary gear mechanism having a plurality of gears,
At least a portion of the plurality of gears includes a resin member. The drive unit according to claim 11, wherein the resin member includes at least one of a thermoplastic member and a thermosetting member. A drive unit for a human-powered vehicle, which is provided on an axle of a wheel of the human-powered vehicle,
a transmission having a plurality of speed change stages, provided in a transmission path of a human-powered driving force, and configured to change a gear ratio of the human-powered vehicle;
a reduction gear configured to input the human driving force via the transmission;
an output rotation unit connected to the wheel and configured to output the manual driving force input from the reduction gear to the wheel,
A drive unit, wherein the reduction ratio of the reducer is greater than 0 and less than 1. A hub shell is provided.
The drive unit according to claim 14 , wherein at least a portion of the speed reducer is disposed in an internal space of the hub shell. The transmission is
A speed change input unit configured to input the manual driving force;
a speed change output unit configured to output the human-powered driving force,
the speed ratio is a ratio of a rotation speed of the speed change output section to a rotation speed of the speed change input section,
The transmission is configured to be able to change the gear ratio between a minimum gear ratio and a maximum gear ratio,
the minimum gear ratio is the gear ratio corresponding to deceleration;
15. The drive unit according to claim 14, wherein the maximum gear ratio is the gear ratio corresponding to an increase in speed. The drive unit of claim 14, wherein the multiple shift stages include three or more shift stages. The drive unit of claim 14, wherein the reduction ratio is greater than 0 and less than or equal to 0.8. The drive unit of claim 18, wherein the reduction ratio is greater than or equal to 0.05 and less than or equal to 0.5. The drive unit of claim 19, wherein the reduction ratio is greater than or equal to 0.1 and less than or equal to 0.2.

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